Bitter Blood
(TV 1994)
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Bitter Blood
(TV 1994)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Kelly McGillis | ... |
Susie Lynch
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| Harry Hamlin | ... |
Fritz Klenner
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| Keith Carradine | ... |
Tom Lynch
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| Holland Taylor | ... |
Florence Newsom
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| Jayne Brook | ... |
Kathy
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| Ken Jenkins | ... |
Bob Newsom
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| Elizabeth Wilson | ... |
Annie Klenner
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Louise Latham | ... |
Delores Lynch
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Wayne Tippit | ... |
Dan Donaldson
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| Tom Aldredge | ... |
Dr. Frederick Klenner
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Anne Pitoniak | ... |
Nanna Newsom
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| Marian Seldes | ... |
Justice Susie Sharp
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| Nick Searcy | ... |
Brian Butler
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Tristan Tait | ... |
Ian Perkins
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Colleen Flynn | ... |
Jamie Leary
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Based on a book of the same name, Bitter Blood is also known as In the Best of Families Marriage, Pride... See full synopsis »
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.