A middle-aged professor's young bride and his assistant plan to commit a double murder disguised as a "Crime Passionel", but discover too late that one of their intended victims has become a fellow conspirator.
Acting
Pryce's wounded arrogance vs. Lunghi's lethal charm.
Writing
The title's insect metaphor pays off viciously.
Director
Jack Gold
Jonathan Pryce
Christian Magny
Cherie Lunghi
Beatrice Manceau
Carmen du Sautoy
Vera Canova
Kevin McNally
Bernard
David Schofield
Cafe Waiter
Clive Swift
Dr. Faure
Jonathan Blake
David
Anna Cropper
Gertrude
Richard Warner
Monsieur Magny
Arthur Brauss
Richter
Friedrich von Thun
Insurance Director
Barbara Young
Solicitor's Secretary
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Adapted from Hubert Monteilhet's novel, previously filmed as The Sleeping Tiger (1954) — Gold's version restores the French setting and nastier ending.
The 'praying mantis' archetype haunted 1980s erotic thrillers, but this TV production predates Basic Instinct's mainstream explosion by a decade.
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