When a family mysteriously disappears from the town of Schafer, North Dakota, suspicion lands on a sociopathic farmhand. Based on the true story of the infamous Charles Bannon case of 1931.When a family mysteriously disappears from the town of Schafer, North Dakota, suspicion lands on a sociopathic farmhand. Based on the true story of the infamous Charles Bannon case of 1931.When a family mysteriously disappears from the town of Schafer, North Dakota, suspicion lands on a sociopathic farmhand. Based on the true story of the infamous Charles Bannon case of 1931.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWas shot on location at two historic sites, The Schafer Jail (the second jail in the film) and The Fairview Lift Bridge and Cartwright Railroad Tunnel, in North Dakota.
- Quotes
CA Jacobson: Bannon has at least a couple of hours head start on us, but I'm leading a posse, we're going to go find him. He will be lawfully arrested and then held for questioning. He will not be harmed and he will not be threatened. This is an official legal pursuit under the authority of the McKenzie County Commission.
There are also no historical facts recorded that 22-yr-old Bannon burned down a family home with three children in it. None. This is adding an extra justification for the hanging that never existed.
The pacing is somewhat uneven, with a few needless stretches of filler content. That stuff could've been replaced by scenes depicting the murdered family members' characters instead. But nope, the victims are totally invisible in this. Any of the action and drama that lead to the crimes being committed is also left out. Was this done out of respect or neglect?
So, it's rather poorly written, and has silly dialogue at times. And, while it's hardly unlikely to have occurred, it just seems ridiculous to hand out badges and guns for a manhunt to what are clearly depicted as a bunch of unruly townie hotheads. One of the actors in the posse couldn't even ride a horse right during the chase scenes.
Also, are they kidding?: The sheriff hands the prisoner a sliced open can with the jagged lid still on it?! Suicidal/homicidal opportunities much? I mean, yeah, they totally didn't protect the accused while in jail IRL, which lead to his death instead of a trial, but Come On!
Sadly, the production overall just isn't very good. It's noticeably amateurish on many levels, but most markedly in the script, direction, and the acting. Chris Bylsma as state attorney Sam Taylor, and Joseph Bezenek as the town's alcoholic, sexist crap-stirrer, Jarvis, give noticeably uneven performances that are less than believable throughout. Joseph Gray is quite good when not directed to be overly stone-faced, anguished, or aggressive.
- connorundrumme
- May 20, 2024
- How long is End of the Rope?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime2 hours 19 minutes
- Color