Cross of Fire (1989)

Story of the rise and fall of 1920s' Ku Klux Klan leader D.C. Stephenson.

Director:

Paul Wendkos

Writer:

Robert Crais

Stars:

John Heard, Mel Harris, David Morse

Won 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Credited cast:
John Heard	...	David 'D.C.' Stephenson
Mel Harris	...	Madge Oberholtzer'
David Morse	...	Klell Henry
George Dzundza	...	Boyd Gurley
Donald Moffat	...	George Oberholtzer
Kim Hunter	...	Mrs. Oberholtzer
Caroline Kava
Keith Szarabajka
Ed Wiley
Dakin Matthews	...	Hiram Evans
Douglas Roberts
William Schallert	...	Reverend
Dion Anderson	...	Sen. Monroe
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Buzz Barton	...	Mayor of Addis
Lloyd Bridges	...	Lawyer

Storyline

Story of the rise and fall of 1920s' Ku Klux Klan leader D.C. Stephenson.

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Plot Keywords:

ku klux klan | hate crime | based on true story | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 November 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

La croix de feu

Filming Locations:

Lawrence, Kansas, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Leonard Hill Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

200 min 180 min (2 parts) 104 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

During defense testimony, a character witness testifies to holding several World War I decorations, such as the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster. None of these awards were in existence in the 1920s when the film is set (the Silver Star and Purple Heart were first issued in 1932). In the case of the Bronze Star, the medal did not exist until 1944.

User Reviews

A journeyman biopic and trial flick

"Cross of Fire" tells the story of David C. Stephenson, a megalomaniac who rose to considerable power and notoriety as the head of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan in the early 1920's. A tour-de-force by Heard as Stephenson, this 3 hour journeyman miniseries moves along well laying out the biography and history during the first half and then bogs down in the middle, turning into a courtroom drama, as Stephenson is put on trial for murder. An okay watch for those interested in this footnote in American history which others may find a bit tedious.