Remake of the 1972 telemovie 'The Longest Night', (itself based on a true story) which takes a different angle exploring the psychological profile of the kidnapper and his insatiable need for perverted gratification in his pursuit of 'money and power'.
Strauss is proportionately creepy as the volatile, sociopathic antagonist who despite a superior intellect, cannot acquire the success he so desperately craves leading to his sinister plan to kidnap millionaire's (Urich) daughter for ransom. Gracen is also good playing Strauss' vulnerable love interest and misguided accomplice.
It's difficult to compare the James Farentino original with this revision, they're both effective in building tension, although clearly this latter version is a more violent dramatisation significantly upping the ante on the hostage's predicament, not to mention introducing sado-masochistic elements which weren't present in the original.
Taut, tense and sufficiently shocking it's a suspenseful telemovie that effectively blends psychological thriller with a conventional 'clock-is-ticking' urgency that doesn't disappoint.
