The Bait

This film is based on a 1968 novel by Dorothy Uhnak. It is a very good book that I recommend. There is a condensed version of it in Reader's Digest Volume 2. The movie, as usual, doesn't do justice to the book. The names were changed from the characters in the book, ruining the feel for those who have read the story. It just felt like another bland cop story. They could have done so much more with it, but this can be said of most good books that end up being bad films. It was an ill-conceived project. Many of the subtleties that were in the book, you just can't feel them on film. I don't feel that they made a concerted effort to convey these subtleties to begin with. There is much more to Uhnak's book than a simple detective story. There are other things that lie beneath the surface which were not conveyed on the screen.

An elusive serial killer is murdering women and the police are unable to catch him. So an undercover policewoman by the name of "Tracy Fleming" (Donna Mills) volunteers to act as bait over the strong objections of her boss who feels it is simply too risky. In doing so she winds up putting not just herself but her entire family in danger as well. At any rate, Donna Mills puts on a pretty good performance in this "made-for-television" movie. Likewise, William Devane also does a good job as the serial killer, "Earl Stokey". Now, because this film was made for prime-time audiences you shouldn't expect anything too graphic. Personally, I would have preferred otherwise simply for the effect. But this picture does have some exciting moments and Donna Mills is definitely a beauty in whatever role she plays. That said, while it may not be the best crime-drama ever produced it is probably worth a person's time all things considered.

Since Knots Landing, I have always been a fan of Donna Mills as she is believable in most TV roles, and still looks wonderful at age 60!.

While this film is about a typical stalker issue, it was a little before its time, now we have stalker films every week on Lifetime Movie Network.

Hollywood hills, and some of the scenery where she attempts to bait the killer, are interesting and intriguing. This film was made around the same time as the real "Hillside Strangler" serial killers, Bianchi and Buono, were terrorizing Southern California. I do not think this film is simply a copy of "Police Woman" with Angie Dickinson. She has a completely different presence, Mills is more attractive and interesting to watch.

Overall recommended, interesting film for a rental. 7/10.

Contrary to what was posted in a previous comment, The Bait was first broadcast on March 13, 1973, more than a year and a half before Police Woman debuted in September 1974. It was actually based on a 1968 novel by former policewoman Dorothy Uhnak. Sure, it seems cheesy today -- just like all those other made-for-TV thrillers from the early 70's -- but The Bait was exciting and, with a young and super hot Donna Mills in the lead role, it definitely held your attention. I thought Donna gave a strong performance. She was effective and appealing. I'm not sure if it was in reference to this particular film, but I remember a reviewer stating that nobody does wide-eyed looks of terror as well as Donna Mills! Looking back, it's funny to see what was considered provocative at that time. The short skirts and outfits that Mills' character wore to catch the attention of the rapist-killer are pretty tame by today's standards.

I became a Donna Mills fan with "Play Misty for Me", and here working in TV she has a starring breakthrough with a fabulous performance as a lady cop. Though it didn't go to series, the show fleshes out her character and the story format/solid supporting cast that definitely merited a pickup.

Leonard Horn sustains suspense artfully, and the structure carefully injects clues, red herrings and plot twists par excellence. William Devane is strong as the adversary, but there's no doubt that such a strong character that Mills has created will prevail.

Only sad note, for me at least, is late in the show a fleeting closeup (plus that voice) identifies the allt-me great (and eccentric) character actor popping up in a pointless part as the night clerk manning the front desk of Mills' workplace building. What a shame that this great talent went unappreciated.