Das Biest hinter der Maske

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

I haven't seen the movie, but decided to research it after spending the day and talking about it with my grandmother, Barbara Fagot Mathews. So whoever did "research" to find out if it is a true story... here's the newspaper article: http://www.geocities.com/murder_stories3/carol_donahue1.html

By the way, he was my grandmother's first cousin. She knew him very well as a child, but after a serious fight between Leonard his once inseparable cousin (her brother, my great uncle), they stopped talking to that side of the family.

Apparently I have to have 10 lines to comment, so now I will babble. Was the movie any good? Maybe I'll try to get a copy of it.

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.

Robert Urich is a concerned father of 4 lovely daughters who has an appetite for sex, insurance money, and success for his offspring. When any one of this trio does not come forth, then he takes drastic actions, including murder.

Although I haven't seen the movie, I know the family who currently own and live in the house.

It was flooded in 1992 during hurricane Andrew and it was flooded again during Katrina.

The first floor was completely submerged and the water level was half way up the second floor.

It has survived but the family has chosen to demolish the structure in the next few months.

If you live in the area, go by and see it quick.

The plans for the new house are unbelievable!!!