This movie has not left my mind in over 20 years. It shows love , compassion, regret, anger, and horror! I can not believe how sick the human race can be. And that little boy??? You will not be disappointed in this movie. Well worth the watch! And the ending is shocking and superb!

CAROLINA SKELETONS is a TV movie exploring the same subject matter as MISSISSIPPI BURNING and IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT. It stars Louis Gossett Jr. as a former soldier looking into the mystery surrounding a historical crime for which his brother was executed as a boy. While investigating he discovers a small town hot with corruption and prejudice, and soon finds himself in very real danger. While this production suffers from the typical TV movie trappings in terms of lack of budget and tame delivery of the subject matter, Gossett Jr. is good value as the lead and the likes of Bruce Dern, Melissa Leo, Clifton James, and Richard Denkins can be relied upon to deliver solid support.

This film I saw on NBC back in 1993. I was horrified watching it then, and it gives me even more chills now knowing this really happened. LG gives a stellar performance as the brother seeking justice for his brother's murder. More films like these should be made to expose the judicial system for what it is and perhaps we won't have to learn these lessons now. The interesting turn of events is the fact that his brother went into the military for the country who showed no remorse for his brother. This is not for the faint of heart nor should children watch it (spoiler alert). This film is about society's ills and the laws that support them. This film would have done well in theaters. However by it being aired on television, the concept is toned down and is not as grotesque as it could have been. It was done well enough for the viewer to get the gist. Though it seemed slow at times, it is a mirror of how justice actually moves in cases of exoneration.

Lou Gossett heads a strong cast in this solidly stereotyped Southern murder investigation. What makes "Carolina Skeletons" unique is the logical unraveling of a 30 year old conspiracy, that protected the real killer of two little girls. Gossett's brother was hanged for a crime he did not commit, and there are plenty of suspects to eliminate, including a very active KKK. Bruce Dern is especially effective in a pivotal role as sheriff. The violence is somewhat subdued in favor of character development and a fine script. All in all an excellent example of race relations in the South, both 30 years ago and today. Recommended. - MERK