Indictment: The McMartin Trial

It's 1983. Police receives a complaint from Judy Johnson of her son's molestation at the McMartin family-run pre-school daycare center in Manhattan Beach, California. Eventually over 60 children make accusations of outrageous abuse at the school run by 76 year old Virginia McMartin (Sada Thompson) prodded by child-psychiatrist Kee McFarlane (Lolita Davidovich) and her questionable techniques. Virginia's grandson Ray Buckey (Henry Thomas) is at the center of the accusations. Callous defense lawyer Danny Davis (James Woods) is eager to take the case stoked into a media circus by Wayne Satz. Lael Rubin (Mercedes Ruehl) is self-righteous prosecutor. They arrest Ray, Virginia, his sister Peggy Ann (Alison Elliott), mother Peggy (Shirley Knight), and teachers Betty Raidor and Babette Spinler. Prosecutor Glenn Stevens pulls the case together discovering it to be built upon conflicting testimonies from the children.

This is a compelling true story. It's told from the defense's side although I'm not sure what the prosecution's side would be. It's a harrowing case. James Woods brings his energetic persona to full force. The case is riveting and utterly memorable. It is a great award-winning TV movie from HBO.

The pursuit of legitimate child abusers is worthy indeed, but this movie shows how it can quickly get out of control. It also shows how people who start out to protect victims can fall in love with their own reputations along the way. I'm sure all the "bad folks" in this story started out with all the best intentions. James Woods and Henry Thomas stand out in a strong cast. This is a very important story.

It is 1983, and Ray Buckey- a teacher at his grandmother's preschool- is arrested after numerous children accuse him of sexual assault. Awaiting trial, Buckey is assigned fast-talking defence attorney Danny Davis, who isn't interested in whether he in innocent or not; only caring about the mechanics of the law. As the trial unfurls, however, Davis becomes increasingly disturbed by the way social worker Kee MacFarlane extracted the children's confessions of abuse, and starts to believe in Buckey's innocence. Will Davis be able to convince the jury, or will Buckey be found guilty on all counts?

Directed by Mick Jackson from a screenplay by Abby and Myra Mann, 'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' is a riveting retelling of a sadly true story that is prescient and relevant- perhaps even more so now than when it was first broadcast. A frightening and gripping court-room procedural, the Mann's narrative moves at a brisk pace and is brimming with strong dialogue, both humorous and dramatic. They raise interesting questions about the reliability of memory, the validity of testimony and the ethics of investigation, while their examination of the McMartin case exposes a multitude of flaws, in the world of social care work, the legal profession and- particularly- society in general.

The Mann's use the McMartin case to shine a light on one of the more troublesome aspects of modern society: the rush to judgement after an accusation is made. The media controlled the discourse around Buckey, painting him as a criminal before his trial even started, dictating the opinion of the masses in regards to same. The film criticises the idea that accusations should be- and are- considered as fact before proper investigation, and that accusers should always be believed. Though in the 90s, when the film was made, this was certainly topical; in the era of MeToo it feels even more so.

While the filmmakers lean on the side of Buckey, they don't take a simplistic or one-sided view of the case, rather exploring the complexities and ambiguities of the evidence and relating testimonies. In addition, the procedural elements are well-realized, with the scenes involving Davis preparing Buckey for court being especially grounded and believable. Furthermore, Jackson's inclusion of actual archival footage and real-life interviews adds a sense of stark realism to proceedings that bolsters the overall narrative impact.

Moreover, Rodrigo García's muted cinematography is subtle, contributing to the mood of the piece but never distracting or dominating scenes. His use of close-ups and artificial lighting in the court-room sequences is particularly effective, while he manifests suspense with his utilisation of low-angles and wide shots. He creates a realistic and immersive atmosphere, which is only compounded by Peter Rodgers Melnick's subdued score and Howard Cummings's unobtrusive production design.

'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' finds James Woods starring as Danny Davis, delivering a typically energetic performance both engaging and entertaining. Woods handles the comic and dramatic with equal aplomb, never appearing as anything other than authentic, whether in court or out of it. He carries the film, and works well alongside co-stars Mercedes Ruehl and Henry Thomas. Ruehl, for her part, does strong work as the prosecuting attorney, who has her own stake in the game; while Thomas's performance as Ray Buckey is nuanced and sympathetic. Also worth mentioning is Lolita Davidovich, who steals all her scenes as the sinister and saccharine Kee MacFarlane with ease.

A powerful and pointed made for TV Movie, 'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' retells an important chapter of modern history that should never be forgotten. An indictment of society and those who rush to judgement, it is both relevant and compelling, featuring punchy dialogue, sharp cinematography and a fine score. Boasting strong performances from the likes of James Woods, Henry Thomas and Lolita Davidovich, Mick Jackson's 'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' is a film innocent of irrelevance and guilty of greatness.

A brilliant account of justice gone haywire as an innocent family is dragged through the courts and all but destroyed by rumours of child abuse. This (true) story is a universal one - it all happened in the early eighties but similar injustices have happened again in Britain recently following witch-hunts by irresponsible national newspapers. (Do we never learn?) The film itself is excellent, with fabulous performances all round but especially by an as-always-knockout James Woods and Mercedes Ruehl. Director Mick Jackson moves it along at a terrific pace - two and quarter hours flies by. Highly recommended!

Tremendously disturbing and well-acted film. What is most troubling is the fact that this episode really occurred. Remarkable portrayal of how easily something like this can get so totally out of control. It is hard to imagine this feeding frenzy among, supposedly, educated and sophisticated people. James Woods is dead-on perfect as an initially slimy, opportunistic attorney, who finds himself slowly horrified by what he finds himself in the middle of. His courtroom questioning of Dr. McFarlane (Lolita Davidovich)is riveting. An impressive, well-done movie, but extremely troubling for what it says about our justice system.