In the opening scene of "A Matter of Justice," young Chris Brown is seen getting a thrashing from some of the town bullies in his backwater town in the Deep South. What follows is the decision of the 17-year-old Christ to join the Marines. His father believes the experience will give Chris some much-needed discipline. But his mother has grave reservations. Arguably, the theme of the film is: Mother knows best!
As portrayed in the film, the young Marine Chris is the victim of a 24-year-old predator named Dusty. After her first marriage ended, Dusty had to forfeit custody of a child to her husband. With Chris, Dusty delivers a beautiful baby girl named Christine. The scheming Dusty plans the death of Chris and seems determined to retain custody of little Christine. But a powerful force is standing in her way: Mary Brown.
This two-part, made-for-television movie was an earnest drama based on a true story. The pacing was sluggish and the film was padded with many extraneous scenes. The characters were not multi-dimensional, especially the evil Dusty. Patty Duke gives a credible performance as the devoted, heartbroken mom. By the end, justice is served. May the hapless Chris, who never developed much backbone despite his stint in the Marines, rest in peace.
As portrayed in the film, the young Marine Chris is the victim of a 24-year-old predator named Dusty. After her first marriage ended, Dusty had to forfeit custody of a child to her husband. With Chris, Dusty delivers a beautiful baby girl named Christine. The scheming Dusty plans the death of Chris and seems determined to retain custody of little Christine. But a powerful force is standing in her way: Mary Brown.
This two-part, made-for-television movie was an earnest drama based on a true story. The pacing was sluggish and the film was padded with many extraneous scenes. The characters were not multi-dimensional, especially the evil Dusty. Patty Duke gives a credible performance as the devoted, heartbroken mom. By the end, justice is served. May the hapless Chris, who never developed much backbone despite his stint in the Marines, rest in peace.