Murder in Texas
Murder in Texas is a 1981 television film starring Katharine Ross, Sam Elliott, Farrah Fawcett, and Andy Griffith. The film was directed by William Hale, and was based on a true story; that was written for the TV screen by John McGreevey. It first aired on television in two parts on Sunday and Monday May 3–4, 1981.[1]
| Murder in Texas | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama |
| Written by | Ann Kurth (book) John McGreevey |
| Directed by | William Hale |
| Starring | Katharine Ross Sam Elliott Farrah Fawcett Andy Griffith |
| Theme music composer | Leonard Rosenman |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | David Salzman Dick Clark Preston Fischer |
| Producers | William Hale (as Billy Hale) John A. Martinelli (associate producer) |
| Cinematography | Donald M. Morgan |
| Editor | John A. Martinelli |
| Running time | 200 min |
| Production company | Dick Clark Productions |
| Distributor | NBC |
| Release | |
| Original network | NBC |
| Picture format | Color |
| Audio format | Mono |
| Original release |
|
Plot
Based on the true story of the death of Joan Robinson Hill, this film tells of a plastic surgeon who was suspected of causing the death of his first wife, the daughter of a wealthy member of Houston society. The doctor then marries his mistress. His former father-in-law, convinced that his daughter was murdered, determines to see that the doctor is punished.
Cast
- Katharine Ross as Ann Kurth Hill
- Sam Elliott as Dr. John Hill
- Farrah Fawcett as Joan Robinson Hill
- Andy Griffith as Ash Robinson
- G. W. Bailey as Richard "Racehorse" Haynes
- Barry Corbin as Dist. Atty. McMasters
- Pamela Myers as Mary
- Craig T. Nelson as Jack Ramsey
- Royce Wallace as Wilma
- Dimitra Arliss as Gina Meier
- Jude Farese as Casselli
- Philip Sterling as Dr. Helpern
- Vernon Weddle as Dr. Joe
- Lesley Woods as Reah Robinson
- Parley Baer as Ann's attorney
Reception
Murder in Texas was nominated for a 1982 Golden Globe Award for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV.[2] In addition, Andy Griffith received his only Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Ash Robinson.
The movie was highly ranked in the Nielsen ratings. Part I was the fifth-most popular show for the week ending May 3, and Part II was the most popular show of the following week.[3][4]
References
- Blau, Eleanor Television Week, The New York Times
- "Murder in Texas (1981)(TV) - Awards". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2011-08-13.
- (7 May 1981). Dallas helps CBS Win, Gettysburg Times (Associated Press)
- (13 May 1981). Last week's Nielsen horse race wasn't the usual event...., UPI