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Friendly Fire

Play trailer Poster for Friendly Fire 1979 2h 26m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 0 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Based on true events, this drama chronicles the attempts of Gene (Ned Beatty) and Peg Mullen (Carol Burnett), an Iowa couple whose son Michael (Dennis Erdman) has been killed by American "friendly fire" in Vietnam, to hunt down the details of his death. When the U.S. government evades their direct questions, the Mullens spend years searching for the facts, and, as they gradually piece together events, they grow increasingly embittered toward the war that robbed them of their boy.
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Friendly Fire

Audience Reviews

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Marla L There are a handful or two of movies made for TV that stays with you for life. This is one of those movies. First of all, the performances by lead actors Carol Burnett and Ned Beatty are stupendous and gut wrenching. Secondly, it's the subject matter that was tackled to the ground and exposed for the first time and that subject matter is known as ‘friendly fire’. This movie is responsible for educating all of us about it and none of this would have taken place if it weren't for the guts and integrity of Peg Mullen, the mother of the murdered soldier. She never took 'no' for an answer' but rather fought to find out the truth from the government. Truths don’t always come out, especially when it comes to war. Thanks to Mullen and her commitment to her son's memory, we know much more than we did back then. Peg Mullen truly honored her child's memory by persevering and cutting through the red tape. Watch this movie. It won 4 Emmys for a reason. You will feel, learn and grow and you will never look at Carol Burnett or war the same way again. In addition, the next time you hear the stats of deaths in any current war or those of the past, you will always think about how many soldiers were killed by 'friendly fire'. This is An Absolute Must-See. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/19/24 Full Review Audience Member Carol Burnett in a dramatic roll is wonderful. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Carol Burnett gives a brilliant performance in this affecting story. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Before this film, people probably thought Carol Burnett was just a Comedy Genius, we were wrong!!! I was very moved!!! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Friendly Fire

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Movie Info

Synopsis Based on true events, this drama chronicles the attempts of Gene (Ned Beatty) and Peg Mullen (Carol Burnett), an Iowa couple whose son Michael (Dennis Erdman) has been killed by American "friendly fire" in Vietnam, to hunt down the details of his death. When the U.S. government evades their direct questions, the Mullens spend years searching for the facts, and, as they gradually piece together events, they grow increasingly embittered toward the war that robbed them of their boy.
Director
David Greene
Producer
Philip Barry Jr.
Screenwriter
Fay Kanin
Production Co
Marble Arch Productions, Martin Starger Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 16, 2018
Runtime
2h 26m
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