The Manhunter
The Manhunter

The Manhunter

1975TV ShowEnded1 SeasonEnglish

The Manhunter is an American crime drama that was part of CBS' lineup for the 1974–1975 television season. The series was produced by Quinn Martin and starred Ken Howard as Dave Barret, a 1930s-era private investigator from Idaho. The series was executive produced by Quinn Martin.

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IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes57%
Google Users78%
Director: Michael MannGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Will Graham, a brilliant but troubled FBI profiler, is pulled out of early retirement to hunt down a notorious serial killer known as "The Tooth Fairy." Graham must confront his own demons and delve into the mind of the killer to catch him before he strikes again. This psychological cat-and-mouse game tests Graham's sanity as he gets closer to the terrifying killer.

Critical Reception

The Manhunter was a critical and commercial disappointment upon its initial release, but has since gained a significant cult following. Critics at the time were divided, with some praising its dark atmosphere and intense psychological exploration, while others found it too bleak and violent. Audience reception was lukewarm, contributing to its initial underperformance. Over time, its innovative approach to the serial killer genre and Michael Mann's distinctive visual style have led to a reappraisal by many.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty realism and psychological depth.
  • Criticized by some for its bleak tone and graphic content.
  • Seen as a groundbreaking film in the serial killer genre.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate the film's suspenseful narrative and the compelling performances, particularly William Petersen's portrayal of Will Graham. Some viewers find the film's pacing slow in parts, but most agree that its dark and intelligent approach to crime investigation is its strongest asset.

Fun Fact

The film was based on Thomas Harris's novel 'Red Dragon', and William Petersen later reprised his role as Will Graham in the television series 'Hannibal' (2013–2015), though it was a different continuity.

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