Customer Reviews

Dead Before Dawn

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Based on a true case that took place in Dallas in 1987, "Dead Before Dawn" is about a woman caught in a viciously abusive marriage, who despite her fear and no resources of her own, files for a divorce. Her ambitious husband decides that a little more finality in their split would be less embarrassing for his real estate partners than a messy divorce, and hires a hit man for a "permanent solution." Unfortunately for the husband, the contractor he hires hands the job over to an "expert," but not the kind of expert anyone expects...as he works for the FBI.

The cast is fine, with the attractive Cheryl Ladd lovely as Linda, the bruised and frightened wife, Jameson Parker good as the horrible husband, and Kim Coates creepy as Zack the hitman/FBI agent. Matt Clark and Hope Lange do well as Linda's parents, who are helpful with her 2 children. Directed by Charles Correll with nice pacing and some intense moments, the plot is intriguing and keeps one's interest despite a few holes here and there, and if you enjoy true-life crime dramas, you'll find this TV movie quite entertaining.

I have long been a fan of Cheryl Ladd and loved watching this movie on Lifetime. I was thrilled to purchase this DVD as you can no longer find Cheryl Ladd in movies as she is deemed "too Old" by today's standards. This is one of my favorites as it is based on a true story that is beyond belief. I would recommend this DVD to anyone who loves movies with women in them and not the kids of today.

Make no mistake about it -- Dead Before Dawn is a really good film. I always enjoy a good Lifetime movie about a woman who triumphs in the end, despite the most horiffic circumstances. And, although this film is based on a true story, like many other Lifetime movies that I adore, I do not believe that I will ever watch Dead Before Dawn again. The scenes of physical and psychological abuse are so extreme, so well-acted and intense, that I found myself getting physically sick at times -- and this is from a woman who loves horror movies!

However, this is a nicely paced drama that fans of crime stories will love.

I like this film so much that I had to have it on DVD.
It's based on the Linda Edelman case from Dallas, TX, and Ike Van Den Eikel (sp?) actually exists in real life. He was Linda Edelman's lawyer.
If you enjoyed "Crossings" and "Blue Grass", you will love this one!

I saw this movie many years ago & I loved it. I'm so glad I found it on amazon. I definitely recommend this movie, it's really good.