available on dvd (recommended)
This series tells the story of a southern town's police chiefs and the serial murderer who confounds them. Will Henry Lee is the first chief, an easy going man who works to establish the position while the murderer begins his havoc. The second is a violent racist who stumbles about his job as the murderer continues his. Tyler Watts is the final chief, an african-american cop who must deal with the virulent racism of his community while he puts together the pieces to finally bring the murderer to justice.
viewer's comments:
- Riveting and Classic. . .
This miniseries was released when I was 6 years old. I remember it clearly. I remember my family watching it and taping it. The fact that we still own the original old VHS tape that this movie is on should tell you something about the quality of this movie. We haven't seen fit to tape over it in 18 years. There aren't many things you can say that about today. This movie touches on everything--all the hard issues. Racism, abuse, runaways, murder, molestation, decline of family values, cowardice, fear, political scandal--shall I continue? In fact, it does more than touch on these things. It winds and weaves them all cohesively together into the tale, the story, the history, the life of a town called Delano and its people. This is all beautifully acted with performances from some of the greatest film legends. And I can assure that even if you don't recognize the name, the work is more than noteworthy.
I honestly can't tell you how many times I've watched and rewatched this miniseries over the years. The only problem I have is that I don't know how to get a hold of another copy. After nearly 2 decades, mine is pretty worn out.
I have seen this title for rent at the odd movie rental store over the years. If this sounds like your thing, pick it up and watch it. You most definitely will not be disappointed.
- A Great Story
This is definitely one story I wish someone would either release on DVD or show on television again. This is a wonderful story that shows is a wonderful look at how life was in the south as shown through the eyes of three generations of police chiefs. Wayne Rogers is great in his role as the first chief, Will Henry Lee, and Brad Davis is great as the racist chief Sonny Butts. However, Billy Dee Williams gives an outstanding performance as Chief Tyler Watts (aka Joshua Cole), the chief who manages to break the case that had been dogging the town for years. Also, Keith Carradine plays the perfect killer in Foxy. His portrayal of the maniacal serial killer really gave you the impression that he had a dark side. But the performance that really surprised me was Charleton Heston as town founder, Hugh Holmes. Normally, I'm not the biggest fan of Mr. Heston, but he turned out an outstanding performance as the man who is the tie to the three generations of police chiefs. This mini-series is definitely a classic.
- Superb story and performances by all
One little correction to a previous comment, the story begins in the early 1920's and goes through the mid 1960's. Although the murders are the thread that ties the 3 generations together, it is the evolution of a town, the growing pains of a culture, and the ultimate acceptance of those once rejected that makes the story. Charlton Heston is superb in his role as he "ages" through the generations, as is Keith Carradine.
One word of caution, if you haven't seen it be sure you get an uncut version. The full movie (originally a TV mini series in 3 parts)is about 4-1/2 hrs. There are several commercially produced versions out there of varying lengths. Some are so badly chopped up you miss key elements of the show.
- Great Story: I would Give It A+
Charlton Heston, was a great narrator in this series. Through three generations, how murders were happening under their noses. The murderer was among them. Each Chief investigated the murders. I didn't like Sonny Butts. He was a womanizer and likewise wasn't police material. They should have found another Will Henry Lee. It did keep your attention. However you know the murderer, from the first.
- A Masterpiece
This movie will grab you and keep you in it's grasp from beginning to end! You find yourself cheering for one of the bad guy's at one point. The entire film is acted very well and it is interesting to see the characters and town age and change over time. I think Charlton Heston did a great job, better than Andy Griffith would have done had he gotten the role as planned. It was originally a mini series and it might take you two or three sittings to see the entire film, but when it is over you will be glad you did.
cast:
Charlton Heston .... Hugh Holmes
Keith Carradine .... Foxy Funderburke
Stephen Collins .... Billy Lee
Brad Davis .... Sonny Butts
Tess Harper .... Carrie Lee
Paula Kelly .... Liz Watts
Wayne Rogers .... Will Henry Lee
Paul Sorvino .... Sheriff Skeeter Willis
Victoria Tennant .... Trish Lee
Billy Dee Williams .... Tyler Watts (aka Joshua Cole)
Lane Smith .... Hoss Spence
Kaiulani Lee .... Mrs. Butts
Novella Nelson .... Nellie Cole
Danny Glover .... Marshall Peters.
Country: USA
Language: English
Colour
Runtime: 206 minutes on 2 DISC SET
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