In Broad Daylight (1991 film)

Last updated
In Broad Daylight
GenreDrama
Thriller
Based on In Broad Daylight
by Harry N. MacLean
Screenplay by William Hanley
Directed by James Steven Sadwith
Starring Brian Dennehy
Cloris Leachman
Marcia Gay Harden
Chris Cooper
John Anderson
Ken Jenkins
Theme music composer Patrick Williams
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersJohn F. Roach
Freyda Rothstein
ProducersMichael Biber
Jeffrey C. Hogue
Production locations Elgin, Texas
Bastrop, Texas
CinematographyRobert Draper
EditorScott Vickey
Running time90 minutes
Production companyForce Ten Productions
Original release
Network NBC
ReleaseFebruary 3, 1991 (1991-02-03)

In Broad Daylight is a 1991 American made-for-television thriller drama film about the life of Ken McElroy, the town bully of Skidmore, Missouri who became known for his unsolved murder. [1] McElroy was fictionalized as the character Len Rowan, portrayed by Brian Dennehy. [2] The film is based on Harry N. MacLean's nonfiction book of the same name. [3]

Contents

Plot

Based on the true events in Skidmore, Missouri in 1981, the film centers around the town dealing with violent bully Len Rowan (Brian Dennehy). After a confrontation at a local grocery, Rowan begins stalking the owner Ruth Westerman (Cloris Leachman) and her husband Wes. The harassment culminates with Rowan's shooting Wes and claiming self defense, while standing trial. Through a series of legal maneuvers, Rowan prolongs his freedom for over a year, all the while continuing to harass anyone in the town whom he feels is a threat—including police. After he violates the orders of his appeal, the town decides to meet and figure out how to deal with him.

Cast

Home media

The film was released on VHS in Canada and the UK, and on laserdisc for Asian markets. It remains unreleased on DVD.

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References

  1. Jones, Tim (2 March 2006). "Many remember, few mourn, and no one blabs". Chicago Tribune . Archived from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  2. O'Connor, John J. (1 February 1991). "TV Weekend; An Independent Spirit on the Prairie". The New York Times . Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  3. Loynd, Ray (2 February 1991). "TV REVIEWS : Town Bully at Large in 'Broad Daylight'". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 12 September 2017.