ThomasMLeonard2003 Reviews

Harry Chapin: The Final Concert (1981)

Probably The Best Harry Chapin DVD You Will Find

[8/10 · 12 July 2015]

The Final Concert, currently available under the title You Are The Only Song, is the best representation of Harry Chapin's unique & memorable style available for fans today. Despite it's original title, this was not Chapin last concert performance, it was filmed roughly one year before his untimely death for a TV special. Chapin plays in front of a fairly large crowd rolling through new material from his final album (Sequel) with a healthy mix of album cuts & singles from his previous 10 albums.

Chapin is at ease in front of the large crowd. Though much of his between song banter & comedic interplay with his band was scripted it still manages to come off fresh and original for the live crowd. Despite that hectic touring and performing schedule (over 230 shows per year most years) his voice is in fine form, although powerhouse vocals & glass shattering high notes were not his forte. Chapin's appeal as a performer was his ability to connect personally with his audience, an amiable, folksy, at ease style combined with his humorous and charismatic personality that made his audience feel intimately connected with him on stage. This was a strong asset given many of his songs tended towards sad or melancholy story lines, often dealing with aftermath of life's losses. Musically Chapin's arrangements tended towards the sentimental side which made sense given the story of his lyrics, there is some romanticizing and a lot of moralizing, tales of bored husbands, singing dry cleaners, failed pilots, absent dads, Chapin wrote songs about common "ordinary" people dealing with situations that while unique, actually were very basic moments most of us could relate too. Maybe we aren't all singing dry cleaners dreaming of performing in concert like "Mr Tanner" but everyone one of us at one time or another has wanted something, a job, a romantic relationship, a promotion, a championship of sorts, and come up short....and like Mr Tanner had to keep living our normal lives despite the loss. Such was much of Chapin's songwriting, songs that seemed simple to critics but reached his audience in a personal way most pop music doesn't.

Musically this is about as good a "Best Of" set as you'll find anywhere for the singer....hit singles such as "Taxi" (his debut hit), WOLD, Sequel (his final Top 20 Hit), and his million selling Grammy Hall Of Fame Inductee "Cat's In The Cradle", one of the 1970's most iconic songs, all are featured alongside concert staples from his various albums such as the aforementioned "Mr Tanner", "A Better Place To Be" (these are two of the best performances on the set, Chapin effortlessly nailing the sentiment and longing in each number in near perfect voice), "Shooting Star", a lively , rousing run through his somewhat campy, satirical, and garrulously funny "30,000 Lbs Of Bananas" (a huge audience participation number), a crazy tune completely offset by a quiet acoustic performance of "Story Of A Life" (another set highlight). Every bit of two full hours even with editing (Chapin's concerts were known to last over 3 hours) any fan who purchases this set will certainly get their money's worth.

The band is in fine form....especially cellist Yvonne Cable, a relatively new member of the group at the time of this show (about six months in the band), in sharp contrast to the rest of her band mates including "Big" John Wallace (comedic foil for many of Chapin's jokes, both a tenor and baritone as a back-up singer, bass guitarist) who was a founding member of the group, Howie "Cold Sticks" Fields (the only drummer the group ever had), Doug "Hot Licks" Walker (only the second, and final, lead guitarist the group ever had, already with over five years in the band at the time this was recorded), and Harry's brother Steve, who he had performed with on and off since the 1960s, long before "Taxi" made him a major recording star, and had been playing piano, singing back up, & handling most of the band's arrangements for roughly the previous five plus years as well. There are is also a guest appearance by Harry's brother Tom, himself an accomplished folk rock singer, who often opened for Harry and joined the band on stage for selected numbers.

The latest release under the You Are The Only Song title also features performances edited off the original TV Special and video release, mostly more material from his Sequel album but also rare on video performances of earlier songs such "Halfway To Heaven" & "If Mary Was Here".

The current release is available through the official Harry Chapin website affiliated with The Harry Chapin Foundation, the charitable organization set up by Chapin's family after his passing to raise money for the various causes he supported. Chapin was perhaps more known for his passionate philanthropic work than he was for hit records with an estimated 50% or more of his concerts each year as charitable benefits. Chapin lobbied in Congress & The Us Senate was served on The Presidential Commission On World Hunger, and was the founding member World Hunger Year (today known as WhyHunger) which not only provides emergency assistance to those in need of food but also aides in job placement and training as well as farming and agriculture, among other programs, all designed to help those in poverty become more self-sufficient. Chapin also was a strong supporter of local community programs that improved accessibility to music and the arts education, especially for children but for adults as well. Today, The National Recording Association of America awards the "Harry Chapin Humanitarian Of The Year" award to performers who best exemplify his spirit of charitable giving. In 1987 the US Government awarded Chapin The Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, the highest award given to any civilian, for his tireless humanitarian work. Proceeds of DVD sales through the Harry Chapin Foundation are donated to charity.

The High Price of Passion (1986 TV Movie)

Excellent Performance By Richard Crenna in Fact Based Drama

[8/10 · 13 June 2014]

"The High Price of Passion" is made for TV Movie (debuting Nov 30, 1986 on NBC) based on the real life crime story of a middle aged Tuft's University Professor who loses his job and eventually lands in jail when his relationship with a young prostitute grows to obsession and leads to murder. Emmy Winner Richard Crenna plays Professor William Douglas and Karen Young co stars as the object of his obsession, Robin Benedict.

The movie, adapted by Mel Frohman based on a book about the murder by author Russell M Glitman (credit NY Times for info) is mostly told in flashbacks through the eyes of Douglas following his arrest for Robin's murder. Moving back and forth between Robin's struggles with her parents over her lifestyle choices and Douglas' growing interest in her, this film weaves a tail of a man who is completely unfulfilled in his personal life despite tremendous success and recognition in his professional life. Crenna's performance is highly engaging, giving sense early on that Douglas has some underlying character flaws hidden by his relentless work habits, you feel early on that Douglas is needy, missing something, that connection, that fulfillment, in his personal life, but it's a slow ride between Douglas becoming smitten with Robin and the first signs that his crush has morphed into something darker. Crenna illuminates this perfectly, convincingly portraying a character who at one point is completely naive, fumbling, seemingly caring & romantic, while seething underneath the surface with much darker emotions borne out of loneliness and an apparent lack of self confidence away from the classroom or the research lab. For her part Young portrays Robin not as a callous user or manipulative but as conflicted, somewhat lacking in self confidence herself (attempts at school and work in graphic design haven't gone well previously), leading to her choice of profession. Young's Robin deeply cares for her parents and siblings (though she doesn't want them to know about her profession) and in the beginning seems genuinely attracted, at least as a friend, to Douglas.

The supporting cast is solid although outside of Robin's parents (Sean McCann as her father & Terry Tweed as the mom) they aren't given much to do as the film is heavy on scenes depicting the turns in the Douglas-Robin relationship (Tweed also had a smaller role in the Frank Janek film "Murder Times Seven" which also starred Richard Crenna). Crenna really carries the workload here but he is more than up to the task, in fact this mat have been one of his best performances in his long career (coming at career peak for him, just after his critically acclaimed turns in the motion pictures "Body Heat" & "The Flamingo Kid" and after winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Leading Actor in "The Rape Of Richard Beck" as well as the star of his seven film run in the Frank Janek series of Made For TV Movies from 1985-94, as well as his co starring role in the blockbuster "Rambo" films).

The film does not however offer any excuses for Douglas' ultimate final crime, though Crenna's performance is good enough to make you feel sorry at times for Douglas the movie doesn't portray him as a victim in any way. The film is kinder in it's treatment of Robin who is shown in a sympathetic light despite her obvious misguided career choices.

If you can find a copy of this film watch it, you will be highly entertained. As a side note, according to the NY Times, Tuft's University wasn't thrilled when the film debuted on NBC as the location of the school is portrayed as being in Boston near the red light district. Despite some threats of litigation nothing came of it.

Footsteps (1972 TV Movie)

Excellent Performance From Richard Crenna Carries Footsteps

[8/10 · 10 June 2014]

By the early 70's Richard Crenna was settling in as one of the top "Go To" actors for the growing industry of Made For TV Movies. In fact, although he would make numerous appearances in motion pictures, particularly in the 80s & 90s, his TV work was prolific during that time. "Footsteps: Nice Guys Finish Last" is one of the better TV Movies on his resume and one of his best performances on film.

"Footsteps" is the story of highly talented and successful football coach Paddy O'Connor (Crenna) who's career has been derailed by his drinking and womanizing. Big time college and pro jobs avoiding him, O'Connor reluctantly agrees to take a Defensive Coordinator job at a small school with a recent history of losing when it's offered by the team's Head Coach, former college football teammate (and rival) Jonas Kane (Clu Gulager, highly effective as Kane, who struggles with his disdain for O'Connor, and on some levels jealousy, but realizes he needs his coaching expertise to revive his floundering program). Joanna Petit co stars as Kane's girlfriend who takes more than a passing interest in the complicated O'Connor, much to Kane's chagrin.

Along the way O'Connor convinces the team's top offensive player to switch to defense, subsequently designing an entire defensive scheme around him that confuses opponents and elevates that young man to the top of pro scouts attention as the season wears on the NFL teams are looking at potential draft picks. The defensive success of course sets the team on a winning path, seemingly saving Kane's job, while helping to resurrect O'Connnor's fortunes, making him once again a candidate for high profile college and pro jobs. Unfortunately success comes at a price. O'Connor doesn't mind playing the college boosters against each other to pressure Kane into accepting his changes but he draws the line at gambling and point shaving (the practice of teams purposefully keeping scores low to benefit by gambling on the lower scores). Kane can barely hide his disdain for O'Connor's arrogance and isn't pleased when he starts romancing his girlfriend but with team winning (and his own once tenuous job now secure) he grudgingly bites his tongue.

Bigger problems arise when the new star defensive player JJ Blake (played by Bill Overton) appears to suffer a concussion. In what ironically today is a highly topical storyline, O'Connor struggles with forcing Blake to play for the good of the time with a key late season game on the horizon, just as calls start coming in about potential top tier coaching jobs, unsure if Blake's injury is severe and if playing could potentially harm him worse. Crenna, who excels throughout this film, is at his best trying to convince himself (against his better judgement) that Blake can play, especially in one scene where he lies to Blake's mother about his health (he's proud of himself for how well he did conning her but still guilty about betraying Blake's well being). Complicating matters worse or increased calls from the boosters to help their gambling fortunes and Blake himself, who clearly wants to play, but is convinced the side effects he is suffering are more serious than O'Connor is letting on. Ned Beatty appears as an assistant coach who has to decide to stop O'Connor from risking Blake's safety or go along with him (and the promise of a plum job on his staff when he lands his next job).

It's unclear until the ending if O'Connor will do the right thing by Blake, although he repeatedly shuns any involvement in gambling he is a hard drinking womanizer and he clearly lied and conned Blake's mother, IE O'Connor shows enough failings that it's believable he could betray Blake for his own self gain in the end, but he shows enough decency, not just with the gambling but also when he realizes how much Blake looks up to him, that it's hard to predict which way he'll turn when he finally meets the proverbial fork in the road. Making it all come together is Crenna, who is excellent at portraying the anti hero and self destructive O'Connor, balancing his lust for success with his feeling of remorse for lying to the injured (and trusting) Blake. The supporting cast is also strong, particularly Gulager, though he isn't given near as much to work with as Crenna.

If you can find it this is an engaging film, and with all the recent exposure to head injuries, long term side effects, etc going on with today's NFL, a surprisingly topical film despite it's age.

Thief (1971 TV Movie)

Richard Crenna Shines In 1971 TV Movie

[8/10 · 9 June 2014]

"Thief" is a simple story...a convicted con man and thief is (Seemingly) trying to go straight in order to get custody of his son from his clearly un fit ex wife. Unfortunately life on the straight on the narrow doesn't pay as well (or as fast) as life in crime and when added to the main character's attraction to gambling, well, you get the idea.

Emmy Winner Richard Crenna is outstanding as Neil Wilkinson, the ex con turned insurance salesman who does truly seem to want to rescue his estranged son from the entanglements of the courts and his un fit ex. Neil however is supplementing his income with occasional home burglaries, fencing stolen jewelry for cash. Most of that income has gone into attorney fees and establishing an upscale, posh, residence more than fit to raise a child in. Neil's methods, though unorthodox, aren't entirely ultraistic. A gambling addict, seems Neil ran afoul of a big time casino boss for un paid debts, money his legit job as an insurance salesman wont cover. Cameron Mitchell does a good job in a supporting role as the sympathetic but exasperated lawyer who goes beyond the call of duty trying to help his client.

While trying to figure a way out of his casino troubles Neil is busy romancing Jean Melville (Angie Dickinson), an attractive interior decorator Neil hopes to turn from un committed fling into full fledged romance/mom to his son. Dickinson isn't utilized near enough in the film given that her character is the one presence on screen that seems to bring out Neil's good side (although he is mentioned, Neil's son is never seen, nor is the backstory regarding his mother or relationship with Neil fully explored). Eventually Neil, feeling trapped with an angry mob connected casino owner not too mention a suspicious parole officer both on his back, decides to pull one last heist, a big one at an upscale house party in the wealthy part of town.

Crenna is at his best when Neil is on the prowl, particularly during the final big heist, truly engaging and charismatic, he mixes just the right amounts of appropriate fear (there is significant danger involved) and arrogance (he has to be full of himself to think he can pull off such a heist). The film would have been better had Crenna been given the opportunity to explore Neil's relationship with his son further but with a running time of 90 minutes (72 minutes without commercials) there is only so much film time available. Crenna's portrayal none the less is highly entertaining, effectively straddling the line between villain and hero, is Neil an un-redeemable heel who gets what he deserves or is he actually a good guy, trapped by his past mistakes, struggling to make a better life for him & his son ? Though not as well known as Crenna's acclaimed turns in feature films like "Wait Until Dark" or "The Sand Pebbles" or some of his more recent work in the 80s & 90s (his Emmy Winning Performance in "The Rape Of Richard Beck", The Frank Janek TV movies, his feature roles in "Flamongo Kid", "Leviathan", or the Rambo series), this movie is a thoroughly enjoyable, well paced, telefilm (itself nominated for a "Best TV Movie/Mini Series" Emmy) and stands the test of time despite its age (1971). Richard Crenna's performance alone compensates for the film's few shortcomings. If you can find it it's worth a look.

To Serve and Protect (1999)

Average Cop Drama Has Some Good Moments

[6/10 · 9 June 2014]

The reviews for the NBC 1999 Mini Series "To Serve & Protect" are all over the map on this website. Fact is, the two movies were not awful as some indicate but this was hardly Shakespeare. Essentially this is a solid police procedural with multiple (maybe too many) underlying story lines helping it maintain it's interest through three plus hours of film.

The basic premise is simple...Three generations of Dallas PD Police Officers all work together to catch a serial killer. Craig T Nelson (TV's "Coach" and the Poltergeist films, et all) is the lead as the current Chief Of Detectives Tom Carr. His father Howard, who retires after a long and distinguished career early in the film is played by Emmy Winner Richard Crenna. Amanda Detmer plays the newest addition to the long running Cop family, Tyler, a recent Police Academy Grad. For good measure we get lots of Tom's partner Brad (John Corbett) who is every bit as effective a cop as he is a womanizing ladies man. Tom is convinced that a recent string of unsolved homicides is the work of one predator even though the Dallas Police Chief initially doesn't think so. Eventually Tom convinces him otherwise and the fun begins.

Along the way we get revelations about the strained relationship between Father-Daughter Tom & Tyler, including an unplanned pregnancy and her changing her name to attend (and graduate) the Academy without her father's knowledge. There is a fledgling romantic entanglement between Brad & Tyler, and Howard's personal investigation post retirement into the murders of his other son & daughter in law, who's own son (struggling with being gay) is now being raised by Tom. Sound confusing ? It is to an extent as this mini series seems to head off in several different directions outside the serial killer investigation.

You get the impression that NBC may have had plans to turn this into a weekly series (thus the multiple unrelated side stories involving so many characters). In any event the film is muddled in the middle parts switching back & forth between the Gay story, Howard's investigation, and the somewhat creepy romance between Brad & Tyler (given that Tyler is much younger than Brad and he is her Dad's partner!). The film bogs down after a strong start and becomes a bit of a confusing mess of sorts.

Buidling towards the end the film picks up considerable steam. Putting the Gay story lines and improper romance in the rear view mirror the film focuses much more on solving the serial case and the unlikely killings of Tom's brother & sister in law. The conclusion brings all the principle characters together in a confrontation with the serial killer (the other case having already been solved). It's a bit predictable but satisfying and everyone of note is involved.

Nelson does a good job in the lead, playing a tough cop who none the less second guesses himself at home and shows far more sensitivity away from work than he shows on the job. Crenna isn't utilized near enough given his ability (and the many overlapping story lines involving his character's kids and grand kids) but he acquits himself well in a limited role as the older, wiser, teacher to Amanda Detmer's head strong, immature rookie cop (he even gets in on the action end in a shoot out with drug dealers). Detmer also is solid, adding some depth to an otherwise one dimensional self focused character, allowing the audience to understand a bit where she comes from emotionally (when she is given a chance which isn't often enough in a script that too often calls for her to be the bitter child without exploring why). The cast in general is quite good, the problem is the abundance of confusing and unrelated side stories that keep diverting the viewers attention.

Still, at roughly 3 hours length without commercials this is not a bad view, in fact it has it's share of entertaining moments and the audience will be happy with the conclusion of two biggest story lines (the two separate murder investigations). A good pick up at the right price.

The Forget-Me-Not Murders (1994 TV Movie)

Janek Returns Strong in 6th Outing

[7/10 · 3 June 2014]

"Janek: The Forget Me Not Murders" was the 6th of 7 made for TV movies on CBS based on novelist William Bayer's fictional NYPD Det Frank Janek. Bayer's novel "Wallflower" is the inspiration for this edition, where Janek returns to the small screen after a two year absence (broadcast in March of 1994, the film was a follow up to 1992's "Terror On Track Nine") with his most personal case yet, finding the killer who murdered his beloved god daughter Jess. Once again Richard Crenna gets the call to play Janek.

When we first see Janek he's very much alone (typical of the films and the books), this time taking in the sights in Canada before attending a conference on criminal behavior. It's here that he meets Dr. Monique Dessier (Helen Shaver), one of Canada's top psychologists, who initially catches our hero's attention for her good looks, before he realizes she is the main speaker at the conference he is town to attend. Despite some endearing but decidedly awkward verbal fumbling the two eventually hit it off, at least until news of Jess' death reaches Janek. Once he returns to New York Janek immediately is at odds with Police Chief Wycoff (Phillip Bosco, reprising his role from earlier films) over not being involved in the investigation. Once it's revealed that Jess' death was the work of a serial killer and not a random act Janek wants the case even more (these types of crimes tend to be his specialty).

Eventually Janek is put in touch with the FBI team investigating the case and although impressed with their work he quickly ends up at odds with them as well over a key piece of the investigation he feels is being overlooked. Originally brought in to assist the FBI due to his past dealings with serial killer cases, Janek & the FBI agree to work separate angles on the case. Wycoff isn't pleased since this effectively takes Janek off any other potential cases but reluctantly agrees. As usual, Janek's partner Aaron Greenberg provides the back up, played once again by Cliff Gorman who does an excellent job at commanding his own presence in scenes without overshadowing Crenna.

The bulk of the film deals with Janek's investigation as he & Greenberg work the angle he argued with the FBI over, which slowly turns in some promising leads. Like in past films there is a fair amount of psychological profiling by Janek as he tries to discern the killer's identity. Unlike in "Terror On Track 9" or "Silent Betrayal" where Janek's investigation basically leads to one dead end after another until a lucky break cracks the case, here Janek & Greenberg seemingly hit on a string of fruitful leads, following each step until it leads to the killer. A risky ploy that breaks Department Policy provides the most vital clues yet, but it nearly gets Janek & Greenberg fired. It also gets an informant killed and puts Janek in a deadly confrontation with the killer.

The kicker here is whether the killer acted alone, with Janek (and eventually Greenberg) convinced that an earlier suspect since ruled out may still have been involved, possibly as the brains behind the killings. Unfortunately Janek is short on proof and given little time by an impatient Wycoff to solve the last piece of the puzzle. Complicating matters more is Janek's attempts to start a serious relationship with Monique, who ends up providing some valuable insight into the killer's profile as well doing some under cover work for the team, though it puts her in danger briefly as well. Monique isn't sure she likes Janek's intense pursuit and questions how much of his obsession is strictly business as opposed to wanting vengeance for Jess' death.

Janek is forced into some extraordinary measures to get a final confession but nothing to out of sorts for many police and detective dramas. Tyne Daly does a strong turn as a cold as ice therapist who seems to be intrinsically linked to all of the victims. Next to Crenna, she steals the show. As usual Crenna is strong as Frank Janek, convincingly straddling the lines between standard tough guy cop, hopeless but jaded romantic, and a man consumed by his desire for revenge. The film portrayal of Janek isn't as complex as Bayer's books but that doesn't make Crenna any less effective in illuminating the different layers of the character. Crenna was an excellent actor always capable of pulling the most out of the material he was given. A good choice for a good character.

Will Janek catch the killer ? Will he get the girl (typically he doesn't in these films, his romantic life the polar opposite of his police career success wise) ? "The Forget Me Not Murders" is an enjoyable, if at times a bit predictable, film, a solid procedural, that doesn't bog down much in the middle and leaves with a satisfying ending. Another good entry in Frank Janek film series.

Janek: The Silent Betrayal (1994 TV Movie)

Final Janek A Solid But Not Spectacular Ending To Series

[7/10 · 28 May 2014]

William Bayer's fictional hero Frank Janek, popularized in a series of successful books and adapted to TV for seven movies on CBS, makes his final appearance in "Janek: The Silent Betrayal". Emmy Winner Richard Crenna returns to the title role of the world weary, not getting any younger NYPD Detective who has a knack for cracking tough cases involving serial killers & occasionally police corruption. Cliff Gorman is back as Janek's partner Aaron Greenberg, a bit toned down in terms of the sarcastic wise cracks and romantic overtures towards younger women than in previous outings. Phillip Bosco also returns as Chief Wycoff, although he has a smaller role in this film than in previous movies. The basic premise is six grisly stabbings all occur the same night in the same small apartment building, which is owned by a famous & highly eccentric Broadway Producer William Bodosh (Played by William Shatner). There is a side story involving Janek's latest romance, with psychologist Monique Dessier from Canada who testifies in criminal trials. Janek's previous romantic entanglements have never ended well in these films but this one (played by Helen Shaver) seems more serious.

Trying to determine links between the victims (outside of all living or working in the same building) proves tough, except they all have had major personal issues with Bodosh, a heavy drinker known for ruthlessly firing people and blackballing talent in the industry. The character is supposed by over the top and full of himself, and Shatner, though maybe just a bit too much, plays that character well. This of course makes Bodosh the prime suspect, along with a shaky alibi for the time of the attacks. Things get more suspicious when a 7th victim, tied directly to Bodosh through his recent termination of her from his latest production, turns up dead, also in the building. The fact the first six victims showed no defensive wounds indicates they either were completely surprised or knew their attacker. Bodosh turns Janek onto another suspect, a disgruntled ex building manager with a nasty drug habit and ties to recent burglaries in buildings where he used to work.

Along the way a mistake by one of Janek's team leads to a false alibi not being checked properly, delaying the investigation. Typical of previous films however, though Janek isn't pleased he doesn't come down too hard on the young cop, hoping they learn from the miscue. Wycoff suggests pairing Janek with Det Reggeri, his nemesis in the Dept from two previous films ("Murder Times 7" & "Murder In Black & White") but Janek balks, forcing Wycoff to chose between the two (Reggeri, though mentioned, does not appear).

Crenna's portrayal of Janek is a bit more subdued in this film than the others, though we still see glimpses of his artistic side (cooking gourmet meals for his girlfriend and discussing his ballroom dancing prowess) and he still lives in his father's old apartment, complete with lutes on the wall (though he doesn't play them in this film), all references from Bayer's books incorporated into the movies. Shatner gets a pass on the almost campy portrayal of Bodosh simply because that character is supposed to be that way, though taking it down a notch or two might have been more believable. Greenberg eventually gets the lead that breaks the case, although it puts Janek in a tough position politically, and he uses a psychological profile he developed with Monique to help par down the suspect list, all setting up a climax to smoke out the killer, ala old school detective shows like Columbo or Murder She Wrote. Even If Janek can crack the case he still has to convince Monique to marry him or risk losing her forever, a task that maybe tougher than smoking out the real killer, and one Janek tries repeatedly to deal with only to be taken away by work.

The film moves at a good pace, though there aren't as many twists and turns as in previous films like "Internal Affairs", "Murder Times 7", or "Murder In Black In White". This time Janek spends more time hitting brick walls than breaking through, though when he finally cracks the lead he needs it's more believable than the finale of "Terror On Track 9". All in all, it's a good, solid, detective film, Crenna is still engaging as Janek, and like previous films there isn't much violence shown though it is implied. More procedural than who done it, but entertaining. Airing in Dec 1994, this was the final film in the series.

Race Against Time: The Search for Sarah (1996 TV Movie)

Made For TV Movie Reunites Duke & Crenna In Docudrama

[7/10 · 18 May 2014]

Race Against Time: The Search For Sarah was a 1996 TV Movie starring Richard Crenna and Patty Duke as owners of local Inn who's one daughter goes missing on the eve of an important awards dinner honoring her dad. Since the girl has been in trouble before, known for prior runs in with the law involving drinking and long absences from home, at first most people assume she's returned to her old ways. Her mother (Duke) however cant shake the feeling that something is wrong, although getting anyone to believe her becomes a challenge after a local cop in a nearby town misidentifies one of her kidnappers as the missing girl, reporting she is alive and well.

Much of the film revolves around Crenna's character, a man seemingly known around town as compassionate and helpful, an approachable, caring guy, who for some reason has never connected with his kids the same way he connects with friends and acquaintances. Seems he suffered a personal loss in his childhood and given his shaky health secretly fears he could die young as well, making it harder for him to get close to his children, secretly fearing he'll leave them the way he was left, something he seems adamant about not putting through. That emotional distance however is tested however as evidence mounts that his missing daughter may have met with foul play and may not be off partying as everyone (except her mom) initially suspects. Unable to control his emotions, Crenna's patriarch slowly takes the lead in The Search For Sarah, nearly getting himself killed in the process. The best scene maybe when Crenna's character breaks down in the hospital as his wife admonishes his distant behavior as well as the reckless way he has been caring for himself as he has become more submerged in the investigation, dealing with both a fear for his daughter's safety and guilt for not having been the kind of parent he should have been.

While Duke's character eventually exposes the bad ID and mistake by local police, finally getting law enforcement involved properly, Crenna's character receives a tip from someone he gave lodging to at the Inn previously when she and her child were homeless after a fire. Convinced he maybe dying, he follows the lead, gun in tow, to confront the kidnappers and try to rescue Sarah (as well as the tipster who by now has run afoul of the criminals herself). Given his age and health it may not be the smartest move he could make and it's a race, pardon the pun, to see of if his wife can get the police to find him before his confrontation with the kidnappers ends in more tragedy.

This film isn't extraordinary, at times its fairly predictable, the supporting cast is solid but doesn't get much opportunity to showcase themselves apart from the others. Liza Porter is given some strong moments as the oldest daughter who has her own issues with her detached father as well as her trouble making sister Sarah. Missy Crider gives a good show as the troubled 20 something who's abusive boyfriend and drinking and drug habits inevitably cause much of the trouble here. Crenna gets the best dramatic scenes by far as Duke is largely stuck as the stoic matron, though she does flash signs of helplessness as the search gets cold and law enforcement wont help.

Overall this is an average to above average family film, not a crime drama per se and not a thriller or mystery (there isn't much mystery in what happened to Sarah). The dramatic climax and ending are entertaining, if again a bit predictable. Crenna's scenes in the hospital, both when he's recovering and when Sarah has been found, are among the best in the film. The movie was based on a real life abduction and rescue.

The Rape of Richard Beck (1985 TV Movie)

Gripping Drama About Victimization & Understanding

[8/10 · 18 May 2014]

Richard Beck is a NYPD cop with some old school views regarding women, especially concerning sexual assault. Victims sometimes bring things on themselves, a lack of understanding as to why victims often have trouble identifying & prosecuting attackers (as compared to victims of other crimes), and of course a categorization of assaults as more or less important dependent on the circumstances (a date rape maybe more a misunderstanding in Beck's view, not the same as the serial attacker who grabs you off the street or invades your home). Those attitudes, however are put to the test when he himself is assaulted.

Richard Crenna won an Emmy for his outstanding performance as the chauvinist cop turned victim in this film. We see Beck early on as more of a low rent Dirty Harry type, a good guy who isn't always bound by conventional rules, such as when he's about to go off duty but stops three street thugs from hassling a homeless man (and decides to teach one of them a lesson about being bullied). We also see him risk his life to save a hostage in pursuit of murder suspect, then take the armed killer down and into custody. We see Beck off duty, clearly in love with his ex wife, unhappy they aren't together but reluctantly letting her life on her own (and date someone new who seems to be spending significant time with his two kids). Becks as a father seems interested in his daughter's musical pursuits and enjoys taking his son fishing on weekends, often with his dad, a retired cop in his own right. It's all designed to show Richard Beck as a decent human being at heart, not a one dimensional male chauvinist jerk with no compassion or concern for others. Crenna does a marvelous job straddling the line between the outdated and misunderstood misogynist and the more normal cop and dad, a drama movie version of Archie Bunker, who's attitudes on race left a lot to be desired but at heart wasn't an uncaring or unsympathetic man who deeply loved his wife and daughter.

All of this makes Beck's transformation to a more enlightened man believable after he is assaulted while pursuing (foolishly without back up) two felons. We see Beck faced with same life or death situation many female rape victims face, the shock and disbelief following the attack, as well as the invasive and almost dehumanizing post assault investigation conducted by medical personnel, none of which is like anything victims of other types of crimes endure, a fact that until now has eluded Beck's conscious. Of course, it would be silly if Beck "saw the light" right away, and he doesn't, as we watch him withdraw from work and family unable to process what has happened, which isn't uncommon in sex assault victims regardless of gender or any pre conceived stereotypical attitudes. Beck also deals with the questions surrounding many victims related to whether or not their behavior caused the assault, made worse here for dramatic effect because of Beck's reputation as a rogue in the field and the way he has rubbed some higher ups in the Department and DA's office the wrong way through the years, a classic case of "prosecuting the victim".

The supporting cast is strong, particularly Francis Lee McCain as Beck's ex wife, who plays a key role in helping him regain his dignity and re connect with his kids after his self imposed post assault exile. Meredith Baxter plays a rape counselor who in the past who crossed paths with Beck, but despite their differences she offers him support in the end, as well as a lead in possible serial rape case that Beck agrees to follow up on which involves a suspect he let walk on a bench warrant when trading information on another case (maybe not the best choice he could have made).

Some of the individual scenes are gut wrenching, including the actual assault, Beck's initial rape exam in the hospital, his being brought to tears as the DA questions whether he was at fault for the assault, and great scene where Beck, trying to get his life back to normal, resumes his weekend fishing trips with his son and father, only to have his dad turn on him, humiliating him in front of his child, furious his son the cop would even engage such criminals without back up and unable to understand how his son could "let" an assault like this happen (you start to see where some of Beck's preconceived opinions have come from). Crenna is outstanding start to finish, despite some very challenging material, and deservedly won an Emmy Award For Best Leading Actor for this film (this was a busy time for him as he also received two Golden Globe nominations, one for this film and one for his role in the Matt Dillon film "Flamingo Kid"). This is one TV movie that stands the test of time and remains compelling no matter when it's viewed.

Doubletake (1985)

Interesting Crime Drama Introduces Crenna As Janek

[8/10 · 18 May 2014]

Double Take is the 1985 mini series shown over two nights by CBS, the first of 7 made for TV movies based on the novels of William Bayer revolving around his fictional NYPD Det Frank Janek. Emmy Winner Richard Crenna, who starred as Janek in all 7 films, is first introduced in the role here.

Two grisly stabbings in separate parts of the city, connected by one common trait (the victims heads were severed and switched), a crime so salacious the Police Chief Jim Hart (played by Lee Richardson) doesn't want the details leaked to the press. He does want Frank Janek on the case, one of the Department's top detectives, one who specializes in crimes with a strong psychological bent. Janek is chosen to head a special task force to solve the grisly murders, reluctantly taking on two local detectives, one of which has made several key mistakes in the preliminary investigation, alongside two detectives of his choosing. Cliff Gorman is introduced as Janek's partner Aaron Greenberg, a regular in the films, although his sarcastic wisecracks and flirtations with younger women that were trademarks of his appearances in follow up films are largely absent here, a more subdued Det Greenberg in this first outing.

Meanwhile Janek is dealing with the suicide of his good friend and mentor, suspicious of the circumstances surrounding his death and the last case he worked on which he never closed. It's here that Janek crosses paths with photographer Caroline Wallace (Beverly D'Angelo), who ends up as the recently divorced Janek's romantic interest, but also holds a key piece of the puzzle surrounding his mentor's death.

The first half focuses mostly on the murder investigation as Team Janek work through the personal lives of both victims, looking for where their paths may have crossed, while undoing some of the mistakes made by earlier Detectives that have hampered the initial investigation. The second half of the film centers more on Janek's own private investigation into his mentor's death, which leads him into a major inter department crime ring involving two high ranking officers and possibly involving a cop's murder. The original murder investigation is still ongoing in the second half however, Janek even sending Greenberg out of state following up on leads involving the most promising suspect. Meanwhile that suspect (who has killed before it's revealed) knows Janek is on to him, soon Janek & Wallace suspect they are both being stalked.

Finally solving the double homicide (and saving the next pair of intended victims) proves easier in the end than unraveling the final puzzle surrounding the police corruption case. Janek is forced to bend the rules a bit in order to leverage one dirty cop against another to solve the case of the murdered cop, finally closing the last case his mentor worked before his death. Wallace, who is tied to one of the victims in the police corruption case, initially doesn't want to be involved but in the end plays a key role in breaking that case open.

Despite it's length (3 hours since it was stretched over two nights) the movie moves at a fairly fast pace, neither case gets lost in favor of another, and Crenna & D'Angelo have a unique charisma and play well together. This film also delves into Janek's divorce, a running undercurrent in future films RE: his reluctance (and bad luck) to get involved in new romances. The good thing about the Janek films is that even though themes and characters are tied together through each film, individual movies don't rely on the viewer having knowledge of past films to be able to understand, they tend to be less serial and more "James Bond" like in that while some traits carry from film to film the individual movies do not require familiarity with predecessors to be enjoyed & understood. There are themes present in the sequels that clearly get their start here however as ardent fans will recognize. Overall, an enjoyable crime drama with just enough twists to keep you involved start to finish. One of Richard Crenna's better TV roles.

Terror on Track 9 (1992 TV Movie)

5Th Janek Film A Step Behind Its Predecessors

[6/10 · 17 May 2014]

"Janek: Terror On Track 9" is the 5th installment in the 7 film Frank Janek series, all broadcast by CBS starring Richard Crenna from 1985-1994. This 1992 outing finds Janek, two years after his last appearance, still with the NYPD but no longer directing the Internal Affairs Dept. Essentially Janek is still one of the Dept's top detectives but he isn't ferreting out corrupt cops anymore. The basic plot is a serial killer, apparently a woman based on appearance, is killing people via lethal injection in Grand Central Station. Many of the regulars from the first four films are not present here, although Cliff Gorman is back as wisecracking partner Aaron Greenberg. Joe Campenella takes over the role of Police Chief, no easy task when a family member of his becomes one of the victims.

Complicating the investigation aside from the lack of credible witnesses is nosy TV reporter (Joan Van Ark) who seems to be first on the scene, film crew in tow, every time a murder takes place. Swoozie Kurtz plays FBI agent Marcia Hobbs from the Behavioral Anaylsis Unit (BAU, like on the TV show "Criminal Minds") brought in at the behest of the beleaguered Police Chief to assist/run the investigation. Things get complicated when Hobbs tries to pin the killings on a suspect she's been chasing cross country, despite Janek's protests that he doesn't fit the profile of the killer in this case. Greenberg also makes waves accidentally spilling confidential case info in an attempt to romance Van Ark's intrepid reporter. All of this puts the Dept on the public hot seat and prompts Janek to seize control of the investigation away from the FBI (though Hobbs still assists him). Along the way Hobbs and Janek grow closer, bonding over their failed marriages.

For the most part this is a well paced film with enough believable twists and turns to keep you interested, much like the previous films in the series. The ending however, at least the manner in which Janek stumbles upon the killer (who up to this point hasn't done anything to make themselves a suspect) is a bit of a stretch, and the killer's meltdown, reminiscent of a split personality disorder, would have been better served with more time spent on the killer's background and some prior evidence of the disorder. Aside from what seems like a rushed ending, the movie is enjoyable, and at least up until the part, well written. The rushed ending detracts a bit however and leaves this entry, while entertaining, a step below the previous films in the series. As always, Emmy Winner Crenna excels as Janek, the quintessential tough guy with a softies heart. Gorman is good as well although he isn't used as much here as in previous installments.

Internal Affairs (1988 TV Movie)

Internal Affairs Another Good Outing For Crenna as Janek

[7/10 · 17 May 2014]

Internal Affairs was a two part mini series, broadcast as two separate two hour movies, in Nov 1988 by CBS. The 2nd of 7 made for TV Movies based on the works of William Bayer and his fictional NYPD Det Frank Janek (follow up to 1985's Double Take). Emmy Winner Richard Crenna is back as Janek, who once again finds himself in the middle of a police corruption case while tracking down a potential serial killer (occupational hazard for Janek in these films).

By now Janek, by virtue of exposing the corrupt Police Chief in "Double Take", is head of Internal Affairs for NYPD. His now imprisoned ex boss (played again by Lee Richardson, reprising his role from "Double Take") contacts him with a lead on local cops dealing guns, ostensibly to get a deal regarding his sentence. Meanwhile IA gets involved in a murder investigation where the victim (a local prostitute) is tied to a NYPD detective who served in Saigaon at the end of the Vietnam War (when killings with a similar MO occurred). Is the cop (played by Dennis Boutsikaris) a serial killer, or does he harbor secrets that while clearing him could implicate another ? Along the way Janek crosses paths with Art Gallery Owner Joanna Gates (Kate Capshaw) who claims to have been victimized by the dirty cops dealing guns. It doesn't take long for Janek to fall for Joanna, but she too looks to be hiding secrets directly involving one of Janek's investigations.

Janek is aided by his own IA team, including Cliff Gorman, a regular of these films, as best friend and partner Aaron Greenberg, who's sarcastic, skirt chasing character allows for some levity and comic relief to lighten up the serious, straight laced demeanor of Janek. Caroline Kava plays IA team member Jean Harp, who's romantic crush on her boss seems obvious to everyone but Janek himself.

Several twists and turns mark both investigations, including false leads in the serial killer case including a local restaurant owner (himself tied to an earlier victim) and the gun running cops double cross of Janek's sting operation that nearly gets the whole team killed (one team member does go down trying to save Janek in a deadly gun fight). As a two part mini series the film drags at times due to its length, the first part is paced well, the second part slower, although the climax is entertaining and satisfying. Overall, a well written procedural that manages to entertain and hold interest fairly well despite it's near 3 hours of film time. One of the better films in the Janek series.

Murder Times Seven (1990 TV Movie)

Murder Times 7 Solid Entry in Janek Film Series

[8/10 · 15 May 2014]

Murder Times Seven is the 4th of 7 films in based on William Bayer's detective novels. Emmy Winner Richard Crenna returns again as NYPD Det Frank Janek, still leading the Internal Affairs Division. The supporting cast from the earlier films returns here, most notably Cliff Gorman as sarcastic skirt chasing partner Aaaron Greenberg and Caroline Kava as quiet but effective Det Jean Harp.

This time Janek is called in when his former partner is among seven randomly killed, seemingly un linked murder victims. Was his ex partner just in the wrong place at the wrong time or was there something more to his murder ? Along the way Janek crosses paths with a long time nemesis in the NYPD Officer Regeri (played by Kenneth Welsh, reprising his role from the previous film "Murder In Black & White") as well as his ex girlfriend, the "one that got away" that happens to be his dead ex partner's widow Gert (played by Susan Blakely). Following the trail of his ex partner's dirty deeds leads Janek and Company to a complex plot involving theft of evidence and sabotage of court cases within the DA's office, all eventually leading to the killer. Janek is derailed at one point by Gert's dishonesty as well as a side plot by Regeri to steal the case from him and damage the IA Dept.

The film moves at a good pace, the supporting cast is solid (many of them having been here before) and as usual Crenna is strong as the seemingly undaunted but weary hero, the "everyday kind of guy" character who excels against adversity, not a super cop or one man show so to speak, but a solid, believable, hero. One of the better entries in the film series.

Murder in Black and White (1990 TV Movie)

3rd Janek Film One Of Better In Series

[8/10 · 15 May 2014]

Murder In Black & White brings Richard Crenna back to the role of NYPD Det Frank Janek for the 3rd time (1985 Double Take & 1988 Internal Affairs). This CBS Movie Of The Week also brings back several familiar faces from the first two popular films including Phillip Bosco (Chief Wycoff), Caroline Kava (as Janek's quiet but loyal assistant Jean Harp), and Cliff Gorman (Janek's partner, sarcastic skirt chaser Aaron Greenberg). Janek is still leading the Internal Affairs (IA) Div here, which is why his team is called in when the recently appointed black Police Commissioner turns up dead in Central Park.

Janek squares off with investigating officer Regeri (played by Ken Welsh, who reprise's this role in "Murder Times 7" and also starred with Crenna in "The Day Reagan Was Shot" in 2001) who makes no bones about his negative feelings about the dead commissioner and how he got appointed to his post. Attempts to close the case quickly and blame it on drugs backfire as (just as Janek warns) the arrest is thrown out and urban areas of the city nearly riot over what they perceive is an incompetent investigation by Police. Complicating matters is the fact a random doctor turns up dead a short time later across town with the exact type of head injury that killed the commissioner. Investigating his business leads Janek to his mistress, who it turns out is also dead, again in the same exact manner. Janek cant believe this is a coincidence but his investigation stalls (as tempers around City Hall flare) as he struggles to connect the three victims.

Eventually Janek returns the focus of his efforts on the commissioner's personal life, dealing heavily with his ex wife (played by Diahann Carol) and estranged son (Keith David). With help from his team, particularly Greenberg, Janek finds a connection between the dead commissioner and a current high ranking officer in the Dept and a deadly, police brutality case and cover up from several years ago. Slowly the pieces come together but not until after the killer tries to take out Janek, only to be thwarted by passers by on the street.

The film moves quickly, the investigation is believable, and the supporting cast, particularly Gorman & Kava, have plenty of moments of their own. Solid, fun, crime drama, not too heavy on language or violence, well paced, an enjoyable film.