Spenser (film series)

Spenser
Joe Mantegna as Spenser and Marcia Gay Harden as Susan
Created byRobert B. Parker
Films and television
Film(s)
  • Spenser: Small Vices (1999)
  • Thin Air (2000)
  • Walking Shadow (2001)

Joe Mantegna portrayed Robert B. Parker's detective "Spenser" in three TV films on the A&E cable network between 1999 and 2001.

Production

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Robert B. Parker had a significant role in the development of the TV movies (all three films were adapted by Parker, with his wife co-authoring Walking Shadow) as opposed to the earlier Spenser: For Hire. Nonetheless, he felt that the movies didn't get it right, not because of the performances but because of the limited budget. Parker had a small role in the first film, and cameos in the later two. His son, Daniel, and wife, Joan, appear in Thin Air. Spenser's ally, Hawk, was played by Sheik Mahmud-Bey in "Small Vices", and returns in "Walking Shadow" portrayed by Ernie Hudson.

All three movies were filmed in locations in Canada.

Films

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Spenser: Small Vices

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In this movie Spenser tries to solve the murder of a college student. It was broadcast in 1999, and is based on the 1997 novel of the same name.

Thin Air

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In this movie, Spenser searches for the wife of his longtime associate, Sgt. Belson. It was broadcast in 2000, and is based on the 1995 novel of the same name.

Walking Shadow

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In this movie, Spenser tries to solve the on-stage murder of an actor. It was broadcast in 2001, and is based on the 1994 novel of the same name. It is directed by Po-Chih Leong. [1]

Audiobooks

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Joe Mantegna has also narrated a number of Spenser novels;[2]

Year Title
2012 Lullaby
2011 Sixkill
2010 Painted Ladies
2009 The Professional
2008 Rough Weather
2007 Now and Then
2006 Hundred Dollar Baby
2005 School Days
Cold Service
2004 Bad Business
Widow's Walk
2003 Back Story
2001 Potshot
2000 Hugger Mugger

References

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  1. ^ "Walking Shadow". tcm.com. 2001. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  2. ^ List of Spenser Novels read by Joe Mantegna
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