O Dono Do Medo

I want to chime in on this film because it really scared the H-E-Double Bamboo Sticks out of me, motivated me to read the Playboy article about the incident, and then the well-researched book by the same name.

Brian Dennehy is perfectly cast as the villain -- although the real guy was even creepier, more violent and sociopathic. The film doesn't give any real back story, which is a possible but negligible shortcoming. The book, however, does a good job of illustrating how this poor country boy developed into the alienated monster he was, and how he fit (or rather didn't fit) into the community.

This story could have taken place in any small town. I happen to be from Missouri, and every summer I pass through and visit similar one-light towns in the Ozarks. (Just so we're straight on the geography, Skidmore, where this took place, is NOT near Springfield, per one reviewer, but in the northwest corner of the state.) The impression I always get is that because the townsfolk know each other, they are careful to get along with their neighbors. IBD is about how to deal with someone who has no intention of getting along with the neighbors.

I won't spoil the ending, but it is shocking, and a relief, when it comes, especially after the buildup of suspense and terror -- and it really does seem to render "justice." Love the line from the old farmer: "I didn't see nothing. And if I did, I wouldn't tell you."

This is an atmospheric TV movie that works as quality cinema.

I live 10 miles away from where this event happened, and as soon as I moved here, I was told I had to read this book and see the movie. This is a pretty good adaptation of the non-fiction book it is based on of the same title. I encourage people to not only see this movie but to also read the book, as you get MUCH backstory on not only the main character (who's real name is Ken McElroy), but also on the community and the area.

Most aspects of the book are the same as the film, although there are some differences. The main one involves the town. Skidmore (Darby in the film) is a much poorer community than what is portrayed here. I do wonder how it was in the early 80's when this happened, but I doubt it was much different. I drove through after reading the book and seeing the movie to see the place where this happened, and if you blink you miss it.

The only thing I don't like is the newscaster at the end speaking out against vigilante justice. When you read this book and see what these people really went through, you can't help but feel sorry for them. And, just as an update, nobody still has been charged or prosecuted for this crime, and the small town of Skidmore still holds the secret to this day, although most authorities (and the entire town) know what actually happened.

Chris thought the plot was weak, I'm a Law Enforcement Officer in Northwest Missouri, the story is all too real! Here is a short review from the book of the same title. This movie/book was based on a REAL crime that occurred in Skidmore, MO in 1981.

From Publishers Weekly - Ken Rex McElroy terrorized the residents of several counties in northwestern Missouri for a score of years. He raped young girls and brutalized them after they went to live with him or even married him; he shot at least two men; he stole cattle and hogs, and burned down the houses of some who interfered with his criminal activities. Thanks to the expert efforts of his lawyer and the pro-defendant bias of state laws, he served no more than a few days in jail, the author shows. In 1981, sentenced for the shooting of a popular grocer and free on bail, he was killed by the men of Skidmore, the center of his felonies; they closed ranks against all attempts to identify those who had pulled the triggers. Written by a first-time author, this is an engrossing, credible examination of the way vigilante action can take over when the law appears to be powerless.

BOMC and QPBC alternates. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The town bully, a dangerous thug, runs roughshod over the entire town including the ineffective town marshal. Fear of this oaf and his cruel family allowed him to intimidate and injure several folks. Ultimately, these animals are dealt with by the only means they will ever understand...brute force. When dealing with trash like this man and his family, the decision to quell his activities should not be long in making.

I 1st read the book In Broad Daylight when I was a kid (GREAT book) & after hearing there was a movie based on the book, I just had to see it.In my opinion, the movie was almost as good as the book was.If you liked the movie, pick up the book & if you liked the book, watch the movie.I say it a lot in my old Made For TV movie reviews, they don't make Made For TV movies like they use to & here's another.In Broad Daylight had my attention right from the start & had me on the edge of my seat till the very end.Brian Dennehy was absolutely evil.If I had a list of movie villains I LOVE to HATE, Brian Dennehy as Len Rowan would be 1 of them.I don't understand why In Broad Daylight & some other Made For TV movies as well were never released on DVD.If it ever is, I'd pick it up.I can't imagine everybody liking this movie but I think that most people that watch it will