Indictment: The McMartin Trial
Seen it?1995 | 135 min | TV Movie, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It won 3 Emmys, though it had a box office flop and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Primal Fear, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 15 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
The McMartin family's lives are turned upside down when they are accused of serious child molestation. The family run a school for infants. An unqualified child cruelty "expert" videotapes the children describing outrageous stories of abuse. One of the most expensive and long running trials in US legal history, exposes the lack of evidence and unprofessional attitudes of the finger pointers which kept one of the accused in jail for over 5 years without bail.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsVery strong
Won 3 Emmys: Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Made for Television Movie, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Special, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Individual Achievement in Editing for a Miniseries or a Special – Single Camera Production. Won 2 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television. Won 1 DGA Award: Directors Guild of America Awards: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Specials. Also nominated for 4 more Emmys and 2 more Golden Globes. Plus 3 other awards.
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 54K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Primal Fear
Saturday SpecialAnother legal drama, and a Saturday Special.
...And Justice for All Sunday Safe BetAnother legal drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Rogue Agent
Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
At Close Range Sunday Safe BetAnother legal drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Ray Donovan: The Movie Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Mick Jackson
- James WoodsDanny Davis
- Mercedes RuehlLael Rubin
- Lolita DavidovichKee McFarlane
- Sada ThompsonVirginia McMartin
- Henry ThomasRay Buckey
- Shirley KnightPeggy Buckey
- Mark BlumWayne Satz
- Alison ElliottPeggy Ann Buckey
- Chelsea FieldChristine Johnson
- Joe UrlaGlenn Stevens