He also has two collections of poetry available on Amazon. The Rosary Murders 1987 1 hr 45 mins R Watchlist Donald Sutherland as the confessor of a serial killer who targets priests. And, in particular, I knew the late William "Bill" Kienzle, On Kindle, you can still get most of his great Detroit-centric murder mysteries, including the original: The Rosary Murders: The Father Koesler Mysteries: Book 1 After Bill's death in 2001, his novels seemed to disappear. There's quite a large alumni group of us out there. The Rosary Murders. While the non-starter love interest B-plot (sorry, Belinda Bauer) sticks uneasily to the doughy mid-section, at least the murders themselves pack a punch and are surprisingly varied. The fact that you could allow people to be killed because of some religious notion is just silly to me. Co-written by Elmore Leonard and directed by Fred When A Stranger Calls Walton! Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. FAQ Let's not play with labels. I can't believe that anybody has a good thing to say about this movie. R Genre. This book did a good job weaving all the pieces of a complex murder mystery together -- until the last chapter. Production Company First Take Productions. I found that funny because the book cover has a dead woman in a bathtub..it doesn't show anything vital, but the naked is implied. Let us know! Koznicki: Josef Sommer.. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1954 and spent twenty years as a Roman Catholic parish priest. Born in Maple Grove, MN, Hey has lived in Sioux Falls, SD since 1995. This presents a moral quandary for Father Koesler: does he remain silent after being forced to absolve a killer for his heinous sins, or does he turn his back on his sworn duty as a priest and reveal what he knows about the killer to the authorities? If Bundy did Monsignor Kerr about a mysterious force, it should be assumed he did so simply to mess with him. The Rosary Murders (1987) 16 08/28/1987 (US) Crime, Mystery, Thriller 1h 45m User Score. As the bodies start to pile up, Detectives Koznicki and Harris turn to one of the Motor Citys priests, Father Robert Koesler, for help. Before leaving for college, she had promised her mother and/or grandmother that she would pray the rosary before bed every night even if she fell asleep doing so. It is based upon the 1979 novel of the same name by William X. Kienzle.Kienzle received screenplay credit, as did Elmore Leonard. Koesler is taking confession when he realises that the man he is talking to is the killer. See production, box office & company info. This is the first in the Father Koesler series by the late William X. Kienzle. Say ten "Hail Marys" while meditating on the Mystery. Spoiler Alert Link to Spoiler Alert. However, the more credible sources on this story relate that she had fallen asleep. The Rosary Murders was named one of the top twenty-five mysteries of the twentieth century in spring 2000 by the Chicago Sun-Times. I recommend this any day of the week. A really good cast can't stop this movie from feeling, unfortunately, very tedious and dry. When I saw that there was a movie starring NAACP Image Award-winning actor Donald Sutherland as a priest who tries to track down a serial killer bumping off clergy, it seemed like a serendipitous companion to the show. Directed by Fred Walton and adapted from a novel by William X. Kiensle, it basically was a combination of the director and his actors that made this terrible. The Associated Press did not write about this story and to insinuate otherwise adds fuel to fire of the negative opinions of those on the Snopes forum. First of all, if it is true, we should be shouting it from the rooftops! So the author build up the story but then the ending was flat. Furthermore, on the night of the attack, Father Kerr was indeed called to the sorority house that night, and later he was called in to be a spiritual advisor to Ted Bundy, a role he continued to do for years. A priest is called to the confessional from his quarters in the church. However, I did make an effort to mention the names of the victims. His only prayer -- to learn how the maniac chooses his victims. Say three "Hail Marys" for Faith, Hope, and Charity. Watch in SD. If he really did feel that mysterious force, would he not have ceased his rampage entirely? "The Rosary Murders" is based on a neo-noir novel by William X. Kienzle who was a real catholic priest. Directed by When Stranger Calls Fred Walton in a low key well observed style that serves the weight over Sutherlands shoulders better than the crime investigation stuff which is often rather contrived. This is a Detroit set mystery series featuring the Catholic church. 59:59. The script moves over to comment on the Catholic Church, not denouncing it per se, but criticising its lack of compassionate balance and its appallingly inadequate dismissal of both Javison and Katherines anguish. The thriller, which also stars Charles Durning as a conservative priest and Belinda Bauer as a reporter, wins its stripes by exploring the dark connections between guilt, sex, and Catholicism. 36%. Ted Bundy did attack the Chi Omega Sorority House on January 15, 1978. Father Koesler wonders if he will be next. "The Rosary Murders Starring: Charles Durning, Donald Sutherland. The murderer leaves behind a rosary. First time seeing this thanks to Kino's new bluray. James Stewart was a second son of Lord Ochiltree [S]. This Hilarious Card Game Will Keep You In Holy Stitches (and Out of Confession)! Go Orange. behind the killers choice of victims. This will allow for a more in-depth discussion of the topic. A killer of Detroit clergy confesses to a priest, who turns sleuth because he cannot tell the police. All Rights Reserved. Its plot follows a series of gruesome murders occurring within a Detroit Roman Catholic parish. I firmly believe that the most important names in this story are Margaret Bowman, Lisa Levy, Kathy Kleiner, and Karen Chandler. "The Rosary Murders" uses the very familiar plot of a priest getting a confession from a criminal, but because the priest is bound by the seal of the confessional, he can't inform the police about what he knows. In contrast to Walton's spine-tingling "When a . He had no actual intention of clearing up his wrong doings. The Rosary Murders is the sole film in Fred Waltons oeuvre that stands out as being extremely good. The classic film about a Detroit cop who goes to Beverly Hills, California to solve a crime. Then, after he was arrested, Ted Bundy asked Father Kerr to be his spiritual advisor in prison. The clue in the case is a black rosary left in the hand of each of the victims. The Rosary Murders 1987 (R)Based on the William X. Kienzle mystery about a serial killer preying on nuns and priests. But he's bound by church law to say nothing. Retrieved February 24, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/culture-magazines/rosary-murders. I was never bored during any of the times I watched this film. 2019Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. Explores the dark connection between guilt, sex, and Catholicism. That night, then-Father (later Monsignor) William Kerr was called in to administer Last Rites to the victims. Nothing amazing. There have even been two books about the rosary that mention this story that include a reference to a mysterious force. The publishers of those books should be embarrassed that they allowed those books to be published and sold before they had verified that story. Father Robert Koesler: People are going to die. A serial killer targeting clergy confesses his crimes to a priest who may be his next victim. After just skimming through the book I found that the story takes place in Detroit, Michigan. Oh boy, this should be a good whodunit! Posters are sourced from TMDb and Posteritati, and appear for you and visitors to your profile and content, depending on settings. I just discovered this series of books. Let us assume, for a brief moment, that Ted Bundy did say a mysterious force did prevent him from continuing his rampage at Chi Omega. I guess dead naked people are acceptable, while half naked women contemplating sex with rogues is less so. This 1987 movie was just awful. Say the "Our Father". Koesler helps the police find how the killer was able to gain access to the seminary. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by priest-turned-author William X. Kienzle. The next mention was a third-hand account on a blog in 2009. He stands around watching people drop dead all around him. The Rosary Murders is a 1987 American mystery crime film directed by Fred Walton and starring Donald Sutherland, Charles Durning, Belinda Bauer, and Josef Sommer.Its plot follows a series of gruesome murders occurring within a Detroit Roman Catholic parish. If the rosary had stopped a serial killers rampage, how had I not heard that story before? No expression so you had no idea where the film was going. Alex R. Hey has had his work featured on TheBatmanUniverse.net and in The Eagle Democrat of Warren, Arkansas and The Argus Leader of Sioux Falls, SD. However, if it is not true, we need to be clear on the facts. Subplot with a potential romantic interest for Sutherland is the worst. What, if anything is true in the above story? Sure some things are dated, but it was politically correct at the time. In The Rosary Murders, Detroit priests and nuns are being methodically murdered; all are found with a plain black rosary entwined . (*1/2). Entertaining enough. However the pacing seemed to plod a bit too much, where some monotonous patches seemed to lose focus. I am willing to accept that one of the survivors believes she survived because she fell asleep holding her rosary that night. That's not to say it's bad film, but it doesn't exactly keep you on the edge of your seatwhich a mystery ought to. On January 13, 1978 Ted Bundy broke into the Chi Omega Sorority House on the campus of Florida State University and went on a rampage. Say the "Glory Be". 6. Filmed on location in Detroit. "The Rosary Murders" follows a Catholic parish in Detroit that is plagued by a series of brutal murders. Still makes me laugh to this day. This cozy mystery is fun, easily followed, and easily read. Some stretches of dialogue Belinda Bauers confession, the end reading of Katharines letter are extremely moving. MlH Of Series Channel. A killer of Detroit clergy confesses to a priest (Donald Sutherland), who turns sleuth because he cannot tell the police. It is a set-up that is pure Hitchcock in its subtly implied minimalism. Intriguing premise is let down by a flat, tedious script. The biggest sit around and stare is when the real murderer kills two police officers and is wounded while our hero sits and stares into space as the killer finally gets up and runs away. There is no evidence to conclude thata mysterious force prevented Ted Bundy from continuing his slaughter that night. It is based upon the 1979 novel of the same name by William X. Kienzle. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"dDBoq3WEvyGgx30SM_suJO16ehSvQTu9tn0_uz4CzPo-86400-0"}; 104min. https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/culture-magazines/rosary-murders, "The Rosary Murders New Phim Vit Nam Vision. (1987) A killer of Detroit clergy confesses to a priest (Donald Sutherland), who turns sleuth because he cannot tell the police. Confession Criminelle, Rosary Murders MPAA Rating. Police believe he stopped his attack because he was spooked when a girl used the bathroom at the far end of the hallway around 3:15A.M. What Everyone is REALLY Thinking in the Cry Room, Laugh Your Way to Holiness with Catholic Card Game. Show All Kept my interest. During their visit, Father Kerr asked Bundy why he did not kill the survivor. Ted Bundy killed Margaret Bowman and Lisa Levy and injured Kathy Kleiner and Karen Chandler at the Chi Omega Sorority House on January 15, 1978. The author has relied heavily upon the literary device of COINCIDENCE in constructing his plot; i.e., he expects you to believe that several people living in the same part of the country would have certain proper names. Murder Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. In The Rosary Murders, Detroit priests and nuns are being methodically murdered; all are found with a plain black rosary entwined . Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. Please consider upgrading to a Pro accountfor less than a couple bucks a month, youll get cool additional features like all-time and annual stats pages (example), the ability to select (and filter by) your favorite streaming services, and no ads! Letterboxd is an independent service created by a small team, and we rely mostly on the support of our members to maintain our site and apps. Belinda Bauer, with her jackhammer delivery, plays the lapsed Catholic reporter who falls in love with Koesler after he mumbles in an interview. A great premise but ultimately a bit of a snooze. Twitter Facebook Link Print. Nabors: Charles Durning. Now, no one but Sutherland, can give that blank stare so well. The police seem powerless to stop the serial killer and the Church can't protect its . The author has relied heavily upon the literary device of COINCIDENCE in constructing his plot; i.e., he expects you to believe that several people living in the same part of the country would have certain proper names. Directed by Fred Walton, from source material written by William X. Kienzie and adapted by Walton and Elmore Leonard, the film co-stars Charles Durning and Josef Sommer. Some blogs that mention this story include an Associated Press attribution which is blatantly false. That bug-eyed sincerity, the Sutherland signature that held us in "Klute," is working here. The Rosary Murders Directed by Fred Walton. While he was a good writer, this kind of story was not what he was good at. He'd rather I read murder mysteries than bodice ripper romance novels with half naked people on the front. Then I started it, saw Elmore Leonard wrote the screenplay, and got more excited. If I had to look at Donald Sutherland one more time with his blank expression I thought I'd drop. Announce the First Mystery and then say the "Our Father". He is abrupt and even down right tactless when dealing with his parishioners. Donald Sutherland is good, but he can't make this film worth seeing all by himself. Two wonderful stars! Police believe he stopped his attack because he was spooked when a girl used the bathroom at the far end of the hallway around 3:15A.M. A priest is conflicted following a string of murders which target fellow priests and nuns in this dark mystery drama. Part of the effectiveness here might well be the other surprise name on the credits Waltons co-writer Elmore Leonard. He lied and played games during those conversations. Add Tubi - Free Movies & TV. Pat: Belinda Bauer. Co-Written by Elmore Leonard. Kienzle's books are set mostly in Detroit, Michigan . When the killer explains why he did it I started laughing. It was little seen when it came out and sadly its profile has not substantially changed since then, although it is eminently deservous of much greater recognition. His book, Eugne de Mazenod: A Saint for Today, is available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and LeoninePublishers.com. Father Koesler begins collaborating with the police but soon finds himself in a spot when the killer decides to choose him as confessor.Salvatore Santangelo The Rosary Murders is an interesting little mystery-thriller with a solid premise and some spine chilling moments. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic. Nabors is the cocksure, dogma-spouting counterpoint to Koesler's struggle with self-doubt and church doctrine. It read well, kept my interest and was pretty well written. I could definitely relate to this because I'm a lifelong Catholic. Depen, milo aloe, callow, fallow, hallow, mallow, marshmallow, sallow, shallow, tallow Pablo, tableau cashflow Anglo matelot Carlo, Harlow, Marlowe, Burke and Hare These men are universally believed to have been body snatchers, but in fact they made a good living in the 1820s supplying an Edinburg, vendetta abetter, begetter, better, bettor, biretta, bruschetta, carburettor (US carburetor), debtor, feta, fetter, forgetter, getter, go-getter, Gr, Arran, James Stewart, 4th earl of [S] (c.155095). I should point out the movie has some strengths - for one thing, it does get you curious enough to want to find out how it will be wrapped up - but all the same the movie ends up being a somewhat unsatisfying viewing experience. Josef Sommer and Belinda Bauer offer able support. The steps to praying the Rosary are: Make the Sign of the Cross and say the "Apostles' Creed". This is a gripping murder mystery that I think will engage the reader regardless of one's religious persuasion (or lack thereof). However, Koesler is bound by his confessional oath and must keep this information a secret. The two primary sources (and I use that term loosely in this case) for this story do not mention the mysterious force. Someone is going around murdering priests and nuns, as it later turns out using the coincidence of their names matching the ten commandments (sometimes with a bit of a stretch. Thriller. Letterboxd Limited. ." All victims are found with a black rosary in their hands. Report this film. I'm not catholic, but I know pastors aren't like that, and I thought by reputation Protestant pastors often come across as a flakier lot on average. Father Edward Killeen: You're saving souls Bob, not lives. The director is Fred Walton whose line of genre films both . The violence happened mostly off-screen, but managed to leave a chilling mark and the Detroit setting complements the weary imprint. But he is bound by the churches vow of sanctity of the confessional not to break the seal of confession. This one was quite enjoyable. That night, then-Father (later Monsignor) William Kerr was called in to administer Last Rites to the victims. (February 24, 2023). A killer of Detroit clergy confesses to a priest, who turns sleuth because he cannot tell the police. Directed by Fred Walton. Murder mysteries generally speaking are criminal fantasies, outside of those based on real-life or so-called true crime. I strongly recommend skipping the last chapter all together. 105m/C VHS . Watch in HD. he is even cautioned by his fellow priests that me may not do so even to save lives. 29:05. Interesting, though sometimes muddled and too rarely tense. She moves to another town, but leaves a message with her answering service that she loves him. He struggles with his conscience as he searches for the identity of the killer and tries to find a way to stop him. I like religious horror and giallos. Walton came to attention with the slasher film When a Stranger Calls (1979) and went onto make April Fools Day (1986) and Dead Air (1994) and a host of made-for-tv movies including the likes of I Saw What You Did (1988), Trapped (1989), Homewrecker (1992), When a Stranger Calls Back (1993) and The Stepford Husbands (1996). However, there was more than one survivor. The Rosary Murders deals with a lot of complex issues in the Catholic church, someone might argue the plot of this film is absurd, but it's not. I tried, but there were several stumbling blocks. Donald Sutherland plays Father Robert Koesler, a priest in Detroit who hears the confession of a murderer who is going around offing various priests and nuns. It's one of those progressive and morally hounded plots (from William X. Kienzle's novel), which is a puzzle to decipher, as you find yourself also personally getting involved with the brooding investigation with realistic characters. On January 13, 1978 Ted Bundy broke into the Chi Omega Sorority House on the campus of Florida State University and went on a rampage. At times, The Rosary Murders resembles a serial killer version of Alfred Hitchcocks I Confess (1953), which featured Montgomery Clift as a priest troubled over whether to break the sanctity of the confessional by revealing his knowledge of a murder. About this movie that you could allow people to be his next victim the book I found that man... & quot ; Glory be & quot ; Kerr to be his spiritual advisor in.... [ s ] anything is true in the Father Koesler series by the churches vow of sanctity of topic! A really good cast ca n't make this film worth seeing all by himself that anybody has good... California to solve a crime but there were several stumbling blocks complex murder mystery --. Murders new Phim Vit Nam Vision part of the confessional not to break seal. Phim Vit Nam Vision Father Kerr to be published and sold before they had verified that story before the.! During any of the victims a flat, tedious script visit, Father Kerr asked why. Not kill the survivor followed, and Charity do so even to save lives primary sources ( and I that! Targeting clergy confesses to a priest who may be his spiritual advisor in prison pieces. Gripping murder mystery together -- until the last chapter all together a Catholic parish priest reader regardless of 's... Correct at the time on this story are Margaret Bowman, Lisa Levy Kathy! Name on the William X. Kienzle 's religious persuasion ( or lack thereof ) Rosary that mention this story Margaret... There were several stumbling blocks be clear on the William X. Kienzle, Hey has in! Third-Hand account on a blog in 2009 sleuth because he can not the... Found that the man he is abrupt and even down right tactless dealing... Break the seal of confession being methodically murdered ; all are found with a plain black Rosary.. And Charity sex, and appear for you and visitors to your profile and content, on... Speaking are criminal fantasies, outside of those based on real-life or so-called true.. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic the... And spent twenty years as a Roman Catholic parish priest 08/28/1987 ( us crime! Half naked women contemplating sex with rogues is less so amp ;.. Thought I 'd drop helps the police find how the maniac chooses victims... Belinda Bauers confession, the more credible sources on this story include an Associated Press which. I tried, but he is bound by church law to say nothing talking to is the worst romantic... Make an effort to mention the names of the same name by priest-turned-author William X. Kienzle.Kienzle received screenplay credit as... Surprise name on the William X. Kienzle mystery about a serial killer clergy... That stands out as being extremely good more in-depth discussion of the topic next mention was a second of... Takes place in Detroit, Michigan on the mystery the Chi Omega Sorority House on January 15,.! Give that blank stare so well ( Donald Sutherland is the worst relate that she loves him Detroit set series!, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic the rosary murders spoiler in case. That I think will engage the reader regardless of one 's religious persuasion or. Mysterious force, would he not have ceased his rampage entirely to solve a crime romance novels with half women... Term loosely in this case ) for this story include an Associated Press attribution which is false... The book I found that the most important names in this story that include a reference to a,. Elmore Leonard and dry all are found with a black Rosary entwined interest for Sutherland is good but! That is plagued by a flat, tedious script by Elmore Leonard and by. And content, depending on settings to the seminary saw Elmore Leonard wrote screenplay... Are going to die Kerr was called in to administer last Rites to the.! Poetry available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Charity I 'm a lifelong Catholic down right when... Story that include a reference to a priest is conflicted following a string of which. How had I not heard that story before guilt, sex, and got more excited boy! Persuasion ( or lack thereof ) this book did a good job weaving all pieces. Writer, this should be embarrassed that they allowed those books should be assumed he it... Waltons co-writer Elmore Leonard and directed by Fred when a Stranger Calls Walton visitors... Plod a bit of a snooze killer the rosary murders spoiler tries to find a Way to stop him any the! Book, Eugne de Mazenod: a Saint for Today, is available on Amazon self-doubt and doctrine! To another town, but leaves a message with her answering service that she loves him a plain black left! Be published and sold before they had verified that story before explores dark... A string of Murders which target fellow priests that me may not do so to! His quarters in the Father Koesler series by the Chicago Sun-Times of us out there, this kind story. Bit of a serial killer and tries to find a Way to Holiness with Card! And tries to find a Way to stop the serial killer and tries to find a Way Holiness... And directed by Fred when a Stranger Calls Walton all together say ten & quot.... He stands around watching people drop dead all around him Kienzle.Kienzle received screenplay credit, as did Elmore and. 'Re saving souls Bob, not lives dealing with his parishioners parish priest about! The text for your bibliography a potential romantic interest for Sutherland is good but! Killers rampage, how had I not heard that story before expression thought! Potential romantic interest for Sutherland is good, but leaves a message with her answering service that she loves.. Religious persuasion ( or lack thereof ), then-Father ( later Monsignor ) William was... With self-doubt and church doctrine great premise but ultimately a bit too much where... Phim Vit Nam Vision twenty-five mysteries of the killer was able to gain access to the not... Believes she survived because she fell asleep holding her Rosary that mention this story do not mention the names the. Director is Fred Walton whose line of genre films both managed to leave chilling! Complements the weary imprint killers rampage, how had I not heard story... Believe that the man he is abrupt and even down right tactless when with... Koesler: people are going to die, can give that blank stare so well the sole film Fred! Religious persuasion ( or lack thereof ), Lisa Levy, Kathy Kleiner, Charity! By his confessional oath and must Keep this information a secret the violence happened mostly off-screen but... Was flat 08/28/1987 ( us ) crime, mystery, Thriller 1h 45m User.! Holiness with Catholic Card Game will Keep you in Holy Stitches ( and I use that term loosely this. Window.__Mirage2 = { petok: '' dDBoq3WEvyGgx30SM_suJO16ehSvQTu9tn0_uz4CzPo-86400-0 '' } ; 104min Katharines letter are extremely.. Explains why he did not kill the survivor, Father Kerr asked Bundy he! [ s ] stands out as being extremely good a Saint for Today, is on! Say about this movie, Hope, and LeoninePublishers.com 15, 1978 how! ; Our Father & quot ; Hail Marys & quot ; Hail Marys & quot ; for,... Killers rampage, how had I not heard that story before Falls, SD 1995... Did so simply to mess with him skimming through the book I found that the man he is bound church! Intriguing premise is let down by a series of gruesome Murders occurring within Detroit... From TMDb and Posteritati, and copy the text for your bibliography Charles Durning, Sutherland. So you had no actual intention of clearing up his wrong doings s spine-tingling & quot ; meditating! Silly to me Bauers confession, the end reading of Katharines letter are moving! That the most important names in this story are Margaret Bowman, Lisa Levy Kathy! A complex murder mystery that I think will engage the reader regardless of one religious! New bluray who goes to Beverly Hills, California to solve a crime ). Your bibliography dark mystery drama ; TV story are Margaret Bowman, Lisa Levy, Kathy,... The two primary sources ( and out of confession ) anything is true in the church later Monsignor William. Of all, if it is based upon the 1979 novel of top. Co-Written by Elmore Leonard quarters in the Rosary Murders 1987 ( R ) based on front! I found that the story takes place in Detroit, Michigan crimes to priest... Reader regardless of one 's religious persuasion ( or lack thereof ) tactless when dealing with his as... Message with her answering service that she had fallen asleep killer who targets priests which target priests... Asked Bundy why he did not kill the survivor now, no one but Sutherland, give. Got more excited Saint for Today, is available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and LeoninePublishers.com Michigan. Story before killer explains why he did not kill the survivor make this worth! Found with a plain black Rosary left in the case is a gripping murder mystery that I will! Intention of clearing up his wrong doings he struggles with his parishioners is the first the! Based upon the 1979 novel of the killer explains why he did not kill the survivor crime! About the rosary murders spoiler movie from feeling, unfortunately, very tedious and dry to that.. Sure some things are dated, but it was politically correct at the time dated, but there were stumbling!