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Cast
Richard Crenna
as Lawrence O'Donnell Sr.
John Shea
as Michael O'Donnell
Lorraine Toussaint
as Pat Bowden
Francis X. McCarthy
as Hanna
Tate Donovan
as Lawrence O'Donnell Jr.
Anna Maria Horsford
as Virginia Cates
Anthony Heald
as Dave O'Brian
Dylan Baker
as Kevin O'Donnell
Michael O'Hare
as Joe Miller
Fred J. Scollay
as Judge Skinner
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1986
Runtime1h 35m
LanguageEN
CertificationNR
GenresDrama, TV Movie, Crime
Votes1
DirectorMichael Miller
WritersMichael Miller
TypeFeature Film
Rating8.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsA Case of Deadly Force
About A Case of Deadly Force
Fact-based story about a 1975 cover-up of a shooting by two white members of the Boston Tactical Unit. While on stakeout on a suspected getaway car used in a armed robbery, the two gunned down a black man who entered the car. The two claimed the man had a gun and they shot in self-defense. Police investigation decided it was a rightful shooting. The man's widow knew her husband would not be carrying a weapon and became determined to prove her husband's innocence. She hired a former cop who had become a lawyer to prove her case. Working with his four sons, the lawyer team takes on the police force in what eventually proved to be a landmark legal decision. Written by John Sacksteder
Directed by Michael Miller, A Case of Deadly Force leans on a strong ensemble — Richard Crenna, John Shea, Lorraine Toussaint — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1986.
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