Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Powerful murder mystery 'A Cry in the Dark' with Meryl Streep 1988

A CRY IN THE DARK from WARNER BROS. (1988). The Australian film was first titled "Evil Killers." It was changed when released outside of that country. The production budget climbed to $15 million. It was considered a box office flop grabbing $6.9 million world-wide. I saw it in a regular movie theater at Portland, Oregon.

The movie is based on the book "Evil Angels: The Case of Lindy Chamberlain" (1985). Meryl Streep portrays Lindy and Sam Neill plays her husband Michael Chamberlain.

The Chamberlain family go on vacation in the Australian out-back. One night - Lindy leaves her 9-month-old baby in her tent while the family gathers at a campfire. Lindy hears a scream and she runs back to the tent. She sees a "Dingo" Dog carrying something in its' mouth. 

Lindy is the only eye-witness of that Dingo who she thinks killed her baby. She is believed by the police.... Nonetheless - the public believes her to be a cold woman who sacrificed her baby "to the wilderness." The court battle lasted several years and Lindy was finally convicted of murdering her child. Her husband was convicted of accessory.

Three years after Lindy's conviction. A tourist found the jump-suit that the baby was wearing. It was miles away from where she was grabbed. (Please watch the movie for final conclusions).

The question is, "Was that Dingo large enough to carry off the baby?" When Lindy returns to the tent. The dog is seen running off into the darkness with something in its' mouth....

The film stands up after all of these years. It's a mystery and a thriller played out in court. Meryl Streep was nominated for an Oscar as best actress for 1988. Check it out....

(1989 VHS tape cover.)

Click photo below for full movie online.

(Meryl Streep & Sam Neill as the Chamberlains.)

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