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 ...
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Title: Beyond the Call (TV Movie 1996)
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1 nomination.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Sissy Spacek | ... | Pam O'Brien | |
| David Strathairn | ... | Russell Cates | |
| Arliss Howard | ... | Keith O'Brien | |
| Janet Wright | ... | Fran | |
| Lindsay Murrell | ... | Rebecca | |
| Leslie Carlson | ... | Dan (as Les Carlson) | |
 |
Ken James | ... | Mel |
|
|
Christina Collins | ... | Ruth |
|
|
Andrew Sardella | ... | Mark |
|
|
Wayne Downer | ... | Policeman #2 |
|
|
Diane D'Aquila | ... | Angela |
|
|
Christine Reeves | ... | Cop's Wife |
| Rufus Crawford | ... | Thibodeaux | |
| Desmond Campbell | ... | Guard #1 | |
|
|
John Pearson | ... | Guard #2 |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
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. Written by David Kinne <davros@gargoyle.apana.org.au>
Plot Keywords:
prison | childhood sweetheart | death row | kissing a married woman | kiss on the lips |Genres:
DramaMotion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for strong language and some violence | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
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Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
23 June 1996 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Esperança Final See more »Filming Locations:
Toronto, Ontario, CanadaCompany Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Ultra StereoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1Frequently Asked Questions
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Actor and director Tony Bill has directed this story which tell another tragic Vietnam veteran story. Today a bit contrived, maybe, but in 1996 quite actual. It still is. War time veterans with psychological problems are coming out of any war.
Middle aged Pam learns that her childhood sweetheart, Russel, a man which couldn't hurt a fly, is imprisoned and waiting on death row after killing a policeman. She can't understand why, and goes to visit him, and sons learn that he didn't do what he is accused for. She engages in the case, and this soon affects her life and her marriage. Her husband is a Vietnam vet himself, and not at all with ease with it.
Sissy Spacek plays Pam, and David Strathairn plays their roles with great poise, and adds to the films greatness. Arliss Howard starts off like an unimportant guy in the beginning, but soon he is doing just as great as the others. The film hits on several levels, and is almost like a stage play. It could have been great on stage with a couple if good actors. And it's turned out to be a good film as well. Dark and bleak, yet filmed with bright colors as well, like a fresh nineties film, it balances between a film noir and prison movie. The film uses flashbacks when it comes to her child hood memories, to underline that Russ was a nice guy back then.
It's strong on emotions, and gets you really in the end. A drama you won't forget.
Watch this seven times before you go watch the highly overrated "Dead man walking".