Murder in Coweta County

Excellent Performances From Cash And Griffith
This movie is amazingly good. Originally made for television in 1982, this film is based on the true story of a brutal murder that took place in Georgia in 1948. The production is beautifully directed and shot, and the sets, props, and vehicles look very authentic; above all else the acting is superb from the entire cast.

Playing against his stereotype is Andy Griffith as John Wallace, the "King" of Merriwether County, Georgia. Wallace is a brutal man with an iron grip on the community. The pivotal murder is cleverly staged, but Wallace's fundamental error is to become embroiled in a car chase that takes him into Coweta County, where the murder actually occurs.

In Coweta County the Sheriff is Lamar Potts, portrayed with strength and nuance by Johnny Cash, who refuses to be intimidated by Wallace. The investigation process and courtroom scenes are particularly well done. The climax occurs when Wallace takes the stand in his own defense with an unreal account of...

Unexpected pleasure
This is a well done made-for-tv movie from the early 80's. The movie is faithful to the source material, namely a book of the same name. The story is a true tale of a man who was the king of a county in rural Georgia in the latee 1940's. The trial aspect of the film raises the question of whether a man can be tried for capital murder without a body. True, this is not bizarre in today's world but it was 50 years ago.

The performances of both Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash are fun to watch. Andy Griffith plays against form as the amoral and ruthless John Wallace. No Andy Taylor and Opie here. Johnny Cash puts in a fine performance as Sheriff Lamar Potts, the hero of the story. Look for Earl Hindman, Wilson of "Home Improvement", to step out from behind the fence.

Very good movie. Solid performances.
I actually grew up and live in Coweta County, Georgia, so I am familiar with this famous local story. I saw this movie on TV when I was young, and when I saw it available on DVD, I had to have it. I was afraid that it wouldn't be as good as I remembered, but I was wrong. Very good writing, directing, acting, and music. It's a made-for-TV movie, so don't expect a big-budget blockbuster, but for what it is, it is a very well-done movie. Highly recommended.

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