Customer Reviews

The Fugitive

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Although in some parts it follows the movie closely in others it goes totally off the rails. The author changes Gerard's classic "I don't care" line to "not my problem" and then he twice repeats the original line from the movie, as if he didn't change it at all! It gives some insight into Gerard's team but it has lost the feel the movie has. If you loved the movie, forget the book.

There seems to be a bias against novels which are tie-ins to blockbuster movies, and "The Fugitive" is no exception. J.M. Dillard's novel has been largely ignored despite its merits.

The novel's plot follows the screenplay closely. Dr. Richard Kimble is an escaped prisoner who is trying to clear himself by finding the real killer while eluding Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard and his team.

Dillard departs from the movie in some of the characterizations. Her Gerard is more of a hardnose, especially in his dealings with the rookie Noah Newman ( the Gerard/Newman relationship is a key subplot ). All of the major characters are sensibly sketched, with strengths and weaknesses. Dillard spends much time with Gerard and his people, and this gives the book much of its appeal.

Evidently fans of the movie enjoyed Gerard's team, because they'll be back (played by the same actors who worked together in 1993) in "U.S. Marshals". Hopefully, this film will also be novelized by Ms. Dillard.