And Never Let Her Go

I thought this movie did a good job of telling a very sad story that was told in Ann Rule's book of the same title. The movie as well as the book, and more importantly Anne Marie Fahey's life, conveys the ever important lesson, of self acceptance and love. I was very sad when the story of Annn Marie Fahey first became public. There was something so very sad and beautiful about her. It was disturbing that all her secrets were made public in the book and movie, something I think none of us would want for ourselves. I think that it is so important then, that those of us who look at this story, take away a gratitute to the life that was lost, and learn the lesson, to let no one make us feel we deserve to be manipulated and berated as Tom Capano did to Ann Marie Fahey.

We simply can not just watch this as "entertainment" but rather as a labor of love from all who knew and loved Anne Marie. For any of us to make any kind of judgements such as "bux" did, is indeed an indication that we miss the true point of why this movie was made.

Thomas Capano was not Anne Marie's boss Tom Carper, the Governor was. That is the reason the Feds became involved, he called Clinton and asked him to get the Feds involved in the case. I lived outside of Philadelphia at the time so the case was front page news every day. I also read Ann Rule's book and saw the "City Confidential" segment on A&E. Tom Capano was a megalomanic(sp.), an uber-controller and a monster. He claimed to love Ann Marie but all he wanted was someone that he could control. When she wouldn't let him do that anymore he killed her, the ultimate form of control. I think it's a waste of money that he is still alive.

Too bad a couple of comments before me don't know the facts of this case. It is based on actual events, a highly publicized disappearance and murder case taking place in the Wilmington, DE/Philadelphia PA region from '96 through 2000. I have to admit I was highly skeptical of how Hollywood would dramatize the actual history and events and was actually quite impressed on how close they stayed to what was constantly reported on local newscasts and Philadelphia Inquirer news stories throughout the time period. Of course I immediately pointed out that the actress (who I really like in Cold Case) who played Fahey looked nothing like her (Anne Marie was actually prettier). I have to admit though that Mark Harmon really nailed the type of personality that was revealed as Capano's and the behavior that Capano exhibited throughout this period. Details of the case were right on...no deviations of dramatic effect...even down to the carpet, gun, furniture, and cooler. In conclusion, I also wanted to add that I have met Tom Carper many times at various functions (a good man, despite being a politician) and I am so glad that he pulled the strings in the Federal realm necessary to solve this heinous crime. Guys like Capano are real and it was great to see him finally put behind bars.

But it's very good. It's a notch above the average fare in this genre. You do have to remember it's just a made for television movie - or miniseries to be more exact. About three and one half hours running time.

And no, it's not going to have the continuity of a 'real' movie, not with it's continual fade outs for barrages of advertisements.

But given that the genre is severely handicapped - and that interest in features such as this is most often rather prurient, this one does very well.

Harmon is so good he's really disgusting and you really get to hate him by the end. Too bad for Mark: it's going to be hard to get glamorous movies where he can cut to the chase with Meg after things like this and the Bundy one.

Rachel Ward is simply excellent; Morris is very convincing; they're all very good and the screen writing is above average too, as is the camera work.

It's a very tragic and very gripping story and well worth the time spent to view it.

To those who have not followed the Anne Marie Fahey Murder case. You are missing out one of the saddest yet complicated murder of all. The murderer is popular Delaware attorney, Tom Capano and the victim is the Delaware Governor's Scheduling Secretary, Anne Marie Fahey. Their relationship was a well-kept secret until her disappearance and murder. She wanted to leave him but he just wouldn't let her go so easily. On the other hand, he had a mistress and a wife and four daughters. Where did he find the time to have two mistresses and a domestic family life? Besides, the case is extremely complicated and fascinating for a four hour mini series. While the actress who plays Ms. Fahey does a fine job, she does not have her dark long hair. His other mistress is definitely more attractive than the actual woman. Mark Harmon is better looking and does an Emmy award winning performance as Tom Capano. It would be better with actual Delaware and Philadelphia locations. With Ann Rule's executive producing, she adds accuracy to Anne Marie's characteristic of organization and her personal battle with an eating disorder. These bits of information might be overlooked by any other executive producer or director. If you have not read the book, it is well worth it. Ann Rule is a fascinating storyteller of true crime. It is ironic that Mark Harmon plays Tom Capano. He also played Ann Rule's former friend and subject, Ted Bundy in an another book adaptation many years ago. He was brilliant then and now. He does an above average job with an amazing story. Even President CLinton offered his assistance in the Anne Marie Fahey case. And now, the former Governor Tom Carper is now the United States Senator for Delaware who defeated longtime, popular incumbent Senator Richard Roth in the November 2000 election. IF you don't think the movie is interesting, then the read Rule's book.