Reel 1634

Turning to the 1990 product, the clear standout is NBC's Blind Faith *** adapted from the J McInness bestseller and televised over two nights (Sunday and Tuesday). Its focus is a sensational 1984 New Jersey murder case. Everyone in upscale Toms River thought of Rob and Maria Marshall as an ideal couple-prosperous, happily married, loving parents of three fine teenage sons. In truth, Rob's personal finances were in dire straits because of his gambling and he had been carrying on a torrid affair with another woman-facts that came to light after Maria was shot to death one night on the Garden State Parkway. Whodunit? Ocean County prosecutors, noting that Rob was carrying $1.5 million in life insurance on his wife, zeroed in on him. The details of the case-in particular the impact of their mother's murder on the boys-were compellingly dramatized in this taut, well-played outing, directed by Paul Wendkos from John Gay's script. David Wands from John Gay's script. Danny Barry Gray, Jay Underwood and Johnny Galecki (as Roby, Chris and John Marshall, respectively) are excellent, while Robert Urich gives an Emmy-caliber performance as the father they struggle to retain faith in.

True.

Turning to the 1990 product, the clear standout is NBC's Blind Faith *** adapted from the Joe McGinniss bestseller and telecast over two nights (Sunday and Tuesday). Its focus is a sensational 1984 New Jersey murder case. Everyone in upscale Tom's River thought of Rob and Maria Marshall as an ideal couple--prosperous, happily married, the loving parents of three fine teenage sons. In truth, Rob's personal finances were in dire straits because of his gambling and he had been carrying on a torrid affair with another woman--facts that came to light after Maria was shot to death one night on the Garden State Parkway. Whodunit? Ocean County prosecutors, noting that Rob was carrying $1.5 million in life insurance on his wife, zeroed in on him. The details of the case--in particular the impact of their mother's murder on the boys--are compellingly dramatized in this lush, well-played outing, directed by Paul Wendkos from John Gay's script. David Galecki (as Roby, Chris and John Marshall, respectively) are excellent, while Robert Urich gives an Emmy-caliber performance as the father they struggle to retain faith in.

True.