Murder By Phone/Bells is an amusing murder mystery about a disgruntled employee of a local phone company, who devises a "unique" method of killing his enemies, by sending high pitched sound waves over the telephone. When the targeted individuals answer the phone, they instantly fall prey to a "stroke," and/or instant "heart-failure." This film tells a bizarre and preposterous story, but is full of mystery and intrigue. My interest was totally "piqued," by the fascinating character developed by the very talented Richard Chamberlain.

Richard Chamberlain portrayed, Dr. Nat Bridger, a professor at a local University. Dr. Bridger put his teaching on hold, to investigate the mysterious murder of his best student, after she took a random phone call in a train station. He joins his long time mentor, played by the incomparable John Houseman, at a Communications Seminar, and the intrigue begins.

During his investigation, Nat meets Ridley Taylor, an employee at the local telephone company. She is beautiful, intelligent, and sexy. She also knows a "gorgeous" and "interesting" man when she sees one. Ridley flirts shamelessly with the handsome Phd, and eventually meets him for a date. RT is played by the very sensual Sara Botsford. She and Richard had
wonderful on-screen chemistry together. As the phones caught fire and blazed...both RT and Nat did their own share of "heating up" the screen in a series of very "hot" love scenes. Between the "steamy" shower scenes and Richard Chamberlain's romantic proclivities...their passions are kindled...and the two lovers become co-sleuths, attempting to gather evidence to identify and flush out the murderer. My favorite scene, is when Ridley promises Nat some files that will help with his investigation. She promises them in a very sensual way, and when Nat decides to take her up on it, she very provocatively suggests, he does not know what she was REALLY offering. Nat looks at her with an expression that just weakens your knees...and softly replies..."I knew what you were offering." This was one of the most "romantic" scenes of Richard Chamberlain's career. He doesn't have to lay a hand on his women, to display his outstanding romantic abilities. His beautiful eyes and facial expression says it all. You become sharply aware of his rare talent, as he carefully constructs an outstanding and interesting character, in spite of a mediocre script. The fascinating Dr. Nat Bridger, made me wish Richard Chamberlain would have made more detective movies.

With Patience, Process, and Perseverence, the handsome Dr. Nat Bridger solves the mystery...flushes out the murderer...and in between...finds love, and manages to hold his audience's total attention. I loved every minute of this exciting, and amusing murder mystery.

You may never answer the phone again...without fear and trepidation. RING ******************************

By Judy Crocker

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