Travolta pleases

By Ruth Williams
Summer Forty-Niner

Sex, lies, videotape and betrayal seem to be the central elements in “The General’s Daughter,” a psycho thriller based on a novel by Nelson DeMille.

“The General’s Daughter” explores complex issues such as women in the military, the Army’s way of taking care of its own, family vs. career and the topic of violence against women.

Paul Brenner (John Travolta), a top investigator for the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, is called in to investigate the brutal murder of Capt. Elisabeth Campbell (Leslie Stefanson), the daughter of the well-known Gen. “Fighting Joe” Campbell (James Cromwell).

Travolta gives a believable performance as Brenner — right down to his cheesy southern accent.

Madeleine Stowe’s performance is great.  She adds a simple elegance as well as grace and poise to her role as Sarah Sunhill.