Is In Broad Daylight a True Story? Exploring the Gripping True Story Behind the Film
by Swetha P
Updated Jul 17, 2023
In Broad Daylight Film
In Broad Daylight is a compelling made-for-television thriller drama film released in 1991. The movie revolves around the life of Len Rowan, a character based on the real-life town bully Ken McElroy from Skidmore, Missouri. Brian Dennehy skillfully portrays Len Rowan, while Cloris Leachman takes on the role of Ruth Westerman, a woman whose husband falls victim to Rowan's violent behavior.
The film draws inspiration from Harry N. MacLean's nonfiction book of the same name, which delves into the unsolved murder of Ken McElroy. Although fictionalized, "In Broad Daylight" captures the essence of the events that unfolded in Skidmore in 1981, where the townsfolk had to confront the relentless harassment and intimidation perpetrated by Len Rowan.
The narrative intensifies as Rowan's stalking of Ruth Westerman and her husband escalates, ultimately leading to a confrontation resulting in the shooting of Ruth's husband. Rowan claims self-defense during his trial, exploiting legal tactics to prolong his freedom and continue tormenting the community members, including the local police. As the situation worsens and Rowan violates the terms of his appeal, the town comes together in an attempt to find a resolution to deal with him.
Is In Broad Daylight a True Story?
While "In Broad Daylight" is based on true events, it is important to note that the film takes certain fictional liberties to enhance its storytelling. The movie draws inspiration from the life of Ken Rex McElroy, a notorious bully from Skidmore, Missouri. McElroy's story gained widespread attention due to his brazen murder in broad daylight in 1981.
The film captures the essence of the events that unfolded during that time, highlighting the harassment and intimidation inflicted by McElroy on the townspeople. However, some aspects of the story have been fictionalized to create a more dramatic narrative. For a more accurate account of the events, readers can turn to Harry N. MacLean's nonfiction book, "In Broad Daylight," upon which the film is based.
In Broad Daylight Trailer
In Broad Daylight Cast
Brian Dennehy
Len Rowan
Cloris Leachman
Ruth Westerman
Marcia Gay Harden
Adina Rowan
Chris Cooper
Jack Wilson
John Anderson
Wes Westerman
Ken Jenkins
Bob Webb
Robert Schenkkan
Rev. Don Douglas
David Neidorf
Marshall Paul Harris
Tony Frank
Sheriff Phil Lewis
Bill Thurman
Virgil Teague
Brandon Smith
Todd Lacey
Colleen Keegan
Darlene Rowan
Bill Bolender
Frank Snow
Greta Muller
Madge Summers
Dedra London
Cindy Rowan
Tommy Townsend
Bill Hart
Miles Mutchler
Hank Davis
Matthew Posey
Mayor Dan Austen
Jack Gould
Judge Freeman
Shawn Toovey
Claude Rowan
Rachel Duncan
Paulette Rowan
Blue Deckart
Ray Dennis
Anne Apa
Emma Rowan
Seth Kaplan
Clint Webb
Chris Bommo
Dexter Webb
Cast
Character
In Broad Daylight Plot
The plot of "In Broad Daylight" unfolds in Skidmore, Missouri, in 1981, where the town's residents find themselves held captive by the violent reign of Len Rowan, a notorious bully. Len's intimidation tactics intensify following a heated confrontation at a local grocery store. Fixating on Ruth Westerman and her husband, Len begins a campaign of stalking and terror against them. The situation takes a tragic turn when Len shoots Ruth's husband, claiming self-defense as the trial ensues.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Len skillfully manipulates the system, prolonging his freedom for over a year. During this time, he relentlessly targets anyone he perceives as a threat, including the local police force. The townspeople, increasingly desperate and frightened, come together and hold a meeting to strategize on how to confront and deal with Len's ongoing harassment.
The film highlights the collective struggle of the community as they grapple with their tormentor. United by their shared experiences, the townspeople exhibit resilience and determination to protect themselves and seek justice. However, when Len continues to defy legal orders and the town's patience wears thin, they reach a tipping point. Faced with an antagonist who seems untouchable by the law, the community decides to take matters into their own hands, embarking on a path that challenges their morality and tests the boundaries of vigilantism.
The plot of "In Broad Daylight" showcases the immense power of a community pushed to its limits, exploring themes of fear, justice, and the lengths people are willing to go to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Is In Broad Daylight a True Story? - FAQs
Yes, the film is based on the real-life events surrounding the murder of Ken McElroy, a notorious bully from Skidmore, Missouri.
The film stars Brian Dennehy as Len Rowan, the town bully, and Cloris Leachman as Ruth Westerman, a woman affected by Rowan's actions.
The film follows the life of Len Rowan, a violent bully who terrorizes the town of Skidmore. It focuses on his stalking of Ruth Westerman and her husband, leading to a confrontation and subsequent trial.
While "In Broad Daylight" is inspired by true events, it takes some fictional liberties to enhance the dramatic narrative. For a more accurate account, readers can refer to Harry N. MacLean's book of the same name.
Harry N. MacLean's book won an Edgar Award for best true crime writing in 1989 and was a New York Times bestseller for 12 weeks.