A DEATH IN CANAAN is an engrossing made-for-TV drama, based on a true story. The first hour is possibly the most disgusting, sickening, infuriating hour in television history. Not because of any language, sex, or violence, although there is a rape-murder committed.
No, it's due to the way the police go about "investigating" the brutal crime. A young man (Paul Clemens) is badgered, deprived of sleep, tricked, bullied, and generally railroaded into the only thing these cops are remotely interested in: a confession.
It then shifts into the trial phase, which is equally frustrating and confounding.
Stefanie Powers, Brian Dennehy, Conchata Farrell, and Bonnie Bartlett play the main supporters of the accused. Tom Atkins, Charles Haid, and Kenneth McMillan are the top cops. Special mention goes to Atkins for his menacing portrayal. His character is the officer that you never want to see in your rearview mirror!
One of the best tele-films of its era...
No, it's due to the way the police go about "investigating" the brutal crime. A young man (Paul Clemens) is badgered, deprived of sleep, tricked, bullied, and generally railroaded into the only thing these cops are remotely interested in: a confession.
It then shifts into the trial phase, which is equally frustrating and confounding.
Stefanie Powers, Brian Dennehy, Conchata Farrell, and Bonnie Bartlett play the main supporters of the accused. Tom Atkins, Charles Haid, and Kenneth McMillan are the top cops. Special mention goes to Atkins for his menacing portrayal. His character is the officer that you never want to see in your rearview mirror!
One of the best tele-films of its era...