Murder in Coweta County

Murder in Coweta County_720p(480P)

source: Murder in Coweta County

source: Murder in Coweta County

There are so many good reviews and plot summaries of this film I won't repeat them I just want to add my voice to say I was so impressed when I first watched this film I could not believe it was a made for TV movie. The script (adapted from the book of the same title) is well done, the photography is excellent and the acting is top notch...the entire cast. With such good reviews on all the sites I am amazed that this is only available as a bare bones DVD-R. I guess the quality does not count as much as the quantity of sales. I would love to get a "restored" Blu-ray version with SDH but that is not likely to happen. The picture and sound are very good and it does not show its age like some made for TV movies from the same period. It is in full screen (as that was TV in the 80"s)and I still count it as one of my favorite true crime films. Be warned this is about rural Georgia in 1948 so there is use of the N-word, not excessive but there are some scenes where it shows up, but is necessary to the film.

Based on a true story, this 1940's era movie tells of the Kingdom, where in Meriwether county John Wallace (Griffith) can do no wrong- until he kills a white sharecropper for stealing one of his prized cows in Coweta county. "But you didn't kill him in Meriwether, you killed him across the line, with eight Coweta witnesses and a sheriff that won't quit."--Meriwether county sheriff speaking to Wallace about Coweta county sheriff- Lamar Potts. Johnny Cash plays Sheriff Lamar Potts, a lawman who isn't one of Wallace's men and doesn't care about his kingdom so he sets out to prove that Wallace can't get away with murder in his county. On a scale of 1-10, I give Murder in Coweta County a 9.

This was an excellent movie. I've been searching everywhere trying to find it on video. The last time I saw it on television was the mid 90's. So many t.v. networks show the same ole movies over and over again, I would love to see this shown again. This is a movie that they should consider showing again!!! After the unfortunate passing of Johnny Cash, I think it would be even more wonderful to have it shown again. Andy Griffith demonstrated that he indeed was a great actor. This was a role so unlike the ones he usually plays. Who would have thought that Sheriff Taylor would end of on the other side of the law.(Smile) If you know where I might find it on video or DVD, please let me know!!!!

Many parts of the movie were filmed in my hometown of Griffin, Georgia. Andy stayed at the local Holiday Inn. The cast and crew were excellent guest and very friendly while staying here. Several local people are in the movie. This movie is based on true facts. (Spoiler) John Wallace was the first white man to be convicted and sentenced to death in the state of Georgia on the testimony of a black man. There were some tense times during the making of the movie. Descendents of John Wallace still lived in Meriwether County at that time (1983). Word got around that they were not too happy with the fact that a movie was being made about John Wallace. It was reported that some cars used in the movie had been damaged. Not sure if this really happened or was just hype for the movie. I think TV Guide even had a story about it. I have an old tape from TV of the movie but would love to have it on DVD or new tape if it should ever be re-released.

"My momma always told me, Do what you have to do, just never let your conscience get in the way." - Wallace (Griffith). The movie is surprisingly shocking. The movie showcases both Griffith and Cash in non-typical roles; Sheriff Andy Taylor on the other side of the Law, and The Man in Black walks behind the badge. The movie is based on a true story, and most of the actors are convincing in their roles. Though the quality is rather grainy and the sound a little muffled, you will still probably enjoy it. It is similar to "All the King's Men", but only ninety minutes of your time. 9 out of 10.

I agree with the other comments, Griffith and Cash are great. THis made for TV movie is surprisingly edgy. The "N" word, which is common in the book and for that time, was used repeatedly by Griffith, who was a stark contrast to Matlock and Mayberry. My biggest disappointment with this movie is that that is was not filmed in Coweta County, or at least they didn't use our courthouse. Also, they didn't use the Old Jail in Greenville, which still stands today. I'd like to see this movie remade on location, with a Hollywood budget, and at least one major start. The most important Character that would need to be played by a major star would most likely be John Wallace the villain. Over all, for a TV movie it's worth watching.

People who enjoyed Andy Griffith's tv show need to be warned. Watching his show and then watching this riveting film is like watching a fireworks display and then seeing a nuclear explosion! He plays one of the most loathsome villians you will ever see, a man without a conscience who truly believes he is above the law and can kill whoever he wants. It is one of the most frightning portrayals of a cold-blooded killer imaginable. On the other hand, Johnny Cash is one of the most likeable good guys imaginable as the honest, dogged righteous sheriff determined to bring Griffith to justice. Cash is one of the greatest singers of all time, but this film shows off his considerable acting ability as well. Its also a beautiful film to look at with its depiction of life in the South and the photography. I see this wonderful film as almost a morality play of sorts, ultimate good versus ultimate evil. One interesting footnote, there is an actress named Cindi Knight who plays the murder victim's wife, in real life she later married Andy Griffith! This film was available on video for a while, but is out of circulation. Tape it if its on tv