Although supposedly based on actual incidents, this film "depicts an authentic case" in the same way that "Police Squad" depicts authentic investigative techniques. If this film at all accurately conveys the trial of Richard Lyons, then everyone involved should be disbarred.
It's hard to shine an accusatory spotlight on any one member of this cast, but Tess Harper, as Assistant D.A. Jerri Sims, looks particularly lost during the entire film. Not that she's given much to work with, mind you.
Sondra Locke's direction lacks focus. She hits every plotpoint with such heavy-handedness, that the viewer literally hears a "bum - bum - BAH" in their head as each one is revealed. This, coupled with the fact that she can't seem to decide just what this story is about, suggests she should apprentice a bit more at her craft.
It's hard to shine an accusatory spotlight on any one member of this cast, but Tess Harper, as Assistant D.A. Jerri Sims, looks particularly lost during the entire film. Not that she's given much to work with, mind you.
Sondra Locke's direction lacks focus. She hits every plotpoint with such heavy-handedness, that the viewer literally hears a "bum - bum - BAH" in their head as each one is revealed. This, coupled with the fact that she can't seem to decide just what this story is about, suggests she should apprentice a bit more at her craft.