Watch Murder in Coweta County

Murder in Coweta County is a 1983 made-for-TV movie that has since become a cult classic. The film is based on a true story that took place in Georgia in the 1940s and features an all-star cast including Johnny Cash, Andy Griffith, and Earl Hindman. Set in the rural town of Coweta County, the story revolves around a wealthy white landowner named John Wallace (Griffith) who is known for his violent temper and cruel treatment of the African-American workers on his farm. When one of his workers, Wilson Turner (played by Roger Aaron Brown), is found murdered, suspicion falls on Wallace.

The case is taken up by the newly-elected sheriff of Coweta County, Lamar Potts (played by Cash), who is determined to bring Wallace to justice. Despite intense pressure from the local townspeople and the Ku Klux Klan, Potts refuses to back down and pursues the case with all the resources he has at his disposal.

As the investigation progresses, Potts and his team uncover a web of corruption and deceit that implicates some of the most prominent members of the community. Meanwhile, Wallace's arrogance and sense of entitlement lead him to believe he can get away with murder.

The film is notable for its frank portrayal of racial tensions in the deep South in the mid-twentieth century. The character of Lamar Potts is based on the real-life sheriff who investigated the murder, who was known for his progressive views on race relations. Cash portrays Potts with a quiet dignity and determination that make him a compelling protagonist.

Griffith, meanwhile, is chilling as the callous and arrogant John Wallace. He imbues the character with a sense of entitlement and cruelty that make him a truly memorable villain. His scenes with Cash are particularly powerful, as the two actors play off each other's strengths to create some truly tense moments.

The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Earl Hindman as the slimy local attorney who tries to protect Wallace from prosecution. His scenes with Griffith are particularly effective, as the two actors create a sense of mutual disdain and fear. Roger Aaron Brown, as the slain worker's grieving wife, also delivers a moving performance that adds emotional weight to the story.

The film's cinematography and production design are also worthy of note. The rural landscape of Georgia is captured with a sense of both beauty and unease, highlighting the contrast between the natural environment and the ugly racism lurking just beneath the surface. The period detail is also impressive, with the costumes and sets evoking the time and place perfectly.

All in all, Murder in Coweta County is a gripping and thought-provoking film that delves into some difficult subject matter with sensitivity and intelligence. Its themes of justice, racial inequality, and the abuse of power are just as relevant today as they were when the events depicted took place. With a top-notch cast and crew, this is a movie that deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

Murder in Coweta County is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.