Beyond the Call (1996) (TV)

Director:

Tony Bill

Writer (WGA):

Doug Magee (written by)

Release Date:

23 June 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Russell Gates is a Vietnam vet on death row for killing a policeman. His childhood sweetheart, Pam O'Brien...

Plot Keywords:

Death Row | Vietnam | Flashback Sequence

Cast

Sissy Spacek	...	Pam O'Brien
David Strathairn	...	Russell Cates
Arliss Howard	...	Keith O'Brien
Janet Wright	...	Fran
Lindsay Murrell	...	Rebecca
Leslie Carlson	...	Dan (as Les Carlson)
Ken James	...	Mel
Christina Collins	...	Ruth
Andrew Sardella	...	Mark
Wayne Downer	...	Policeman #2
Diane D'Aquila	...	Angela
Christine Reeves	...	Cop's Wife
Rufus Crawford	...	Thibodeaux
Desmond Campbell	...	Guard #1
John Pearson	...	Guard #2

MPAA:

Rated R for strong language and some violence.

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Certification:

UK:15 | Australia:M | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Barnstorm Entertainment

Reinforces the myth of the damaged Vietnam vet

Sissy Spacek and the others put on fine performances in this cheap production from a maudlin and unbelievable script. The husband of a cop-killer's sweetheart is able to visit the convict on death row the night before the execution? Give me a break! Sissy doesn't buy her ex-boyfriend's guilt, but does nothing to try to right such a terrible situation? Please. The real problem, though is that this made-for-tv formula flick is another example of Hollywood's trampling of the image of Vietnam veterans. The "damaged-vet-ticking-time-bomb" stereotype is not only an easy cliché, it's also a gross overstatement of the facts. No denying some veterans of Vietnam -- as of all wars -- suffered psychological effects, but when has Hollywood portrayed the 'Nam veteran as anything but a broken, emotionally troubled pariah? Movies like "Beyond the Call" contribute to the general public perception that Vietnam veterans are on the whole dysfunctional -- suicidal, alcoholic, barely able to hang on to their sanity. It's not enough that the cop-killer is a damaged Viet vet but -- surprise, surprise -- Sissy's own husband (the only character who doubts the boyfriends "Vietnam-made-him-do-it" excuse) carries his own war demons. The movie closes with Hubby curled up on the floor, crying his eyes out, comforted by Sissy the Strong. Another ticking time bomb has exploded. I guess all of us Vietnam veterans will eventually have nervous breakdowns or take refuge in a bottle. Me, I think I'll have a drink.