In a smart move, the teleplay of this remake is vastly different from the 1958 classic. Instead of mostly focusing on her life during and after the murder trial, half of the film is dedicated to her earlier years and arrests. It was a good call because not only would audiences always be comparing the film to the better version, but Lindsay Wagner didn't have one-tenth the acting chops of Susan Hayward; had it been a scene-for-scene remake she just couldn't have handled it. As it was, she still couldn't handle it. Her delivery, mannerisms, and expressions were straight out of high school drama class. I was almost embarrassed for her.
Martin Balsam plays Lindsay's defense attorney, and since we all know the story, it's a perfect casting choice. I've seen him play a lawyer in so many movies, and he always loses his case! Perhaps it's because he's so honor bound, he stands up in front of the jury, points to his client and shouts, "He did it! He did it!" Oh, wait, wrong movie. I love him so much in Murder on the Orient Express, I forget that he doesn't always act that way in every role.
I really can't recommend this tv movie unless you really love Lindsay Wagner and want to see her try to act in a drama. For anyone who loves Susan Hayward or enjoyed the original story, this is just embarrassing. Why remake it with such an inept actress, or if the story is going to be so altered, why remake it at all? And why leave out one of the most famous details of the story: the blindfold?
Martin Balsam plays Lindsay's defense attorney, and since we all know the story, it's a perfect casting choice. I've seen him play a lawyer in so many movies, and he always loses his case! Perhaps it's because he's so honor bound, he stands up in front of the jury, points to his client and shouts, "He did it! He did it!" Oh, wait, wrong movie. I love him so much in Murder on the Orient Express, I forget that he doesn't always act that way in every role.
I really can't recommend this tv movie unless you really love Lindsay Wagner and want to see her try to act in a drama. For anyone who loves Susan Hayward or enjoyed the original story, this is just embarrassing. Why remake it with such an inept actress, or if the story is going to be so altered, why remake it at all? And why leave out one of the most famous details of the story: the blindfold?