Black Widow **** (1987, Debra Winger, Theresa Russell, Sami Frey, Dennis Hopper, Nicol Williamson) – Classic Movie Review 9583

Director Bob Rafelson’s excellent, steamy 1986 thriller Black Widow stars Debra Winger as a smart woman federal agent obsessively tracking down a gold-digging murderess (Theresa Russell) who marries wealthy men and then kills them to inherit their fortune.

It is unusual to have a film noir with both lead parts going to women, and the captivating Winger and Russell throw themselves full-bloodedly into their roles.

The skilful Rafelson keeps you glued to the screen, using such powerful personalities as Dennis Hopper and Nicol Williamson to full advantage. The writer is Ronald Bass.

Playwright Mamet has a cameo as one of Winger’s colleagues.

Black Widow is an adult thriller with some nudity and strong language, which may be edited on TV.

Debra Winger plays a smart federal agent in the 1986 thriller Black Widow.

Also in the cast are Sami Frey, Lois Smith Terry O’Quinn, Diane Ladd, James Hong, D W Moffett, Leo Rossi, Danny Kamekona, Rutanya Alda, Mary Woronov and Wayne Heffley.

Black Widow is directed by Bob Rafelson, runs 103 minutes, is made by Amercent Films, American Entertainment Partners and 20th Century Fox, is released by 20th Century Fox, is written by Ronald Bass, is shot by Conrad L Hall, is produced by Laurence Mark (executive producer) and Harold Schneider, is scored by Michael Small and is designed by Gene Callahan.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9583

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Theresa Russell plays a gold-digging murderess in the steamy 1986 thriller Black Widow.