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Crime drama

Murder One (1988): Cast & Plot

Murder One (1988) movie poster

Murder One is a 1988 crime drama directed by Graeme Campbell, starring Henry Thomas as Billy Isaacs, James Wilder and Stephen Shellen. It runs 1 hour 23 minutes.

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Murder One (1988) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 23m (83 min)
Director
Graeme Campbell
Genres
Crime , Drama
Original language
English
Studio
M-One
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Murder One About?

The premise of Murder One without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

The shocking assault on an innocent family ignited nationwide outrage. Based on the true story of Billy Isaacs, the film follows his fresh prison break, his brothers’ quick rescue, and how the entire dysfunctional clan launches a violent crime spree across a dozen states, leaving six innocent victims dead.

Murder One Themes & Keywords

· 23 tags
  • murder of a nude woman
  • nudity
  • true crime
  • wallet
  • tractor
  • restaurant
  • motel room
  • hitchhiker
  • gun
  • car theft
  • censored rape scene
  • anal rape
+11 more
  • gang rape
  • female nudity
  • murder of a family
  • killing spree
  • brother brother relationship
  • rape
  • escaped prisoner
  • 1970s
  • murder
  • mass murder
  • based on true story
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Cast & crew

Murder One Cast & Characters

Henry Thomas leads the cast as Billy Isaacs, with James Wilder as Carl Isaacs and Stephen Shellen as Wayne Coleman. Directed by Graeme Campbell; 17 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Graeme Campbell

More films directed by Graeme Campbell: Holiday in Happy Hollow, Christmas at Carbell Family Farm, Mr. Pawsitively Perfect and How to Win a Prince.

Full filmography
Plot

Murder One Plot Summary

What happens in Murder One from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1973, two half-brothers Carl Isaacs James Wilder and Wayne Coleman Stephen Shellen, along with another man George Dungee Errol Slue, escape from a Maryland prison and pick up their teenage brother Billy Isaacs Henry Thomas, heading south on a brutal spree.

Carl is the calm strategist who shapes the plan and assumes the role of leader, while Wayne is a ruthless, single-minded killer whose primary aim is to eliminate anyone who might witness their crimes. The dynamic between the two brothers sets a tense mood, revealing how loyalty can coexist with violent impulses.

Full summary

The whole story of Murder One, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Murder One?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year do the two half-brothers and their accomplice escape from prison?

Cars

Cars in Murder One

17 cars on screen, including the 1972 Chevrolet Caprice and the 1966 Buick Wildcat.

All 17 cars
  • 1972 Chevrolet Caprice in Murder One 1972 Chevrolet Caprice Main role
  • 1966 Buick Wildcat in Murder One 1966 Buick Wildcat Important role
  • 1973 Plymouth Fury in Murder One 1973 Plymouth Fury Important role
  • 1966 Pontiac Parisienne in Murder One 1966 Pontiac Parisienne Important role

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FAQ

Murder One FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Murder One, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Murder One?

Murder One runs 1 hour 23 minutes (83 minutes).

When was Murder One released?

Murder One was released on September 23, 1988.

Who directed Murder One?

Murder One was directed by Graeme Campbell.

More films by Graeme Campbell

Who is in the cast of Murder One?

Murder One stars Henry Thomas as Billy Isaacs, James Wilder as Carl Isaacs and Stephen Shellen as Wayne Coleman, among 17 credited actors.

Does Murder One have a post-credit scene?

No. Murder One has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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