MovieChat Forums > A Season in Purgatory (1996) Discussion > a season in purgatory

a season in purgatory

posted 20 years ago by donnieblue
5 replies | jump to latest

I saw this movie but missed the ending when the trial started. Can anyone tell me how it ends?

Gosh, i'd hate to tell you the ending, donnie, because i don't want to ruin if for you. I think it's safe to say it ends positively (though Constance gets off in the trial). But this movie is powerful and i'd HIGHLY recommend you watch it to the end as soon as you can.. though that brings me to a thought.. is it possible to rent this from a video store? I went to look for it at a local Blockbuster here in town and they didn't have it. I guess you'd have to order it? but if you like court room drama and some psychological suspence, you'd love this movie. It's kind of similar to Primal Fear.

I loved Patrick Dempsey as Harrison..especially after he has grown up some and returned to the BRadley's for a visit because he's much more mature and more CONFIDENT and can stand up to and face that sick bully, Mr Bradley. I tell you, Brian Dennehy plays a SPOOKY and unscrupulous Gerald Bradley. It had a very strong cast and some amazing acting in it. It's probably one of the most memorable dramatic TV movies i've seen to date.

[–] luvslotsalot 19 years ago

Hi donnieblue, I also saw the movie, Constan did go free, the father died after hearing the verdict. the young sister Kit turned alcoholic and died in a fire after falling asleep with a cigarette in bed. Harrison went back with his wife and kids. they did find the body of the guy who tried to kill Harrison while swimming after the trial. saw you received another reply, but this was a little more detailed I thought. Elaine

[–] katiewon 18 years ago

i certainly hope the book is better than the movie. Watching this was hell. Predictable, over-the-top references to the Kennedy's and not the moxley case (the father's stroke, the sons being senators, etc.) and I am such a Dominic Dunne fan, but such lack of creativity! The courtroom scenes were so stupid to. A simple arraignment, plead guilty or not, but, NO, the defendant, has to walk up to the judge and pronounce himself NOT GUILTY! So, over the top and soap opera. Of course pandemoneum ensues and what does the judge do? Bangs her hand on the bench to bring order to the proceedings, instead of using her gavel! Nothing but gaffaws. If your rich your a bitch in this one. Except, Mrs. Utley is rich (the poor victims mother) but she's nice. Hey Nick, your rich too, and so are your friends, can't be ALL BAD?

[–] kerrytrout 18 years ago

I can't say the book is much better. Although it was interesting to compare it to the movie after I had seen that. In the book there were several instances where I said to myself "oh puhleeze!" after Dunne intertwined characters way past the point of coincidence. It was very obvious to me that the author paralleled this story with the real-life Moxley case. He was constantly reminding us of their devout Catholicism, and the fact that they were outsiders wherever they lived; that all the men were womanizers and their women knew it but looked the other way. etc.

The book implied Harrison and Johnny Fuselli were more friendly than what I remember in the movie. And if memory serves I thought Harrison ended up stabbing Fuselli in the water. In the book Johnny has a heart attack in the water.

[–] sandra3120 18 years ago

No, Harrison didn't stab the guy - he had a heart attack, just like in the book, and barely managed to choke out that Harrison should watch out for himself, that Jerry was and would remain intent on doing him harm, then he very melodramatically died and Harrison swam away to go and make his great gesture of superiority by finally leaving the family's home, which he knew he shouldn't have revisited anyway. Just a tad bit over the top...