On C List of Movie Reviews

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Carolina Skeletons (1991)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 6/21

6/21: Made-for-TV or not, Carolina Skeletons is an intriguing film because of the storyline.

The premise is partly based on the case of George Stinney, a 14-year-old black boy who was the youngest person ever to be electrocuted in the United States for the murder of two white girls in Alcolu, South Carolina. Although guilty of what he did, Stinney was deprived of many rights to a fair trial before being sent to the electric chair so quickly. Eventually, his conviction was vacated on technicalities. Like it matters anymore, he's been dead for over seven decades.

This is where things are different in Carolina Skeletons, making for a compelling murder mystery. The acting by Louis Gossett, Jr., and Bruce Dern goes a long way to sustain my interest. Of course, there's a revelation at the end that'll turn the tables.

The trouble is the filmmakers want me to believe the setting takes place during the 60's when it feels like present day, namely the 90's. For a very dark-skinned male, some of James Bragg's behaviors are hard to swallow, especially in the deep South. Therefore, In the Heat of the Night is more believable.

All in all, Carolina Skeletons is a case of righting racial injustice, and remember: it's only a story but not exactly what happened to George Stinney.

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