The fact-based TV movie The Ambush Murders was adapted from a book by Ben Bradlee Jr.
Dorian Harewood plays an African-American political activist who is loyal to his ideals and faithful to his friends and family. After two white policemen are killed, Harewood is charge with the crime. 49 months and two mistrials later, Harewood remains in prison. When lawyer
James Brolin offers his services, Harewood doesn't trust him any more than any of the other self-serving white attorneys who've "helped" him in the past. But Brolin digs a little deeper than his predecessors, uncovering facts and evidence that may at long last spring his client.
Ambush Murders was first telecast January 5, 1982. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide