The Hillside Stranglers

The Hillside Stranglers is a crime thriller that was released in 1989. It is based on the true story of the murders committed by the notorious Hillside Strangler duo, Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi, in the late 1970s. The film stars Richard Crenna, Dennis Farina, and Billy Zane.

The movie is set in Los Angeles during the late 1970s, when the city was terrorized by a series of gruesome murders. The victims were mostly young women who were kidnapped, tortured, and then strangled to death. The police were baffled by the killings, as they seemed to have no pattern or motive.

The story is told from the point of view of Detective Bob Grogan (played by Richard Crenna), a seasoned detective who is assigned to the case. He is a tough and no-nonsense cop who is determined to catch the killers. He is joined by his partner Detective Lenk (played by Dennis Farina), who is a younger detective with a more laid-back attitude.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives are led to Kenneth Bianchi (played by Billy Zane), a young man who lives in the same neighborhood as some of the victims. Bianchi is a smooth talker who is able to charm his way out of trouble. He is also a pathological liar who claims to be a cousin of Angelo Buono, a local businessman who is suspected of being involved in the murders.

The detectives eventually realize that Buono and Bianchi are working together to carry out the killings. They set up a sting operation to catch the killers in the act, but their plan goes awry when Bianchi manages to escape. The detectives are forced to embark on a dangerous chase to capture him before he can kill again.

The Hillside Stranglers is a well-crafted suspense thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The performances by Richard Crenna and Dennis Farina are particularly noteworthy, as they bring a sense of authenticity to the characters they portray. The movie also does a good job of depicting the sense of fear and panic that gripped the city during the time of the murders.

One of the strengths of the movie is the way it portrays the relationship between Buono and Bianchi. The two men are portrayed as being completely different in personality and temperament, but they are bound together by a shared desire to commit heinous acts of violence. The movie does a good job of showing how their twisted relationship develops over time, and how they are able to maintain their facade of normalcy in the face of suspicion from the police.

In conclusion, The Hillside Stranglers is a well-crafted movie that provides a compelling portrayal of a real-life crime case. It is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, while also giving you insight into the psychology of the killers. The performances by the lead actors are also excellent, making this a must-see for fans of true crime dramas.