Murder in Texas is a 1981 television film starring Katharine Ross, Sam Elliott, Farrah Fawcett, and Andy Griffith. The film was directed by William Hale, and was based on a true story; that was written for the TV screen by John McGreevey. It first aired on television in two parts on Sunday and Monday May 3–4, 1981. Plot Based on the true story of the death of Joan Robinson Hill, this film tells of a plastic surgeon who was suspected of causing the death of his first wife, the daughter of a wealthy member of Houston society. The circumstances of her death - which was never solved - are clouded by a suspiciously hasty embalming and a hurried burial. The doctor then marries his mistress. In spite of two autopsies showing that his daughter died of natural causes, Ash Robinson, convinced that his daughter was murdered, sets out single-handedly to find out the true cause of her death, determined to see that the doctor is punished. Cast Katharine Ross as Ann Kurth Hill Sam Elliott as Dr. John Hill Farrah Fawcett as Joan Robinson Hill Andy Griffith as Ash Robinson G. W. Bailey as Richard "Racehorse" Haynes Barry Corbin as Dist. Atty. McMasters Pamela Myers as Mary Craig T. Nelson as Jack Ramsey Royce Wallace as Wilma Dimitra Arliss as Gina Meier Jude Farese as Casselli Philip Sterling as Dr. Helpern Vernon Weddle as Dr. Joe Lesley Woods as Reah Robinson Parley Baer as Ann's attorney Reception Murder in Texas was nominated for a 1982 Golden Globe Award for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV. In addition, Andy Griffith received his only Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Ash Robinson. The movie was highly ranked in the Nielsen ratings. Part I was the fifth-most popular show for the week ending May 3, and Part II was the most popular show of the following week. References External links 1981 films 1981 television films 1981 drama films American television films Films scored by Leonard Rosenman Films set in Houston Films shot in Houston Films shot in Texas Crime films based on actual events Poisoning in film Films directed by William Hale (director) 1980s English-language films