Two FBI agents investigating the murder of civil rights workers during the 60s seek to breach the conspiracy of silence in a small Southern town where segregation divides black and white. The younger agent trained in FBI school runs up against the small town ways of his partner, a former sheriff.
Gene Hackman Agent Rupert Anderson
Willem Dafoe Agent Alan Ward
Frances McDormand Mrs. Pell
Brad Dourif Deputy Clinton Pell
R. Lee Ermey Mayor Tilman
Gailard Sartain Sheriff Stuckey
Stephen Tobolowsky Townley
Michael Rooker Frank Bailey
Pruitt Taylor Vince Lester Cowens
Badja Djola Agent Monk
Kevin Dunn Agent Bird
Frankie Faison Eulogist
Thomas B. Mason Judge (as Tom Mason)
Geoffrey Nauffts Goatee
Rick Zieff Passenger
Christopher White Black Passenger
Gladys Greer Hattie
Jake Gipson Mose
Dianne Lancaster Waitress
Stanley W. Collins Hollis
Daniel Winford Fennis
Marc Clement Floyd Swilley
Larry Shuler Earl Cooke
Stephen Bridgewater Wesley Cooke
Bob Penny Curtis Foy
James F. Moore Barber
Park Overall Connie
Georgia F. Wise Beauty Parlor Woman 1
Lois Allen Beauty Parlor Woman 2
Barry Davis Jim, Sr. Choctaw Man
Dan Desmond Television Commentator (voice)
Darius McCrary Aaron Williams
Lou Walker Vertis Williams
Billie Jean Young Mrs. Williams
Alisa R. Patrick Church Soloist
Barbara Gibson Church Soloist
Pat Funderburk Pell Maid
Tobin Bell Agent Stokes
Mark Jeffrey Miller Fire Bomber
John P. Fertitta T.V. Commentator
Charles Franzen Interviewer & Reporter
Tonea Stewart Mrs. Walker
Robert F. Colesberry Cameraman
Frederick Zollo Reporter
Ron De Roxtra Reporter
Doug Jackson Reporter
Gary Moody Reporter
Robert Erickson Reporter
Ed Geldart Fire Bomber
Mert Hatfield Fire Bomber
James Eric Fire Bomber
Daniel Chapman Agent MacMillan
Rick Washburn Agent Brodsky
Robert Glaudini Agent Nash
Ken Magee Agent Reilly
Paul Henderson Local #1 (uncredited)
Ralph Pruitt Vaughn Peckerwood (uncredited)
Jesse Merle Speaks Pecan Vendor
Simeon Teague Obie Walker
Brenda Dunlap Mrs. Cowens
E.A. Thrall Agent Tubbs
Kenneth Magee Agent Reilly