Blu-ray Review – The Death of Richie

1977's "The Death of Richie" is based on the true story of George Diener, who went to extremes to stop his son, Richie, when the teenager fell into a drug-induced panic. It's a tale of misery and madness that's handed some understanding by the production, with the picture caught between the sensitivity of parental pain and the needs of television drama, with a few dips into extended hysterical behavior threatening to overwhelm the stillness that works so well here. "The Death of Richie" doesn't have a subtle appreciation for the ways of addiction, but the endeavor taps into the frustrations that go with this journey, working with a talented cast to do so. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com