A Killing in a Small Town (1990 TV Movie) User Reviews

Barbara Hershey...

[MarieGabrielle · 8/10 · 13 November 2006]

does quite well in this film. She lives in a stark Texas town, has her children, attends church, but something is missing. She enters into an affair with her best friend's husband well-portrayed by John Terry.

Lee Garlington is her neighbor with John Terry the faithless husband. This does not wind down however, into histrionics and cheap drama. The film depicts the rage and cold anger Hershey feels, and the explosive results. Dennehey is her defense lawyer, but the courtroom segments are thankfully minimal.

The real credit goes to director Gyllenhall, who creates the Texas suburbs, showing the starkness, both of the housing developments they live in ,the small church atop a deserted hillside, and the small "Main Street USA" town this woman actually lived in. Well done.

Also Read the book 'Evidence of Love'

[notquitewonderwoman · 8/10 · 9 June 2017]

One of my all time favorite books and one of the best TV movies besides The Deliberate Stranger about Ted Bundy starring Mark Harmon. Very haunting murder case, a mother is brutally murdered in her laundry room while her baby cries in its crib down the hall. The small mundane Texas town was turned upside down with the swing of an ax.

Top-notch made for TV movie for fans of Barbara Hershey

[MarkCrozier · 8/10 · 8 February 2023]

I enjoy finding these gems on YouTube. This is a made-for-TV film from 1990 that focuses on a true crime incident that takes place in a small Texas town in 1980.

It serves an excellent example of economical story-telling with an absolutely riveting central performance by Barbara Hershey, ably supported by the ever-reliable Brian Dennehy (RIP).

Interestingly enough, shortly after I viewed it, I discovered that there is not one but TWO TV series now being made based on the same case. How strange is that? One is called Candy and stars Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynskey and the other is Love and Death with Elizabeth Olsen.

Probably because the case itself remains notably odd and compelling. I won't give the details away here but if you're a fan of true crime you'll enjoy it I have no doubt.

The movie itself is a low budget affair but it is note perfect and exceptionally well-edited, written and acted with not a single second wasted on frivolity.

If you're a student of film you can learn a lot from this. Tell the story, tell it well and don't mess about with a load of extra nonsense.

A powerful story, well-told.

Gripping Psychodrama

[dougdoepke · 21 September 2015]

I don't know why actor Dennehy is pictured on the poster. True, he's got a feature role that he brings off well. But the film's really a Barbara Hershey showcase. It's she who has to do the dramatic heavy lifting, going from placid housewife to raging inner person. For the ex-Ms Seagull, it's a thespic tour-de-force. Her wife-mother seems so well adjusted, church, family, community, her smile so real. But then, she initiates an affair with a friend's husband, so we know she doesn't always repress her desires. So just how placid is she, really.

The shots of a barren Texas landscape are aptly conceived, mirroring Candy's (Hershey) unchanging demeanor, at least initially. But then her friend turns up dead, slaughtered in gruesome fashion, and we know the landscape is not as predictable as it seems. Hershey's perfect for the part, her youthful good looks beginning to fade into middle-age. Director Gyllenhaal's camera is riveted to her face, catching every nuance, in this gripping study of morbid psychology. No, I don't think the movie suits all tastes since it's really disturbing at a number of points. Still, it remains a fascinating case study, based on a factual occurrence. Too bad IMDb doesn't supply more of those factual details. Nonetheless, I'm glad to stumble across this obscure gem and it's two memorable last lines that sort of sum up the movie's ironic moral.

Evidence of mediocrity

[=G= · 6/10 · 13 May 2005]

"Evidence of Love" is a made-for-TV flick about a middle class, church going suburban Texas housewife whose life is turned upside down when she finds herself accused of murder. Hershey is the centerpiece of this film and offers a fine performance as the plain, straight-laced, and stoic accused in this drama which spends the first two thirds of the run on the setup, murder, and investigation and the latter third on the trial. With the look and feel of a Lifetime channel TV movie-by-rote, this film has little to offer save Hershey's tour de force and a twist at the end. Probably worth a look for Hershey fans and female audiences who can empathize with the character and her plight. (B-)

Hershey good, facts no so good

[jbartell-1 · 7/10 · 12 January 2020]

Barbara Hershey does an amazing job here but the movie mis-portrayed several facts from the book: 1. It showed Peggy Blankenship as physically much larger than Candy Morrison and therefore more threatening. The reverse is actually true. This substantially undercuts Candy's claim of self defense. 2. It showed the killing happening in late winter/early spring. It actually took place in June. This is important because Candy was wearing flip-flops she later destroyed to hide them from the police. This was left out completely.

A rare good TV movie!

[Blondie_ · 10/10 · 24 October 2001]

TV movies usually suck, but this is probably the best one I've seen next to "The Deliberate Stranger". What lies beneath a typical, all-American perfect PTA neighborhood-murder, mayhem, and sin! It is very shocking and suspenseful, and the ending was one of the most unpredictable and shocking I have ever seen! What is more chilling is that this is based on a true story. Barbara Hershey gives a brilliant performance.

A Bit Subdued

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 3 March 2014]

When I first watched this movie I was unaware that this was based on a true story. As a result I wondered why Barbara Hershey (as "Candy Morrison") allowed herself to look so plain and homely. It wasn't until afterward that I realized that she was dressing to match the look of a specific character and that this person actually looked like that in real life. What I also discovered was that this person deliberately tried to make herself look "mousey" for the trial in order to back up her story in front of the jury. At any rate, as far as the movie was concerned I thought Barbara Hershey put on an excellent performance as did Brian Dennehy (as her lawyer "Ed Reivers"). Even so this was clearly a "made-for-television" movie and as is quite often the case there were some elements which seemed a bit subdued overall. In short, while this movie definitely kept my attention I thought that there were some scenes which could have used a bit more energy or substance to them. As such I rate the film as slightly above average.

A Tour De Force

[gohrush · 9/10 · 25 January 2006]

"Killing In A Small Town" looked every bit as ordinary as a regular made for TV fare but as the story unfolds; with the first frame of Barbara Hershey as Candice Morrison defining her sense of self to a therapist; you are instantly hooked until the end credits roll. Accused of her murderous crime in a small middle American town, Candice or Candy was initially in shock and subsequent denial. But as the horror washed over the community and all evidence point toward the mousy housewife, she starts to unravel albeit in calm revelation. Barbara Hershey is definitely one of the most underrated actress of her era, her portrayal of a strong, self- controlled, stoic yet sensitive and vulnerable woman make her a character of infinite contradiction. She pulled out all the stops in her courtroom scenes on cross examination and her hypnosis session with a doctor is unforgettably chilling. When Candice was on the stand recounting the day of the murder, the scene plays out ordinarily and then take a turn for the macabre when Peggy (victim) accused Candice of having an affair with her husband. Peggy then goes back to kitchen to fetch an axe and begins to taunt Candy. The two of them had words and then a fight ensues. Candy was desperately trying to get away but finally she turns the table and hacks Peggy over 41 timesin self defense. The entire scene was riveting like your inability to look away from a car wreck. An American tragedy played with unrelenting passion by Barbara Hershey who incidentally won an Emmy and Golden Globe for her searing performance.

Guilty As Charged

[rmc129-1 · 4/10 · 13 October 2001]

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** What's going on here ?

Barbara Hershey, looking decidedly unsexy - as if she'd stolen her granny's spare wig - puts in an unconvincing performance as a woman who kills the wife of a man she has had an affair with 'in self defence' after hitting her forty odd times with an axe.

Like Lizzy Borden, she is acquitted but after the most unconvincing argument ever presented to a jury by the representative of a supposedly 'innocent' defendant I have ever seen.

Lizzy Borden took an axe and gave her father forty whacks When she saw what she'd done - she pleaded self defence

I don't think so

I find the defendants guilty of screening an unconvincing portrayal and have no alternative but to award this film a sentence of 4 out of 10 (which would have been lower but for the previous good behaviour of some of those involved)

Gut-wrenching drama, exceptionally well-made

[moonspinner55 · 9/10 · 24 May 2001]

How is it a mild-mannered, small town woman can hack her best friend to death with an axe and say she's not guilty? This startling, disturbing, gripping TV-movie provides the answer in amazing fashion, thanks to Barbara Hershey's flawless acting and Stephen Gyllenhaal's taut, vivid direction (this is a director who loves molding an atmosphere for his characters, making their surroundings as perplexing and eerie as they are). The murder sequence (told well in flashback) is not sensationally presented, yet it had me glued to the screen. Hershey is further complimented by an excellent supporting cast. What an amazing job this is!

Essential Barbara Hershey Viewing

[JLRMovieReviews · 10/10 · 8 February 2011]

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.

spellbinding

[soneill · 10/10 · 23 February 2007]

several cuts above the usual TV movie, this small and harrowing account of a mousy housewife rightly accused of a grisly murder will hold you spellbound. as wonderfully played by barbara hershey, the main character is a bundle of contradictions, burdened by conscience, simmering with displaced rage, ablaze with shame, justifiable in her actions but not in their ferocity. a fascinating story and a fascinating study of how permeable the thin veneer of civilization really is.

p.s. hey, guy from leeds: however detestable you find the murder, it was committed in self-defense, since the other woman was the one who introduced the ax and attempted to kill candice with it for having an affair with her husband. admittedly, candice went a bit overboard with the self-defense bit (and her guilt about it was what kept her from wanting to defend her actions), but she did NOT strike first.

A great performance by Barbara Hershey

[zapnorm-1 · 9/10 · 24 August 2002]

I saw this movie since it's release in 1990, I've been amazed by the incredible performance by Miss Hershey, Brian Dennehy is very good too, I think Barbara Hershey is a very underrated actress, I just rented the Entity another of her mind-blowing performances, Killing in a small town, a small budget film but with great acting, I'm going to have to buy the video, 'cause I haven't seen it in video clubs. Thanks for your time

A must for true-crime fans (and great actresses)

[dave_hillman · 10/10 · 24 January 2023]

This is a way above par TV-movie based on an excellent true-crime book detailing a strange, sad, violent and ultimately fatal afternoon between two seemingly ordinary Texas housewives.

Stephen Gyllenhaal directed this, and it is every bit as cinematic as his theatrical films. In fact, this could easily been released to theatres, and I think it would have been a success. Whatever the case, it is clearly one of the best television movies I've ever seen.

Barbara Hershey (completely deglamorized here) is playing a woman who kills her best friend (the unforgettable Lee Garlington) during a seemingly mundane afternoon visit.

Even if you've read the book and you know what's coming, the intense, gory murder sequence (in a laundry room, with an axe) is unflinchingly staged and quite graphic for a television film. (If this had been released theatrically, there's no doubt it would be given an R; it's amazing how some TV-films get away with things, but I'm glad this one did).

Hershey deservedly won the Emmy for this extraordinary performance, but attention must be paid to a commanding turn from Brian Dennehy as her lawyer, and supporting players John Terry and Richard Gilliland as the ladies' somewhat clueless husbands.

And last but not least, Lee Garlington deserved a lot more attention for her role than she got. She is only on screen for about ten minutes, but she makes every second count, and I've followed her career ever since. She deserves the BIG ROLE. She's a great actress.

Tech credits are theatrical-worthy, the editing is especially adroit, as is the vivid sound design (especially during the murder), and the script does the book more than proud. Cleverly, we don't meet the murder victim until almost the very end, but we've heard about her death throughout. Unquestionably, this adds to the horror of the ensuing carnage.

If you like intelligent true-crime dramas, you MUST see this film. But it's not for kids.

True crime story is absolutely captivating

[udar55 · 8/10 · 1 August 2023]

A small town in Texas is in shock after a school teacher is found murdered in her home, whacked 41 times with an ax. Thanks to a plethora of physical evidence, the police soon suspect her friend Candy Morrison (Barbara Hershey). Candy admits she had an affair with the woman's husband (John Terry), but when it comes to trial her lawyer (Brian Dennehy) decides to plead self defense. WOW! This true crime TV movie is absolutely captivating. A big part of that is because of Hershey in the lead role. Already a lauded leading lady in theatrical features, she must have felt compelled to the juicy role in order to move to a TV movie after the success of Beaches (1988). She is absolutely stunning in the lead role (a bit where she is hypnotized by a psychologist played by Hal Holbrook is downright frightening) and she ended up winning both a Golden Globe and Emmy for this performance. Of course, the way the story unfolds is also part of the film's success as the teleplay writers peel back layer after layer. It builds perfectly to the shocking finale where we see the murder as Candy says it happened and the findings of the jury. Director Stephen Gyllenhaal (yes, father of Jake and Maggie) handles it all with the skill of a theatrical feature. A great example of his direction is one long take where the coroner describes the victims wounds while walking around the body and the camera just focuses on his hands; we never see the body in close up, but the description brings up such extreme detail in the minds of viewers.

A community rocked!

[alexandra-25 · 26 January 2008]

The film Evidence of Love (UK title) is contextualised within a small-town community. Within this community, their lives are prescriptive, mundane and conservative, (at least from a liberal perspective). This conservative attitude is highlighted in Evidence of Love as a destructive force as it restricts and represses natural human feelings all in the name of stability.Such conditions provide for an undercurrent of extra-marital affairs, lies, denial, and anger, culminating in a (self-defence) killing to emerge like an uncoiling spring.

As to the acting in Evidence of Love, it is a superb (some might argue stereotyped) portrayal of a mid-American suburban home - maker by Hershey. It seems that Hershey uses method acting to achieve her goal in this film. As for the directing, it comes across as very considered and intelligent. This is because the issue is handled without the histrionics that such an explosive subject matter has the potential to cause. Of course the calm direction is helped by the limited budget for the film.

The film itself exposes an interesting moot point of what is perceived as guilty. It seems in Evidence of Love that there is some confusion in the court as what constitutes 'murder'. Self defence using a gun is not considered murder, but an axe that is wielded 41 times to slay an attacker is a matter of contention is this particular murder charge.

For this moot point alone as to what constitutes self defence in a killing Evidence of Love is worth watching.

Lee Garlington

[hlnmcgu · 9/10 · 28 August 2021]

I watch this over and over again for Lee Garlington's 10 minutes of very very scary.

true story told to keep your attention

[nyobatusa · 8/10 · 18 February 2020]

Very well written in a sense that it is leaving the good stuff to the end, for the why bit. so dont read about the story if you want to be surprised. with that being said, i find it shockingly suprising the verdict was so clear cut since even herself feels not innocent and that is not being dealt with on a legal level. repressed and disassociative state is understanable but how much do we know or was tried to understand whether it could have been possible to defend oneself appropriately for the situation. was stopping an impossibility? the movie was very well made and acted but 2 stars are lingering out there because of the unanswered questions the movie did not satisfy.