Jack Lemmon stars in this TV telling of a true incident in our history. When a young lady is killed, her employer (Peter Gallagher) is accused, because of circumstantial evidence, supposedly true testimony of others implicating him, his ladies man reputation, but mostly because he is a Yankee and a Jew in the South. He is given a trial, which isn't quite a fair one. When the sentence is hanging until death and a pardon from the Governor is possible, Governor Jack Lemmon feels the prisoner was given a bum deal, considering the community's prejudice and has qualms about letting the man hang. He goes on his own crusade and investigation to delve deeper into the story. Jack Lemmon has never given a bad performance, and in fact, everyone was very good in their role, especially Dutton in his memorable role. This was a very educational, involved and thoughtful film. "They Won't Forget" with Claude Rains and Lana Turner was another film about this, but that was a loose telling of the story, as it took place in a school setting instead a workplace. I've seen it, and it stands on its own as a good example of hard-hitting drama and movie-making if not totally accurate to the basic facts. After seeing this version though, you may not want to see the older version, as this puts the characters and their feelings first rather than serving their problems up for your entertainment.

This was a spectacular movie. I don't know where to start. I saw this on TV back in 1988 and taped it and watched it over and over. It is a facinating true story about a Brooklyn born jewish man Leo Frank, who is accused of raping and murdering a young southern girl working in the pencil factory he manages in Atlanta.The true case takes on epic proportions as a firery battle ensuses as political power, prejudice and fallout from the civil war, seek to destroy a man who is almost certainly innocent - and destroy anyone who tries to help him.Even more intersting than the trial is the second half of the story. The Governor (Jack Lemon) tries to give Leo Frank a fair chance at justice and is forced to fight his lifelong friends who have political ambitions of their own - and may destroy his entire life in the attempt.It's an excellent movie to show to children to teach them about character and doing what is right in the face of impossible odds - to show to history class and just for anyone who has any interst in history or drama!

george stevens ,jr. always does quality things as was this. william hale,ii was super leading the plot to climax of theme and drew out best in characters. since the initial showing i have heard many others express their opinion that this was a super presentation. congrats george and billy hale and the fine extras cast of richmond,va. area.

Wonderfully engrossing drama that is well acted and completely interesting. Is a little gem that by the look of the votes here, was missed by lots. That's a shame. If you ever come across it in the future, is worth a look. I gave it a 9.