La torre de la muerte

Jerry Jameson directed this based-on-fact TV movie that stars Kurt Russell(effectively cast against type) as deranged sniper Charles Whitman, who targets students and passerby on a tower located at the University of Texas, in Austin. Richard Yniguez and Paul Carr play the two police officers who hunt down Whitman, aided by a civilian(played by Ned Beatty) in the tense climax. Well acted and directed film is presented in an effective matter-of-fact way, and handles the tragic events with care. Whitman remains an enigma here, but film avoids the usual clichés and heavy-handed speechifying to become a memorable docudrama of its kind.

The movie features Kurt Russell as a sniper who uses the Austin Texas tower to carry out his short but deadly reign of terror. Do not expect any in depth explanation of his motivation, because there is none. In fact a no name actor could have easily played Russell's part, since he hardly speaks at all. When "The Deadly Tower" is creating high tension it is at it's best. When it tries to become a "message movie", it almost grinds to a halt. I say this, it is worth seeing for Kurt Russell's cold as ice performance, playing against type, and is certainly a way above average TV film. Although the Warner Brothers Archive Collection DVD shows black and white stills on the case, the movie is in color. - MERK

Dramatization of horrific events out of Austin, Texas in August 1966 when disturbed young man Charles Whitman went on a shooting rampage from the tower overlooking the university. Well-written TV-movie (cast with familiar television actors in supporting roles, and Disney mainstay Kurt Russell effectively playing against type in the lead), is anything but entertaining; however, the approach here--tough and unrelenting--provides for a fascinating docudrama. Crossing the paths of Whitman and local police officer Ramiro Martinez (nicely-played by Richard Yniguez) gives the narrative its drive, though the real-life Martinez was unhappy with his portrayal and sued. Liberties were indeed taken for 'dramatic purposes,' yet the hard-hitting film is still memorable today for its no-nonsense handling, the realistic violence and taut characterizations.

This is a very memorable movie - I have not seen it in over fifteen years but I still remember many scenes from it very well. It ranks right up there with the class of its genre, movies such as "Dead Ahead: The Exxon Valdez Disaster", "The Jericho Mile" and "The Day After". It is not only a story of Charles Whitman, but it also tells the story of Officer Ramiro Martinez (the policeman who made his way into the tower and killed Whitman). It also gives a good description of the logistics used by the entire police force that terrible day. No surrealism is used in the filming process - harsh, lusty reality sets the tone.

I do not know if this movie is available on video, but if it is, by all means take a look at it.

The Deadly Tower (1975)

*** (out of 4)

Highly entertaining and intense made-for-television movie about Charles Whitman (Kurt Russell), the man who went on a shooting rampage on top a tower in Austin, Texas on August 1st, 1966. The film follows his rampage while at the same time following police officer Ramiro Martinez (Richard Yniguez) as he tries to reach the tower.

THE DEADLY TOWER is without question one of the better made-for-television films from this era where, quite frankly, there were several very good ones. The story of Whitman is probably going to be known by most people going into this film but it does a very good job at showing the horrors of that day as well as showing the intense pressure that was on Martinez as he tried to make it to the tower on his day off of all things.

There's a lot of great things here including the performances from the cast. Russell doesn't have too many lines of dialogue so instead he must "act" with his eyes and he really lets you see a rather sad and pathetic person. I really thought Russell delivered an extremely cold performance that said so much without words. Then you've got Yniguez who is simply wonderful in his role. I won't give away some of the subplots surrounding the character but the actor certainly makes you feel and believe that this was a good guy out there willing to risk his life to save others. Ned Beatty is also good in his supporting role as was John Forsythe.

Director Jerry Jameson does a very good job at holding your interest throughout the 100-minute running time. Even better is the fact that he does an extremely good job at building up the tension during the shooting sections. Mix in the great performances and you've got an extremely good movie on the subject. Those interested in the subject should also check out an unofficial version that Peter Bogdanovich made in TARGETS.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC is certainly an original picture, which isn't something that happens too often these days. We've seen movies about strange families before but this one really hits all the right notes.