The Killing of Randy Webster (TV 1981)

A young man is shot and killed in an altercation with Houston police. His father doesn't believe the police version of the incident and starts digging around on his own.

Director:

Sam Wanamaker

Writers:

Tom Curtis (article), Scott Swanton (teleplay)

Stars:

Hal Holbrook, Dixie Carter, James Whitmore Jr.

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hal Holbrook	...	John Webster
Dixie Carter	...	Billie Webster
James Whitmore Jr.	...	Officer Vane
Jennifer Jason Leigh	...	Amy Wheeler
Nancy Malone	...	Lois Carter
Gary McCleery	...	Randy Webster
Barry Corbin	...	Nick Hanson
Richard Beauchamp	...	Carlos Vega
Dennis Redfield	...	Officer A.D. Jakes
John Dennis Johnston	...	Officer Bob Draxel
Sondra Blake	...	May Wheeler
Robert G. Denison	...	D.A. Mike King
Chris Mulkey	...	Sonny Manse
Sean Penn	...	Don Fremont
Jim Antonio	...	Detective

Storyline

A young man is shot and killed in an altercation with Houston police. His father doesn't believe the police version of the incident and starts digging around on his own.

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Plot Keywords:

loss of son | father son relationship | police chase | houston texas | auto theft | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 March 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

La muerte de Randy Webster

Company Credits

Production Co:

EMI Television, Heller/Gutwillig Productions, Roger Gimbel Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Wonderful TV-movie

It's sort of a scaled-down, TV version of RASHOMON--not on that level, to be sure, but quite well-done on its own standards.

Excellent performances from future man-and-wife Hal Holbrook and Dixie Carter, as well as future stars Anthony Edwards ("ER"), Sean Penn, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.