Right to Kill? (1985)

Based on true story of teens Richard and Deborah Jahnke charged in Wyoming for the killing of their abusive father.

Director:

John Erman

Writer:

Joyce Eliason

Stars:

Frederic Forrest, Christopher Collet, Karmin Murcelo

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Frederic Forrest	...	Richard Jahnke Sr.
Christopher Collet	...	Richard Jahnke Jr.
Karmin Murcelo	...	Maria Jahnke
Justine Bateman	...	Deborah Jahnke
Ann Wedgeworth	...	Eve Whitcomb
Terry O'Quinn	...	Jim Barrett
Lisa Blake Richards	...	Vera Scofield
J.T. Walsh	...	Maj. Eckworth
Alison Bartlett	...	Candy
John M. Jackson	...	Social worker
Randy Moore	...	Counselor
Norman Bennett	...	Detective
Jerry Haynes	...	Mr. Harris
Daniel von Bargen	...	Det. Roberts
Robert Ginnaven	...	Det. Marquez

Storyline

Based on true story of teens Richard and Deborah Jahnke charged in Wyoming for the killing of their abusive father.

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Plot Keywords:

wyoming | son killing father | shot to death | teenage boy | child abuse | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 May 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Aftodikia

Filming Locations:

Dallas, Texas, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Telepictures Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Members of the Jahnke family protested the title of this TV movie before it aired.

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Connections

References Pink Floyd The Wall (1982)

User Reviews

Truly thought provoking movie.

This film was not what I usually watch. I am into Sci-Fi and Horror mainly so when I started watching this one night I didn't expect to stay with it until the end. I'm glad I did. I now have it on video.

The story is based on true events involving a violent Husband and Father who inflicts physical and mental abuse on his wife and children for what he sees as their weaknesses and failings. The family move around the country quite often and each time they hope it will be a new beginning. Because of the regular moves nobody outside the family ever notices that anything is wrong. So after this last move, to the middle of nowhere and when the violence gets more serious what should they do?

The acting from all the main characters is excellent, the film relies upon the performance of these actor's portrayal of the abuse and how it effects them. You will not see many more compelling films than this one and unless you like only Sci-Fi and Horror to the total exclusion of everything else then you will enjoy this film.