The Beneficiary (TV 1997)

A man and woman detective team investigate the murder of a corporate president, but because the deceased was a friend of the male detective, he is reluctant to believe the signs that point ... See full summary »

Director:

Marc Bienstock

Writer:

Vladimir Nemirovsky

Stars:

Linden Ashby, Suzy Amis, Stacy Haiduk

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Linden Ashby	...	Jimmy Price
Suzy Amis	...	Connie Roos
Stacy Haiduk	...	Lena Girard
Ron Silver	...	Guy Girard
Robert Davi	...	Gil Potter
Laura Rogers	...	Rachel Holmby
Steven Ford	...	Bill Girard
Stanley DeSantis	...	Walker
Sam Hennings	...	Captain Greer
Vladimir Nemirovsky	...	Howard
Corey Chang	...	Lauren Powers
Dan Woren	...	Coroner
Doug Larson	...	Beefcake
Michele Marsh	...	Carol
April Grace	...	Dr. Gower

Storyline

A man and woman detective team investigate the murder of a corporate president, but because the deceased was a friend of the male detective, he is reluctant to believe the signs that point to the widow as the killer. Still, the team take turns watching her movements, but during the male detective's turn, his past friendship with the deceased gradually allows him access to the suspected widow, and it isn't long before they're in bed together. But when he discovers that she's the beneficiary to millions that had been meant for her husband, the detective is moved in ways quite unpredictable.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | conspiracy | seduction | rough sex | adultery | 

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality, language and some violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 January 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Herança Fatal

Company Credits

Production Co:

Magic Hour Pictures, Motion Picture Corporation of America (MPCA), Playboy Entertainment Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Smirks All Around

No, it ain't "Body Heat", or even "Double Indemnity", but it is a viewable femme fatal vehicle, although it borrows from the above-mentioned films, and even a little from "The Last Seduction".

With the exception of a heavy-handed soundtrack, the production value is appropriately murky as the plot twists back on itself.

All bases get covered by the time the deceiver gets deceived, and its only weak moment is when the filmmakers tag on a bogus "hope" ending.

A good watch. Not outrageous, but it'll leave you with a smirk.