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STARZ! Pictures will present the world premiere of the crime drama "The Badge" exclusively on STARZ! September 7, 2002. The film stars an impressive cast highlighted by Academy Award(R) winner Billy Bob Thornton, Patricia Arquette, William Devane and two-time Emmy(R) winner Sela Ward.

The cast also features Julie Hagerty ("A Guy Thing," "Airplane!"), Hill Harper ("The Court," "Loving Jezebel") and Thomas Hayden Church ("3000 Miles to Graceland," "Wings"). The provocative film was written and directed by filmmaker Robby Henson ("Pharaoh's Army") and was shot entirely on location in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Billy Bob Thornton stars as the narrow-minded and traumatized Darl, a sheriff in a small Louisiana town that is rocked by the mysterious murder of a woman in the swamps. His reluctant investigation and unlikely encounter with Scarlett (Arquette), a beautiful New Orleans stripper who arrives in town asking questions about the killing, act as the catalysts that ultimately transforms him for the better. At first, Darl is ill prepared to deal with the world Scarlett exposes him to; a world he previously held in contempt. But together, they eventually overcome their prejudices as they struggle against corrupt cops and politicians, uncover a chilling conspiracy and find the murderer. In the end, Darl achieves reconciliation with his estranged family and faces his bigotry and self-imposed demons.

Multitalented Billy Bob Thornton has come a long way since his early days as a musician; playing drums and singing in a band called Tres Hombres. Since then he has received two Academy Award(R) nominations -- Best Actor in a Leading Role for "Sling Blade" and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for "A Simple Plan" -- and won the 1997 Academy Award(R) for Best Writing, Screenplay for "Sling Blade" and most recently starred in "Bandits" and "Monster's Ball." Thornton just wrapped the film "Levity" and is set to play the title role in the comedy "Bad Santa" that begins production mid summer. Patricia Arquette began her career at age 18 in 1986's "Pretty Smart" and gained attention for her starring role in "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors." Soon after, her career took off, and she has since appeared in such critically acclaimed films as "True Romance," "Beyond Rangoon," "Ethan Frome" and "Stigmata." Arquette can be seen in the recently released "Human Nature." Television audiences will recognize two-time Emmy(R) winner Sela Ward from her acclaimed TV series work on "Sisters" and "Once and Again," and from her compelling performance as Jessica Savitch in the film "Almost Golden: The Jessica Savitch Story." Showcasing unusual versatility, two-time Emmy(R) nominee William Devane has amassed an acclaimed resume of performances in both film and television such as President John F. Kennedy in "The Missiles of October" and Gregory Sumner in "Knots Landing."

SOURCE: STARZ! Pictures