Les feux de la passion

This is one of my favorite movies. Sam Elliott played such a wonderful part in it. He looks so sinister, secretive and pensive all the time. He was perfect for the part. I moved here from Houston. I used to drive past the house that this all took place in (San Felipe and Westheimer). Every time I drove by it, I would think of the movie. Anyone know where I could buy it?

I haven't seen this film in its entirety and don't intend to comment on it as entertainment -- but as "docudrama," it comes from a highly biased source. The book "Prescription: Murder" was written by Ann Kurth, a major "character" in the story. Her account is, not surprisingly, rather subjective. It's unlikely that the "whole truth" about the murders depicted in this movie will ever be known, but I would strongly recommend Thomas Thompson's "Blood and Money" as a more objective account of these events (and as a very good "read" on its own merits). BTW, Kurth sued Thompson for defamation regarding his portrayal of her in "Blood and Money"; she lost.

When "Murder in Texas" premiered on network television in two parts, it was a big deal. It's a very intriguing, true story of a Texan plastic surgeon (Sam Eilliott) suspected of causing the death of his very wealthy wife, portrayed by Farrah Fawcett. For years, Ash Robinson, the victim's father, was convinced of Dr. Hill's guilt. Andy Griffith is a great Ash.

The story is based on Ann Kurth's book - Ann Kurth was Dr. Hill's second wife, who in the film is played by Katherine Ross. I could never find a copy of Kurth's book, so I read another book on the subject. The actual events are much, much more complicated than could ever have been shown on screen. In fact, the end of this movie is pure fiction, as are scenes that support the ending. The reason for this, I believe, was a legal one, as some participants were still living at the time of the filming.

Today it is believed that Joan Robinson Hill died of toxic shock syndrome before it became a known entity. What her husband had to do with it - by direct act or simple neglect - I don't believe has ever been decided other than in the mind of Ash Robinson.

While the movie made fascinating watching, particularly Part I, if this case interests you, I suggest you read a book on the subject for the true story. The acting is marvelous, particularly from Elliott, Fawcett, and Griffith, and the movie will hold your interest.

I mean seriously, Dr. John Robert Hill seemed addicted to marriage didn't he? I am not going to dispute whether this account is true in all of its points, or that some points are a matter of record, some points are conjecture, and some points are complete hooey. However, let me just state that this film is based entirely on the book of Ann Kurth, second wife of Dr. John Robert Hill, and that it does not line up with everything that was known by 1981, when this film was made. But it makes a better film than the other more objective book on the subject, "Blood and Money".

As for the film: Joan Robinson Hill (Farrah Fawcett) is a socialite and skilled equestrian, unhappily married to plastic surgeon Dr. John Robert Hill (Sam Elliott). She seems to love him, but his love has grown cold. Maybe it is because he seems as married to Joan's dad Ash Robinson (Andy Griffith) as Joan, as Ash is always inserting himself into every situation, and John did not sign up for a trio. Ash is a self made oil man and a man with a straightforward rough manner.

Dr. Hill falls in love with divorcee Ann Kurth (Katherine Ross), has an affair with her, and wants to marry her. But Ash says there will be a nasty court battle if that happens, that the doctor will wind up with none of the Robinson money, and that Ash will involve Kurth in the case and have Hill ostracized from Houston society meaning his practice will dry up too. So Doctor John stays with Joan, and tells Ann to wait.

But then Joan falls suddenly ill with a stomach flu after practically being hand fed French pastry by her husband, and over a period of a few days grows gravely ill and dies in a hospital that was not the closest, plus it did not have an ICU - a hospital to which her husband decided to take her knowing of the better option. After the shortest possible respectable waiting period, Doctor John marries Ann and moves her into his big mansion, the former home of the doc and Joan. How convenient for the doctor, the sudden death of the unwanted wife.

Ash is sure that his ex son in law killed his daughter, and goes about trying to get the law to investigate. But meanwhile weird things are happening inside the Hill mansion and inside the new Hill marriage. What weird things? Watch and find out.

Everybody played their parts with excellence. Farrah Fawcett finally got some credit for some range as the spoiled daddy's girl who is used to him getting her all that she wants, but dad can't get her husband to love her. If you only thought of Andy Griffith as affable sheriff Andy Taylor in 1981, he shows a meaner more determined side here. Special honors have to go to Sam Elliott here. This is maybe the best role of his career. In spite of that genuine Texas sounding twang, he is just a creepy scary guy throughout the film, always playing his cards close to his vest.

Part of my love for this film is for how genuinely Texan it is. For example, an old fashioned evangelical Hell and Brimstone preaching church sits in the shadows of the glass and steel high rises of Houston, people can eat outside in cafes at Christmastime because it is 70 degrees, and a man can name his son "Boot" and yet hold his head up.

It has taken me years to get a good copy of this film. Bring made for TV doesn't help.

Try to find it if you can. It's an extremely well acted film with some stellar cast members who do a great job.

San Elliott, Kathleen Ross, Farah Fawcett, and Andy Griffith, to name a few. This is a role for Andy Griffith that really shows his flexibility as an actor. It's so far from the comic personality most people remember him for.

Watch it. Enjoy it. And be impressed.

(If you can find it)