Dead by Sunset

I saw only the 1st part just last night. I didn't realize there was another part so I don't know how it ends!!! How does he come to trial and what happens to him? I think Annette O'Tool is absolutely dynamic but the lady doctor's personality is lacking something. I don't recall what year this actual event took place, does anyone know? I may have to read the book to get more details, but the move was excellent. I will watch it again.It's hard to believe there are people in this world like him. I wonder if the book goes into more detail about his own father and his relationship to his wife. And, the boys he had, I wonder what kind of life they are living now.

"Dead by Sunset" has a "Movie of the Week" look about itself. It is surprising to read some comments to IMDb as to the length of the movie, when it was a sort of mini-series on television to begin with. The film was shown on Starz Mystery recently. The fact it was based on a novel by Ann Rule we had read, made us watch it.

As directed by Karen Arthur, the film offers some good moments. The story is based on a real incident, that happened in Oregon. Since it was filmed on the original locations, "Dead by Sunset" offers some glorious views of Portland and its suburbs.

We are introduced to the Cunningham family. Right away, one realizes there's a problem with Brad, the intense husband of Cheryl, a lawyer with a major firm. Our suspicions are confirmed by a series of incidents staged by Brad in order to make his wife appear as a bad mother because she has custody of their three children.

When Sara, a doctor, is introduced to Brad by a mutual friend, she has no idea who this man is, or the role he will play in her life. Brad, who is a misogynist, has been brought up by his macho father to hate women and never to trust them. Brad's own mother was cut from his life and he has grown to resent her, which is the same contempt he feels for Cheryl, the mother of his three sons.

The film has some good moments because of the acting Ms. Arthur got from her cast. The three principals, Ken Olin, Annette O'Toole, and Lindsay Frost, make good appearances in the film.

Evil Male character does great acting that I really enjoyed. Very believable acting, watched it a few times, and interesting court trial in the movie.

Although quite lengthy, it was well worthwhile watching. It held both my wife's and my attention to the end. The show ended at midnight, which is way past us old folk's bed time, so it had to be good. I wish it was available on VHS or DVD. I'd buy it right now. My wife talked about it all day at work.

This is a surprise mystery/suspense film which portrays the sad and realistic true story of Bradley Cunningham, an abusive husband who was married five different times, and was charged with the murder of his fourth wife (well-portrayed by Annette O'Toole).

Cunningham had three young sons, and each performance in this film is very sympathetic (they each had red hair like their murdered mother).

The film is well done in that we see Cunningham's initial relationship with O'Toole, how it becomes increasingly sadistic (he cheats on her uses the children as pawns, and she reports his business to the IRS). Then the developing relationship with Lindsay Frost (who just happens to be a successful surgeon) Brad's estranged sister mentions; Brad was always planning, people are objects, they belong to him. A clear portrayal of a narcissistic personality.

There is a scene with John Terry as O'Toole's attorney/colleague; he is attempting to charge Cunningham with the crime in civil court, since the initial evidence wouldn't stand in criminal court. He meets Lindsay Frost (who is now Cunningham's fifth wife, as yet unaware of what he is capable of). He mentions to her that Cunningham has been married many times, has the victim's diary, and wants her to learn the reality of the situation.

Given the subject matter, this is very well-done. So many other films tackling this subject seem over the top, or become laughable (i.e. there was one LMN movie in particular with Janine Turner; can't recall the name) Frost's performance is also excellent, and sympathetic as she rescues Cunningham's sons from his further lies and manipulations. Based on the true crime novel by Ann Rule (who also wrote the book "The Stranger Beside Me", "Before he wakes" and several other true crime books) This film is well worth watching. 8/10.