AIDAN STAFFORD

"Murder In Coweta County" is such a captivating film, that not only will you prove riveted by the pacing of the script and its police procedural, you will find yourself with many a thoughtful and quiet moment; as after viewing.---And, this is upon sad, self-reminder that it is a true story. Throughout Andy Griffith's career, he would take--every now and again--a villainous role. Not only did it keep him from being “type-cast” from potential work because of continuous association with his beloved persona of "Andy Taylor" of "The Andy Griffith Show", but the evil roles reminded an industry that he could actually act. His characterization of "John Wallace" is evil like no other. We are presented with an uncomfortable "invisible" third-party viewing of his vicious misdeeds, yet we are granted--also--a soothing view of Johnny Cash's "Lamar Potts": the virtuous sheriff of Coweta County who is working just as tirelessly to prove Wallace's guilt. June Carter Cash is enthralling in her role "Mayhayley Lancaster", a pivotal soothsayer who vitally assists Sheriff Potts in proving the murder of the ill-fated "Wilson Turner" (portrayed perfectly, and affectionately, by the multi-talented Robert Schenkken). Wilson, a disgruntled and former employee of Wallace's, is being “set-up” to be murdered in a corrupt county in 1940s Georgia. A county that his former boss practically owns; including its “law”-enforcement. His escape during a desperate hot pursuit only gets him as far as Coweta County. When Wallace and his henchmen catch Wilson, he pleads with innocent bystanders, "PLEASE!!! DON'T LET THEM KILL ME!!!" In those scenes, especially, the audience members feel emotionally invested in, and concerned for Wilson's well-being. Robert Schenkken's acting was extraordinary. As is the acting of every cast member involved. Even if you don't read the book by Margaret Ann Barnes, the film grants you haunting insight into the moral and legal clash of resilient-Good being pitted against relentless-Evil. And, regardless of whatever your personally known times of social-"peace" or even political-unrest, the scenes and era in this film--indeed--"stay with you."