With Sybil Danning as Diane, the sexy wife, Andrew Prine as Michael, the scheming husband and some unknown hot guy as Jay the naive seductee, this plot-heavy thriller would have worked well. Unfortunately, in the role of the seductee is Eric Brown, innocuous, of little stature and less sexual appeal. Because the relationship between Diane and Jay is so implausible, the viewer becomes distracted, trying to figure out how so beautiful and desirable a woman could develop a co-dependent crush on this trifling youth. But onward. Michael has conceived a plan to frighten his mother and grandmother out of the family mansion and into assisted living so he and Diane can gain control of not only the house but the family fortune as well. Jay, suborned by Diane's charms, agrees to do the frightening but, through clumsiness, fails. To massage his bruised ego, he becomes rude and insolent not only to Michael but Diane also, whom he accuses of "using" him. Jay pouts. Murders occur. The already-thick plot thickens. From this point on, Diane appears at pains to regain Jay's goodwill and the story turns and twists its labyrinthine way to an unbelievable conclusion. Despite the film's shortcomings, anyone who can suspend disbelief for awhile will likely find this an entertaining time waster. Prine and Danning are excellent and Paul Clemens, in a pivotal supporting role, adds to the suspense. The sumptuous locales are beautifully photographed; sets have luxurious appointments and there are nice cars and great clothes. If nothing else it's a treat for the eyes.
Review of They're Playing with Fire
