The Happy Face Murders

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The Happy Face Murders ★★½ 1999 (R)

A puzzling murder and witnesses who keep changing their stories are the problem in this mystery, inspired by true events, that doesn't quite live up to its potential. Dowdy grandmother Lorraine Petrovich (Ann-Margaret) accuses abusive younger boyfriend Rusty (Campbell) of murder. Cynical detective Jen Powell (Helgenberger) and her naive assistant, Dylan (Thomas), must try and find the truth as everyone else keeps lying. The murder is brutal and each retelling only dramatizes the gore. 99m/C VHS . Ann-Margret, Marg Helgenberger, Henry Thomas, Nicholas (Nick) Campbell, Rick Peters, David McIlwraith, Bruce Gray, Emily Hampshire; D: Brian Trenchard-Smith; W: John Pielmeier; C: Albert J. Dunk; M: Elmer Bernstein. CABLE