Deadly Intentions

I know, I know: *Another* sweet-innocent girlfriend/wife/ex-girlfriend/ex-wife/whatever is terrorized by her crazy-psychotic boyfriend/husband/ex-boyfriend/ex-husband/whatever. Yes, the concept is one we've been told about thousands of times (at least, it seems that way) before.

But I promise, out of the whole bunch, THIS ONE really is worth watching if you're into that sort of thing. I saw it when it came on TV in 1985. Had nightmares about it for months. I confess, I had forgotten who was in the cast until looking it up here on IMDb, but it's no surprise that Michael Biehn has gone on to have such a successful TV career. And who woud have thought Cloris Leachman -- one of the great comediennes -- would have a performance like this in her? Simply chilling from start to finish.

As they used to say on "Dragnet", the names were changed to protect the innocent. But this is "based on a true story" that occurred in the 1970s. The book (same title as the movie), published in 1982 by the Tucson AZ prosecutor named William Randolph Stevens, is available on amazon.

This movie should not be confused with the campier, more fictionalized sequel from 1991, starring Harry Hamlin and Joanna Kerns, and titled "Deadly Intentions... Again?" DIA is not without its own appeal, but the original is the true classic worth seeking out.

Deadly Intentions, based on the book by William Randolph Stevens, tells the story of Katherine, a young woman who lives with her parents, loves children, and dreams of one day being a fully-fledged teacher.

Charles Raynor is young medical student with a promising future as a doctor; he falls in love with Katherine one evening on his birthday at the family home and the two eventually get married, much to the disapproval of his mother, Charlotte.

Pretty soon into the marriage, Katherine begins to notice changes in Charles' behavior and demeanor, particularly toward her after learning she is pregnant with his child. When she informs him of this, he expresses disappointment, as if he isn't ready to be a father.

Charles enjoys being mean to Katherine, regularly pushing her buttons, in order to get a reaction. She is frustrated with some of his childish antics, but Charles just laughs at her.

He is a narcissist, sadist, psychopath, master manipulator, and a little on the nutty side. He is also a something of a "mama's boy" since his mother always seems to play a major part in his life.

When Katherine does eventually leave Charles for good, he hatches various plans to find her and kill her for it, hence the title, "Deadly Intentions". She has to stay a step ahead of him to prevent a possible bad outcome for both her and her son.

I have only ever seen this ONCE on TV. Michael Biehn is brilliant as Dr. Charles Raynor, Madolyn Smith Osborne is also great as his tormented wife Katherine, and Cloris Leachman as Charles' influential/busybody mother. The story makes a point that some people aren't who they appear to be; you can't always rely on first impressions.

This 2-part teleplay (which goes for almost 3 hours) is worth a look if you haven't seen it.

A REALLY disturbing movie! Madolyn Smith plays Katherine Raynor, a young, naive woman who falls for and marries Dr. Charles Raynor, awesomely portrayed by Michael Biehn. Before long (but unfortunately AFTER she has his child), she realizes that he is NOT what he seemed.

Madolyn Smith did a fine job as Katherine, but the best performances were by Michael Biehn and Cloris Leachman. Michael Biehn was incredible as the "good" doctor, he really made you believe he was totally unhinged! And as for Cloris Leachman, well if Raynor's mother was anything like she portrayed her, you can almost see why he was such a wakco.

There was a sequel, "Deadly Intentions...Again", but unless you are really dying to know what happened "after", skip it. It does tell you that, but it doesn't hold a candle to this one.

I saw this movie 20 years ago and I am trying to find it so that I can buy it. I wanted to rate it a 10 but beings that it has been so long ago I really can't remember how well it was put together. I know that the actors did really well in it. Michael Biehn's portrayal of a psychopath was outstanding to say the least. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes real life crime stories. Plus I do remember that it kept you on the edge of your seat. I can't believe this guy went all the way through medical school and then did what he did. I won't ruin it for those who haven't seen the movie but take my advice it is one you would want to see.

I liked it. I thought it was good for a drama and sorta scary.