Memorable, crazy movie

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The acting in this movie is really good.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I was so glad when I logged onto and set up an account on this site. Just to see the first review about the home the Fagots lived in. It looked just like a Frank Lloyd Wright home but would be unusual to be in Louisiana. I wish I could have seen the home before it was demolished. Maybe I could find the new home built on the same site. Wonder who designed it?Also since I live in Atlanta I did not recognize any of the scenery. Hard to swallow Robert Ulrich playing such a bad guy, although he did it well. How could such a successful father of 4 be so self destructive? He had so much going for him and life could have continued to be so wonderful.Enjoying another LMN flick for a lazy Monday afternoon.

This was the first and only movie I had ever worked on as an extra, which is why I had to watch it. As a "newbie" I was unaware that extras weren't supposed to talk to the "Talent". I couldn't help it, and because the director asked me to do some stand-in work for setting up shots when Mr. Urich wasn't on set, I got to hang around and gab with Shelly Fabres and catch a little more of what goes into making a movie...It must've been 90*and felt like 100, in Atlanta that summer. It was overwhelming to watch how hard everyone worked on their trade, the seriousness and intensity, something very few outsiders get to experience. The movie review doesn't do the film justice as it is filled with unbelievable surprises and twists and was based on a true story about a very "sick" guy in Louisiana...Worth watching again!!!

in this portrayal of Leonard Fagot, a true story about a wartime veteran, who was controlling and manipulative with his family. This is a sad and intriguing story about a man descending further and further into insurance fraud and murder, presumably to "keep up appearances" financially.Urich is excellent, because he always manages to portray a tortured, yet sympathetic character. Gwyneth Paltrow is one of the favorite daughters, who will do anything, almost anything for her Dad. She is also very good, and projects a realistic character. Shelley Fabares is the long-suffering wife, who has been cheated on, emotionally and possibly physically abused by her husband. After a certain point, she realizes what Leonard Fagot has been doing after acquiring insurance policies, then carrying out murder. When she threatens him, he informs her that he also has a policy on her.Matthew Perry has a small part as a son-in-law who also comes to unfortunate ends. It may be interesting if they filmed a sequel to this story, many people are intrigued by it, as it was a true story. All in all, you will enjoy this film. 8/10

This one of my favorite Lifetime type TV movies. This is not repeated as often as most of these types of movies so I was pleasantly surprised when I caught it on Lifetime. Movie is about a domineering father of 4 daughters who life spirals out of control. He uses the daughters and their various husbands to pay for his lifestyle by taking insurance policies out out on them. I don't have say what happens. No one can play crazy murderous fathers the way Robert Urich could. He played a similar role in another true story about a husband who kills his wife. I really miss seeing him in TV movies, a void was left when he past away. Forget about Spencer for Hire, these were those roles he was best in. Ms Paltrow plays his favorite daughter, Carol. I have never been a big fan of hers. She seems to be permanently underwhelmed and she seems that way in this movie. If she got hit by a bolt of lightning you would never know it by looking at her because she would look too bothered to show any emotion. She is not a bad actress it is just that she is just there. She is OK in this movie. Shelley Fabares plays the put upon wife. She knows what is going with her hubby, but this is the mid 60's-70's what was she going to do? Her husband was a powerful lawyer at that. Her choices were very limited. She does try to leave but he won't go for it. A very sad position but a very real position for women years ago. I like the way she transforms herself. I can't think of the actor who plays Carols second hubby, Mike, but he is very good. A weasel, but we know that as soon as we meet him. But I do think he loves her. You can see that in a scene where he is arguing with her father about a failed job. He seems more concerned for Carol then the doting father. Yes he gets mad at her and they have a heated scene But the husband is mad because Carol always takes daddy side even though she knows he is a jerk. The actor is very good in the part. All in all it is very good movie. Watch it if not just to see Mr Urich at his best. I want to add that I loved the house they used for the movie. As another reviewer mentioned it does look like a Frank Lloyd Wright type of house. This movie is suppose to take place in the New Orleans area, so I don't think that house looks like a houses in that area. But it is a gorgeous place.