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Beyond the Call

  • TV Movie
  • 19961996
  • RR
  • 1h 41m
IMDb RATING
5.7/10
186
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Beyond the Call (1996)
  • Drama
Russell Gates is a Vietnam vet on death row for killing a policeman. His childhood sweetheart, Pam O'Brien, is stunned to learn this and does not believe he could commit such a crime. She wr... Read allRussell Gates is a Vietnam vet on death row for killing a policeman. His childhood sweetheart, Pam O'Brien, is stunned to learn this and does not believe he could commit such a crime. She writes to him much to the dismay of her husband Keith and becomes obsessed with the case, ex... Read allRussell Gates is a Vietnam vet on death row for killing a policeman. His childhood sweetheart, Pam O'Brien, is stunned to learn this and does not believe he could commit such a crime. She writes to him much to the dismay of her husband Keith and becomes obsessed with the case, exploring every avenue that may still be open to the doomed man. The trips to the prison tak... Read all
IMDb RATING
5.7/10
186
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Tony Bill
  • Writer
    • Doug Magee
  • Stars
    • Sissy Spacek
    • David Strathairn
    • Arliss Howard
Top credits
  • Director
    • Tony Bill
  • Writer
    • Doug Magee
  • Stars
    • Sissy Spacek
    • David Strathairn
    • Arliss Howard
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 4User reviews
    • 2Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination

    Photos

    David Strathairn in Beyond the Call (1996)
    David Strathairn in Beyond the Call (1996)
    David Strathairn in Beyond the Call (1996)
    Add photo

    Top cast

    Edit
    Sissy Spacek
    Sissy Spacek
    • Pam O'Brienas Pam O'Brien
    David Strathairn
    David Strathairn
    • Russell Catesas Russell Cates
    Arliss Howard
    Arliss Howard
    • Keith O'Brienas Keith O'Brien
    Janet Wright
    Janet Wright
    • Franas Fran
    Lindsay Murrell
    Lindsay Murrell
    • Rebeccaas Rebecca
    Leslie Carlson
    Leslie Carlson
    • Danas Dan
    • (as Les Carlson)
    Ken James
    • Melas Mel
    Christina Collins
    • Ruthas Ruth
    Andrew Sardella
    • Markas Mark
    Wayne Downer
    • Policeman #2as Policeman #2
    Diane D'Aquila
    • Angelaas Angela
    Christine Reeves
    • Cop's Wifeas Cop's Wife
    Rufus Crawford
    Rufus Crawford
    • Thibodeauxas Thibodeaux
    Desmond Campbell
    Desmond Campbell
    • Guard #1as Guard #1
    John Pearson
    • Guard #2as Guard #2
    Jefferson Mappin
    Jefferson Mappin
    • Guard #3as Guard #3
    Kevin Rushton
    Kevin Rushton
    • Guard #4as Guard #4
    Dov Tiefenbach
    Dov Tiefenbach
    • Mark's Friendas Mark's Friend
    • Director
      • Tony Bill
    • Writer
      • Doug Magee
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    Russell Gates is a Vietnam vet on death row for killing a policeman. His childhood sweetheart, Pam O'Brien, is stunned to learn this and does not believe he could commit such a crime. She writes to him much to the dismay of her husband Keith and becomes obsessed with the case, exploring every avenue that may still be open to the doomed man. The trips to the prison take a toll on both her marriage and her family. —David Kinne <davros@gargoyle.apana.org.au>
    • vietnam war veteran
    • shooting a police officer
    • ptsd post traumatic stress disorder
    • prison
    • childhood sweetheart
    • 46 more
    • Plot summary
    • Add synopsis
    • Genre
      • Drama
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated R for strong language and some violence
    • Parents guide
      • Add content advisory

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      True story what film is based on appertains on episode of "My Favourite Murder" podcast

    User reviews4

    Review
    Top review
    8/10
    A heartfelt movie that will bring a tear to your eye
    This is truly a gem of a movie and should be seen by all who love a great story and superb acting. At first glance you may be turned off by the idea of a man on death row for killing a cop. You may not understand how Sissy Spaceks character can have any compassion towards her ex boyfriend after what has happened. When i first viewed this movie i had a friend who had walked in late on this movie & initially couldn't understand why someone had told him this was worth seeing. Well towards the end of the movie in the seen with the last phone call. My friend actually got so choked up he couldn't help but to let out a slight whimper and say ouch. Can't say i was doing any better... glad it was dark. So all in all it's a truly heartfelt movie and a must see for anyone who is not afraid to shed a tear. Guys i recommend not watching this with a buddy because it will get you. If it doesn't choke you up, check your pulse... you might be dead!!
    helpful•2
    2
    • brenttmileham
    • Mar 9, 2008

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 23, 1996 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Canada
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Vän i nöd
    • Filming locations
      • Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    • Production companies
      • Barnstorm Entertainment
      • Chris/Rose Productions
      • Hallmark Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 41 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Ultra Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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