The Priest Killer Poster

The Priest Killer 1971

100 min📅 1971-09-14

When a sinister wave of violence strikes a quiet town, a wheelchair-bound police chief teams up with a former detective turned priest to unravel a chilling mystery. Directed by Richard A.

Director: Richard A. Colla

Cast

Raymond Burr
Raymond Burr
Robert T. Ironside
George Kennedy
George Kennedy
Father Samuel Cavanaugh
Don Galloway
Don Galloway
Det. Sgt. Ed Brown
Don Mitchell
Don Mitchell
Mark Sanger
Anthony Zerbe
Anthony Zerbe
Vincent Wiertel
Louise Latham
Louise Latham
Martha Gordon
David Huddleston
David Huddleston
Harrison Davis
Ned Romero
Ned Romero
Monsignor
Robert Sampson
Robert Sampson
Father Dennis McMurtry
Ann Doran
Ann Doran
Harriet Miles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Priest Killer (1971) about?

*The Priest Killer (1971)* follows a police chief in a wheelchair and a priest—once a cop—as they investigate a series of murders targeting local priests. Their partnership blends personal redemption with relentless detective work in a suspenseful mystery that keeps audiences on edge.

Who directed The Priest Killer?

The film was directed by Richard A. Colla, known for his work in crime and drama television during the 1970s.

Who stars in The Priest Killer?

The lead roles are played by Raymond Burr, George Kennedy, Don Galloway, Don Mitchell, and Anthony Zerbe, backed by Louise Latham.

Is The Priest Killer (1971) worth watching?

For fans of classic crime dramas, *The Priest Killer (1971)* offers a solid mix of suspense and character depth, anchored by strong performances. While it lacks modern polish, its 1970s style and engaging plot make it a worthwhile watch for genre enthusiasts.

How long is The Priest Killer?

The film has a runtime of 100 minutes.

About The Priest Killer (1971) — A gripping 1970s crime thriller with Raymond Burr and George Kennedy

When a sinister wave of violence strikes a quiet town, a wheelchair-bound police chief teams up with a former detective turned priest to unravel a chilling mystery. Directed by Richard A. Colla and set against the backdrop of 1970s crime dramas, *The Priest Killer (1971)* blends suspense with moral depth as the unlikely duo races to uncover the identity of a murderer targeting local clergy. The film's tense atmosphere and sharp character dynamics make it a standout in the TV movie genre, offering a gripping exploration of justice and faith intertwined.

The cast, led by Raymond Burr and George Kennedy, delivers performances that anchor the story's emotional weight and relentless pacing. With its crime and mystery roots, *The Priest Killer* captures the era's fascination with flawed heroes and high-stakes investigations, leaving audiences questioning every shadowy corner. Originally conceived as a backdoor pilot for the series *SARGE* and a special-event spinoff of *IRONSIDE*, this TV movie stands on its own as a compelling thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the final, unexpected twist.