The Longest Night (1972 film)

The Longest Night is a 1972 American made-for-television drama film written by Merwin Gerard and directed by Jack Smight.[1] This movie was originally shown as an ABC Movie of the Week on September 12, 1972. It is based on the 1968 Barbara Mackle kidnapping by Gary Steven Krist.[2]

The Longest Night
GenreDrama
Written byMerwin Gerard
Directed byJack Smight
StarringDavid Janssen
James Farentino
Phyllis Thaxter
Theme music composerHal Mooney
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerWilliam Frye
Production locationThousand Oaks, California
CinematographySam Leavitt
EditorRobert F. Shugrue
Running time74 minutes
Production companyUniversal Television
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseSeptember 12, 1972 (1972-09-12)

Plot

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The plot concerns the kidnapping of Karen Chambers, daughter of wealthy Alan Chambers. The kidnapper holds her underground in a homemade coffin. He leaves her there, with a fan for air and a gallon of water, until he receives the ransom money. Her family frantically searches for her.

Cast

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Production

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Filming started June 1972 at Universal studios.[3]

Legacy

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The film inspired a story Quentin Tarantino created for CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which the show's house writers scripted into an episode he directed in 2005 titled Grave Danger, a two-hour season finale in which the Las Vegas crime team had to rescue a colleague who has been buried alive.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Marill, Alvin H. Movies made for Television. 1980. Arlington House
  2. ^ Schuyler Women Team in TV Film Smith, Cecil. Los Angeles Times 21 June 1972: f1.
  3. ^ Cornering the Secret-Bedroom Market Haber, Joyce. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]25 May 1972: h22.
  4. ^ Tarantino is a 'CSI' kind of guy; Director has fun with finale: [FINAL Edition] Keveney, Bill. USA TODAY; 19 May 2005: D.6.
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