Gone in the Night

I live in Omaha and I met both Kevin Dillon and Shannen Doherty. I got a picture with each of them and I got to watch a scene being filmed. They were very nice. I know that there must be a reason why Shannen has a reputation for being somewhat of a diva, but she was nothing but nice and gracious the whole time that I was around her. In fact, when I asked her if I could get a picture of her, she insisted that I be in it with her. As for Kevin, he took time to talk with me while he was waiting to film the scene. I have always liked him better as an actor than his brother, and now I know that he is a very nice guy. I thought the movie was well done. It is amazing how they can film a movie in a location and then when you see the movie, you can't tell where it was filmed. The movie was well acted throughout. They told the story effectively. I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever seen, but it is very good.

This is based on a true story of the Dowalibys and the murder of their 7 year old daughter, Jaclyn, for which they stand accused. What happens to them, how the "system" tries to beat them down to submission and the lengths to which the prosecutors are willing to go to win, is the basis of the movie. Shannen Doherty delivers a gripping portrayal of Cindi Dowaliby, as first she fights the system, then she has to fight her husband. This may well be her best performance. I don't know how you pick the supporting cast in this story. There were no "small" parts (I watched the movie initially because a former newscaster from my home town was in it and may have had the only small part). Ed Asner, Dixie Carter, etc., would be classified as supporting cast, I guess, and they played their roles to perfection, Asner as the retired detective and Carter as the mother-in-law who finally comes to grips with her shortcomings and discovers that she has great affection for her daughter-in-law. The circumstances surrounding the investigation, the arrests, trial, and unexpected outcome all tie together so quickly that there are no "slow moments" where your mind can wonder without losing part of the plot or the puzzle pieces. But this isn't Hollywood, this is real and you feel you're watching a retrospective news report, except for the personal exchanges between the Cindi and David. When they can't agree on how to handle the initial verdict, your not sure David will listen and it might cost him dearly. If you don't know how the situation ended (as I didn't), you might think it had a much different ending. A truly riveting movie, I found myself wishing I knew what subsequently has become of the Dowalibys. I could definitely watch it again.

What if a young husband and wife with two small children (and another child on the way) have their home broken into one night and have their daughter kidnapped and killed? And what if the police, detectives, doctors and district attorneys all act in an unskilled and/or unethical way and submit the husband, wife and even the surviving child to horror after horror? What if the very expensive lawyers the innocent family hire to save themselves are too inept and uncaring to help the family escape their nightmare?

Based upon a true story, GONE IN THE NIGHT is set in Chicago. The acting is fine, although the actor playing the husband seems to have a New York accent more than a Chicago accent.

Watching this TV movie back-to-back with another Chicago based movie, THE FUGITIVE, will take away all faith the viewer might have in the criminal justice system.

Without giving anything away, at the end of this movie drama turns to real life. The impact of this kind of ending is completely effective. Watch the whole story, and then hold on.

A very good effort for a made for TV film.

This movie is good. My heart breaks for the parents.

This is just showing how poor the American lay system truly is. If the investigators had had their eyes open and tried not to fix it on the poor parents they would have found the murderer. It is obvious the crazy uncle killed the little girl.

This film just fantastic.. I LOVE IT!! All that kinda drama, and the way the american police/whatever treats them, it's the truth - and a hard truth!! I love this film... Can't say it enough..!! And Shannen Doherty's my favourite actor, so.. That's a bonus!!! I'd love to own this film... :o)