Above Suspicion

Dempsey Cain (Christopher Reeve) is a perfectionist and accurate detective, married with Gail (Kim Cattrall), having a son and living in a comfortable house. His brother Nick (Edward Kerr) is a reckless policeman and is having an affair with Gail. Dempsey's colleague Rhinehart (Joe Mantegna) disputes with him who is the best detective in their district. One day, in a bust in a hotel, trying to arrest five Mexicans who killed two policemen, Dempsey is shot and become paralyzed below his waist. Dempsey becomes very depressed and tries unsuccessfully to suicide. Then, he proposes his brother and his wife to kill him, simulating a robbery in his house, in order to get his life insurance paid and for them to raise his son. What happens next makes this movie an excellent film noir. I would never expect such a good unknown film. The story and the screenplay are great, having many plot points, and the performance of the cast is perfect. The irony is that Christopher Reeves became paralyzed after this movie in an accident. Recommended for those who likes amoral movies. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Sem Suspeita" ("Without Suspicion")

Christopher Reeve was a very good actor - a talented man. Pity his career suffered because of the Superman role that made him. In this telemovie he plays a (super)cop shafted by his brother and his wife. It is a complex plot with many a twist - a great script with a number of the supporting cast playing against type. Reeve's character is always one step ahead of the game. The plot is vaguely similar in premise to "Investigation of a Citizen above Suspicion" starring Gian Maria Volante. Kim Cattrell is not sexy to my eyes but she shows good acting chops and isn't afraid to get down on screen. Joe Montagne is generally underrated and this movie shows the range of his talents well. In the end, Reeve is the star and shows extreme skill in the way he develops Cain (it's all in the eyes!). Great ending, with a slightly comic judge's role, which makes the climax even more impact full.

Christopher Reeve ironically plays a homicide detective who's paralyzed from the waist down after a bust goes bad. His family life isn't all that great either; his wife is cheating on him with his own brother. One day Reeve asks the two of them to help him end his life...that's when things get interesting.

This is an exceptionally well made TV thriller. Boasting excellent performances from Cattrall, Mantegna and especially Reeve, in his last role before his horrible accident. The film is well written, with a mystery that's genuinely intriguing all the way, full of surprises and suspenseful to boot. Also has a very satisfying conclusion, not all TV movies follow the same formula.

I'll miss Christopher Reeve. Here, as in other movies, he shows just what a quality actor he truly was when given good roles.

Christopher Reeve had starred in some good thrillers when he wasn't flying around as Superman. This is a gripping thriller for him.

Reeve plays a top detective Dempsey Cain who is paralyzed after a drugs operation. Thus, he resigns himself to life in a wheelchair but that is when things get going. Also, Dempsey's brother and wife have been having an affair and now that he is paralyzed, he may just notice what has been going on...

I cannot say any more. The film has such twists that if I say anything more I will end up giving it away. I cannot even go into detail about Joe Mantegna's role without potentially spoiling it. I urge you to watch the movie and be prepared for a real twist. If you like thrillers that involve murder and adultery, then this is the one for you.

This was Reeve's last film before he became paralyzed in the riding accident he had. This was one of those rare but disturbing occasions of life imitating art.

"Above Suspicion" has a very clever plot, above average acting, and maintains interest throughout. This plays like a good episode of "Columbo". Joe Mantegna gives a Columbo-like performance as the relentless detective who thinks the obvious in a murderer investigation is not how it happened. Unfortunately, in this case, his adversary, Christopher Reeve always seems to be one step ahead of Mantegna. I can't say I was totally satisfied with the ending, but under the circumstances, I can see where it came from. The film has plenty of nudity, violence, and edge of your seat twists and turns. Recommended. - MERK