The Bait

Contrary to what was posted in a previous comment, The Bait was first broadcast on March 13, 1973, more than a year and a half before Police Woman debuted in September 1974. It was actually based on a 1968 novel by former policewoman Dorothy Uhnak. Sure, it seems cheesy today -- just like all those other made-for-TV thrillers from the early 70's -- but The Bait was exciting and, with a young and super hot Donna Mills in the lead role, it definitely held your attention. I thought Donna gave a strong performance. She was effective and appealing. I'm not sure if it was in reference to this particular film, but I remember a reviewer stating that nobody does wide-eyed looks of terror as well as Donna Mills! Looking back, it's funny to see what was considered provocative at that time. The short skirts and outfits that Mills' character wore to catch the attention of the rapist-killer are pretty tame by today's standards.

The same year that Angie Dickinson took on the role of Pepper Anderson, Donna Mills appeared in this carbon copy. The story is just your typical psycho on the loose film and Mills pretty much walks through it as the detective that's out to catch the lunatic. I'm wondering if Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg were knowingly trying to copy the success of "Police Woman". If they were, they did a very lousy job.

An elusive serial killer is murdering women and the police are unable to catch him. So an undercover policewoman by the name of "Tracy Fleming" (Donna Mills) volunteers to act as bait over the strong objections of her boss who feels it is simply too risky. In doing so she winds up putting not just herself but her entire family in danger as well. At any rate, Donna Mills puts on a pretty good performance in this "made-for-television" movie. Likewise, William Devane also does a good job as the serial killer, "Earl Stokey". Now, because this film was made for prime-time audiences you shouldn't expect anything too graphic. Personally, I would have preferred otherwise simply for the effect. But this picture does have some exciting moments and Donna Mills is definitely a beauty in whatever role she plays. That said, while it may not be the best crime-drama ever produced it is probably worth a person's time all things considered.

I became a Donna Mills fan with "Play Misty for Me", and here working in TV she has a starring breakthrough with a fabulous performance as a lady cop. Though it didn't go to series, the show fleshes out her character and the story format/solid supporting cast that definitely merited a pickup.

Leonard Horn sustains suspense artfully, and the structure carefully injects clues, red herrings and plot twists par excellence. William Devane is strong as the adversary, but there's no doubt that such a strong character that Mills has created will prevail.

Only sad note, for me at least, is late in the show a fleeting closeup (plus that voice) identifies the allt-me great (and eccentric) character actor popping up in a pointless part as the night clerk manning the front desk of Mills' workplace building. What a shame that this great talent went unappreciated.

These old ABC-TV Movie of the Week thrillers are great to watch, if nothing more than being amazed by the vintage clothing, home decor and cars of the era. Since these films are actual time capsules, rather than the recreation of a specific period, just makes them more appealing as you know they are 100% accurate. No anachronisms here! This one, probably filmed sometime in 1972, is like going through a Sears catalog from that year. In addition, it also has some pretty good suspense for an early TV- movie. I had forgotten how beautiful and classy June Lockhart was, and Donna Mills is just a treat to the eye. I don't consider it a Police Woman ripoff at all. I give it 7 out of 10.