MovieChat Forums > Kojak (1973) Discussion > The Marcus-Nelson Murders

The Marcus-Nelson Murders

posted 18 years ago by rddav
15 replies | jump to latest

Does anyone remember the two-hour movie pilot for Kojak, called The Marcus-Nelson Murders? I remember seeing this back in '73, I believe, and me being 8-yrs old at the time, it had to have been an outstanding movie for me to remember really enjoying it. I remember Telly Savalas' character as being a policeman that was someone I wanted to be like, so the perfomance must have been really good. By the way, I never saw a single episode of Kojak, as a regular television series(my parents ruled the T.V.)
I would really love to see this movie again, but it is not available on video nor DVD. Does anyone out there know anything about future releases?

[–] stevpj 18 years ago

I don't know what country you're in, but the pilot is available in the UK on DVD, which also includes an episode called Mojo. Also, the entire first season is available in the UK and the US as a box set, but doesn't include the pilot.

[–] bigpoppa206 18 years ago

umm, PAL not NTSC.

[–] stevpj 18 years ago

What d'you mean, "umm, PAL not NTSC"? As I very clearly said, I don't know what country rddav is in and therefore don't know if he's after a PAL or NTSC release. Also, he may have a multi-region player, some of which can convert from one standard to another, which would allow him to play a PAL DVD.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] mrn87 16 years ago

I saw the pilot this weekend and it was pretty good. But it was based on a true story that lead to the introduction of the miranda laws in america. It was weird seeing Kojak in it and i think it was set in the mid sixties (an historians or lawyers that can help out with this?). Very tense and grimy with totally despicable villains. So i guess the series was like set further into his career.
But generally good stuff with a nice urban blight vibe

[–] StrangerandPilgrim 15 years ago

Did you see it on t.v.? Cable? They don't seem to ever show it where I live (East Coast, U.S.A.. And the only copies I've seen on dvd seem to be made in the U.K. Very frustrating. I remember it and would like to see it again.

And, yes, it was based on the introduction of the Miranda Law here in the U.S.

[–] mrn87 15 years ago

Yes it was ITV1 or ITV3 (one of the freeview channels we get over here). Saturday afternoon. A most agreeable way to pass the time.

ITV3 seems to specialise in showing old crime shows like cagney and lacey Kojak series and of course the indomitable Quincy (my fave). I must confess my complete ignorance of the US tv situation but i guess it may show up on something like alibi (if thats shown in the US). Maybe you can ITV and its sister channels over there?

When were the miranda laws introduced? I could look on the internet. It was a very cool TV movie and i'd love to work out how it really fits in with the KOjak series.

Anyway chief good luck and keep scanning them tv guides.

[–] busroute302 15 years ago

This film was based on the book "Justice in the Back Room" by Selwyn Raab, a reporter for the New York Times. I've seen it many times because I taped it
when I got my first VCR. The part Kojak played was a composite of Raab and police detectives. The part of Louis Humes, (the accused) was played by Gene Woodbury. IMDB does not have him listed among the cast for some reason.
I've sent requests to TCM channel to play this film. So far, no showings.

[–] Walls Of Jericho 15 years ago

I only saw it once back in the early to mid 80's on a VHF station that had an "Eight O'Clock" movie. It's hard to find.

[–] MovieKnut 15 years ago

I'm watching it now. It has only been running for a few minutes. Saw it in the TV listing described as the pilot. I liked the series as a kid, so I thought I would see how it all started.

You can't palm off a second-rater on me. You gotta remember I was in the pink!

[–] ddc300 14 years ago

A couple of observations about "The Marcus-Nelson Murders".

First, IIRC, Kojak is spelled KOJACK for some reason. Second, the TV movie was filmed almost entirely on location in New York City (unlike most of the series) and so has that 'gritty urban look' that reminds me alot of "The French Connection" and other early 70s detective flicks. Third, I liked Jose Ferrer as the judge....he was a tremendous talent and much under-rated.

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] pengel-1 14 years ago

Little known fact: This project was being developed by Abby Mann long before Telly Savalas got involved. He originally was talking to Marlon Brando about playing Kojack, as the star was pretty washed-up by 1971. Then he was tested for "The Godfather," and you know the rest.....

[–] Catdubh 9 years ago

Third, I liked Jose Ferrer as the judge....he was a tremendous talent and much under-rated.

Jose Ferrer wasn't the Judge; he was the "Clarence Darrow" type Defense Attorney. Also, Ferrer was hardly UNDER-RATED. He was popular and well recognized in the 50's and 60's.

Jack's not dead! Jack would never die without telling me, first!



[–] booster654 9 years ago

I was at home sick today and this was on. Wow, that was outstanding. Made the day for me. I immediately thought of The Wire after it.