Fugitive Family (1980)

To the world Brian Roberts looks like a successful businessman, with a lovely wife and two children all living in a dream home. Nevertheless, he has really been working undercover for the ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Krasny

Writers:

James G. Hirsch (screenplay), James G. Hirsch (story)

Stars:

Richard Crenna, Diane Baker, Don Murray

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Crenna	...	Brian Roberts / Matthews
Diane Baker	...	Ellen 'Ellie' Roberts
Don Murray	...	Peter Ritchie
Ronny Cox	...	Mike Sylvester
Robin Dearden	...	Nancy Roberts
K.C. Martel	...	Andy Roberts
William Kirby Cullen	...	Mark Simonson
Mel Ferrer	...	Anthony Durano
Eli Wallach	...	Olan Vacio
Paul Mantee	...	Walther
Felice Orlandi	...	Fabiani
Sidney Clute	...	Sam Todd
Judy Farrell	...	Jennifer Balinger
Bobby Rolofson	...	Chip Balinger
Ken Hill	...	Mr. Shraft

Storyline

To the world Brian Roberts looks like a successful businessman, with a lovely wife and two children all living in a dream home. Nevertheless, he has really been working undercover for the Justice Department to snare a mob boss. When his cover is blown, he has to break the news to his family about the nature of his real job and, worse, that they are now in real danger! Consequently, they are forced into the federal government's Witness Relocation Program. However, the trauma to the family does not stop there, as the gangsters he double-crossed are determined he and his family shall not escape 'mob justice.'

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 October 1980 (USA)

Also Known As:

Avaintodistaja

Filming Locations:

St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aubrey/Hamner Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Good Casting

I have only seen this movie one time but still remember it very well. I like all three of the adult leads and none of them have ever disappointed me. I have always enjoyed the performances of Don Murray. This one stands out because because of his overall good guy typecasting has probably kept him from playing many villains. Many actors say it is more fun to play villains when the part is right. Don Murray plays the mob hit man after Richard Crenna and family because Richard Crenna was undercover for the FBI until his cover was blown and he and his family had to go into witness protection. If I remember correctly, all went well until their daughter decided to contact her boyfriend and the mob picked up their trail.

Returning to where I started from; Don Murray stands out as the hit man. I get the impression he was trying to overcome his being typecast as a good guy in this and the part he had in Planet of he Apes. Another of his movies, in which he was tied to the mob but I cannot locate it is Borgia Stick. These movies show that when Mr. Murray got the chance to be a villain, he could knock it out of the park.

I see he has come out of retirement to be in Twin Peaks and I hope it goes well for him. Since he is about 88, I wish him many more years of good health and hope he is enjoying retirement and hope to see him again on occasion.