Barbara Hershey won a well-deserved Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for this role of a housewife, who would commit murder. Via the trial that ensues and throughout the film, we see her story. She was happily? married, until one day she admitted to a male friend, who was married, that she was attracted to him. They proceeded to have an affair, but eventually, they called it off due to his guilt and the fact they had no plans to leave their mates. Later on, his wife, who was suffering from depression, confronts her about the affair with an axe. And, Barbara Hershey defends herself. That is basically the whole spoiler and the crust of what happens in the film, except for the state of mind of Barbara's character, and why she was so repressed and emotionless in day-to-day life, save for her adultery. This still doesn't describe the experience of watching Ms. Hershey at work, which really is the whole show. Based on a true story and the book written about it, this is one TV movie, that is not your typical TV movie. You'll find yourself seeing things not usually associated with TV movies, and having strong feelings about it. Hal Holbrook, Richard Gilliland, Brian Dennehy (who's great in everything he does) and Lee Garlington costars in this riveting docudrama. (Sidebar: Lee Garlington was a great dependable supporting actress of the TV movie genre from the late 70s to the mid to late 90s, when the bulk of the TV-movie genre was being phased out.) But, while the title may sound a bit too creepy for some, please don't stay away from this movie. This is essential Barbara Hershey viewing, and one of the best movies made for television ever.
Review of A Killing in a Small Town
A Killing in a Small Town
(1990 TV Movie)
Essential Barbara Hershey Viewing
8 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers