Nightmare in Columbia County

This is one of the better made-for-TV films based on a true story. William Devane is always convincing as either a good guy or a bad one. He does a great job playing the former, town Sheriff, in this one. I also want to add that I've heard from several people that have worked on films with Devane that he is a really nice guy in person as well (just a note).

Netflix has this film in it's database right now and it's listed as 'Victim of Beauty.' I have no idea why names for TV films are so interchanged, but it's irritating. Also, for some strange reason, they have Sally Kellerman on the cover image, who isn't even cast in the film.

The movie is pretty entertaining. As with most films of this nature, some details have been changed, but nothing that compromises the story.

If the real story interests you, you can find some harrowing commentary from the search participants on the web.

Thank you.

An extremely well-acted and well-written film, even more remarkable because the family and events were real. Jeri Lynn Ryan's character, Dawn, sets herself up as a target to catch the criminal who threatens her and her family. William Devane, an actor with an outstanding film and TV career, co-stars as the sheriff who leads the police investigation. Although the film is set in small-town South Carolina, Devane's character breaks down the stereotype of southern police officers. Viewers will cheer Dawn on and marvel at her courage while sympathizing whole-heartedly with her family's plight. The film stays suspenseful to the end.

I am from Lexington South Carolina where this story takes place. The movie is inaccurate by calling it Columbia County because it is not Columbia County it is Lexington County.. Columbia is just the largest city near by. This movie is a true story.. and its funny because it almost happened 20 years ago and it still is talked about and known today.. Kinda scary how things can be shaken up in a small town.

WoW!! My drama teacher is Larry Gene Bell!! (Butch Slade) Well, Mr. Slade let us view this movie in drama, and I must say, he did a very good job, along with the rest of the crew. I especially like the scene in the court where he jumped out at the crowd. That was pretty cool. I recommend this movie because of its ability to touch something inside of you. If you ever get a chance, see it!!!!

Horrifiic story, of indeed one psychopath, better put six feet under. Solid acting from Devane, obsessed like Doherty was with him, in that tv film. Here, he's a town cop, who heads up this investigation, to retrieve the kidnapped daughter of a South Carolina family, her older sister, a promising beauty pageant queen, and she is beautiful, the focus of this nutter's murderous obsession. A full scale search begins, to track down, the vulnerable diabetic teen. This sick SOB starts calling, taunting the family, builds up a conversational repore with the sister, who she and authorities try to bait this guy, but unfortunately he's very ahead of the game. The actor who does a marvellous job here, looks pretty much like the real Larry Gene Bell. His testimony in court, smally covered, this one lovestruck comment, was quite offputting. Indeed this true life t.v movie, is truly tragic, too, invoving child murder, this is a highly engrossing drama, and a sisterly repecting ending, as is footage of the real Dawn. Pretty much, this film will stay with you, days after. Solid, well made, wonferfully acted tv drama, with one great raging Devane moment. Watch.