The Rosary Murders

The Rosary Murders is a 1987 American neo-noir mystery film starring Donald Sutherland as Father Koesler, based upon the novel by William X. Kienzle. Kienzle received screenplay credit, as did Elmore Leonard.

The Rosary Murders
Theatrical release poster
Directed byFred Walton
Written byWilliam X. Kienzle
Elmore Leonard
Fred Walton
Produced byRobert G. Laurel
StarringDonald Sutherland
Charles Durning
Belinda Bauer
Tom Mardirosian
Mark Margolis
Addison Powell
Anita Barone
Jack White
CinematographyDavid Golia
Edited bySam Vitale
Music byBobby Laurel
Don Sebesky
Distributed byThe Samuel Goldwyn Company
Release date
  • August 28, 1987 (1987-08-28)
Running time
105 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$1,730,337[1]

Plot

The story involves a series of murders in which the victims are all either Roman Catholic priests or nuns, each of whom is found with a black rosary. Father Koesler goes in search of the murderer but is caught in a quandary when the murderer confesses the crimes to him. He is unable to break the seal of confession by going to the police.

Cast

Production

The film was shot in Detroit, Michigan at Holy Redeemer parish, a century old Roman Catholic church on Detroit's Southwest side. Musician Jack White also makes an uncredited appearance as a young altar boy.

Reception

In the Los Angeles Times, film critic Kevin Thomas wrote:

The Rosary Murders is an instance of good writing matched by firm, understated direction and some splendid playing from a large cast. In contrast to Walton’s spine-tingling When a Stranger Calls, The Rosary Murders is low-key yet can jolt you out of your seat--even on a second viewing. Sutherland, his hair silvered and close-cropped, radiates intelligence in one of the most substantial, reflective roles of his career. No matter that Durning always seems perfect casting as a priest, for he’s so skillful that he makes each time seem the first.[2]

The Detroit Free Press named the film #32 of "the 50 most essential movies set in Michigan."[3]

References
  1. "The Rosary Murders". Box Office Mojo.
  2. Kevin Thomas (September 11, 1987). "MOVIE REVIEWS : MORAL ISSUES AND MURDER : 'The Rosary Murders' an Engrossing Mystery Within Complex World". latimes.com. Los Angeles Times.
  3. Hinds, Julie. "These are the 50 most essential movies set in Michigan". freep.com. Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 12 December 2019.


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