In the Line of Duty: Manhunt in the Dakotas

This TV movie was born of James Corcoran's first published book. James, young journalist for a local newspaper, was working the weekend shift alone at the city desk. Watching unfold this horrific night, he became obsessed. As an investigative reporter, he subsequently followed up on every detail involving Gordon Kahl and his Posse Commitatis organization, as also he did with the many law enforcement agencies. A few years later, at the urging of a mentor, he wrote the book.

Living in Corcoran's home town at the time, I followed the episode with great interest. His achievement was one of becoming an expert on every aspect and reporting it with absolute accuracy. The depth of his study and research touched on the rationale, mindset, and motive of each character. There are many sub-plots, which interwoven, result in a work that would be impossible to write as a fictional story.

This true story begins with a background of interconnected events that precede the actual murders. Scenes early in the movie describe actions by various law enforcement agencies and Kohl's band of followers, which quickly converge into the literally explosive showdown. Following this tragic night are many emotional confrontations and controversial actions. Because emotions reached so high, and pain so deep, it is most difficult to hold blameless any person involved in this tragic happening.

Rod Steiger's fine performance closely emulated the appearance and demeanor of Gordon Kahl. Other characters were equally well portrayed. The scenes of the small town central to the plot were also accurately presented. Few dramatic events receive the factual and quality treatment as did this TV movie adaption of Corcoran's book. Very little creative license was taken in this production. To view this movie is to actually live the history of the event.

May it never happen again.

It has been many years since I've seen the move In the Line of Duty: Manhunt in the Dakotas but It was poorly done. First off I live in the state that it happened. THe film was made in Georgia which isn't like North Dakota. I don't know how they could have shown a movie that was supposed to have taken place in North Dakota in the winter and not have shown snow. I remember there being snow on the ground at the time of the shooting. They made us North Dakotans with southern accents which, we born and raised North Dakotans, don't have. The film was very one sided. I didn't know Gordan Kahl personally but my grandfather did. Despite his faults and beliefs, Gordan had many friends.

Saw this movie on a TV rerun a while back and thought it wasn't too bad. I know someone from the town of Medina, N.D., where he was living after prison. It's pretty surreal when you know someone whose family was around at the time of the incident.

Yes, this movie is very realistic. Its not flashy, its not stylized, its like real life, the way movies are supposed to be. Rod Steiger also looks insanely close to the real Gordon Kahl.

It is probably one of the largest stories in N.D. history because of the nationwide impact it had.

If you catch this on TV (probably on one of the smaller cable channels), check it out, especially if you are from N.D. Its not that bad of a movie and for those of you who remember it, I'm sure you'll find things you like and don't like about it.

The Gordon Kahl incident, Medina, North Dakota on Sunday, February 13, 1983, was a forerunner to the James and Steven Jenkins incident, Ruthton, Minnesota in September, 1983, the whole mid-1980s farm crisis, and even Ruby Ridge and Waco. Gordon Kahl was a promoter of Posse Comitatus, and had a considerable following in North Dakota. Eventually, push came to shove. Kahl went down to the Arkansas Ozarks. But the FBI went in and got their man. The movie is based on a book written by James Corcoran who covered the news story for the Fargo Forum. The Georgia filming location suffices for North Dakota in winter? Not quite. There was a Dodge Ramcharger in the actual slaying incident. There was a small undercurrent of Posse Comitatus in North Dakota and Minnesota in the 1980s and early 1990s. They are a neo-Nazi sort of group. I think maybe an anti-Big Brother undercurrent would be a good thing if not taken to extreme extremes, but not a racist one.

Whether "Midnight Murders" is an accurate depiction of the pursuit of hateful fugitive Gordon Kohl doesn't matter. What does matter is that this powerful film is immensely entertaining. Rod Steiger gives an outstanding performance as Kohl, while Michael Gross playing F.B.I. Agent Richard Maberly, is a relentless pursuer of justice. Deluded into thinking that killing two U.S. Marshals was an act of self defense, Kohl goes on the run, aided somewhat by sympathetic South Dakota locals. The movie is exciting from start to finish, with great rural locations, and an eerie bird call like soundtrack. The final shootout only confirms that there really were no winners in this film. - MERK