Rag and Bone

From famed horror writer, Anne Rice, this TV movie was originally made as a TV pilot for CBS - it's such a shame it didn't get any further as it shows great series potential.

Maybe the victim of the need for instant ratings success in the US, this one would have needed a few episodes to build a following.

More atmospheric than scary, this film has a great cast headed by Dean Cain and Robert Patrick who are both great in their respective roles, but worth looking out for are some wonderful scenes between Dean Cain and Carroll Baker in particular.

Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, the production values are great and whilst there are some holes in the storyline, it has to be remembered that a series was to follow, where many of the plot lines would have been explored.

Rag & Bone is being released on video in certain countries and is definitely worth seeking out.

"Rag and Bone" was shown recently on cable. The promise of having been inspired by something written by Ann Rice, we decided to take a look. This film has a TV pilot written all over it. Robert Lieberman, has worked basically for television. The film doesn't show anything new, or break any new ground on the genre.

The main annoying point is the thundering and lightning effect we see and feel, whenever anything supernatural is about to occur in the action. Instead of enhancing the point of view, it appears to work against what we are watching.

The idea of a priest joining the New Orleans Police Department, is preposterous, at best, but we go along with the story. The conflict of interests, alone, is something that defies all logic, but one gives it the benefit of the doubt.

The acting is adequate, although, as Tony Moran, the cop, Dean Cain, seems out of his depth. Robert Patrick, on the other hand gives a more assured performance as Sgt. Ryan.

Based on what was presented, it was clear why this would be series didn't make it.

There is no lucidity here. The intrigue is interesting enough, a priest leaves the church to become a cop, and everyone wonders why, even in the film, but that question is never answered. At a critical moment, when chasing a junky with drugs on him, that junky pulls a gun on him, and he has to shoot him down. The problem is he has known him as an altar boy and still knows his parents. He gets confused. No gun is found at first, he is suspended, and he wanders around in limbo followed by ghosts off the past, another officer who was murdered which case never was cleared, he had Carroll Baker for his mistress who after his death immediately became a nun, our hero has a lot of conversations with her, but they never reach anywhere. A good mystery of conscience conflicts and and an old murder case just lead to a jungle of mumbo-jumbo, which makes the film unsatisfactory - you almost regret having watched it. Apparently it was to be a TV series which never amounted to anything.

Although a "dark" story, one i suspect some people might have trouble understanding (it was supposed to be a pilot for a series) i totally enjoyed this film. Dean Cain helped to produce this film and he comes across as a total professional. This was his 1st t.v. appearance since Lois & Clark, no sign of Superman here. The cast were all very good and believable, but i have to say not only is Dean a great actor but just looking at this sexy man makes my heart flutter. I simply love this film, it is one of my all time favourite Dean Cain films. This film was put together in a totally professional way, i cannot say that i knew Anne Rice before but will certainly watch out for more of her projects. Not to be missed - it is certainly a pity that it has never been released on U.S. t.v. I had the pleasure of watching it n British t.v.