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Death Benefit

  • TV Movie
  • 19961996
  • PG-13PG-13
  • 1h 29m
IMDb RATING
5.8/10
162
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • IMDbPro
Peter Horton in Death Benefit (1996)
  • Crime
  • Drama
  • Thriller
Steven Keeney is a big corporate lawyer who decides to take on a small-time murder case to discover the true circumstances behind the death of a young girl. Virginia McGinnis is the one susp... Read allSteven Keeney is a big corporate lawyer who decides to take on a small-time murder case to discover the true circumstances behind the death of a young girl. Virginia McGinnis is the one suspected of pushing the women off the cliff to collect on a small insurance policy. The furth... Read allSteven Keeney is a big corporate lawyer who decides to take on a small-time murder case to discover the true circumstances behind the death of a young girl. Virginia McGinnis is the one suspected of pushing the women off the cliff to collect on a small insurance policy. The further he goes into the case the more he reveals about the background of the suspect. Keeney f... Read all
IMDb RATING
5.8/10
162
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Mark Piznarski
  • Writers
    • David Heilbroner(book "Death Benefit")
    • Philip Rosenberg
  • Stars
    • Peter Horton
    • Carrie Snodgress
    • Wendy Makkena
Top credits
  • Director
    • Mark Piznarski
  • Writers
    • David Heilbroner(book "Death Benefit")
    • Philip Rosenberg
  • Stars
    • Peter Horton
    • Carrie Snodgress
    • Wendy Makkena
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 10User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Photos

    Death Benefit (1996)
    Death Benefit (1996)
    Add photo

    Top cast

    Edit
    Peter Horton
    Peter Horton
    • Steven Keeneyas Steven Keeney
    Carrie Snodgress
    Carrie Snodgress
    • Virginia McGinnisas Virginia McGinnis
    Wendy Makkena
    Wendy Makkena
    • Wynn Burkholderas Wynn Burkholder
    Penny Johnson Jerald
    Penny Johnson Jerald
    • Sylvia Guzmanas Sylvia Guzman
    Elizabeth Ruscio
    Elizabeth Ruscio
    • LouAnne Wilkensas LouAnne Wilkens
    Belita Moreno
    Belita Moreno
    • Sarah Westas Sarah West
    Lee de Broux
    Lee de Broux
    • Mark Vandenbergas Mark Vandenberg
    Dean Norris
    Dean Norris
    • Rod Montgomeryas Rod Montgomery
    Jack Kehler
    Jack Kehler
    • Dick Coatesas Dick Coates
    Glenn Morshower
    Glenn Morshower
    • Tim O'Gradyas Tim O'Grady
    Joan McMurtrey
    Joan McMurtrey
    • Dr. Susan Lindsay-Rhodesas Dr. Susan Lindsay-Rhodes
    Ben Slack
    • Eddie Edisonas Eddie Edison
    Sharen Camille
    • Melissa Wilkensas Melissa Wilkens
    Nathan Lawrence
    Nathan Lawrence
    • Christian Keeneyas Christian Keeney
    Rick Cicetti
    • Parishioneras Parishioner
    Dale Raoul
    Dale Raoul
    • Mrs. Greeneas Mrs. Greene
    James McAlpine
    • B.J. McGinnisas B.J. McGinnis
    Fred Ponzlov
    Fred Ponzlov
    • Waiteras Waiter
    • Director
      • Mark Piznarski
    • Writers
      • David Heilbroner(book "Death Benefit")
      • Philip Rosenberg
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    Steven Keeney is a big corporate lawyer who decides to take on a small-time murder case to discover the true circumstances behind the death of a young girl. Virginia McGinnis is the one suspected of pushing the women off the cliff to collect on a small insurance policy. The further he goes into the case the more he reveals about the background of the suspect. Keeney finds support from others who also want to find out the truth behind the case. —Chantel Cotterell <ynnahc@msn.com>
    • murder
    • lawyer
    • pushed off a cliff
    • investigation
    • justice
    • 3 more
    • Plot summary
    • Add synopsis
    • Genres
      • Crime
      • Drama
      • Thriller
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and a scene of sensuality
    • Parents guide
      • Add content advisory

    User reviews10

    Review
    Top review
    8/10
    Carrie Snodgress saves the movie...
    I agree with the earlier reviewer; she proves her acting ability, despite a thin script and bland dialogue. Peter Horton is also good, at least not the usual slick lawyer from a firm- (ergo; he is a sympathetic character!!) That is NOT an easy accomplishment, to portray a lawyer AND be a likable character.

    In fact, I will not even watch movies anymore about attorneys, courtroom dramas, etc. Writers, please take note after the Scott Peterson and Michael Jackson debacles last year, the phrase "courtroom drama" has been maxxed out, for at least the next ten years. That being said, this film was based on a true story, and there are minimal courtroom settings.

    The sociopath is portrayed by Carrie Snodgress, who also played opposite Steve Railsback in the movie "Ed Gein". She does an excellent job, as always. So watch the film for her performance- and for genuine acting, by a talented actor.
    helpful•1
    1
    • MarieGabrielle
    • Apr 6, 2006

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 13, 1996 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Dödligt fall
    • Production companies
      • Chris/Rose Productions
      • MCA Television Entertainment (MTE)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 29 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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