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The Executioner's Song

  • TV Movie
  • 1982
  • Unrated
  • 2h 15m
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
2.2K
YOUR RATING
The Executioner's Song (1982)
Clip: Gary refuses all appeals and asks to be executed by firing squad
Play clip0:40
Watch The Executioner's Song
1 Video
33 Photos
True CrimeBiographyCrimeDrama

The story of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who lobbied for his own execution.The story of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who lobbied for his own execution.The story of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who lobbied for his own execution.

  • Director
    • Lawrence Schiller
  • Writer
    • Norman Mailer
  • Stars
    • Tommy Lee Jones
    • Christine Lahti
    • Rosanna Arquette
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.0/10
    2.2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lawrence Schiller
    • Writer
      • Norman Mailer
    • Stars
      • Tommy Lee Jones
      • Christine Lahti
      • Rosanna Arquette
    • 27User reviews
    • 11Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 2 Primetime Emmys
      • 2 wins & 3 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Executioner's Song
    Clip 0:40
    The Executioner's Song

    Photos33

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    Top cast64

    Edit
    Tommy Lee Jones
    Tommy Lee Jones
    • Gary Gilmore
    Christine Lahti
    Christine Lahti
    • Brenda Nicol
    Rosanna Arquette
    Rosanna Arquette
    • Nicole Baker
    Eli Wallach
    Eli Wallach
    • Vern Damico
    Steven Keats
    Steven Keats
    • Larry Samuels
    Jordan Clarke
    Jordan Clarke
    • Johnny Nicol
    Richard Venture
    Richard Venture
    • Earl Dorius
    Jenny Wright
    Jenny Wright
    • April Baker
    Walter Olkewicz
    Walter Olkewicz
    • Pete Galovan
    Michael LeClair
    • Rikki Wood
    Pat Corley
    Pat Corley
    • Val Conlan
    Mary Ethel Gregory
    • Ida Damico
    John Dennis Johnston
    John Dennis Johnston
    • Jimmy Poker-Game
    Norris Mailer
    • Lu-Ann
    • (as Norris Church)
    Kenneth O'Brien
    • Spencer McGrath
    Jim Youngs
    Jim Youngs
    • Sterling Baker
    Grace Zabriskie
    Grace Zabriskie
    • Kathryne Baker
    John Chappell
    • Ron Stanger
    • Director
      • Lawrence Schiller
    • Writer
      • Norman Mailer
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      According to Lawrence Schiller, Debra Winger was strongly favored for Nicole Baker, but was turned down after being considered "too urban" for the role. Tatum O'Neal also read for the role.
    • Goofs
      When they are releasing the straps from Gilmore after he is dead you can see his hand move. In addition the arm is closer to the leg than depicted in the previous shot.
    • Quotes

      Gary Mark Gilmore: Go down on me, partner... I need it

      Nicole Baker: Don't call me partner.

      Gary Mark Gilmore: No, darlin'... I love it... I love it

      Nicole Baker: Yeah, you and seven other motherfuckers.

    • Alternate versions
      A 97-minutes version was released theatrically in Europe, featuring additional footage with some nudity not shown in original television version.
    • Connections
      Featured in The 35th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1983)
    • Soundtracks
      Talk Good Boogie
      Written and Performed by Waylon Jennings

      Produced by Chips Moman

      Music Coordinator: Marylou Hyatt

    User reviews27

    Featured review
    7/10

    Tommy Lee = BRILLIANT

    This was the oldest movie so far that I have seen of Tommy Lee Jones and it surpassed all my expectations. Here I was thinking that he got better with age, but he really was that good all along! He plays this role exceptionally well and I have even more respect for him as an actor now. Rosanna Arquette was very good indeed. I always thought her to play in brainless Hollywood movies, but this film was a good decision on her part. This film is another example of an unempowered woman who is alone and desperate for any attention that she can get. Unluckily for Nicole(Rosanna) this attention comes in the form of Gary (Tommy Lee), who is a very disturbed young man who sees human life as something that can be discarded of easily and without any hesitation on his part. Be it for money, or simply because he felt like it, Gary kills people without blinking. At the end of the movie Gary changes somewhat and it is welcome in an absurd kind of way? He makes peace with his lot and with himself and only then you feel sorry for him. If you are a Tommy Lee fan like me, then you definitely have to see this one. Hasta luego
    • Maretha
    • May 23, 2005
    • Permalink

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 28, 1982 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • One Thousand and 45 Nights
    • Filming locations
      • Provo, Utah, USA
    • Production company
      • Film Communications Inc.
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 15 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono

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