Abduction of Innocence (1996) (TV)

User Rating:

5.6/10   

Director:

James A. Contner

Writer (WGA):

Derek Marlowe (written by)

Release Date:

7 October 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Teenager, Clare Steves, is kidnapped by an old boyfriend, Eddie Spencer, who demands $250,000. The ransom is paid and Clare is released...

Plot Keywords:

Courtroom | Kidnapping | Based On True Story

Cast

Katie Wright	...	Clare Steves
Lucie Arnaz	...	Helen Steves
Dirk Benedict	...	Robert Steves
Lochlyn Munro	...	Eddie Spencer
Dean Paraskevopoulos	...	Buckle (as Dean Paras)
Jill Teed	...	FBI Special Agent Karen Carter
Conor O'Farrell	...	Attorney John Loomis
Gary Chalk	...	Sheriff Bill Evans (as Garry Chalk)
Kevin McNulty	...	District Attorney Davis
Laura Harris	...	Laura Rhoads
Robert Moloney	...	Deputy
Nuno Antunes	...	Peter Dalton
Gaetana Korbin	...	Sarah the Waitress
Ken Kramer	...	Judge Curt Block
Andrew Wheeler	...	Doctor

Also Known As:

Abduction of Innocence (USA) (short title)

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

O'Hara-Horowitz Productions

Beautifully Acted Film for TV

I don't know if this made-for-TV film is based on a true story, but it was very interesting...a typical kidnapping tale with an unusual twist. Clare Steves is the daughter of the richest man in town, in fact, everything in the town is named after him. She is a typical high school girl who wants to go to parties and act in the school play. But her father wants her to only study so she can get into the most prestigious school. When she lands the lead in the school play, he is against it and upset that this project will take time away from her studies. He is not a bad father, but his strickness causes a rift between them, and the mother is uncomfortably between them. She gets kidnapped and tortured by brutal classmates who want her father's money....when they are caught and she is released, they admit to their deed, but claim that she was in on it to get a share of Daddy's money..in fact, they claim that it was indeed HER idea to get revenge on him ! So SHE IS ON TRIAL FOR HER OWN KIDNAPPING !! Both parents are supportive, although Dad has some doubts.

I watched this primarily because I am a big Fan of Dirk Benedict, who plays the father....this is a new type of role for him, and he looks fabulous! I didn't like Lucie Arnaz as his wife, though, she doesn't seem like his type. And Katie Wright's performance, as the daughter, was very poignant.