The story of Caryl Chessman, a convicted California rapist who spent 12 years on death row before finally being executed.The story of Caryl Chessman, a convicted California rapist who spent 12 years on death row before finally being executed.The story of Caryl Chessman, a convicted California rapist who spent 12 years on death row before finally being executed.
- Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
- 1 nomination total
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Did you know
- TriviaHelen Kelly's debut.
- GoofsThe film's final credits do name the character played by Tony Burton as "Price," but this character seems to be based on Robert Otis *Pierce* who was executed at San Quentin on April 6, 1956 and the disturbing circumstances of whose execution as reported in various sources fit in many particulars with what is depicted in the movie. Since the actual names of other real-life persons portrayed in this movie--not the least of which Chessman's are accurately reproduced, it may be surmised that "Price" in the credits is an error for "Pierce."
- Quotes
Caryl W. Chessman: Kill me if you can.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 30th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1978)
Featured review
I saw this film many years ago and still remember it vividly, but like others have been unable to purchase the film!! I found the story so interesting that I later read the three books Caryl Chessman wrote while on death row as well as the transcript of his trial and all were fascinating. Alan Alda's performance was superb and the entire film was gripping. I have no doubt from my reading he was not a nice man and surely guilty of many things, but i do not believe kidnapping was one of them, it did nit fit the profile and certainly the trial had so many errors it was a disgrace. That's justice for you. I hope one day NBC releases this film on DVD, I know there are many out there that share my passion for this enthralling story.
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