Dead Husbands (1998 TV Movie) User Reviews

Not As Good As It Could Have Been

[Theo Robertson · 4/10 · 19 December 2002]

DEAD HUSBANDS is a somewhat silly comedy about a bunch of wives conspiring to bump off each others husbands`. It`s by no means embarrassingly bad like some comedies I could mention but it never fufils its potential . Imagine how good this could have been if we had the Farrelly brothers directing Ben Stiller in the role of Carter Elson .

Oh is Carter based on Jerry Springer ? Just curious because the catch phrase on Dr Elson`s show is " look after each other and keep talking "

Black comedy that's not very funny, but remains agreeably black

[gridoon2024 · 6/10 · 18 April 2010]

You might think that a black comedy made for TV would be too "soft", but although "Dead Husbands" is not very graphic, it has its heart in the right place - meaning, it has no heart, except for the few characters who are supposed to have one. In other words, the characters who are bad by nature stay bad, and don't go through some miraculous "redemption" process. Nicollette Sheridan is hot, hot, hot in this movie, but gets rather short-changed by the script in the second half, as it focuses more on John Ritter. Unfortunately Ritter is guided to play it too straight and doesn't really contribute much to the laughs; the best part of his scenes is actually his natural and sweet chemistry with his soon-to-be real-life wife, and also co-star in the "Problem Child" series, Amy Yasbeck. The film is ultimately no great shakes, but it passes the time quickly enough. **1/2 out of 4.

sometimes...

[dreamonforever1 · 4/10 · 6 February 2007]

you can be fooled by your first impressions. as in, initial reactions to a movie, for example. as in, the first time i saw this movie i was bedazzled by the idea of it (first of all, i love black comedies). could even - despite being male, myself - empathise with the feisty girls' fervor to see their husbands deceased without delay. was tripped up by my own face-value (and, i do mean "face-value") response to nicolette sheridan and a couple of the other delicious dames in the picture. it just goes to show you that you've gotta step back from a situation sometimes and see that it's bad (and not "bad good," either): the reason i'm giving this movie a "4" rating is because of ms sheridan and her gams (the rest of 'er is pretty good, too); but this movie has all the hallmark TV movie characteristics - which means you'll be disappointed if your a lover of movies made for the big screen. the story contains plot holes you could run a tunnel through - and i'll generally overlook holes in a plot if the overall thing does it for me; and i just experienced an incredible letdown the second time i saw it. i don't think it's a total waste of time, but....

Pretty good for a low budget tv movie

[arpo_96 · 25 July 2001]

I saw the movie on tv and I've seen it about five times. The idea is utterly original. Nicolette Sheridan gives a good performance as John Ritter's wife. The climax is exceptional and the operatic sound track is befitting as well. All in all it's pretty good for a low budget tv movie

Hilarious movie that keeps you going throughout!

[Go_Skins · 7/10 · 8 March 2005]

I was flipping around the channels and came across this one. Found out that it had the late great John Ritter (Three's Company) and Nicolette Sherridan (Desperate Housewives) as his wife. Interesting to note that Ritter's secretary in this movie (Amy Yasbeck) was his real life wife! I really liked this movie. It had a lot of elements to a basic movie with the romance of the good Dr. and his wife, the murder element between Sherridan's friends and their husbands. If you want a good laugh, then this one's for you! I think a sequel to the movie would have been good. Maybe show the characters later in life. Obviously with the passing of Ritter, you would have to have a different person to play his role!

"Husband hunting!"

[merklekranz · 7/10 · 8 January 2020]

There are basically two kinds of husband hunting. the romantic life commitment kind, and the "other" kind. "Dead Husbands" features dissatisfied wives doing each other a favor by killing their "insignificant others." Alfred Hitchcock has to be rolling around in his grave, nevertheless, "Dead Husbands" delivers the "black comedy" that the dark subject deserves. John Ritter fans will find their favorite actor on familiar ground as a target husband on the short list of male annoyances scheduled for elimination. With uncomfortable subject matter, the film will be most appreciated by the right audience. If you find "Where's Poppa", "Eating Raoul", "War of the Roses" and the like enjoyable, then "Dead Husbands" is a must see. - MERK

Clever and funny

[fred-130 · 10/10 · 8 January 2000]

John Ritter turns in a fine performance (once again) as a self-help author/physician who decides to give up big city living to the horror of his formerly trailer-dwelling wife (Nicolette Sheridan).She decides to be, well, proactive in regard to the situation. The movie was clever and well-plotted, keeping in mind that John Ritter elevates each production he is in by at least three notches.

Occasionally funny

[Pelakh · 7/10 · 3 January 2000]

This movie has some funny moments in it, especially the murder scenes, which strive to be comical. The supporting characters are the only ones worth watching here, as John Ritter just looks befuddled and pained the entire movie, and Sheridan delivers the most awful performance I have seen in a long time. Overall, the premise is cute but the implementation could have been a lot better.

Funny funny

[vwjennifer-43718 · 10/10 · 15 April 2021]

I don't understand why I'm unable to find this movie for purchase anywhere!! It's like it was "scrubbed" from existence.

I would love a link to watch/purchase, if anybody has one.