In the Lake of the Woods (TV 1996)

John Waylan is a candidate for U.S. senator; near the end of the campaign he is accused of ordering and participating in a massacre in a Vietnamese village. The accusation kills his career,... See full summary »

Director:

Carl Schenkel

Writers:

Tim O'Brien (novel), Philip Rosenberg (teleplay)

Stars:

Peter Strauss, Kathleen Quinlan, Peter Boyle

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Strauss	...	John Waylan
Kathleen Quinlan	...	Kathy Waylan
Peter Boyle	...	Tony Carbo
Nancy Sorel	...	Pat Hood
Ken Pogue	...	Sheriff Art Lux
Richard Anderson	...	Claude Rasmussen
Hrothgar Mathews	...	Nat Leming
Brent Stait	...	Richard Thinbill
Stephen E. Miller	...	Deputy Pearson
Pamela Perry	...	Rebecca Rasmussen
Steve Makaj	...	Mr. Waylan
Chilton Crane	...	Mrs. Waylan
Blair Slater	...	Young John
Rondel Reynoldson	...	Sue
Steve Bacic	...	Lieutenant

Storyline

John Waylan is a candidate for U.S. senator; near the end of the campaign he is accused of ordering and participating in a massacre in a Vietnamese village. The accusation kills his career, and severely endangers his marriage. When he and Kathy flee to an isolated cabin, he awakes one morning to find her gone. Questions are asked, answers are given or hinted at, as the tension and suspense build.

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Plot Keywords:

cabin | accusation | senator | war crime | murder | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 March 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

En el lago del bosque

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hallmark Entertainment, Signboard Hill Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

TV Movie surpasses the limits of the form

Brilliant TV movie. Dark, complex, well-acted, skillfully directed, and well-photographed, all the elements come together to make this a worthwhile viewing experience. I haven't read the novel, but I'd guess that the adaptor and director captured O'Brien's tone very well. The plot concerns a former Vietnam Vet who was running for political office but lost. His wife disappears shortly thereafter. The story is told in a mixture flash-backs and interviews. Strauss and Quinlan create real, three-dimensional characters, but of particular note are Boyle, who plays the campaign manager, and the actor (whose name I unfortunately forget) who plays the investigative journalist who exposes the secret which destroys the campaign. See if you can find it on video.