Echoes in the Darkness (1987) User Reviews (17)

Three weak people with Peter Coyote as a rhyming Rasputin

[AlsExGal · 8/10 · 25 December 2019]

I watched part of this in Dallas in 1987, but true to the atmosphere of the film, a thunderstorm knocked out my power. I didn't catch it again until the 1990s, and then only the last part. By then the end credits were filled with disclaimers of prosecutorial misconduct. I finally got to see the whole thing last night on youtube - a weird way to spend Christmas eve I know.

Peter Coyote plays a Rasputin like teacher, William Bradfield, at a high school outside Upper Merion township in Pennsylvania. Bradfield is an academic and a con man extraordinaire. He cons the woman he has been living with for over a decade - Sue Myers (Cindy Pickett). And he also cons two male teachers who absolutely adore him - he seems to feed off of that adoration. And then there are two other women in his life. One is Susan Reinart (Stockard Channing) , a mousy divorced woman who dreams of having someone take her away from all of this. The other is a former student who probably idolizes Bradfield because he is an older man.

Susan is convinced she is marrying Bradfield and moving to Europe. The "three weak people" - the two male teachers and Bradfield's live in girlfriend - are convinced by Bradfield that principal Jay Smith (Robert Loggia) is going to kill Susan Reinert because Bradfield tells them that the two are lovers and Smith has discovered that Reinert goes to bars and has affairs.

Coyote has never been better than he is in this role, and Loggia is wonderfully enigmatic as principal Jay Smith. What is so good about this film? What you don't see. You never see Bradfield and Smith interact in any meaningful way, and you don't see Susan Reinert interact with Bradfield in such a way that would contradict Bradfield's story about their relationship. Is her engagement, in fact, wishful thinking on her part? And yet from all of the other cons Bradfield is doing, you figure something is up.

Part two of this four hour film introduces who really turns out to be the main character of the film - Gary Cole as Pennsylvania State trooper Jack Holtz. He is on the investigation from the discovery of Reinert's body in 1979 until the conclusion of the case in 1986. How weird to see Gary Cole play a sociopathic murderer in "Fatal Vision" and see him play a cop on the trail of a sociopathic murderer in this mini-series.

All of those disclaimers at the end of the film I was talking about? It had to do with the prosecutor holding back the possibly exculpatory evidence from the defense at Smith's murder trial indicating that there was sand found between the toes of Susan Reinert's body during the autopsy. Jay Smith was never anywhere near the beach the weekend of her death, yet Bradfield and those three weak people were. In fact it was Bradfield's alibi. What happened? Since everybody involved is dead, we may never know.

I highly recommend this. Even if this was complete fiction it would be fascinating.

Echoes in the Darkness

[caldwela · 6/10 · 4 January 2008]

I found this site by accident. I went to Upper Merion too, 1975. I remember Mrs. Reinert and the rest of the English department. It is sad that we will never know what happened to her children. It was so strange watching the whole thing unfold, involving people I knew; then the books and the movie. Like others have said the movie got a lot of things wrong, but I always figured they were intentionally trying to make things look less like the real thing for some reason. Dr Smith was a joke (we called him JC) but he was the principal. I remember him doing morning announcements and just rambling on and on about nothing. It was great cause we missed part of first period, but he was a weird guy. If you wonder how so many people could be taken in by Bradfield I could never figure it out either. Most of my girl friends had Bradfield's class and they just thought he was wonderful, some kind of genius. I never got it, he always seemed so phony to me, but then I never had a class with him. I had Miss Myers for English and what a shock it was to find out she was dating anyone, let alone living with Bradfield. She was a lot mousier than she was portrayed in the movie, always wore her hair in a bun. I've always had one big question that never got answered: The newspaper stories always talked about JCs family: his wife who died and his daughter Stephanie & her husband who disappeared suspiciously, but they never ever mentioned his other daughter Sherry, she was in my class. The movie didn't go into this side story about JCs daughter & son in law, the local cops thought JC killed them too but couldn't prove anything. It was just odd that in all the background stories that were printed, a second daughter was never mentioned. I always wondered why. Did JC do something to her too?

What a great movie

[peaches30-676-626736 · 8/10 · 3 March 2010]

This really was a wonderful movie. I was just a child when all this was going on and don't remember the newscasts about it. Later, I watched it with my Mom and she told me she knew some of the people involved. The things that William Bradley did were awful, but it is a true story and people are sometimes evil, without a reason for it. As far as anyone claiming this story and movie are made up, I suggest you look up Main Line Murders on thecrimelibrary.com. The entire true events of this movie are on the website I just listed. Also, if you want more information about other crimes this website is the most reliable and the best resource I have found for doing research on becoming a Forensic Psychologist.

Very accurate book. I should know, it was my family that was involved.

[lhoover-1 · 22 April 2004]

Just happened to see this web site. I was the Lynn Reinert that was featured in the film. My then husband, Ken Reinert, and I had been married about 2 years when all this occured. The movie is very accurate. Joseph Wambaugh sat down with me for a month and interviewed me for the book. It was a nightmare and is still hard to believe that it happened to us at all. If anyone has any questions about the whole thing, I'll try to answer them. Ken died 2 years ago this June. At least now he's with his children and knows what happened to them. It was a very disturbing thing to go thru and something that I hope no one else ever has too. As I said, if anyone has any questions I'll be happy to try to answer them.

Outstanding true life story of greed, murder and madness

[billycutshaw · 9/10 · 16 May 2001]

An truly outstanding, compulsive drama based on a true story concerning charismatic would-be poet Peter Coyote (in a career best performance) and his manipulation of just about everyone he comes into contact with, eventually leading to murder. This is a fascinating, intriguing telling of a rather bizarre murder case with not only Coyote on top form, but also matched by Robert Loggia as his exceedingly odd, certainly unhinged partner-in-crime. Just watch those final moments in the court-room as he completely loses it and incriminates himself. Wonderful stuff! There are also some very fine supporting performances, not least Peter Boyle's turn as one of the investigating detectives.

This is really what made for TV movies do best and I would recommend this without hesitation. Once you begin watching, you'll be hooked!

Excellent mini-series.

[wkozak221 · 10/10 · 19 March 2021]

I like well written mini-series. This is a great one. It hits all the right spots. Peter Coyote is outstanding. The cast is great. The suspense is continuous. I sought of remember when this happened in real life. The one thing I am amazed at is how this teacher can make all these people do what he asks them to do. Case in point watching the victim's house night after night.

Great Movie: Spoilers

[bcrd500 · 10/10 · 1 February 2014]

There are two versions of the original mini-series and one cuts out the Jay Smith trial(DVD version). The VHS version includes the Smith murder trial and is about 90 minutes longer than the DVD. Sometimes, Amazon sells copies of the movie, on VHS, but obtaining a VCR to watch it might be a problem.

The movie is true to the book except it cuts out one important character: Rachel (Her real name is Joanne Aiken). Aiken was the only Bradfield girlfriend that did not turn on him. She testified in both of Bradfield's trials but for some reason, she does not appear in the mini-series.

The only problem with the movie is the story did not end with Jay Smith's murder conviction, in the mid-1980s. In 1990, evidence from Jack Holt's garage was discovered that led the Pa. state supreme court to overturn Smith's conviction and declare double jeopardy because the police and DA had suppressed evidence that would have probably led to a not guilty verdict, in Smith's murder trial.

The movie is truthful to the facts of the case but it left out things like the author of the book paying Holt $ 50,000.00, if Smith and Bradfield were convicted of murder.

It is an additive story and to know the whole story, one needs to read a book called "Principle Suspect" by Smith's second lawyer. There are four books about the murders and each provides a unique view of the case that make them worth reading.

this is not completely true.

[hyper_acctive · 3/10 · 7 March 2006]

I live in the town and attended the school where this took place around the time when it occurred. the frame work of the story is true, and the names of the people are true, but little else is true. Upper Merion is not on the Main Line, we did not go to school in a Gothic cathedral. Many of the people portrayed in the story are portrayed poorly and maliciously. These events permanently have harmed them, and this movie has not helped. These events did occur and affected the school and the people involved. However, this does not reflect the real stories behind the people and the school.

This is a fine movie for entertainment value, but please do not believe everything portrayed in it.

Great mystery with excellent performances

[udar55 · 8/10 · 16 July 2007]

I remember seeing this when it debuted on TV (well, the first part at least) and finally got to catch up with it again. This is an epic miniseries (a 2 nighter) about English teacher William Bradfield (Peter Coyote) who is suspected of murdering his fellow teacher/secret lover Susan Reinart (Stockard Channing) and her two children. Policemen Joe Van Nort (Peter Boyle) and Jack Holtz (Gary Cole) spend nearly 6 years trying to get info on the guy. Based on the true crime novel by former cop Joseph Wambaugh (THE NEW CENTURIONS, THE ONION FIELD), this one really packs a punch with the multiple twists and turns. Coyote is excellent as the eccentric Bradfield. One has to wonder how so many people could fall under this guy's spell in real life, but Coyote gives a performance with such conviction that you begin to see why. The supporting cast, which also includes Treat Williams and Robert Loggia, is great with Gary Cole giving a really good performance.

Bargain Basement True Crime Drama

[amadeus-27 · 3/10 · 23 July 2006]

Yet another DVD I picked up at the local supermarket while searching through the bargain bin. It looked interesting, so I decided to invest 99 pence and settled for 171 minutes of crime drama, divided into two parts (UK version).

Well, what's there to say - the first part wasn't overly exciting to watch: The acting wasn't that good, the actors appeared pale in their appearance and performance, and I did expect a bit more true-crime excitement. It's not actually bad or anything - just it's not really good either. There are, however, a few highlights that amused me in this one: First of all Peter Boyle as Sgt. Joe Van Nort - he has a really good screen presence and simply brings something to this film - or any film, for that matter. Then there's the fact that this is a movie from a time long forgotten - a time when smoking cigarettes on screen was accepted and normal, when the PC brigade wasn't around and you could light up whenever and wherever you wanted - these guys go through pack after pack - in the car, in the office (god forbid..), and Boyle even lights up while his colleagues are having lunch right next to him.

The other thing that got me was something you could well call a "running joke" - quite a few times will you see the words "6 Months Later" on the screen - I know that this is probably meant in relation to the real case, and to make things authentic, but the viewer kind of expects these words every time a police building fills the screen while the camera doesn't move - and his expectations won't be disappointed.

The second part of the DVD picks up a little bit, but it still didn't draw me into it as much as I wished it had - Peter Coyote just appears that little bit too obvious and over-the-top in his role of the manipulating killer, and the whole connection between him and Jay Smith (Robert Loggia) never really got clear to me - yes, they were working together, but why did Loggia only have a few screen minutes if he's so essential to the plot? Nevermind - Cindy Pickett was definitely good in this one, and I would even say she was the best of all the cast as far as on-screen performance is concerned (with Boyle coming a very close second).

Over all, I was a bit disappointed with this one, but I didn't regret spending 99p on it - if you're ever at the dentist and have to wait for 171 minutes, pop this one into your portable DVD player or Laptop and enjoy a very average true crime drama - it won't be as bad as having your teeth pulled out, I promise...

This was a difficult thing to watch...

[yellowroselgk · 26 October 2004]

My step-father was Ken Reinert, and Karen and Michael were my step-brother and step-sister. My mother married Ken in the early/mid 70's and we became a family, with Karen & Michael spending the weekends and holidays with us. This movie was intense, very emotional, yet ran smoothly, and I still remember sitting in the TV room with Ken, Lynn, my little brother, Wayne, and myself week after week, watching the story of our lives played for all the world to see. It was very hard on my now X-step-father, Ken, and it took many years, a divorce,growing close with my brother,and a new loving girlfriend for him to find true happiness. I know from monthly communicating and seeing him for many years (since his divorce from my mother), that he died happy and in peace with his life finally after all of these years. My brother and I still speak of him often and the one question we don't know that will ever be answered is: "What did Dad marinate his porkloins in that made them taste so good (he was a chef)???"

It was a very impressively directed movie. It was kept clean, as opposed to the graphics that Joseph Wambaugh wrote about in his book. Like my mother stated above in her comment, feel free to contact myself if you have any questions. I actually didn't know there were websites concerning the murders. Thanks for reading this & have a great day! Thanks for caring about our family.

Mini Series Question

[albion1100 · 10/10 · 3 September 2012]

I saw this mini series on television many years ago. I purchased the movie but the movie on DVD is way shorter than the mini series. Does anyone know how I am able to get the mini series.

My heart goes out to the family and all people involved in this crime. Brad field was a mastermind of weaving a web of deceit and lead all those people into a place that would take years of healing if they ever do. I have also read the book and it is very close to the movie. Thanks so very much for the reviews written by the families and relatives of those involved. It is a breath of fresh air to read them after reading the book and getting only a small amount of understanding of what you must have gone through. I have two children also and the thought of that happening to them is absolutely dreadful. God bless all you do and bring peace into your hearts. God had dealt with William Bradfield. Live your lives as fruitful as possible.

Any response greatly appreciated. Thanks and regards

Top-Shelf TV Movie

[pmtelefon · 10/10 · 21 July 2023]

"Echoes in the Darkness" is one of the best tv movies ever made. It tells a complicated story in a very straightforward way. The cast in very good with the standout being Peter Coyote. Coyote should have won an Emmy award for his performance. He has never been better than he is in "Echoes in the Darkness". The cast members who play he many victims are also very good. It's hard to understand how the real William Bradfield Jr was able to manipulate so many well educated people but Coyote and company manage to make it understandable. The courtroom confrontation between Treat Williams and Peter Coyote is must see-stuff.

Great Movie

[birdsburro · 29 December 2013]

Bill Bradfield was my landlord back in 1982. He was preparing to go to trial for the murder of Susan Reinart at the time. My friends and I rented a fixer upper from him out near French Creek Park. He was at the house all the time. Things happened there that could never be explained, and I became very frightened. He drove a green VW, and had a very nasty dog. I had many encounters with Bill and I never felt comfortable around him. It wasn't long before I left and moved back home to live with my father. Peter Coyote was great in the movie, but the Bill that I knew at that time was a tall, manipulative, clever, and creepy man. The movie didn't make me as sick as I did when I was around the real thing. Great movie though.

True Cliffhanger

[Bawoof · 18 April 2004]

The night Part 1 aired on tv, I was inexorably drawn in. When Part 2 aired, I recorded it because I had to work that night. It was the same night a horrible storm hit--when I came home to my VCR, I'd discovered that the entire episode was UNWATCHABLE! This forced me to buy the novel to find out what happened. The novel is much more graphic and involved, but it turned me on to Joseph Wambaugh because it was the only true-life-horror-mystery-tragedy that I actually laughed out loud while reading! The book is very morbidly funny! Years later when I acquired the video, my girlfriend lamented that it was too long--until we started watching it...when Gary Cole utters the final lines of the cliffhanger--"What kids?" then we saw "To Be Continued..." flash across the screen, I jokingly said: "Well, it's late and I need to be leaving, I'll show you Part 2 some other time." She grabbed me and told me that I WASN'T GOING TO LEAVE until we watched the second video! Yes, it's that good! Watch it if you like true crime--but read the book too!

I was a student there.

[juliojimenez-2 · 8 October 2007]

I went to Upper Merion High School in 1973. The school was a regular school to me. Mr. Bradfield was my English teacher. I learned a lot from him. I invited him and Sue Myers to a bar-be-cue at my sister's house that summer and they came together and he brought me a parting gift which I still own to this day. A swiss Army knife. We all liked him and thought he was the best English teacher. Of course I did not speak any English at that time. So I owe that to him. I left UMHS that summer and based on what happened 6 years later I was glad I did. I could not believe what happened. I was shocked to say the least. I have read Echoes in the Darkness and watched the mini-series when they came out. As recently as one month ago I found out there were two other books out on this; Principal Suspect, by William Coustoupoulus and Engaged to Murder by Loretta Shwarts-Nobel. After reading all books I have concluded that Bill Bradfield masterminded the whole thing and may have paid someone to commit these atrocious crimes. I don' believe that the Mr. Bradfield I knew was capable of such heinous crimes but based on his economic circumstances I believe him capable of masterminding it all. Mr Smith may or may not have anything to do with this. According to the Pa Supreme Court Mr Smith was found guilty with lies from a convicted perjurer cop (Martray) and hearsay from all Bradfield's friends and lovers and that evidence was not admissible. So the state's investigators and lawyers messed that one up since Wambaugh wanted to have a good ending to his novel. Now Smith is a free man and Bradfield died in jail in 1998. Whew... I am glad I got that out.

Not bad for movie-of-the-week

[couchpotato2k · 25 May 2003]

Not familiar with the actual incident this movie is based upon, so cannot comment as to the accuracy of the facts and portrayals presented, but give this movie credit for holding a viewer's attention without being overly sensationalistic. The performances are stellar, and the tone of the movie is realistic and gritty - it feels like Pennsylvania, and it could be the town where you live.

I was delighted by a small inside joke. Gary Cole, who plays an investigator in this movie, is sitting in the courtroom while one of the defendants is being questioned. Reference is being made to the books the defendant owned and used as references, including the book "Fatal Vision," upon which another television movie based on fact was made. The camera swings slyly to Gary Cole, who did, in fact, play the infamous defendant, Captain Jeffrey MacDonald, in the movie "Fatal Vision." Very cute.

This movie was being broadcast on Lifetime, which I normally tune to when I want to fall asleep. Unfortunately, I was drawn in far enough I never took that nap.