Murder in Texas (film)

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Murder in Texas
GenreDrama
Written by Ann Kurth (book)
John McGreevey
Directed by William Hale
Starring Katharine Ross
Sam Elliott
Farrah Fawcett
Andy Griffith
Theme music composer Leonard Rosenman
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers David Salzman
Dick Clark
Preston Fischer
ProducersWilliam Hale (as Billy Hale)
John A. Martinelli (associate producer)
Cinematography Donald M. Morgan
Editor John A. Martinelli
Running time200 min
Production company Dick Clark Productions
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseMay 3, 1981 (1981-05-03)

Murder in Texas is a 1981 television film starring Katharine Ross, Sam Elliott, Farrah Fawcett, and Andy Griffith. The film was directed by William Hale, and was based on a true story; that was written for the TV screen by John McGreevey. It first aired on television in two parts on Sunday and Monday May 3–4, 1981. [1]

Contents

Plot

Based on the true story of the death of Joan Robinson Hill, this film tells of a plastic surgeon who was suspected of causing the death of his first wife, the daughter of a wealthy member of Houston society. The circumstances of her death - which was never solved - are clouded by a suspiciously hasty embalming and a hurried burial. The doctor then marries his mistress. In spite of two autopsies showing that his daughter died of natural causes, Ash Robinson, convinced that his daughter was murdered, sets out single-handedly to find out the true cause of her death, determined to see that the doctor is punished.

Cast

Reception

Murder in Texas was nominated for a 1982 Golden Globe Award for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV. [2] In addition, Andy Griffith received his only Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Ash Robinson.

The movie was highly ranked in the Nielsen ratings. Part I was the fifth-most popular show for the week ending May 3, and Part II was the most popular show of the following week. [3] [4]

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References

  1. Blau, Eleanor (May 3, 1981). "Television Week". The New York Times . p. A2.
  2. "Murder in Texas (1981)(TV) - Awards". Internet Movie Database . August 13, 2011.
  3. "Dallas helps CBS Win". Gettysburg Times . Associated Press. May 7, 1981.
  4. "Last week's Nielsen horse race wasn't the usual event..." UPI . May 13, 1981.