July 7, 1990
DEAD AGAIN
Screenplay by Scott Frank
Synopsis by Brian Aldrich
In 1950, composer ROMAN STRAUSS is executed for the murder of his wife, MARGARET. In present time, a WOMAN WITH NO NAME dreams about the murder. She has amnesia and is being cared for by the nuns at Saint Audrey's Convent School. FATHER TIMOTHY calls in a favor from private investigator, MIKE CHURCH, to help find the woman's identity and take her to the county mental hospital. Mike can't bear to leave her at county and the Father won't take her back, so he lets her stay at his place. The next morning, FRANKLYN MADSON, shows up. He is a hypnotist and eager to help Mike find out her identity for free.
Madson puts the Woman under and it is soon revealed that she was Roman Strauss in a former life. Mike is hesitant to believe this. In the Woman's mind, we watch the development of Roman and Margaret's relationship. In tha past, a reporter named GRAY BAKER tries to take Margaret away from Roman. Mike and the Woman become friendly. A stranger named DOUG shows up claiming to be the Woman's fiance, but Mike finds out the guy is lying and trying to kidnap her. Doug gets away. Mike is "regressed" by Madson and it turns out that he was Margaret in his former life. The Woman becomes afraid of him, afraid that she'll kill him as in the past.
The Woman turns out to be AMANDA SHARP, an artist who has an apartment filled with sculptures made of scissors. (A pair of scissors had been the murder weapon years ago.) Madson gives her a gun and warns her against Mike. Mike goes to talk with Gray Baker and finds out that Madson is the son of Roman's old housekeeper INGA. It turns out that Inga loved Roman and was rejected by him. In revenge, Madson killed Margaret and framed Roman. Mike goes to tell Amanda. She wounds Mike. Madson shows. Mike and Madson fight. Amanda stabs Madson with scissors. Amanda and Mike fall in love.
Summary Criticism: While the characters are well-drawn, the premise is barely believable and the numerous plot contrivances are confusing. This is film noir with a plot so twisted as to be near ridiculous.
Dead Again - imdb
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