Unlikely duo on the run

Press, 14 July 1987, Page 17

Unlikely duo on the run

He’s a policeman, she’s a thief — and together they are running for their lives In “Murphy’s Law” (R), a new video release from RCA-Columbia-Hoyts. Charles Bronson is Jack Murphy, a 16-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department homicide bureau who is framed for the murder of his ex-wife. Handcuffed to a foul-mouthed car thief, Arabella McGee (Kathleen Wilhoite), Murphy breaks out of jail, dragging her with him. Arabella soon realises that she, too, is being hunted by the police as Murphy’s accomplice in a series of grisly murders. Their incessant pursuit of the real killer leads them into a violent confrontation with crime boss Frank Vincenzo, the brother of a man Murphy killed in the line of duty. As the body count rises, Murphy is running out of time and friends, until he realises who the mystery killer is. Bronson’s career spans 30 years and includes more than 60 films, and newcomer Kathleen Wilhoite was awed about working with him. The original production schedule dictated that the film was to be shot out of sequence. “The first week of shooting included the scenes where Murphy and

Arabella really connect," she recalled. “I was incredibly starstruck. Charlie has an opinion on everything. I learned a lot from him, and Carrie Snodgrass is an unbelievable actress — she taught me a lot.” Carrie Snodgrass plays Joan Freeman, a woman with a vicious vendetta against Murphy, his colleagues, his friends and everyone who sent her to prison. The film’s climax takes place in the Bradbury

building, one of downtown Los Angeles’ remaining historic sites. Built in 1893 and declared a landmark by the city, the building is by day a bustling conclave of offices. At night, however, the empty corridors provided a stylish finale for “Murphy’s Law.” The structure’s inner court, flanked with rows of cast-iron stairwells and balconies, provided Joan Freeman with a clear aim at Jack Murphy, and anyone else who got in her way.