Watch Incident in a Small Town

Incident in a Small Town is a 1994 American television film directed by Delbert Mann and starring Walter Matthau, Harry Morgan, and Stephanie Zimbalist. The film is a drama about a small town's reaction to a tragedy that takes place within its borders. Matthau stars as Sam Wayburn, a retired judge who is living a peaceful life in a small town with his wife (played by Morgan). One day, tragedy strikes when a young boy is kidnapped and held for ransom. The townspeople are shocked by the crime and react with horror and fear. Sam becomes involved in the case when the kidnapper contacts him directly, demanding that Sam act as the go-between in the ransom negotiations.

As events unfold, the film explores the reactions of the community to the kidnapping. The town's people are divided between those who want to take matters into their own hands and those who believe that they should wait for the authorities to handle the situation. Tensions mount as time runs out for the kidnapped boy, and Sam finds himself caught in the middle of a moral crisis.

One of the most compelling aspects of Incident in a Small Town is its exploration of how ordinary people react to extraordinary events. The film examines the various ways that individuals cope with trauma and tragedy, and how these reactions impact the larger community. Throughout the movie, we see the ways that the different characters cope with their emotions, and how they try to make sense of the senseless act that has taken place.

The movie is also notable for its nuanced portrayal of the character of Sam. As an experienced judge, Sam is someone who is used to dealing with difficult situations. However, the kidnapping case tests him in new ways, and he is forced to confront his own moral code. Matthau delivers a powerful performance, displaying the subtle nuances of Sam's character as he navigates the complex moral landscape of the kidnapping.

The other characters in the film are also well-drawn, with each actor delivering a strong, subtle performance. Morgan, in particular, shines as Sam's wife, who is both a source of comfort and a voice of reason during the crisis. Zimbalist plays the mother of the kidnapped boy, a role that allows her to display a range of emotions as she grapples with the loss of her child.

Overall, Incident in a Small Town is a thoughtful, well-crafted drama that explores the complexities of human nature in times of crisis. With strong performances and a taut script, it is a film that will leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll.

Incident in a Small Town is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.