Murder down under...
Added 1/20/2008
Based on a true story, the tale of the Brownout Strangler - an American GI in Australia during World War II who turned serial killer, was tried and hanged - this film succeeds as a minor gem. It has good acting by many of the principals, include James Coburn as a reluctant legal representative and Reb Brown in what is perhaps the best role of his career.
In 1942, the war in the Pacific is not yet going in the Allies' favour, and the arrival of US troops in Australia causes upheavals for the locals beyond what the war had done so far. Among the troops around Melbourne was Edward Leonski, an unstable private whose parents were abusive alcoholics, and whose siblings had trouble being either in jail or in mental institutions. Leonski was the sort to drink and party a lot, but had a violent streak in which he killed several women. According to Leonski's testimony, he strangled them because he wanted to possess their voices.
The attorney intended to defend Leonski had health problems, so the task fell to another office, Rothgerber (whose name for the film was changed to Dannenberg). The Uniform Code of Military Justice was not yet available, so Leonski had what many consider an unfair trial, not least because he was not able to use mental deficiency or insanity as a plea. Complicating matters even more was the irritation on behalf of the Australian authorities at having the Americans try him apart from their courts. About the only thing the Australian and American authorities had in common was the desire to see Leonski hanged - not exactly a recipe for fair and impartial trials.
Coburn as Dannenberg and Brown as Leonski put in first rate performances. They are joined by several familiar Australian faces, including Bill Hunter as a detective determined to keep the peace. Director Philippe Mora is not known for classic drama, but this film qualifies on that score. The writing is good if a bit simplistic at times, and the characters might benefit from a bit more development. However, that this film is largely overlooked is a shame, given the positives. A good period piece, the costumes, vehicles, construction and music all fit the time. For a recreation of a true story, this one does a good job. Hopefully someday it will be a DVD release.
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