Watch The Death of Richie

The Death of Richie is a dramatic film from 1977 starring Ben Gazzara, Eileen Brennan, and Robby Benson. The movie tells a story of a family who is struggling with their son's drug addiction, and how it ultimately leads to a tragic ending. The film is set in a small town in Minnesota, where Richie is a high school student who has become increasingly distant from his family and friends. His parents, George (Gazzara) and Gwen (Brennan), are painfully aware of Richie's problems and do everything they can to help him. However, their efforts prove to be futile, as Richie continues to spiral out of control with his addiction.

Despite their efforts, Richie's parents are unable to prevent him from making bad choices, and it becomes apparent that he is in serious trouble. His mother, Gwen, begins to fear for his safety, and she becomes increasingly worried that her son will end up dead. Meanwhile, Richie's father, George, becomes increasingly frustrated with his son's addiction, and he is unable to understand what he is going through.

As the movie progresses, we see Richie's behavior become increasingly erratic and unpredictable. He begins to hang out with a dangerous crowd who encourage his addiction, and it becomes clear that he is in over his head. Richie's parents are torn between trying to help their son and protecting the rest of their family.

The tension of the film builds as Richie's addiction continues to take a toll on his life. His friends and family become increasingly worried about him, and they begin to realize that he may not be able to pull himself out of this situation. We witness the struggle of a family who is dealing with the painful reality of addiction, and how it can tear apart the fabric of a tight-knit community.

The Death of Richie is a gripping and emotional film that tackles the difficult subject of drug addiction in a realistic and honest way. The performances by the cast are excellent, particularly by Ben Gazzara who delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a father who is struggling to understand his son.

The movie is beautifully shot and captures the bleak and desolate landscape of a small town in Minnesota. The film's score is also noteworthy, with a haunting and melancholy theme that perfectly captures the mood of the story.

Overall, The Death of Richie is a powerful and moving film that explores the devastating impact of drug addiction on individuals and their families. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain and heartbreak of addiction, and it is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

The Death of Richie is a 1977 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.