To Catch a Killer
| To Catch a Killer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre |
Biography Crime Drama Thriller |
| Written by | Jud Kinberg |
| Directed by | Eric Till |
| Starring |
Brian Dennehy Michael Riley |
| Music by | Paul Zaza |
| Country of origin |
Canada USA |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) |
Jud Kinberg Jinny Schreckinger Peter Filion (co-executive producer) Lance H. Robbins (co-executive producer) |
| Producer(s) |
Richard O. Lowry Patrick Whitley (co-producer) David McAree (associate producer) |
| Cinematography | Rene Ohashi |
| Editor(s) | Ralph Brunjes |
| Running time | 182 minutes |
| Production company(s) |
Creative Entertainment Group Libra Pictures Telestories Entertainment Inc. |
| Distributor | FOX |
| Release | |
| Original network | FOX |
| Original release | May 15, 1992 (USA) |
To Catch a Killer is a two-part television film from 1992, directed by Eric Till and starring Brian Dennehy and Michael Riley. It is based on the true story of the pursuit of American serial killer John Wayne Gacy.
Plot
As he investigates the missing person report of a teenager named Chris Gant (based on Gacy's genuine final victim, Robert Piest), Des Plaines, IL detective Lt. Joe Kozenczak (Riley) becomes concerned that local businessman John Wayne Gacy (Dennehy) may be responsible for this and well as many other disappearances. However, when he and his team are ready to arrest Gacy, their evidence is viewed as being circumstantial. Worst of all, everyone (including Konzenczak's superiors) view Gacy as a respectable pillar of society. Meanwhile, Gacy himself begins a sadistic game of cat-and-mouse as he tries in every way to manipulate and outwit the police.
After eventually achieving two search warrants, Konzenczak finds a large amount of incriminating evidence, as well as 29 bodies buried throughout John Gacy's property; the remaining 4 are found dumped in a nearby river, including Gant's remains. Afterwards, he is charged with the rape and murder of 33 boys and young men and convicted, being sentenced to death.
Impact/Reception
The film was broadcast in three countries, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. In general, the film was received well by critics. As a result, Brian Dennehy was nominated for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special". In addition, actor Michael Riley and director Eric Till were both nominated for two individual Gemini Awards.
Cast
- Brian Dennehy as John Wayne Gacy
- Michael Riley as Lieutenant Joseph 'Joe / Polock' Kozenczak
- Margot Kidder as Rachel Grayson
- Meg Foster as City Attorney Linda Carlson
- Martin Julien as Theodore 'Ted' Koslo
- Scott Hylands as Delta Squad Sergeant Mike Paxton
- David Eisner as Detective Terry Williams
- John Boylan as Detective Gary Atkins
- Tony De Santis as Delta Squad Detective Craig DeMarco
- Mark Humphrey as Delta Squad Detective King
- Gary Reineke as Delta Squad Detective Leonard 'Lenny' Petrie
- Tim Progosh as Delta Squad Detective Jack Morris
- Danny Pawlick as Patrolman Tony Santori
- Bruce Ramsay as Forensic Officer Edward 'Ed' Bragg
- Brenda Bazinet as Alice Pearson
- Liliane Clune as Marcia Kozenczak
- Toby Proctor as Michael Kozenczak
- Christopher Marren as Billy