Bitter Blood (TV 1994)
"In the Best of Families: Marriage, Pride & Madness" (original title)

Based on a book of the same name, Bitter Blood is also known as In the Best of Families Marriage, Pride... See full synopsis »

Director:

Jeff Bleckner

Writers:

Jerry Bledsoe (book), Robert L. Freedman (teleplay)

Stars:

Kelly McGillis, Harry Hamlin, Keith Carradine

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kelly McGillis	...	Susie Lynch
Harry Hamlin	...	Fritz Klenner
Keith Carradine	...	Tom Lynch
Holland Taylor	...	Florence Newsom
Jayne Brook	...	Kathy
Ken Jenkins	...	Bob Newsom
Elizabeth Wilson	...	Annie Klenner
Louise Latham	...	Delores Lynch
Wayne Tippit	...	Dan Donaldson
Tom Aldredge	...	Dr. Frederick Klenner
Anne Pitoniak	...	Nanna Newsom
Marian Seldes	...	Justice Susie Sharp
Nick Searcy	...	Brian Butler
Tristan Tait	...	Ian Perkins
Colleen Flynn	...	Jamie Leary

Storyline

Based on a book of the same name, Bitter Blood is also known as In the Best of Families Marriage, Pride... See full synopsis »

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Plot Keywords:

revenge | nightmare | family relationships | funeral | marriage | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 January 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bitter Blood

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ambrosia Media Group, Bruin Grip Services, Dan Wigutow Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

200 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Evan Rachel Wood's TV debut.

User Reviews

Not the best tv movie, but based on true events

As many tv movies go, this two-part mini-series could sometimes be weak in the writing and acting departments, but still held a fascination because a) the events are true, and b) the climax took place just a few miles from my parents' house. In fact, I was acquainted with a relative of one of the families involved.

Some have commented on the lack of plausibility of the story, but the movie stayed true to the actual events for the most part. In fact, it even left out some factual details that did not seem implausible, but real life is often stranger than fiction. (I recommend reading Jerry Bledsoe's book "Bitter Blood," where the entire story will blow you away. The movie is based on this book.)

Regardless of the weak nature of a tv movie-of-the-week, including the disruptions for commercials when I first saw it broadcast over two nights, the series of tragedies that unfolded were still heart-wrenching and made my pulse race. If you can get past those usual weaknesses, you will find an amazing true story of a strange couple who, when put together, seemed to lose all perspective on reality and unleashed a diabolical plot to retain full custody of the woman's two little boys from a previous marriage. If the movie is available for rental, it's probably worth checking out, but not as light-hearted viewing.