The Deliberate Stranger (1986) (TV)

Director:

Marvin J. Chomsky

Writers:

Hesper Anderson (writer)
Richard W. Larsen (book)

Release Date:

4 May 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Plot:

Based on a true story, this film depicts the life of Theodore Robert Bundy, the serial killer. In 1974...

Plot Keywords:

Police | Serial Killer | Killer | Police Station | Police Department

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Mark Harmon	...	Ted Bundy
Frederic Forrest	...	Det. Bob Keppel
George Grizzard	...	Richard Larsen
Ben Masters	...	Det. Mike Fisher
Glynnis O'Connor	...	Cas Richter
M. Emmet Walsh	...	Det. Sam Davies
John Ashton	...	Det. Roger Dunn
Bonnie Bartlett	...	Louise Bundy
Billy Green Bush	...	Officer Bradley (Provo detective)
Frederick Coffin	...	Jerry Thompson
Deborah Goodrich	...	Martha Chambers
Lawrence Pressman	...	Ken Wolverton
Macon McCalman	...	Larsen's editor
Jeannetta Arnette	...	Mrs. Richter
William Boyett	...	Aspen detective

Runtime:

185 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Australia:M | USA:Not Rated

Company:

Lorimar Productions

Goofs:

Continuity: One of the guys in the line-up (which takes place in Colorado) is played by the same guy who also played one of the anonymous "Teds" being interrogated by the Seattle police.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Turbulence (1997)

a killer performance...

A note to any wannabe actors: study Mark Harmon's performance heavily here. You will learn all the tricks to being sauve, slick, sinister and charming. Unfortunately, the part had to be inspired by real events, of 70's wacko Ted Bundy. Masquerading as a law student with a talent of attracting girls seemingly in every port, a different man takes over at night as Harmon stalks and kills young women. This element of the film got a bit redundant after awhile, and really isn't the key. Neither is the endless policework that can be seen weekly on every prime-time cop show. It's Harmon's way of double-talking his girlfriends, and especially, the police. Watching Harmon's scenes on the witness stand or in the questioning room of the police station are your chance to watch a total pro at work. And the actors portraying the cops aren't slouches either. Tons of veterans like M. Emmett Walsh, Frederic Forest and John Ashton are featured. And a very effective performance from unknown journeyman actor George Grizzard, as Bundy's only friend through it all. He comes off very likable as the guy who just can't bring himself to condemn this young buck he admires. The two or three actresses featured here and there do ok as well. The only mis-step for the film is the majorly overdone, if still somewhat creepy music score. It gets a bit B-movie at times, but it adds to the eerieness of the film's tone. Though at 3 hours (4 if you're watching with commercials) it grips you from start to finish. But the real draw, most notably for aspiring actors, is to forget classes and watch Mark Harmon put on a clinic for performing.