A Case of Deadly Force

James Bowden
January 1975
In January 1975 two white undercover Boston police officers gunned down an innocent black man at the Mission Hill housing project, and then were accused along with other Boston police in a bungled scheme to cover it up. While on stakeout on a suspected getaway car used in an armed robbery, the two gunned down a black man who entered the car. The two claimed the man had a gun and they shot in self-defense. Police investigation decided it was a rightful shooting. The man’s widow knew her husband would not be carrying a weapon and became determined to prove her husband’s innocence. Attorney Lawrence O’Donnell of Boston, a former officer himself, conducted a three-year investigation on behalf of the widow, Patricia Bowden, which prompted two federal juries to agree in a historic verdict that the death of James Bowden “was malicious, willful, wanton or reckless,” and the result was a landmark legal decision which included a settlement of $843,000 for Bowden’s widow and two children. In more than 100 years, no one had won such a judgment against any police department.
Former Boston Phoenix reporter Dave O’Brian was on assignment to write a feature story about Boston’s Tactical Patrol Force, O’Brian was in the back seat of the police cruiser along with a news photographer. When the shooting occurred, he was crouched on the floor in fear. His role became crucial, though, because his notes about what happened in the aftermath contradicted police.
Looking for a tall, thin man, the police stake out the wrong car, then shoot a man who’s 5 feet 4 and weighs 180 pounds and who’s never been accused of a crime. Their versions in court contradict those of eyewitnesses, and also one another. A gun is planted at the scene to incriminate Bowden, but it’s the wrong type. Crucial tape recordings from the dispatcher’s office are missing. The police arrest O’Donnell’s son on a trumped-up charge, and beat him.
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Case_o...

[@geraldmartin8195]

R.I.P. Mr. Richard Crenna. You always brought an auththentic aura to your performances, and you never appeared to 'over' act. And thanks to whoever submitted this humane and thoughtful movie to us, the audience.

[@owenevans2911]

Richard Crenna is one of the most realistic movie actors ever especially in deadly force R I P RC

[@marciacunha1862]

I agree, he was brilliant. I always loved Richard Crenna.

[@lindakennedy6468]

I’ve loved him since the Real Mc Coys ❤

[@lindakennedy6468]

I’ve Loved him since the real McCoys ❤❤

[@ineedstuff8286]

My school-age friends had him at their house one time for a holiday i believe. related minimally somehow.. 2nd cousins. I live in midwest btw. No fancy, theatre town. :) I know we just see actors/actresses playing "roles" that we identify with... but I swear, Crenna seems like actual good dude

[@sjoldtimer]

Richard Crenna, one of my most favorite actors....he left us much too soon.

[@suzeauster2223]

Thank You Mr. Crawford for uploading this Great Movie Richard Crenna is R.I.P. 🌈 Gone to Glory 🌈 Great Actor Great American who served his country. So many contributions that are still be appreciated today! His Family is Blessed ❤️

[@victoriaferrarini1781]

What an excellent movie! When you can truly be a voice for the unheard. The people that are not afraid to stand up against the injustices of the world, whether you win or lose, because it’s the right thing to do. Those are true heroes.

[@dianadoos1944]

what a great film. I much prefer to watch these films than the one of today. I love Richard Crenna, what a fine actor

[@user-lj5ux5qu9n]

Yeah you right these old movies has some realness to them

[@RP-du7nt]

What a great movie! I would like to see more of these kinds of movies. Thank you very much for this one.

[@static_Tricolor_camry]

Movies from the 70's always catch my attention. The way the movies were made, the scenery, the cars the people.

[@crimedramadvdhotspot7720]

1986

[@lorileew2337]

okay The 80s had great movies too that there's so few of the last 3 decades..

[@genomic_]

Based on the true events from the 70s

[@salahuddinchaudhary4961]

I love the people who have the courage to standup against powerful people when they use the power to suppress the liberty of others. I salute you sir.

[@SKILLED521]

Fine little film. Believable and very well acted. Excellent casting.

[@jeffcampbell2710]

My favorite part of 79's movies, is the cars. They show the last of an era. From the VW's, Pintos, Vegas, to the Camaros, Firebirds, Trans Am, the Galaxies, Impala SS, and even the Station Wagons, Vans, Even Work Trucks. I like the 60's the best, more 59 up to 72. Cars "floated on clouds", but had bounce and handling wasn't what we have today. But the ride was magic, the dashboard a work of art. The big thin steering wheel. Nothing like it.

[@mimi-422]

Same here!💞👍💯💯💯💯🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Conernforthesedogs-iw7lf]

❤❤❤👌

[@2ni2808]

A film that must be seen . One of the best . High performace by all the actors . Thank you so much for sharing .

[@nme.00104]

found it on tubi, watching it now, it's very interesting and informative, still see similar cases today,

[@RJCooper2]

Like every other production in which I've seen Richard Crenna perform--thoughtful, believable and well-played.

[@marciacunha1862]

I agree, he was brilliant. I always loved Richard Crenna.

[@mariamarisi6154]

Thank you for the great movie. Love Richard Crenna. ❤

[@johnleber3369]

Great movie and no better actor than the late Richard Crenna. In Sand Pebbles as the captain of the gun boat, he deserved a award of some kind and Steve Mcqueen should have won a Oscar.

[@lorileew2337]

Richard Crenna WON THE EMMY for his superb performance in this movie .. 😊

[@nataliebarone8066]

No pop up adds. Perfect!!

[@regvarney8055]

Brilliant film , thank you

[@santhanamkrishnan3695]

A very good movie with a clear message to the commoners that justice can be yours and it will be done. ALso a clear message to the goons among the Police - Watch out you can't go scot free!

[@joekabotz734]

REALLY ! " commoners " are you an elite, if not why did you avoid-- us commoners ?

[@nathancoleman7235]

I wish you people in India never invented the internet.I am sick of Stranger Danger like you under KZbin videos be they Indian,American, whatever

[@Songwriter376]

@@joekabotz734Nah, the el-ytes call us dee-ploor-a-bles.

[@bacio77]

Good ol days when movies were great

[@ms.leewilliams18]

We Need More Lawyers Like This Today ✊💯

[@ezrafischer5933]

Ms Lee, wow you look great..

[@JerzeyPrince23]

You have to find a experienced veteran lawyer with 20+ years.

[@rayvialpando1315]

Dennis passed yesterday from complications from the 3months he spent at ground zero searching for survivor's he was my friend and I shall miss him may he rest in peace

[@mariannecollier4427]

Who is Dennis???

[@BarbaraBoix-id5zf]

@@mariannecollier4427that’s what I said. Who’s Dennis?

[@suzanneriera7177]

Great film👍 exceptional acting by RICHARD CRENNA . Also the ensemble caste were terrific.

[@skygazer6898]

A very good film and thank god justice prevailed in the end. Richard Crenna was a fine actor. thanks for sharing

[@melissawalker1604]

Richard Crenna, always a class act, brilliant film, thank you

[@jeffcampbell2710]

I'd love to have that light blue Buick the son drives. I think it's a 66 Skylark, but it looks bigger. I had a Silver 67 Buick Skylark, GS badges, Chevy 327 factory 300hp, increased to 375-500hp. 4 Speed Munchie Rock Crusher. The Rock Crusher is rare. It Had loud gear noise, crushing rocks. . The Crusher had a close 1st 2nd 3rd ratio, great for racing, and a wide ratio gap to 4th for cruising. 373 rear differential. It was a fast car. Loved it.

[@tapashroy4813]

The good thing is that justice is done to the Bowden family at last . GOOD MOVIE.

[@sueferris3685]

What a timely movie! Thanks for uploading it.

[@non_da]

Awesome movie. I love Richard Crenna!

[@carolannmiller7911]

So glad I watched this movie. Excellent cast. Best part was the ending for Mr. Bowden's name to be cleared and for his children to know what an honorable man he was and for the lies and cover up of the police dept. to be exposed too, for the wrongful murder of James Bowden.

[@williamhawn1058]

Great movie to watch, thank you for uploading this movie

[@mrblueberrygossip]

Good movie and great performance by Richard Crenna

[@lorileew2337]

Richard Crenna won an Emmy for this superb performance..

[@raphaelandrews3617]

if a police officer murders it should be the same as doctors who murder. They should not allowed to given the excuse they were doing their job.

[@ddivincenzo1194]

I have lived just outside Boston for most of my life and I am not surprised. The cops must have been dyslexic, too.

[@marknelson4976]

They don't make great movies like this anymore.

[@robertpepperney5321]

Thanks for talking me into watching this movie.Kinda wish some new movies were structured like this one

[@ezrafischer5933]

Thats right pops

[@ndjekao]

Thanks For posting

[@teresalinton6401]

i had an incurable disease for 10 years. took me two years to get diagnosed. i lost my job, everything. eventually they came out with a drug for it. anyway my brother in law who was a cop put me in psych ward but no doctor diagnosed me. i had been a paralegal in d.c. for 15 years. now since the internet came out there are hundreds of stories about interstitial cytistis (IC). a new drug came out and after 10 years of suffering it worked. I have never talked to my brother in law again.

[@E-Kat]

♥️♥️♥️Omg, I'm so sorry for your suffering.

[@nickandmikec]

Excellent.

[@UKbaseflamingheartforneedy]

This film was not a big budget movie but I give this movie a Very gripping and worth watching because of good story and a casts of Good Actors. Love it, highly recommended for a family to watch n don't forget the popcorn! 👍👍🍿👏👏👏👏👏

[@lorileew2337]

Richard Crenna won an Emmy for his superb performance in this movie..

[@tonyz5178]

...Excellent movie !!! Great cast !

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Mr C could speak - eloquently - with his eyes. Wonderful actor.

[@michelletran7671]

Thank you so much for upload this movie. Bless your kind heart

[@KimMorgan-hc3rk]

Defense lawyer O'Donnell to the grieving widow "I've waited a long time for a case like this one! " Am glad you did,made a darn good show,congrats.

[@l337pwnage]

Surprised they'd admit that. They usually don't like people to know orchestrated the legal system is.

[@skyejune86]

Thank you for the upload.

[@ezrafischer5933]

Like your smile..

[@marmadukegrimwig]

A little gem.

[@samolodrog9639]

I had heard about the book 'Deadly Force' but I didn't know until this morning that it was made into a TV movie. Lawrence O'donnell ,the host of 'The Last Word ', On MSNBC, a show I watch religiously was a guest on the Joy Reid show. Now I better understand O'donnell's quest for fairness in our judicial system.

[@sunnygoplani.9019]

Very nice movie 👍👌 watching non-stop without break , thanks for uploading this movie 👍👍

[@kennedykiser557]

Sunny Gee** Without a break?

[@ezrafischer5933]

Sunny, baby whats up?? Oppps wrong sunny, I thought I was talking to SUNNY DELIGHT MY FAVORITE JUICE....

[@juanlancha2503]

VERY GOOD STORY AND PERFORMANCE THANK YOU

[@anthonydubose5779]

Very good movie, well written and acted out. Thanks for sharing. I agree with the comments made below by others.

[@michaelduncan7679]

Decent movie with a relevant and moving theme. Well acted too. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidallen6970]

most rewarding thanks for upload.

[@sameer6541]

Worth watching 👍🏼

[@slimstak]

Great movie & the same thing is still happening today. Thanks for sharing.

[@aparaphinelia]

The old Mission Hill Projects ! Classic . Vintage Boston. Those bricks were nothing nice.

[@1952mrpdc]

Another damn good film with Crenna. Thank you for uploading this film Really enjoyed it. PC. 16. 10. 2018.

[@dustingatzke8714]

You almost look like Dustin holfman my dad name me after him he was his number one actor and he is a artist so am I just saying I just had to get that off by my chest

[@spidermoth1170]

Good movie thanks for sharing sad it had to come from true life incident. Cheers

[@AstralPixie]

Sad story. I love Richard Crenna. Thanks for posting!

[@billywalkabout5076]

+Cowboy Doc can you look and Peppino

[@nadimmahjoub]

But how much has changed? Did you follow the killings of those black men in the last few years, and how Black Lives Matter emerged?

[@nataliebarone8066]

@@nadimmahjoub agree !!!

[@petermihacerar1137]

Love... Who is it😀❤✌🤍

[@lorileew2337]

. Most not all MOST cases BLM protest about were Justified Lethal Force caused by the person becoming Combative and Belligerent with Cop's..The person chose to go act Combative and Belligerent escalating the situation to where justified Excessive or Lethal Force had to be used on them .. Cases like Tamir Rice, Eric Garner Freddie Gray Ethan McClain Brittany Taylor George Floyd and several+ more were NOT justified .. But it doesn't matter to BLM either way what the person did to escalate the situation with their bad behavior they don't hold the person responsible for their bad behavior.. Hold Cop's responsible when it's not justified and also hold the person of any Race responsible when their bad choices and bad behavior caused their death's.. Change needs to happen on both sides not only the Cop's need Retraining and Reform but CITIZEN'S need to change as well.. The rhetoric of BLM is encouraging hate for ALL literally every single individual Cop especially White Cop's throughout our Country.. That's counterproductive to this change BLM say they want ..

[@michellejones2916]

I bet even if one of the cops wanted to tell the truth the other cops wouldn't have let them.

[@sathyanarayananarasimalu949]

Excellent

[@sriramdasarathi4124]

The arrogance of the police department is unbelievable, story and script nicely developed, good movie

[@janjerge1484]

This is an XLNT movie!! Richard Crenna was such an exceptional actor, but it goes beyond that!! This is so well-written, the story & action flow seamlessly as it pulls you in!! The supporting cast blend well & don't miss a beat!! At some point in the movie, I became aware that we weren't bombarded w/redundant foul language requiring censure; there was no gratuitous nudity or special effects; the entire movie was playing out on the strength of the actors & integrity of the script!! BRAVO!! A seemingly lost art!! I don't know if the attorney this is based on is still living, but if the portrayal offered here is any indication of the man, he & his family can be truly proud!! ❤❤ SUCH intuitive investigating, empathy, compassion & warmth!! Qualities sorely lacking in this day & age!! And, more's the pity!!

[@williammclay1406]

a very gripping story, I enjoyed the film.

[@mrgrumpyist]

william mclay ;

[@ezrafischer5933]

Boy is it gripping, still stuck to my head

[@italianstallion9170]

Crenna and Shea were kings of the 80s tv movie saw RC in about 5 TVMs in 80s/90s..

[@rallyzamora8356]

What a good movie 👍 thanks for posting

[@ddivincenzo1194]

Talk about a look back in time at the old Combat Zone.

[@sumantobhattacharya3965]

Beautiful movie... Full marks👏👏👏

[@mariapelayo7317]

Love Richard Crenna. I don't understand why the lawyer for the cops accompanied Crenna's character when visiting witnesses.

[@joekabotz734]

Thanks Jamaal for the movie and also for your detailed description of movie.

[@celiaoberg5356]

Those bastards should have been convicted for 1st degree murder and spent life in prison in general population. Money is no compensation for their actions. American justice at its finest. What a joke.

[@Romin.777]

Justice being done, one of the best feelings there is. :)) This is well worth the watch. Very good movie!

[@marycooper8385]

When will we learn that we all bleed the same blood ? Ever look at down south this racism still exists up north too It's everywhere why can't we live together and love one another That's the million dollar ? Isn't it

[@Romin.777]

@@marycooper8385 Because this world is fallen. *The ruler of the End of the Age* is pulling the strings.. GOD Allmighty foretold all this in His word the Holy Bible. People need to repent and turn back to Jesus Christ. That would put an end to racism. We are all equal in the eyes of the Lord.

[@tanyalake9152]

​@@Romin.777You are also proof that you are controlled. There was never a "god". How can an imaginary, pale-skinned, blue eyed, blonde hair, male give birth? Crazy! Real biology and science goes against fake christianity/politics. Your parents created you, not an imaginary sky daddy. It's no secret, including/even in the era of modern technology, that an African female was the actual/first human on this planet as well as the actual/first human mother of humanity.

[@tanyalake9152]

*"Ancient Africa & World History: 8th Century BC"* - m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4C1aIV5bJVphtE. *"The Whole History of the Earth and Life [Finished Edition]"* - m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIKXdIitbreWq6M.

[@tanyalake9152]

"This presentation *focuses on* the *myriad ways* in which the *powers-that-be* in the *United States have been systematically dumbing down Americans as a society for a very long time* - *all by meticulously calculated design."* - ARTICLE - *"The Dumbing Down of America - By Design".*

[@tazman9954]

Good movie. It still proves today that officers are allowed to murder people after all these years and still are not held accountable for their action. We the taxpayers are the ones that have to pay for there murders that they commit. But rarely is there an officer charged if so he is given a very light sentence nothing that we the people would receive. The Police are the worst blueline corruption and murdering gang members in America today.

[@BarbaraBoix-id5zf]

One more thing.., watch the video The Swarm and you’ll understand. It’s by Shiva. A working man who grew up dirt poor and now holds (4) engineering degrees from MIT. A world leader in immunology. He’s one of us, not them in the elitist Swarm.

[@santinowilliams693]

Very Good thank you👌

[@israelaberra2384]

Outstanding!

[@vickiedeven882]

Those was another great movie done by Mr crenna. Thank you for airing this wonderful movie .❤

[@RichardCockerill]

great movie,thanks for sharing

[@nataliebarone8066]

Watching now. So far greatttttt movie Love Crenna

[@keonnewilliams9511]

Good stuff

[@parinose6163]

@RJ Cooper, completely agree... He gives dignity again to people in a moving and loving manner!

[@williamswing8466]

Great movie, I love it. Not too many people know about this movie, but I certainly recommend they watch it.

[@emilytrott]

I agree. It has been a favorite of mine since seeing it when it first aired on television. It is a great courtroom drama, especially since it is based upon a true story.

[@namnama]

William Swing thank you

[@libradakawaiaea9760]

Richard Crenna is a superb actor. This is a good movie I just started

[@billywalkabout5076]

Great movie man great movie goddamnit

[@MrMikegm04]

William Swing Yes that is a Great movie i am agree i love to see Richard greena he is a very good actor i Saw him first time in first blood

[@donofon1014]

I found my way here after reading the WIKI bio of Lawrence O"Donnell of West Wing and MSNBC fame. His judge father was on this case.

[@UKbaseflamingheartforneedy]

❤Brilliant court movie... Bravo! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Justice has prevailed!

[@raffiohanian5541]

Wowwww it was a great movie so thanks for sharing 👌👍👍👍

[@worldbrokeheart]

super movie, GOD always keep me on path of truth...

[@sulaimannoory8061]

Very good movie

[@curtiscarpenter9881]

You look at what is happening now with George Floyd now in America and you see something like this happen and it was happening then what does this tell you about misappropriation of police conduct as a reoccurring problem?

[@joeydepalmer4457]

since they where found liable for the guy's death, can they not be sued for wrongful death now (than)?

[@misnitahir4568]

Excellent movie..with good actors

[@virginiastevens3782]

Another great movie, thank you.🇬🇧👍

[@edwinsalau150]

One hell of a movie!

[@utube012341]

To think that back then a win was getting a small amount of money when a police officer murdered a man . No criminal case for either of the cops , wow

[@TheRivrPrncess]

I truly do miss the great acting of Richard Crenna. Some of his movies, I did not feel comfortable seeing but there were some that I liked.

[@GODPLEASEHELPUS]

Good movie,,,thank u, god bless u,,,,

[@silversliver1592]

Excellantamundo.

[@terriecotham1567]

Good movie thanks for posting for when people see past simple things that make no real difference in life good can rise up from the ashes and help right things. Thanks for posting she was down all most to the end of hope and an angel came into her life and save the day or a team of angels thanks very well done we need more movies like them to help inspire kids thanks for posting

[@rangerm3029]

None were jailed?disgusting.250 k is nothing but a slap on the wrist of the police force. Yet the FBI according to this video can fine and/or put you in jail for 5 years for copyrights infringement of movies.trigger happy swines.they were mocking throughout it seems. so cocky. pity they were not charged with manslaughter.

[@TripleG69]

Wow what a great movie.

[@kennedykiser557]

Tish Kruger Did you like the movie?

[@TripleG69]

Kenny K Yes I did. I love it when true justice takes place. Being a cop or a person in authority does not mean you can do whatever you want and get away with it. It means you must make responsible and accurate decision. If not sure then don't act. A life lost can't be brought back but you will get other changes to do your job.

[@ezrafischer5933]

Tish, that photo is it your arm, or leg? Where you in accident ?

[@karenkatebahadoorsingh4578]

Thanks for a great movie!!!

[@ezrafischer5933]

Kate, you are very, VERY, good looking woman..

[@karenkatebahadoorsingh4578]

@@ezrafischer5933 thank you!

[@ezrafischer5933]

@@karenkatebahadoorsingh4578 You must live, like in Fl, or Cali, or Can. IM from Nj and Costa Rica..

[@sweardesigns]

A Brillant film A++++++++ superb acting & story line.

[@BodhiSatfa-co2zz]

So much for the thin blue line.

[@myrnalaboy2840]

R.I.P. Richard Crenna

[@jayfleming6101]

This movie was very well written and all the actors did an excellent job! It's so unfortunate that society has not progressed much in regards to racism since this movie was made. When will we all learn that we're "all" in this world together and to just love our neighbors as ourselves?

[@anitaboneshow]

When limited resources and access to quality mates is equalized for all.

[@just_another32]

gosh, I think the UK has changed LOADS since the 70s!

[@just_another32]

oh sorry, I cant speak for the US. For some reason I thought you meant Britain :)

[@louisewright8769]

In the usa racism is now used as a political tool against your enemies by the party of that fraud Joe Biden .There are millions of slaves in Africa and children use as slaves by other Africans . Millions of chinese enslaved by other chinese . I would live in the USA no problem.

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Fake named one - I am over 60 and have not seen a rascist act in more than 40 years - you are fanning the flames of hate. For Marxism. Which failed then and will always fail.