Death & Texas (2004)

Synopsis: In 1994, Barefoot Bobby Briggs (Steve Harris) was arrested for his role in a botched armed robbery of an Austin convenience store. When he was convicted and sentenced to die, the career of one of the greatest wide receivers in the history of pro football was ended. It's nine years later,... In 1994, Barefoot Bobby Briggs (Steve Harris) was arrested for his role in a botched armed robbery of an Austin convenience store. When he was convicted and sentenced to die, the career of one of the greatest wide receivers in the history of pro football was ended. It's nine years later, Bobby's appeals have all but run out, and the Austin Steers are - once again - on the march to the Mega Bowl, with a lock on the playoffs, when their wide receiver has a season ending injury. With their playoff hopes in shambles, the Governor of Texas controversially offers Bobby a furlough – from Death Row – to help rescue the Steers' post-season hopes, and even play in the Mega Bowl. Death & Texas chronicles the bizarre story of Bobby Briggs, whose pro career is resurrected from Death Row. Guided by implacable anti-death-penalty advocate Marshall Ledger (Charles Durning), Bobby plays the only card he has left – his undoubted prowess on the football field. Satirical and unashamedly political, Death & Texas parodies the legal system that attempts to sanitize and legitimize the killing of its own citizens. Documentary style, the film examines the trial and its fairness, and interviews all the key people in Bobby's life: his lawyers, family, the politicians, judges and prosecutors; the victim's family; the prison staff and many more who determine Bobby's fate. The final days of his appeals to the courts and the Governor play out side-by-side with the Steers' Mega Bowl hopes. With his execution scheduled for the day after the big game, it all comes down to a Hail Mary pass… Death & Texas looks at life in the Texas correctional system, peeks behind the scenes of pro-football, the legal system, and a crusader determined to make a difference. -- © Death & Texas, LP [More]