Indictment - The McMartin Trial

Starring:James Woods, Mercedes Ruehl, Lolita Davidovich, Sada Thompson, Henry Thomas, Shirley Knight, Mark Blum, Alison Elliott, Chelsea Field, Joe Urla, Scott Waara, Valerie Wildman, Richard Bradford, Scott Armstrong, Roberta Bassin, Patricia Belcher, Gabrielle Boni, Kathy Brock, Betsy Brockhurst, Dennis Burkley
Director: Mick Jackson
Studio: Hbo Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Description

Based on the true story of the McMartin family who, accused of a heinous crime, suffered six years of public humiliation before being found innocent. The scandal that tore a family and a nation apart. ' 'Riveting, frightening, dynamite.' ' (The Washington Times)

Customer Reviews:

Best television move I've ever seen.......2007-04-21

It is my favorite James Woods performance, and it made him a hero to me.

Excellent Film And A Stellar Cast: James Woods Shines!.......2006-11-14

"Indictment: The McMartin Trial" is an excellent film. I do not live very far from Manhattan Beach, and was once a junior lifeguard there. I still jog and bicycle down there when I get the chance. I do remember very vividly when these events occurred. One of the things that I don't know is whether or not the children were molested. However, I do remember how nearly everyone where I worked at the time presumed these people were guilty. Even the LA Times showed unflattering pictures of the accused. Therefore, I do believe that there was a frenzied and carnival-like demonizing of the McMartin family. The film itself is very good. (James Woods) gives an outstanding performance as the attorney who defends the McMartin family.

There is no doubt in my mind that the public hysteria over the allegations this family was charged with, and the media hype, were responsible for a grave miscarriage of justice. I feel for the children too: As they were equally victims of an out-of-control legal system that failed them too! Mercedes Ruehl also gives an outstanding performance as the lead prosecutor who abused the power she was given. Her performance as the win-at-all-costs prosecutor, was absolutely stellar. Ruehl's character compliments the performance given by defense attorney Danny Davis (James Woods).

Moreover, the entire cast was great in this film. With Henry Thomas [of ET fame] as the son accused of several counts of molestion; which would result in the longest trial ever; along with actress Shirley Knight, as the mother; and Sada Thompson as the matriarch of the family, this is one great film. And one sad chapter in the California legal system. Also, Lolita Davidovich gives an excellent performance as the prosecutors main line of attack in the molestation charges against the McMartin family: As her taped videos of the children led to many of the initial charges against the McMartins. The film is an HBO released film, therefore, as with many of their films it is not anamorphic or letter-boxed, but full screened. Maybe someday the film will be released in a better format. Otherwise, this is a 5 star film. Only the DVD format gives it minus half a star. Highly recommended. [Stars: 4.5]

Well constructed and spot-on.......2005-05-19

As a clinical psychologist who specializes in the development, analysis and evaluation of child sexual abuse interviews, I have reviewed many of the the materials associated with the real McMartin case. While I understand the nature of people who want to 'believe the children', it must also be known that there are some very bad interviewing practices which can affect how they remember events and what they report (not just children - adults as well). These kids were not fools, they were victims - but the McMartins were also victims. They were both victims of the very problematic interviewing techniques used in this case. I can tell you: not only was the portrayal fair, but it left out some of the most problematic interviewer behaviors. There were some interviewer behaviors so wildly inappropriate that viewers would never have believed they occurred. They did.

Thus the story cannot be whether the McMartins did it or not (the story stongly suggests, but does not conclude they were innocent). Rather, the story is about the reckless pursuit of a belief on the part of a community of law enforcement and citizens in general.

I do not know whether the abuse occurred (though some of the allegations were flatly impossible), but I do know that the children's report was gathered in a very biased and problematic fashion.

The movie is so close to the known facts that it is nearly a documentary. The parts we don't know about are those private conversations between the lawyers and with the clients. Perhaps they are fictional, I cannot know.

Almost all of the forensic scientific community sees this case exactly as it was portrayed. Some on the fringes who think children are 100% accurate in their reported recall and cannot be made inaccurate under any circumstance are extremely rare and the huge majority of the evidence suggests they are wrong.

As entertainment, this movie is well written, compelling, and well-acted. Even if it were purely fictional it would be a good movie. The fact that it represents a known case pretty darn well makes it scary as well.

They told the wrong story.......2004-05-30

I grew up in Manhattan Beach in the 80's. Luckily for me, I went to a different pre-school. I grew up with bumper stickers reading, "I believe the children."
This movie offends me simply because they only told one side of the story, and because they skewed it so much. I was horrified to see the defendants portrayed as victims, and the children and parents portrayed as fools, when I knew the opposite to be true. Parents are not fools. They know when their kids are lying. I helieve the children.
Other reviewers claim this is a true story. I beg any viewer to take it with a grain of salt-- this is the "true" story as told by the defendants. Ask any parent or child involved, and you'll hear a completely different story.

James Woods, Superstar.......2004-04-15

Armed with a perfect Verbal SAT score and an IQ of 180, intellectual powerhouse James Woods aces his portrayal of a defense attorney who, against the political might of the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, brings the best possible approximation of justice to a family falsely accused of committing the most heinous of non-capital crimes--a family already tried and convicted, though ambitious, reckless, and sensational reporting, in the court of public opinion.

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