This is a surprise mystery/suspense film which portrays the sad and realistic true story of Bradley Cunningham, an abusive husband who was married five different times, and was charged with the murder of his fourth wife (well-portrayed by Annette O'Toole).
Cunningham had three young sons, and each performance in this film is very sympathetic (they each had red hair like their murdered mother).
The film is well done in that we see Cunningham's initial relationship with O'Toole, how it becomes increasingly sadistic (he cheats on her uses the children as pawns, and she reports his business to the IRS). Then the developing relationship with Lindsay Frost (who just happens to be a successful surgeon) Brad's estranged sister mentions; Brad was always planning, people are objects, they belong to him. A clear portrayal of a narcissistic personality.
There is a scene with John Terry as O'Toole's attorney/colleague; he is attempting to charge Cunningham with the crime in civil court, since the initial evidence wouldn't stand in criminal court. He meets Lindsay Frost (who is now Cunningham's fifth wife, as yet unaware of what he is capable of). He mentions to her that Cunningham has been married many times, has the victim's diary, and wants her to learn the reality of the situation.
Given the subject matter, this is very well-done. So many other films tackling this subject seem over the top, or become laughable (i.e. there was one LMN movie in particular with Janine Turner; can't recall the name) Frost's performance is also excellent, and sympathetic as she rescues Cunningham's sons from his further lies and manipulations. Based on the true crime novel by Ann Rule (who also wrote the book "The Stranger Beside Me", "Before he wakes" and several other true crime books) This film is well worth watching. 8/10.
