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"Death Sentence" doesn't really star Nick Nolte

08/15/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The real stars of "Death Sentence" (originally a 1972 Movie of the Week entitled "After the Trial") are Cloris Leachman and Laurence Luckinbill. Nick Nolte is in the picture, though in a relatively minor role as a man on trial for the murder of his wife. Leachman is a bored housewife who's thrilled to have been picked to be on the jury ("I think this is the first time I've ever felt like a full-fledged member of this community!"). Her excitement turns to fear, though, when the unfolding evidence begins to indicate that someone close to her may have actually committed the murder. The suspense culminates in a middle-of-the-night confrontation during (what else?) a raging thunderstorm.This film is a good example of the "suspense" genre of TV movie, with some genuinely suspenseful moments. It's solidly acted and scripted, if not exceptional in any way. The generally poor quality of the film and the sound detract somewhat, but are to be expected in TV movies that are nearly 3 decades old. If you can get it at a low enough price, "Death Sentence" is diverting enough for an evening."