These old ABC-TV Movie of the Week thrillers are great to watch, if nothing more than being amazed by the vintage clothing, home decor and cars of the era. Since these films are actual time capsules, rather than the recreation of a specific period, just makes them more appealing as you know they are 100% accurate. No anachronisms here! This one, probably filmed sometime in 1972, is like going through a Sears catalog from that year. In addition, it also has some pretty good suspense for an early TV- movie. I had forgotten how beautiful and classy June Lockhart was, and Donna Mills is just a treat to the eye. I don't consider it a Police Woman ripoff at all. I give it 7 out of 10.
10 Reviews
Odd and forgotten, but Mills is good...
MarieGabrielle8 April 2009
Since Knots Landing, I have always been a fan of Donna Mills as she is believable in most TV roles, and still looks wonderful at age 60!.
While this film is about a typical stalker issue, it was a little before its time, now we have stalker films every week on Lifetime Movie Network.
Hollywood hills, and some of the scenery where she attempts to bait the killer, are interesting and intriguing. This film was made around the same time as the real "Hillside Strangler" serial killers, Bianchi and Buono, were terrorizing Southern California. I do not think this film is simply a copy of "Police Woman" with Angie Dickinson. She has a completely different presence, Mills is more attractive and interesting to watch.
Overall recommended, interesting film for a rental. 7/10.
While this film is about a typical stalker issue, it was a little before its time, now we have stalker films every week on Lifetime Movie Network.
Hollywood hills, and some of the scenery where she attempts to bait the killer, are interesting and intriguing. This film was made around the same time as the real "Hillside Strangler" serial killers, Bianchi and Buono, were terrorizing Southern California. I do not think this film is simply a copy of "Police Woman" with Angie Dickinson. She has a completely different presence, Mills is more attractive and interesting to watch.
Overall recommended, interesting film for a rental. 7/10.
An Elusive Serial Killer
Uriah4330 March 2013
An elusive serial killer is murdering women and the police are unable to catch him. So an undercover policewoman by the name of "Tracy Fleming" (Donna Mills) volunteers to act as bait over the strong objections of her boss who feels it is simply too risky. In doing so she winds up putting not just herself but her entire family in danger as well. At any rate, Donna Mills puts on a pretty good performance in this "made-for-television" movie. Likewise, William Devane also does a good job as the serial killer, "Earl Stokey". Now, because this film was made for prime-time audiences you shouldn't expect anything too graphic. Personally, I would have preferred otherwise simply for the effect. But this picture does have some exciting moments and Donna Mills is definitely a beauty in whatever role she plays. That said, while it may not be the best crime-drama ever produced it is probably worth a person's time all things considered.
An interesting idea but it just didn't work....
planktonrules6 November 2016
"The Bait" is an interesting idea for a film and back in 1973 it was very modern and innovative. After all, rape was hardly ever talked about and it's one of the earlier made for TV films that addresses it. Unfortunately, the script has a few holes and the star, Donna Mills, while a lovely actress was just out of her element here playing a tough cop!
When the film begins, Tracy Fleming (Mills) is an undercover cop on duty on buses. It seems that some pervs have been annoying women and she is busting these jerks. However, while these crimes might seem petty, this rookie cop soon will deal with a seriously deranged rapist--one who not only molests his victims but kills them! I was shocked when a character played by Arlene Golonka was attacked and killed by him, as she always played the sweet girl next door type. And now, Tracy is out to rid the world of this baddie.
The biggest problem I had was watching Tracy busting criminals came off as kind of cute. The thin, not at all muscular Mills just was impossible for me to believe as a tough cop. Additionally, late in the film her character seemed really dumb and ineffectual when confronted by the killer--something very inconsistent. Overall, a film that tried but just didn't quite hit the mark.
When the film begins, Tracy Fleming (Mills) is an undercover cop on duty on buses. It seems that some pervs have been annoying women and she is busting these jerks. However, while these crimes might seem petty, this rookie cop soon will deal with a seriously deranged rapist--one who not only molests his victims but kills them! I was shocked when a character played by Arlene Golonka was attacked and killed by him, as she always played the sweet girl next door type. And now, Tracy is out to rid the world of this baddie.
The biggest problem I had was watching Tracy busting criminals came off as kind of cute. The thin, not at all muscular Mills just was impossible for me to believe as a tough cop. Additionally, late in the film her character seemed really dumb and ineffectual when confronted by the killer--something very inconsistent. Overall, a film that tried but just didn't quite hit the mark.
Very good book, not so good a movie
boileaun6 November 2008
This film is based on a 1968 novel by Dorothy Uhnak. It is a very good book that I recommend. There is a condensed version of it in Reader's Digest Volume 2. The movie, as usual, doesn't do justice to the book. The names were changed from the characters in the book, ruining the feel for those who have read the story. It just felt like another bland cop story. They could have done so much more with it, but this can be said of most good books that end up being bad films. It was an ill-conceived project. Many of the subtleties that were in the book, you just can't feel them on film. I don't feel that they made a concerted effort to convey these subtleties to begin with. There is much more to Uhnak's book than a simple detective story. There are other things that lie beneath the surface which were not conveyed on the screen.
A cul-de-sac of psychosis.
mark.waltz7 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Nearly a decade before they work together as the villains of "Knots Landing", the beautiful Donna Mills and William Devane work together in this TV movie about an undercover cop (Mills) who is assigned to track down who has been raping and murdering women in her Los Angeles precinct. Close encounters with the killer lead her to be stalked and victimized by him, and before long, she has fallen into his trap.
Beautiful but lacking the glamor and big hair of Abby, Donna Mills is quite good as the determined Tracy Fleming. Devane is creepy and his resemblance to Jack Nicholson very eerie. Michael Constantine, June Lockhart and Arlene Golonka (haunting as a dizzy but lovable waitress Mills befriends) co-star in this chilling movie of the week that has enough tension to keep you engaged but certain choices by the writer don't seem seem realistic.
But the way Mills plays the lead role does show a character with intelligence and integrity, and Devane adds a lot of pathos to his very troubled character. An earlier scene on a bus Mills is on shows how she deals with mashers in public even though she makes a fatal mistake with someone ogling two teenagers in overly revealing skirts. It's nice to see a woman character unafraid of risking everything to job done, and for that, it's easy to root for her to succeed which of course leads to the ultimate showdown that occurs in the nick of time.
Beautiful but lacking the glamor and big hair of Abby, Donna Mills is quite good as the determined Tracy Fleming. Devane is creepy and his resemblance to Jack Nicholson very eerie. Michael Constantine, June Lockhart and Arlene Golonka (haunting as a dizzy but lovable waitress Mills befriends) co-star in this chilling movie of the week that has enough tension to keep you engaged but certain choices by the writer don't seem seem realistic.
But the way Mills plays the lead role does show a character with intelligence and integrity, and Devane adds a lot of pathos to his very troubled character. An earlier scene on a bus Mills is on shows how she deals with mashers in public even though she makes a fatal mistake with someone ogling two teenagers in overly revealing skirts. It's nice to see a woman character unafraid of risking everything to job done, and for that, it's easy to root for her to succeed which of course leads to the ultimate showdown that occurs in the nick of time.
Pre-dates Police Woman
dan-lewis24 September 2008
Contrary to what was posted in a previous comment, The Bait was first broadcast on March 13, 1973, more than a year and a half before Police Woman debuted in September 1974. It was actually based on a 1968 novel by former policewoman Dorothy Uhnak. Sure, it seems cheesy today -- just like all those other made-for-TV thrillers from the early 70's -- but The Bait was exciting and, with a young and super hot Donna Mills in the lead role, it definitely held your attention. I thought Donna gave a strong performance. She was effective and appealing. I'm not sure if it was in reference to this particular film, but I remember a reviewer stating that nobody does wide-eyed looks of terror as well as Donna Mills! Looking back, it's funny to see what was considered provocative at that time. The short skirts and outfits that Mills' character wore to catch the attention of the rapist-killer are pretty tame by today's standards.
Fun movie to watch!
hepnershadow20 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of those ABC movies of the week that I remember watching with my family, so it brings a sense of nostalgia when I watched it. Donna Mills is hot! She does a great job with the character! I like the police calls that she makes her son remember, what a great idea! The physical part is plausible because I've worked with some small women who are amazing akido athletes, and it makes you think twice.
William Devane's character is interesting! How he picks his victims is something that could be done, so that is a little disturbing. The 70s style of cars and clothes is cool to see. Interesting that both Mills and Devane would work together again in Knots Landing as lovers and enemies.
It's not Emmy or Oscar worthy, but worth watching on a rainy day!
William Devane's character is interesting! How he picks his victims is something that could be done, so that is a little disturbing. The 70s style of cars and clothes is cool to see. Interesting that both Mills and Devane would work together again in Knots Landing as lovers and enemies.
It's not Emmy or Oscar worthy, but worth watching on a rainy day!
Busted Pilot
Sargebri23 August 2003
The same year that Angie Dickinson took on the role of Pepper Anderson, Donna Mills appeared in this carbon copy. The story is just your typical psycho on the loose film and Mills pretty much walks through it as the detective that's out to catch the lunatic. I'm wondering if Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg were knowingly trying to copy the success of "Police Woman". If they were, they did a very lousy job.
"You Cheap, Little Tramp!"...
azathothpwiggins20 August 2022
Four women have been raped and murdered in a very short period of time. The killer's signature sets him apart from other such criminals. The police want to catch this madman fast for obvious reasons. It's not long before victim number five is stalked, defiled, and dispatched.
Enter Detective Tracy Fleming (Donna Mills). She convinces her superior (Michael Constantine) to assign her as THE BAIT.
This is another wonderful made-for-TV thriller from the 1970's. It also has some borderline horror elements: Like whenever the killer is creeping around, or the scene in the bus yard. Ms. Mills is perfectly cast in her role. She has a real knack for movies of this type. Watch for June Lockhart as her mother-in-law, and William Devane in an early role.
The one drawback to this movie is that the perpetrator's identity is revealed a bit too soon. Other than that it's very good. The frenzied finale, in close quarters, is one for the books!...
Enter Detective Tracy Fleming (Donna Mills). She convinces her superior (Michael Constantine) to assign her as THE BAIT.
This is another wonderful made-for-TV thriller from the 1970's. It also has some borderline horror elements: Like whenever the killer is creeping around, or the scene in the bus yard. Ms. Mills is perfectly cast in her role. She has a real knack for movies of this type. Watch for June Lockhart as her mother-in-law, and William Devane in an early role.
The one drawback to this movie is that the perpetrator's identity is revealed a bit too soon. Other than that it's very good. The frenzied finale, in close quarters, is one for the books!...
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