About Barbara and Russ Stager. While Barbara was from Durham, North Carolina, I am not quite sure why this film took place in Colorado.
As previously mentioned, Jaclyn Smith is Barbara Stager(who is ready for parole in 2009). While Smith is limited, she paints a believable picture of a narcissistic woman, capable of murdering her husband to acquire whatever new material possessions she desires.
In real life, her first husband was also murdered. It is surprising she married a high school basketball coach. Perhaps because he was able prey, a guileless, honest man trying to be a father to her orphaned son.
There are some interesting scenes, like when they move into a new upscale home, and Ron finds a "box of bills" under the bed- apparently she handled all the refinancing and innumerable bank loans-without his knowledge. There is an amusing scene where a notary at the bank approves her latest loan for $25,000.00 without the husbands signature. "Because I know you from church" the bank officer notarizes the loan. Were the people this ignorant? I highly doubt it.
Also another scene where Smith's boss (TV station manager) talks to his minister to get advice about whether to tell her husband about Barbara's antics- Please. Apparently these little scenes are disclaimers to protect the less-than innocent.
Diana Scarwid is believable as Ron's first wife, who suspects Barbara from the start. Hope Lange is very good as Barbara's mother- apparently a critical and overbearing woman.
The disingenuous segments involving "good church-going" people are not necessary. Please give the audience some credit. People choose to do the things they do. The station manager loaned Barbara money, and was indirectly complicit with her deceptions. Now I will have to re-read the book, as I question some of the motivations for the making of this film.
