A Case of Deadly Force
Synopsis
Fact-based story about a 1975 cover-up of a shooting by two white members of the Boston Tactical Unit. While on stakeout on a suspected getaway car used in a armed robbery, the two gunned down a black man who entered the car. The two claimed the man had a gun and they shot in self-defense. Police investigation decided it was a rightful shooting. The man's widow knew her husband would not be carrying a weapon and became determined to prove her husband's innocence. She hired a former cop who had become a lawyer to prove her case. Working with his four sons, the lawyer team takes on the police force in what eventually proved to be a landmark legal decision. Written by John Sacksteder
Top Cast
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Richard Crenna
Lawrence O'Donnell Sr.
John Shea
Michael O'Donnell
Lorraine Toussaint
Pat Bowden
Francis X. McCarthy
Hanna
Tate Donovan
Lawrence O'Donnell Jr.
Anna Maria Horsford
Virginia Cates
Anthony Heald
Dave O'Brian
Dylan Baker
Kevin O'Donnell
Michael O'Hare
Joe Miller
Fred J. Scollay
Judge Skinner
Paul O'Brien
Ken Mooney
Tom Kemp
Jack Finnegan
John Prosky
Phil Cochran
Paul D'Amato
Mike Fagan
Peter Gerety
Bobby Doyle
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 9, 1986
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Michael Miller
- Screenplay & Story
- Dennis Nemec
- Original Score
- Paul Chihara
- Original Title
- A Case of Deadly Force
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Michael Miller
Dennis Nemec
Paul Chihara
Kees Van Oostrum
Paul Fried
Bruce S. Pustin
Department Leadership Roster
Bruce S. Pustin
Producer
Kees Van Oostrum
Director of Photography
Carol Ramsey
Costume Design
Paul Fried
Editor
Paul Chihara
Original Music Composer
Suzanne Cavedon
Production Design
Michael Miller
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for A Case of Deadly Force.
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Frequently Asked Questions About A Case of Deadly Force
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is A Case of Deadly Force about?
Fact-based story about a 1975 cover-up of a shooting by two white members of the Boston Tactical Unit. While on stakeout on a suspected getaway car used in a armed robbery, the two gunned down a black man who entered the car. The two claimed the man had a gun and they shot in self-defense. Police investigation decided it was a rightful shooting. The man's widow knew her husband would not be carrying a weapon and became determined to prove her husband's innocence. She hired a former cop who had become a lawyer to prove her case. Working with his four sons, the lawyer team takes on the police force in what eventually proved to be a landmark legal decision. Written by John Sacksteder
Who directed A Case of Deadly Force?
A Case of Deadly Force was directed by Michael Miller.
Who stars in A Case of Deadly Force?
The principal cast of A Case of Deadly Force includes Richard Crenna, John Shea, Lorraine Toussaint, Francis X. McCarthy, Tate Donovan.
When was A Case of Deadly Force released and how long is it?
A Case of Deadly Force was released in 1986 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
Who composed the musical score for A Case of Deadly Force?
The original motion picture soundtrack for A Case of Deadly Force was composed by Paul Chihara.