The General’s Daughter *** (1999, John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe, James Cromwell, Timothy Hutton, James Woods) – Classic Movie Review 2965

John Travolta and Madeleine Stowe star as warrant officer CID detectives who are brought in to a Florida army base to investigate after retiring base commander Lieutenant General ‘Fighting Joe’ Campbell (James Cromwell)’s military daughter (Leslie Stefanson) is found raped and murdered.

After her naked corpse is discovered staked out on the base’s urban warfare range Travolta and Stowe uncover a maelstrom of sexual impropriety and a slew of cover-ups at Fort MacCallum.

Among the complications in the complex plot based on the novel by Nelson DeMille, the daughter was a high-ranking official in the army’s psychology operation, while Stowe’s Sara Sunhill happens to be the ex-girlfriend of Travolta’s Paul Brenner.

Leading a clutch of involving performances, Travolta is on his best first rate form in director Simon West tense, persuasive and well-made 1999 mystery thriller. It’s just a pity that it’s quite so grim and graphic, reducing its entertainment value.

The always excellent William Goldman helps adapt the novel, along with Christopher Bertolini.

Also in the cast are Timothy Hutton, James Woods, Daniel von Bargen, Clarence Williams, Peter Weireter, Mark Boone Jr, John Beasley, Boyd Kestner, Brad Beyer, John Benjamin Hickey, Rick Dial, John Frankenheimer and Chris Snyder.

Rated R for graphic images relating to sexual violence including a strong rape scene, some perverse sexuality, nudity and strong language.

Filming took place at  Savannah State College, Savannah, Georgia.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2965

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