Watch Carolina Skeletons

Carolina Skeletons is a crime drama film from 1991 that features an ensemble cast including Louis Gossett Jr., Bruce Dern, and Melissa Leo. The movie is based on a true story and is set in the 1940s in the small town of Darlington, South Carolina. The story revolves around the life of an African-American man, James Bragg (played by Louis Gossett Jr.). Bragg is a janitor at a school and lives with his wife and three children in a small house. One day, he receives a letter from his older brother, Henry (played by Bruce Dern), who he hasn't seen for more than twenty years. The letter brings back painful memories of the past and urges James to revisit it.

The movie then flashes back to the 1940s, when James and Henry were teenagers. Both of them were accused of murder and were sentenced to death. However, James was released from prison, while Henry was executed. The town believed that they had caught the culprits and justice had been served, but James knew the truth - they had been wrongly accused.

The story then follows James as he tries to uncover the truth about the murder, and more importantly, prove his brother's innocence. He enlists the help of his childhood friend, Harriet (played by Melissa Leo), who is now a journalist. Together, they dive deep into the events of the past and uncover long-hidden secrets that may provide the key to unlocking the truth.

The movie portrays the harsh reality of racism and injustice prevalent in the South during the 1940s. The town's white citizens see James as inferior because of the color of his skin and Henry as guilty simply because he was black. The justice system is corrupt, and the truth is buried under a veil of lies, racism, and power.

Louis Gossett Jr. delivers a powerful performance as James Bragg, who is determined to clear his brother's name and restore his family's honor. Bruce Dern also delivers a compelling performance as Henry Bragg, who was sent to his death because of the color of his skin.

Melissa Leo is equally impressive as Harriet, who is determined to find the truth no matter the cost. Through her character, the movie sheds light on the role that the press played during that time in uncovering stories of racism and injustice.

Carolina Skeletons is a thought-provoking movie that raises important questions about racism, justice, and the power of the press. The movie is directed by John Erman and is based on the novel of the same name by David Stout. The film premiered on NBC in 1991 and received critical acclaim. The movie unflinchingly presents the horrors of the past in the South and demonstrates how they have lasting effects on the present. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in history, civil rights, and the struggle for justice in America.

Carolina Skeletons is a 1991 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.