Till Death Do Us Part

Stars: Treat Williams (Prince Of The City, Once Upon A Time In America), Arliss Howard (Ruby, Full Metal Jacket), Rebecca Jenkins. Although TV movies rarely aspire to being much more than filler for commercials, Till Death Do Us Part is a surprising exception that serves up more style and substance than a whole host of blockbuster "A" titles. Based on the book by Vincent Bugliosi (Helter Skelter), this true story stars Treat Williams as Alan Palliko who we first see pouring gasoline on and around a man he's just put several bullets into. Turns out that Alan has killed his girlfriend's husband, and she's collected insurance money. It's an interesting twist, revealing the murderer during the opening minute of the movie, but Till Death... has far more up its sleeve. Young district attorney Bugliosi (Arliss Howard) knows that Palliko and Sandra Stockton (Rebecca Jenkins) are guilty, but with only circumstantial evidence to go on, he's forced to bide his time. Meanwhile, we watch Palliko grow into a monster (the brutal beating of his wife in one scene is a shocking, uncomfortable jolt). After buying a small nightclub, Palliko runs into financial straits, so he goes to the well one more time, looking for a wife to marry...and then insure. Only this time Bugliosi is not going to give up, and the film moves into its thrilling courtroom drama finale. Fine acting, a tight script, and strikingly visual direction all add up to a good thriller. Till Death Do Us Part won't disappoint. Note: a scene of brief nudity and some scenes of graphic violence have been added to the film to garner an "R" rating. Although it's not always the case, we didn't feel that the intent or integrity of the film were marred by the additional footage. Audience: Thriller fans, and those who like courtroom dramas--not to mention people who like stylish little films.