# Prophet of Evil: The Ervil LeBaron Story (1993) (TV)

### reviewed by
Dragan Antulov

    PROPHET OF EVIL: THE ERVIL LEBARON STORY
    A Film Review
    Copyright Dragan Antulov 1999

In the late 1970s, small Mormon sect, led by charismatic but scrupless Ervil Le Baron (played by Brian Dennehy), begins the campaign with the intention of becoming the dominant force in the Mormon community. In doing so, any means are necessary, including violence and physical elimination of rivals. The sect seems unstoppable, until the dedicated district attorney Daniel "Dan" Fields (Willliam Devane) begins investigation and personal crusade with the intention to bring Le Baron and cronies to justice.

Based on true events, this film is just another example of assembly line philosophy that characterises American television approach to the stories inspired by real life. The result of such philosophy is gazillion of docudramas, movies whose only value is the fact that save time and resources for those viewers hungry for true-life stories, yet unable, or unwilling to spend their precious time and resources for reading books or articles. However, even in the world of docudrama there are different layers of quality. Some movies can be enjoyed by their own merit, and some can't be saved even by fascinating subject.

PROPHET OF EVIL falls within the second category. Directed by Judson Taylor, director who made more than fifty television movies in his career, it shows the lack of any interest by filmmakers. The interesting and fascinating subject of little known inter-sectarian violence in American Southwest is mostly ignored (MESSENGER OF DEATH, 1988 film with Charles Bronson, was much better in exploring such themes). What we get is the lame, predictable and sometimes downright boring story, with Brian Dennehy, usually very capable actor, making his character a third-grade caricature. Same is with William Devane, as his adversary, with boring subplots that fail to make his character human. All in all, PROPHET OF EVIL is a film unworthy of both the story and viewer's attention.

    RATING: 2/10 (-)

    Review written on June 5th 1999

    Dragan Antulov a.k.a. Drax
    Fido: 2:381/100
    E-mail: dragan.antulov@st.tel.hr
    E-mail: drax@purger.com
    E-mail: dragan.antulov@altbbs.fido.hr

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