“I Miss You, Hugs and Kisses” is a 1978 Canadian horror-thriller film directed by Murray Markowitz. Also known as “Drop Dead, Dearest” and “Left for Dead,” the film is loosely based on a real-life murder case and features elements of crime drama, psychological thriller, and courtroom drama.
Overview
- Title: I Miss You, Hugs and Kisses
- Alternative Titles: Drop Dead, Dearest; Left for Dead
- Director: Murray Markowitz
- Producer: John Dunning, André Link
- Writer: Murray Markowitz, Lenore Zann (additional dialogue)
- Cinematography: Marc Champion
- Music: Paul Zaza
- Release Year: 1978
- Genre: Horror, Thriller, Crime
- Runtime: Approximately 88 minutes
- Language: English
Plot Summary
The film centers on the trial of Charles Kruschen, a wealthy businessman accused of murdering his wife, Magdalene. The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks and courtroom testimonies, gradually revealing the events leading up to and following the crime.
Main Plot Points:
- Murder Accusation: Charles Kruschen (Donald Pilon) is arrested and charged with the brutal murder of his wife, Magdalene (Elke Sommer). The prosecution presents a strong case against him, citing his alleged motive and opportunity.
- Courtroom Drama: The film delves into the courtroom proceedings, with witnesses testifying about the couple’s troubled marriage and Charles’s possible motives for murder.
- Flashbacks: Through flashbacks, the audience sees the tumultuous relationship between Charles and Magdalene, marked by infidelity, arguments, and abuse.
- Investigation: As the trial progresses, details of the police investigation are revealed, including evidence and testimonies that both support and challenge Charles’s innocence.
- Conclusion: The film culminates in the court’s verdict, which leaves the audience questioning the true nature of guilt and innocence.
Characters
- Charles Kruschen (Donald Pilon): The protagonist, a wealthy industrialist on trial for the murder of his wife. His character is complex, showing both vulnerability and potential malice.
- Magdalene Kruschen (Elke Sommer): Charles’s wife, whose murder sets off the central conflict of the film. Flashbacks reveal her as a troubled and provocative figure.
- Lawyers and Witnesses: Various characters, including lawyers, friends, and acquaintances of the Kruschens, provide crucial testimonies that shape the narrative.
Notable Elements
- Real-Life Inspiration: The film is loosely based on the real-life murder case of Canadian businessman Peter Demeter, who was convicted of hiring a hitman to kill his wife in 1973. This connection adds a layer of true crime intrigue to the film.
- Courtroom Drama: The film’s structure, alternating between courtroom scenes and flashbacks, creates a tense and engaging narrative that explores the complexities of the legal process.
- Psychological Elements: The psychological dynamics between Charles and Magdalene are central to the story, highlighting themes of obsession, control, and manipulation.
- Performances: Elke Sommer and Donald Pilon deliver strong performances, bringing depth to their troubled characters.
Reception
- Critical Reception: “I Miss You, Hugs and Kisses” received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its intense atmosphere and compelling courtroom drama, while others criticized it for its exploitative elements and melodramatic tone.
- Controversy: The film was controversial for its graphic depiction of violence and its sensationalist approach to a real-life crime. It was even included on the UK’s infamous “Video Nasties” list, leading to its ban in the country for some time.
- Cult Status: Despite its mixed reception, the film has gained a cult following, particularly among fans of exploitation cinema and true crime stories.
Legacy
- Exploitation Cinema: The film is often cited as an example of exploitation cinema, known for its sensationalist and graphic content aimed at shocking the audience.
- Home Video Releases: “I Miss You, Hugs and Kisses” has been released on various home video formats, including VHS and DVD, often marketed under its alternative titles.
Additional Information
- Direction by Murray Markowitz: Markowitz’s direction emphasizes the psychological and emotional turmoil of the characters, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere.
- Soundtrack: The film features a haunting score by Paul Zaza, which enhances the mood and tension of the narrative.
- Cultural Impact: The film’s controversial nature and connection to a real-life crime have made it a subject of interest in discussions of true crime adaptations and exploitation films.
Overall, “I Miss You, Hugs and Kisses” is a provocative and intense film that blends courtroom drama with psychological horror, offering a disturbing look at a real-life crime through the lens of exploitation cinema.
