Movie Reviews : ‘Double Threat’ a Singularly Awful Thriller

“Double Threat” (selected theaters) is the kind of dismal thriller that by all rights should have bypassed theatrical release entirely and headed straight to your local video store.

But, from a business vantage point, theatrical distribution can sometimes act as advance advertising for the videocassette and boost its price, although it is double certain that “Double Threat” (rated R for strong sexuality and language) won’t be racking up a raft of quotable raves. It wouldn’t pass muster as a feature on public access cable TV.

Sally Kirkland, a capable actress when given the chance, is once again embroiled in an exploitation vehicle that requires her to look like a ravaged trollop. She plays Monica, a fading Hollywood star who lusts after her live-in lover Eric (Andrew Sevens).

In case we don’t get the full effect of her pathos, we are made to observe her masturbating to a videocassette of Eric pumping iron. Eric is a psycho con man who has his eye on the woman (Sherrie Rose) who is playing Monica’s body double in the film they are making together. All hell breaks loose. So does all plausibility.

Still, this film-within-a-film looks better than the film. It looks terrible--a vast improvement.

‘Double Threat’

Sally Kirkland: Monica Martel

Andrew Stevens: Eric

Sherrie Rose: Lisa Shane

A Pyramid Distribution presentation of a David Winters presentation, released by A.I.P. Director David A. Prior. Producer Kimberley Casey. Executive producer David Winters. Screenplay by David A. Prior. Cinematographer Gerald B. Wolfe. Editor Tony Malanowski. Costumes Judy Diberardino. Music Christopher Farrell. Art director Linda Lewis. Running time: 1 hour, 36 minutes.

MPAA-rated R (strong sexuality and language).