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IMDbPro

In a Shallow Grave

  • 19881988
  • RR
  • 1h 32m
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
250
YOUR RATING
In a Shallow Grave (1988)
  • Drama
  • Romance
When a physically and emotionally scarred soldier returns home from World War II, he mistakenly trusts a mysterious young drifter to deliver a secret love letter to his old sweetheart.When a physically and emotionally scarred soldier returns home from World War II, he mistakenly trusts a mysterious young drifter to deliver a secret love letter to his old sweetheart.When a physically and emotionally scarred soldier returns home from World War II, he mistakenly trusts a mysterious young drifter to deliver a secret love letter to his old sweetheart.
IMDb RATING
5.9/10
250
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Kenneth Bowser
  • Writers
    • Kenneth Bowser
    • James Purdy(novel)
  • Stars
    • Michael Biehn
    • Maureen Mueller
    • Michael Beach
Top credits
  • Director
    • Kenneth Bowser
  • Writers
    • Kenneth Bowser
    • James Purdy(novel)
  • Stars
    • Michael Biehn
    • Maureen Mueller
    • Michael Beach
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 2User reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Photos8

    Michael Biehn in In a Shallow Grave (1988)
    Patrick Dempsey and Michael Beach in In a Shallow Grave (1988)
    Maureen Mueller in In a Shallow Grave (1988)
    Patrick Dempsey and Maureen Mueller in In a Shallow Grave (1988)
    Michael Biehn in In a Shallow Grave (1988)
    Michael Biehn in In a Shallow Grave (1988)
    In a Shallow Grave (1988)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Michael Biehn
    Michael Biehn
    • Garnet Montroseas Garnet Montrose
    Maureen Mueller
    Maureen Mueller
    • Georgina Ranceas Georgina Rance
    Michael Beach
    Michael Beach
    • Quintus Pearchas Quintus Pearch
    Patrick Dempsey
    Patrick Dempsey
    • Potter Daventryas Potter Daventry
    Thomas B. Mason
    • Edgar Doustas Edgar Doust
    Mike Pettinger
    • Milkmanas Milkman
    Prentiss Rowe
    • Postmanas Postman
    Ron Rosenthal
    • Army Doctoras Army Doctor
    Muriel Moore
    • Mrs. Gondessas Mrs. Gondess
    Walter Davy
    • Doc Farmeras Doc Farmer
    Jim Bynum
    • Reverend Spinneyas Reverend Spinney
    Lonnie R. Smith Jr.
    • Soldieras Soldier
    • (as Lonnie Smith)
    Tom Harper
    Tom Harper
    • Soldieras Soldier
    Donna Lou Miller
    • Annas Ann
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Kenneth Bowser
    • Writers
      • Kenneth Bowser
      • James Purdy(novel)
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Alternate versions
      The film was cut from 116 minutes to 92 minutes for its theatrical release due to uneasiness over the film's gay content. The deleted scenes were restored for its network television premiere on PBS in 1990.

    User reviews2

    Review
    Top review
    Compelling Interaction on Socially Flawed Persons
    MIcheal Beihn is Garnet Montrose, a wounded soldier who returns from the war, horribly scarred, he now feels he is too hideous for his beloved, Ann. The only one who will see him is Quintus, played by Micheal Beach, the black worker who minds him and runs errands for him. For the early part of the twentieth century, Garnet has taken a risk and taught Quintus how to read. Enter Daventry, played by Patrick Dempsey. An aimless, wandering soul, Daventry becomes the third player in the Garnet-Ann relationship. As he tells Garnet what to write to Ann, the passionate emotion he feels within his heart, it becomes clear Daventry has fallen for Garnet. Now Daventry must deliver messages to the woman Garnet loves. This was an incredible Cyrano DeBergerac reversed story that while not having scene stealing performances, due to its subtlety, it is a compelling saga to watch unfold. Further enhancing the forbidden love is Quintus, who while at times the very amusing comedy relief, his humor is very realistic, he also makes astonishing stabs at how it is to be black in the white society. Quintus stands at the amusing moments, such as the fall from the window and the storm destroying the furniture and not the house, but he is also at one of the most poignant times as well, such as when he tells Garnet that Daventry is in love with him. Garnet refuses to believe him at first. The ending climax is a bit unclear as to what exactly happened, but the rest of the story, including the finale makes up for it. There just seemed to be nowhere else for the story to go.
    helpful•17
    2
    • richard.fuller1
    • Feb 8, 2002

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 3, 1988 (Japan)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • American Playhouse: In a Shallow Grave
    • Filming locations
      • Roanoke, Virginia, USA
    • Production companies
      • American Playhouse
      • Film Trustees Ltd.
      • Lorimar Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 32 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono

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