Main Cast: Brian Dennehy, Michael Riley, Margot Kidder, Meg Foster, Martin Julien
Release Year: 1992
Country: US
Run Time: 95 minutes
Plot
John Wayne Gacy was a respected member of his suburban Illinois community -- he was an active member of several service organizations, ran his own business, and entertained children as Pogo the Clown in his spare time. But Gacy had a terrible secret, and before he was finally brought in by the police, he had raped and killed over 30 young men and buried them beneath his house. To Catch a Killer is a made-for-TV movie that examines Gacy's life and crimes, and Joe Kozenczak (Michael Riley), the cop who finally brought John Wayne Gacy (Brian Dennehy) to justice. The supporting cast includes Margot Kidder and Meg Foster. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Scott Hylands - Paxton; Brenda Bazinet - Alice Pearson; David Bolt - Asst. Principal Burke; Jay Brazeau - Jake Burns; Liliane Clune - Marcia Kozenczak; Michael Copeman - Chief Cameron; Tony de Santis - DeMarco; David Eisner - Williams; John Friesen - Detective #1; David Gardner - Judge; Andrew Gillies - Vincent Austin; Jon Granik - Narrator; Brett Halsey - Stan Wilder; Thomas Hauff - Foreman Hendricks; Mark Humphrey - King; James Kee - Hoskins; Nicholas Pasco - Barton; Cyndy Preston - Cindy Beck; Gerry Quigley - Walden; Bruce Ramsay - Bragg; Gary Reineke - Petrie; Kurt Reis - Chief Waldron; Larry Reynolds - Finger Lake Proprietor; Maria Ricossa - Helen Gacy; Nick Shields - Christopher Gant; J. Winston Carroll - Sergeant (Wabash Ave.); Maureen McRae - Mrs. Trask; Peter Langley - Mr. Miklovich; Ray Paisley - Illinois State K-9 Officer; Darryl Palmer - Grundy County Sheriff; Don Ritchie - Detective (Shakespeare Ave.); Shawn Lawrence - Mr. Gant; Robbie Rox - Cicero Bar Owner; John Boylan - Atkins; Elliot Smith - Young Gas Station Attendant
Credit
David McAree - Associate Producer, Patrick Whitley - Co-producer, Eric Till - Director, Ralph Brunjes - Editor, Jud Kinberg - Executive Producer, Paul Zaza - Composer (Music Score), Dennis Davenport - Production Designer, John O'Brien - Cinematographer, Rene Ohashi - Cinematographer, Lance H. Robbins - Producer, Richard O. Lowry - Producer, Jud Kinberg - Screenwriter
As he investigates the missing person report of Chris Gant, Des Plaines, IL detective Lt. Joe Kozenczak (Riley) becomes concerned that local businessman John Wayne Gacy (Dennehy) may be responsible for this and well as many other disappearances. However, when he and his team are ready to arrest Gacy, their evidence is viewed as being circumstantial. Worst of all, everyone (including Konzenczak's superiors) view Gacy as a respectable pillar of society. Meanwhile, Gacy himself begins a sadistic game of cat-and-mouse as he tries in everyway to manipulate the police.
After eventually achieving two search warrants, Konzenczak finds a large amount of incriminating evidence, as well as 27 bodies buried throughout John Gacy's property; the remaining 6 are found dumped in a nearby river, including Gant's remains. Afterwards, he is charged with the rape and murder of 33 boys and young men and convicted- being sentenced to death.
Tagline
The spine-chilling true story of the cat-and-mouse pursuit of America's most diabolical serial killer.
Impact/Reception
The film was broadcast in two countries, the United States and Canada. In general, the film was received well by critics. As a result, Brian Dennehy was nominated for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special". In addition, actor Michael Riley and director Eric Till were both nominated for two individual Gemini Awards.
