The Sheriff (1971)
Directed by David Lowell Rich
Genres - Drama, Culture & Society, Crime |
Sub-Genres - Message Movie |
Run Time - 73 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson
The made-for-TV The Sheriff borrows a bit from the premise of the theatrical feature film Tick Tick Tick (71). Ossie Davis plays an African-American county sheriff, stationed in a small California mountain village; his wife is played by Davis' real-life spouse Ruby Dee. Kaz Garas portrays the sheriff's white deputy, and Lynda Day appears as Garas' wife. Davis' case at hand is the rape of a black coed by a white insurance salesman, which sparks racial polarization in the previously peaceful community. The Sheriff was the pilot for a TV series which was left at the gate by disinterested sponsors. A few months later, another failed pilot on similar lines was developed: Crosscurrent, starring Robert Hooks.
Characteristics
Themes
Keywords
deputy, race-relations, racism, rape, sheriff, village, fiancee, son, witness