Winter Kills (1979)

Jeff Bridges stars as Nick Kegan the son of world- famous tycoon Pa Kegan (John Huston) and half-brother of the late President Timothy Kegan who was slain by a lone assassin 19 years earlier. But when a long- rumored second gunman makes a secret deathbed confession Nick begins to unravel a trail of suspects that includes a billionaire war-freak (Sterling Hayden) a murderous Mob boss (Ralph Meeker) a shady nightclub owner (Eli Wallach) a Cuban kingpin (Tomas Milian) an eccentric computer expert (Anthony Perkins) and a mysterious Washington madam (Elizabeth Taylor). Belinda Bauer Toshir Mifune Dorothy Malone and Richard Boone co-star in this one-of-a- kind black comedy thriller from acclaimed writer/director William Richert and based on the best-selling novel by Richard Condon (PRIZZI S HONOR and THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE). System Requirements:Length: 97 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE/THRILLERS Rating: R UPC: 013131549898 Manufacturer No: DV15498 Product Description

Expect The Unexpected

Based on the novel by Richard Condon("Prizzi's Honor"), "Winter Kills" is a somewhat dark comical thriller that seems to parallel the Kennedy Assassination investigation.

The story opens 19 years after the death of President Tim Kegan.The "lone gunman" theory is about to come to an end! A dying man gives his confession to the half brother of the President, Nick Kegan(Jeff Bridges).He was the second gunman hired by some very notorious characters. There's evidence to prove it and Nick decides to go after it.Nick soon finds himself involved deep in a "conspiracy theory" that leads to more deaths and suspects leading to some very surprising twists and turns along the way. Nick doesn't know who he can trust and may now be a target himself.

It's a very enjoyable film for it's neverending unpredictable turns of events that keep you on the edge of your seat. One that is certainly worth pulling out and viewing every so often.Bridges is excellent in the role and the list of Hollywood greats that make appearances as the larger than life and somewhat zaney characters is worth the view alone(even though some may be considered as mere cameos).

John Huston steals the show as the all controlling "Pa Kegan". The list also includes Anthony Perkins, Eli Wallach, Sterling Hayden(as a crazy billionaire war freak),Toshiro Mifune, Ralph Meeker,Dorothy Malone, Belinda Bauer, Richard Boone(sorry... no "Palidan" music),and Elizabeth Taylor, who only has one line, that is mouthed, but what a line it is! Maurice Jarre supplies the wonderful music and William Richert superbly directs.

This film is also available in a 2 disc edition from Anchor Bay with lots of goodies for those that love the extras and may be found here: Winter Kills. The price is a little higher, but I see some good deals from the outside sellers at this time.

It's something out of the ordinary with a few chuckles and some great thrills..check it out....Laurie
March 18, 2008

Lost masterpiece

In this "Special Edition" DVD you see just how hard and how dedicated all involved were to making trhis movie. A film I consider far ahead of its time and in the same vein to close to the JFK death for most to watrch comfortably.
All involved are superior and the writing is cutting edge even by todays standards. January 14, 2008

Conspiracy Follies

"Winter Kills" isn't a particularly great film but it had the potential to be one. Richard Condon's dark comic source material is handled adequately by writer-director William Richert but a more assured hand could have really spiced up this Kennedy-esque conspiracy tale. What makes the film worthwhile is the work of the veteran character actors on hand particularly Sterling Hayden and John Huston who chew the scenery in royal fashion. Their performances demand the audience to take note of the material's twisted overtones but Richert, to a degree, undermines them. Jeff Bridges, with his classic movie star looks but a character actors thought process, wisely defers to his older compatriots. Just a thought: In 1985, Huston brought Condon's "Prizzi's Honor" to the screen with smashing results. One could only imagine what he could have accomplished if he was at the helm of this venture. December 7, 2007

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