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Rossif Sutherland proposed dedicating the first episode of Murder in a Small Town to his father, Donald Sutherland, after Donald died. The tribute recognizes more than their family relationship: Donald had spent years trying to bring L.R. Wright’s Karl Alberg mysteries to the screen and was once set to play a key character in the story that opens the series.
Why Rossif Sutherland chose the dedication
Rossif discovered his father’s connection to the books while discussing his audition role with him. Donald recognized the story and told his son he knew the material. Rossif later explained that Donald had been trying to get a film adaptation made for about 30 years. After his father’s death, Rossif suggested dedicating the premiere to him, honoring both Donald’s early involvement and their relationship as father and son.
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![Murder in a Small Town - Season 1 (2024) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Od8NhqgWL._SL160_.jpg)
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Murder in a Small Town - Season 1 (2024) [DVD] | Buy on Amazon | |
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Murder in a Small Town | $19.87 | Buy on Amazon |
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Murder in a Small Town - Season 1 | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Murder In A Small Town | $12.95 | Buy on Amazon |
In a 2024 account of an interview with Rossif, TV Insider reported that Donald’s effort to develop a movie version began decades earlier. In a 2026 interview, El Comercio described Rossif’s decision to dedicate the first episode to his father.
Donald Sutherland’s connection to the story
The series adapts L.R. Wright’s nine-book Karl Alberg mystery series, with Rossif Sutherland playing Alberg, according to Fox Entertainment’s series announcement. Donald’s involvement began in an earlier effort to adapt the books, working with writer and executive producer Ian Weir and producer Nick Orchard.
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- DVD release – Region Free playback (compatible with US DVD players)
- Official Australian manufactured release
- Includes all episodes from Season 1 of Murder in a Small Town
- Television drama series Based on the Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries by L. R. Wright
- Starring Rossif Sutherland, Kristin Kreuk, and Mya Lowe
The story at the center of the television premiere comes from The Suspect, the first Karl Alberg novel. Donald was attached to play George, the prime suspect. The earlier film development did not come to fruition, and Donald’s declining health meant he could not travel to take part in the television project. James Cromwell played George in the series premiere.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the dedication means
The dedication acknowledges Donald’s long-standing effort to bring Wright’s mystery to the screen, as well as the personal moment when his son learned how familiar he was with the books. It is not simply a credit for an on-screen role: Donald did not appear as George in the television premiere. Instead, the dedication marks his connection to the project’s development and Rossif’s tribute to his father.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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- Series one
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- Murder in a small town
- Product Type: PHYSICAL_MOVIE
- Brand: Lionsgate
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