I'm not certain how I missed Fonvielle's 'Gotham' (or 'The Dead Cant Lie', TV 1988) when it came out in the late 80's...I found this by accident, and enjoyed watching it late one night. I can't agree more with the other comments/reviews already listed praising this film. I have two suggestions though...one viewers can do nothing about, and one you can. Sadly the format is (made-for-TV) full-screen, and there are many instances during the film when it's painfully obvious that a wide-screen format would add immensely to the atmosphere and mood. There's not much you can do about that though; however, what you can do, is turn your TV's 'Color' off, or desaturate the color, and add a little 'Contrast', to enjoy this film in B/W ('film noir'). As for Fonvielle, his 'The Mummy' (1999) is also a fun-filled thrill not to be missed, and 'Cherry 2000' (1987) has Melanie Griffith in her finest form (maybe ever!). His other writing credits are worthy of mention, but both 'The Bride' (1985) and 'The Lords of Discipline' do not seem to have been given the production, or directorial justice, that Fonvielle's work deeply deserved. Watch 'Gotham' as an 80's tribute to classic film noir, and/or as an intriguing preview to 'A Prairie Home Companion' (2006).

Tommy Lee Jones is in rare form here. Though he retains his trademark deadpan delivery and familiar Texan drawl, the comical one-liners are replaced by astute ones in a much darker atmosphere.Eddie Mallard (Jones) is a broke, late on his rent New York private detective whose luck turns around when he is hired by eccentric millionaire Charlie Rand (Colin Bruce) to track down and confront his wife, Rachel Carlyle (Virginia Madsen). Rand wants Rachel to leave him alone, stop following him. When Eddie asks Charlie why not start with divorce, he gets a blunt answer: Rachel has been dead for over a decade.After an initial frosty confrontation in a New York lounge, Rachel seeks out Eddie, who is falling in love with this woman who may or may not be a ghost. Rachel charms Eddie into falling in love with her as Eddie learns more about Rachel Carlyle.Eddie cannot decide if Rachel is a flesh and blood woman or if she is in fact the ghost of a dead New York socialite who only married Charlie Rand for his money. As Eddie is pulled further and further into Rachel's mysterious world, he realizes that either way, his life as he knows it could come to a bad end. The dead can't lie - can they?Excellent film, a dark, chilling tribute to 1940's film noir. Jones and Madsen have fantastic chemistry and the supporting cast (including Frederick Forrest as a priest) give outstanding performances.For those looking for it to rent, Netflix does carry it.

Gotham usually gets confused with that city-with-a-comic-book-superhero in it. This is a horrible thing for such a terrific movie. It has nothing to do with that comic book! If you love film noir, and can actually FIND this movie(also known as "The Dead Can't Lie")-probably only on a VHS, then you'll be sorry if you DON'T get it!I love this film because there are so many new things to find each time I watch it. It is a show about a Private Eye who is down on his luck until a man offers him an assignment no one else will take. His job is to find this man's ex-wife, who is continuously stalking him, and try to get her to cease and desist. The problem? She has been dead for 10 years! NO- this isn't some cheesy ghost story,and this is no comedy! It really sucks you in, and leaves you wanting to watch it again. I found Gotham to be an eerie yet believable film which still haunts me every time!!

Virginia Madsen is up for an Oscar.I remembered her role in the Movie Gotham with Tommy Lee Jones. For those who would like to enter a different reality enjoy! I see that it was a TV movie I recommend this movie for all mature audiences.Tommy Lee Jones was fantastic and you see another side of his acting style. Virginia Madsen carried the movie and does not disappoint!The setting takes place in New York in the night with lighting and sets that are spare and allow the actors to fill the night with their mysterious liaison.If I cannot make the 10 line minimum it would be a shame i don not want to "give" the movie away. The mystery is the movie.I hope someone will see the movie and be able to fill in the needed ten lines to entice others to watch!