Witch Hunt (TV 1994)In a twisted 1950's where everyone does magic, a private detective investigates a murder case without it. Director:Paul SchraderWriter:Joseph Dougherty |
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Witch Hunt (TV 1994)In a twisted 1950's where everyone does magic, a private detective investigates a murder case without it. Director:Paul SchraderWriter:Joseph Dougherty |
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Dennis Hopper | ... | ||
| Penelope Ann Miller | ... |
Kim Hudson
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| Eric Bogosian | ... |
Sen. Larson Crockett
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| Sheryl Lee Ralph | ... |
Hypolyta Kropotkin
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| Julian Sands | ... |
Finn Macha
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| Valerie Mahaffey | ... |
Trudy
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John Epperson | ... |
Vivian Dart
(as Lypsinka)
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| Debi Mazar | ... |
The Manicurist
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| Alan Rosenberg | ... |
N.J. Gottlieb
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| Christopher John Fields | ... |
Lt. Morris Bradbury
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John Durbin | ... |
Brackett
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Gregory Bell | ... |
Shakespeare
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| Terry Camilleri | ... |
Minister
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| Christopher Darga | ... |
G-man #1
(as Chris Darga)
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| Stanley DeSantis | ... |
Sidney
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Detective Philip Lovecraft lives in Los Angeles in the 1950s when an ambitious Senator is holding hearings, on Magic. Magic is the new influence in Tinsel Town. Lovecraft is unique in that he is the only one who refuses to use magic in his work. Shortly after he is hired, he finds his client, Kim Hudson, accused of the murder of her husband, a film executive. Philip uses the tallents of a local witch, Kropotkin, to explain what is happening only to see her accused of the murder and sentenced to be burnt at the stake. Reminiscent of Roger Rabbit, without the toons. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>
"Witch Hunt" is an ideal TV-movie strengthened by the tiny aspects that make it whole. The humor is offbeat and effective; the attention to color and set design is wonderfully evocative of the 1950s; the musical score (by David Lynch mainstay Angelo Badalamenti) sets an appropriate mood; and the well-shaded, blackly humorous performances are something else. The story combines a film noir attitude with the popularity of magic in Hollywood, and a McCarthyesque politician trying to put a stop to it. Granted, the plot seems to get too complicated near the end, but the commitments of Dennis Hopper, Penelope Ann Miller, Julian Sands, and especially the reptilian Eric Bogosian elevate "Witch Hunt" above your standard rental fare. Worth a look.
6/10