Set in the 1940's, James Earl Jones as an an old clockmaker faces racism and is tried for murder when the racist is killed. However, Kevin Kilner comes forward and claims to have commmitted the crime in self defense. All the while, Kilner's family life is in disarray with various crises including his daughter catching meningitis.
Acting
Jones brings gravitas; Burstyn steals every scene she's in.
Writing
Surprisingly nuanced on systemic racism for 1996 television.
Director
Marcus Cole
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Naomi Watts's second American film after arriving from Australia; she took it for the Burstyn/Jones pedigree.
Released the same year as A Time to Kill, this TV movie tackled similar themes with less spectacle and more clock metaphors. The 90s really loved courtroom racial drama.
US
