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Hero image for Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Film (Trailer and Excerpts) – 1980

PG
Parental Guidance

Beyond Reasonable Doubt reconstructs the events surrounding a notorious miscarriage of justice. Farmer Arthur Allan Thomas was jailed in 1971 for the murder of Harvey and Jeanette Crewe. Starring Australian John Hargreaves (as Thomas) and Brit David Hemmings (Blowup) as controversial lead detective Bruce Hutton, the movie benefitted from immense public interest in the case. Thomas was pardoned while the film was in pre-production; he saw some scenes being made. John Laing's film became the second most successful local release until Goodbye Pork Pie the next year. Read about the case, and the film here

Australian John Hargreaves (Cry Freedom, Hotel Sorrento), cast for his likeness to [Arthur Allan] Thomas, is brilliant. His naive wonder, willingness to help and stammering delivery perfectly capture the essence of a country hick caught in a vortex beyond his comprehension.
– Writer Hamish McDouall, in his 2009 book 100 Essential New Zealand Films, page 19

Produced by

Endeavour Productions

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