In Widow on the Hill, Natasha Henstridge plays a former nurse, Linda Dupree, who captures the affections of a recent widower (James Brolin as Hank Cavanaugh) and quickly becomes his new wife. Both parts are well acted, although often upstaged by Hank's grown daughter, Jenny (Jewel Staite). Jenny appears at first glance to be a troubled girl trying to overcome her mother's death while trying to stay sober. The audience quickly realizes that Jenny is much stronger and smarter than most of her family and friends give her credit for. Jewel Staite creates a 3-dimensional character out of what could have been a cardboard cliché. The story tends to fall flat at points, but overall this movie boasts a quality cast that make it worth seeing at least once.
18 Reviews
Murder or mercy-killing in Monroeville mansion?
montysmith-slp7 November 2005
Stunning blonde Natasha Henstridge is the young, not-so-grieving widow in the mansion on the hill, telling her story to a TV reporter in Monroeville, Virginia. And among the community's well-heeled horsey-set, she's suspected of involvement in the death of her older husband. That's James Brolin, trusting as a babe-in-arms. Flashback teledrama made in Canada, based on an article that appeared in Vanity Fair magazine. It must be true! Whatever, it's far more romance than mystery, and a very familiar tale. Leggy Species star Henstridge as a gold-digging hospice nurse? It could happen, I guess. And it's good to see Brolin in a sizeable role after his titchy turn in Antwone Fisher, even if he doesn't make it to the end of the picture. The end of the picture? He doesn't even make it to the beginning of the picture. Which is why flashbacks were invented, of course.
Lifetime movie based on a true story
blanche-230 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Natasha Henstridge is a widow accused of murdering her husband (James Brolin) in The Widow on the Hill, a 2005 film that has the stamp of Lifetime all over it.
This is the true story of the Donna Sommerville case, here called Linda Cavanaugh. The device of the film is that Linda is being interviewed for an in-depth news story before her trial, so we see in flashbacks that she originally came to Mt. Iris, the home of Hank Cavanaugh (in real life Hamilton Sommerville), to care for his dying wife. Shortly after his wife's death, Linda and Hank marry.
According to the film, Linda considered herself hot stuff and seduced two of the stable boys, and everybody knew but Hank himself. He intended to divorce her, but he became ill. He recovered but then died. Linda wanted him cremated immediately, but one of the daughters was convinced that Linda had killed her father.
The coroner finally called for an autopsy after one of the stable hands admitted that he had seen Linda reading the will the night of her husband's death, and before bringing him food, she had made a stop in the kitchen. Morphine was later discovered there, and the autopsy showed Hank had died from a combination of drugs. In the film, he evidently made a new will to benefit only his wife and disinherited his daughters, which was felt to be Linda's influence. There is a scene in the film when Hank learns she cheated on him and he says he is divorcing her and redoing his will.
The film stops at a point before the trial. In real life, Donna was acquitted of the crime and continued to live on the family estate, eventually studying for the ministry. Somerville's daughters filed a multimillion dollar suit against her as in civil court, the burden of evidence of murder is less. This is all stated on the chiron at the end of the movie.
Five years later, Somerville lost in civil court and the daughters were able to reclaim the family estate.
This isn't particularly well acted. Henstridge, despite comments here from one poster, is a gorgeous woman who has had a career as a model. I find the comments about her rear end ridiculous. You'd think no one had ever seen a woman before. Was she too young for James Brolin? Yes, but I believe there was an age difference between the real-life characters. This isn't the first time we've seen an old guy with a young woman.
Let's face it, even when they're based on a true story, Lifetime movies are not Grade A productions. They're light entertainment that you watch when you want to relax and shut the world off for a while. Obviously this real-life story could have been more compelling, but you can't expect that from Lifetime. It's like expecting McDonald's to be a five-star restaurant.
This is the true story of the Donna Sommerville case, here called Linda Cavanaugh. The device of the film is that Linda is being interviewed for an in-depth news story before her trial, so we see in flashbacks that she originally came to Mt. Iris, the home of Hank Cavanaugh (in real life Hamilton Sommerville), to care for his dying wife. Shortly after his wife's death, Linda and Hank marry.
According to the film, Linda considered herself hot stuff and seduced two of the stable boys, and everybody knew but Hank himself. He intended to divorce her, but he became ill. He recovered but then died. Linda wanted him cremated immediately, but one of the daughters was convinced that Linda had killed her father.
The coroner finally called for an autopsy after one of the stable hands admitted that he had seen Linda reading the will the night of her husband's death, and before bringing him food, she had made a stop in the kitchen. Morphine was later discovered there, and the autopsy showed Hank had died from a combination of drugs. In the film, he evidently made a new will to benefit only his wife and disinherited his daughters, which was felt to be Linda's influence. There is a scene in the film when Hank learns she cheated on him and he says he is divorcing her and redoing his will.
The film stops at a point before the trial. In real life, Donna was acquitted of the crime and continued to live on the family estate, eventually studying for the ministry. Somerville's daughters filed a multimillion dollar suit against her as in civil court, the burden of evidence of murder is less. This is all stated on the chiron at the end of the movie.
Five years later, Somerville lost in civil court and the daughters were able to reclaim the family estate.
This isn't particularly well acted. Henstridge, despite comments here from one poster, is a gorgeous woman who has had a career as a model. I find the comments about her rear end ridiculous. You'd think no one had ever seen a woman before. Was she too young for James Brolin? Yes, but I believe there was an age difference between the real-life characters. This isn't the first time we've seen an old guy with a young woman.
Let's face it, even when they're based on a true story, Lifetime movies are not Grade A productions. They're light entertainment that you watch when you want to relax and shut the world off for a while. Obviously this real-life story could have been more compelling, but you can't expect that from Lifetime. It's like expecting McDonald's to be a five-star restaurant.
Typical old man young woman movie, I want your money....
ngrimme2 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
To start this movie was sick. Here your wife is dying and you go strutting around town with this blond chic by your side. Then your wife dies and within 2 months you are together with this chic. Hank (James Brolin) is definitely moving fast throughout this movie. I called him Fast Hank. Fast Hank marries this beautiful lady and before you know it she is having sex with his best friends. The part that gets me is when she is "doing it" in the barn with Kevin and gets caught by another one of Hanks friends. Kevin gets up and leaves, she drops her robe and BAM!! Right into the arms of this other guy and they start "doing it" right then and there. I guess he is finishing up what Kevin started. HOW GROSS!!!! I am like this is lifetime movie??? Its a typical OLD MAN YOUNG WOMAN movie that says you can have my body if I get your money...
Tawdry and predictable--as only Lifetime can make 'em.
Nimble-Bird24 January 2005
Natasha Henstridge doesn't stray too far from the role that made her famous in this Lifetime based-on-a-true-story thriller. Once again she's stopping at nothing to get what she wants. This is an attempt to find the real-life subject guilty in the court of audience opinion. It makes the most of Natasha and James Brolin's sex appeal. (Even if Brolin didn't have a dime, he could still land a hot blond.) And it definitely makes a great case for prenuptial agreements. There's nothing out of the ordinary, but it's watchable for what it is. And did I mention that James Brolin puts the SEX back in sexagenarian? There's also a hot younger man too, for those who tune in for more obvious aesthetics. Grade: B-
Flawed and Disappointing
Foot_Freakin_Master24 January 2005
I started off being interested somewhat in the movie. It appeared it might be serious drama, dealing with death, grief, and healing, with some realistic human conflict thrown in. Alas, it didn't hold up.
I need a movie with somewhat consistent and believable characters. Too many characters in this movie were portrayed as extremely gullible and inconsistent. Look, I know this was not supposed to be Shakespeare, but come on, I need some quality in script and characterization.
The acting was alright, the writing not so much. At one point, James Brolin's character is berated for showing up at a picnic under-dressed. He states that ordering him around will not work. His new wife says that if he goes home and changes she will rip his clothes off later. That is a howler. This movie had a few unintentionally funny lines.
It was hard to care about Jame's Brolin's character. When he so readily gave his first wife's things to his new wife, even allowing his daughter to be snubbed, I lost most of my sympathy. Who really cares what happens to him. I must confess that I did not finish the movie. If it did a 180 in quality in the last 45 minutes, let me know. It was just unpleasant to watch and so predictable I felt there was no need to finish it.
I need a movie with somewhat consistent and believable characters. Too many characters in this movie were portrayed as extremely gullible and inconsistent. Look, I know this was not supposed to be Shakespeare, but come on, I need some quality in script and characterization.
The acting was alright, the writing not so much. At one point, James Brolin's character is berated for showing up at a picnic under-dressed. He states that ordering him around will not work. His new wife says that if he goes home and changes she will rip his clothes off later. That is a howler. This movie had a few unintentionally funny lines.
It was hard to care about Jame's Brolin's character. When he so readily gave his first wife's things to his new wife, even allowing his daughter to be snubbed, I lost most of my sympathy. Who really cares what happens to him. I must confess that I did not finish the movie. If it did a 180 in quality in the last 45 minutes, let me know. It was just unpleasant to watch and so predictable I felt there was no need to finish it.
Better than average Lifetime movie. Enjoyed James Brolin, the sex, murder & mystery
juneebuggy14 March 2015
This ended up being a better than average Lifetime movie. Totally captivating in a I'm hungover and can't get off the couch sort of way. Good cast and an intriguing story that I was never entirely sure how it was going to play out, including a surprising ending -which lets face it, doesn't usually happen with made for TV dramas.
The story starts out just before the trial and has been based on real events, following an ambitious young hospice nurse who is hired by a wealthy man to care for his wife during her final days.'Linda' "cares" a lot for 'Hank' as well (flirts) and soon after the death of his wife they marry, much to the suspicion of Hank's youngest daughter. Before long, Hank himself falls seriously ill and dies, leaving Linda one of the richest women in Virginia and arousing suspicions that she not only knocked off Hank, but his first wife as well.
This was heavy breathing melodrama. I really enjoyed James Brolin who was surprisingly sexy here with some very good love scenes (yeah I said it) but he also suffered from dumb man thinking with the wrong head (yeah I said that too). Natasha Henstridges is suitable sexy, wears nice underwear and wow, some of the stunts she pulls sleeping around with several men. Nice shock value there.
The daughter was excellent, although I'm not sure why they kept referring to her as "the alcoholic" she was sober for the entire movie. I guess to cast doubt to her credibility. Beautiful cinematography on the horse ranch and an interesting secondary cast, containing all the elements for great Lifetime television; sex, murder, family drama and mystery. 1/22/15
The story starts out just before the trial and has been based on real events, following an ambitious young hospice nurse who is hired by a wealthy man to care for his wife during her final days.'Linda' "cares" a lot for 'Hank' as well (flirts) and soon after the death of his wife they marry, much to the suspicion of Hank's youngest daughter. Before long, Hank himself falls seriously ill and dies, leaving Linda one of the richest women in Virginia and arousing suspicions that she not only knocked off Hank, but his first wife as well.
This was heavy breathing melodrama. I really enjoyed James Brolin who was surprisingly sexy here with some very good love scenes (yeah I said it) but he also suffered from dumb man thinking with the wrong head (yeah I said that too). Natasha Henstridges is suitable sexy, wears nice underwear and wow, some of the stunts she pulls sleeping around with several men. Nice shock value there.
The daughter was excellent, although I'm not sure why they kept referring to her as "the alcoholic" she was sober for the entire movie. I guess to cast doubt to her credibility. Beautiful cinematography on the horse ranch and an interesting secondary cast, containing all the elements for great Lifetime television; sex, murder, family drama and mystery. 1/22/15
too depressing and soap opera ish for me
disdressed1226 November 2007
this is based on a true story.just how much dramatic liberty was taken,is hard to know.anyway,it's about a woman who had pretty much nothing.she eventually marries into wealth.when her husband dies,there are questions about whether it was an accident or not.and of course,the movie suggests she wasn't faithful to he husband.either way,i found this movie very depressing,and a lot like a soap opera.yet i also found it hard to quit watching,at the same time.the acting was good all around,so that made it more watchable.still,if you're in a down mood,i wouldn't watch this movie.it might just make you more feel more down.for me,Widow on the Hill is a 5/10
Typical dumb plot about bosoms
guilfisher-111 October 2008
Leading lady Natasha Henstridge seems to think acting is how low a cleavage you can wear. Playing every scene with a dress cut down to the deep south. Unfortunately her backside is equally as large as her breasts. Check her out walking in a pair of jeans also cut down from the back and you'll see what I mean. She can't act. I guess the casting call was someone with large breasts.
Now the rest of the cast when you get the chance to see them as obviously the director, Peter Svatek, has only Natasha on his mind, do their best. James Brolin as a hungry male for sex. His daughters, Jewel Staite and Melinda Deines, try. As do Gabriel Hogan and Jeff Roop as victims to the lady's desires.
This is typical LMN soap opera about women getting away with murder and the male species being stupid enough to let them.
Best performance is Michelle Duquet as the dying wife to Brolin. She has some good moments.
Natasha Henstridge should stick to Playboy.
Now the rest of the cast when you get the chance to see them as obviously the director, Peter Svatek, has only Natasha on his mind, do their best. James Brolin as a hungry male for sex. His daughters, Jewel Staite and Melinda Deines, try. As do Gabriel Hogan and Jeff Roop as victims to the lady's desires.
This is typical LMN soap opera about women getting away with murder and the male species being stupid enough to let them.
Best performance is Michelle Duquet as the dying wife to Brolin. She has some good moments.
Natasha Henstridge should stick to Playboy.
Entertaining drama
deluxacco24 January 2005
This movie was entertaining and interesting. What makes the drama is the true to life story of it. It makes one wonder, guilty or not guilty? The casting of the movie fit well for this movie. Director Peter Svatek did a good job for a TV made movie. Natasha Henstridge does a wonderful portrayal of the widow, but I would expect no less of her. James Brolin is charming as usual and has always been a talented actor. Although the movie is a bit drawn out at times, it keeps moving along it's lines. Some scenes may not have been needed, however, it helps give one an idea of what Linda Cavanaugh may or may not have been like. All in all, the movie keeps your interest.
The Vasnity Fair article is much more interesting than the movie itself
jordondave-2808522 June 2023
(2005) Widow On The Hill
THRILLER/ MYSTERY
Adapted from the "Vanity Fair" article of the same name by Michael Shnayerson, teleplay written by Stephen Harrigan that is unemotionally draining, made for TV and now on rental that has former nurse and gold digger, Linda Dupree (Natasha Henstridge) planning to replace and then exploit her future husband, Hank Cavanaugh (James Brolin) wealth after his wife dies, who he continues to grieve. And Hank's daughter, Jenny Cavanaugh (Jewel Staite) who catches on to her new mother-in-law's deceptive practices. We've all seen this before and better. It is another one of those movies in which the article that is based on about actual nurse, Donna Somerville is much more interesting than the movie itself. Saw this movie as a two movie set produced from the Lifetime channel, the other movie is called "Lies My Mother Told Me".
Adapted from the "Vanity Fair" article of the same name by Michael Shnayerson, teleplay written by Stephen Harrigan that is unemotionally draining, made for TV and now on rental that has former nurse and gold digger, Linda Dupree (Natasha Henstridge) planning to replace and then exploit her future husband, Hank Cavanaugh (James Brolin) wealth after his wife dies, who he continues to grieve. And Hank's daughter, Jenny Cavanaugh (Jewel Staite) who catches on to her new mother-in-law's deceptive practices. We've all seen this before and better. It is another one of those movies in which the article that is based on about actual nurse, Donna Somerville is much more interesting than the movie itself. Saw this movie as a two movie set produced from the Lifetime channel, the other movie is called "Lies My Mother Told Me".
Excellent - a warning for all widowers
phd_travel7 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This is a very well made, well cast and well acted TV movie based on real life events. Very captivating as only a true story can be.
Natasha Henstridge is very good if a little too beautiful. Brolin is very good as the silly whipped widow. The daughters were good too.
The story is tragic yet happens over and over again. Quite heartbreaking for the family. Lonely widower remarries even before wife is cold in her grave. The central temptress Linda is so terribly wicked you just gasp throughout.
Better than the usual lifetime movie. Top quality cast,
You can check the subsequent outcome of the real life characters by googling it.
Natasha Henstridge is very good if a little too beautiful. Brolin is very good as the silly whipped widow. The daughters were good too.
The story is tragic yet happens over and over again. Quite heartbreaking for the family. Lonely widower remarries even before wife is cold in her grave. The central temptress Linda is so terribly wicked you just gasp throughout.
Better than the usual lifetime movie. Top quality cast,
You can check the subsequent outcome of the real life characters by googling it.
damn , natasha is hot as hell.
afterdarkpak15 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Its a good movie but its UNFINISHED , no satisfying or complete ending. Yeah , it based on true story. In real life the names are different. But
Anyhow, in the end, the daughters RECLAIM the property. But that widow got away with murder and of course with some money too. Its a very long trial (many years) .
Anyhow, in the end, the daughters RECLAIM the property. But that widow got away with murder and of course with some money too. Its a very long trial (many years) .
surprisingly well done, excellent acting, story line and tastefully written
PRDPete11 October 2005
James Brolin portrays the role of a wealthy and drop dead gorgeous widower who also happens to be a very decent and faithful man. (He does get better and better with age, doesn't he girls?) When he falls for an irresistibly gorgeous and seemingly devoted gorgeous bombshell, the plot becomes anything but predictable or boring.
This movie has it all: Action,money,power,greed,family discord love, betrayal,and much much more.
It is in no means the run of the mill 'soap opera'type film and has anything BUT a predictable ending.
I consider myself an extremely harsh critic..and I rate this movie a 9 out of 10. It held my interest from beginning to end, and not only do I recommend seeing this movie, but I plan on seeing it again which is something I RARELY do.
It contains some of the most tastefully done romance scenes that I have seen in a very long time.
This is not your average run of the mill story with a predictable ending..it will capture your interest from beginning to the bitter end.
This movie has it all: Action,money,power,greed,family discord love, betrayal,and much much more.
It is in no means the run of the mill 'soap opera'type film and has anything BUT a predictable ending.
I consider myself an extremely harsh critic..and I rate this movie a 9 out of 10. It held my interest from beginning to end, and not only do I recommend seeing this movie, but I plan on seeing it again which is something I RARELY do.
It contains some of the most tastefully done romance scenes that I have seen in a very long time.
This is not your average run of the mill story with a predictable ending..it will capture your interest from beginning to the bitter end.
James Brolin had His Hands Full
whpratt125 January 2005
This was a very entertaining film shown on Lifetime and it kept my interest from beginning to end. There is good reason you might have guessed how the story ends, however, you could have been easily fooled. Natasha Henstridge (Linda Cavanaugh),"A Better Way to Die",2000, played a sweet and very sexy evil gal, who enjoyed herself in every way possible and was bound and determined to over power everyone she came into contact with. James Brolin,(Hank Cavanaugh),"Traffic",2000, gave a great performance in the romantic department and even in the funeral parlor, which I did not think was necessary at all. If you want to see romance and flirting in the church, barn and everywhere, this is the film for YOU.
Widow on the Hill-In Florida they Run With Chicken Soup ***1/2
edwagreen6 September 2009
When a man loses his wife in Florida, all the widows run with chicken soup to catch the new widower.
Natasha Henstridge plays a 3 time divorcée who becomes a nurse and goes to work in a hospice like atmosphere at the home of James Brolin's dying wife.
The wife complies by dying shortly and romance soon blooms between Henstridge and the "grief" stricken widower. Naturally, the town gossips have a field day with this. Their talk will not be long as the two wed.
Henstridge has plenty on her mind and plate for that matter. She has affairs with ranch hands as she mocks the institution of marriage-full throttle.
Of course, she has to contend with an alcoholic step-daughter and a recently wed step-daughter. The former really is on to Linda (Henstridge) but is powerless to act.
When Brolin (Cavanaugh) dies suddenly, Linda wants to cremate him. We all know what that means. A natural demise did not come to the real-life husband of Barbra Streisand!
While the story is predictable, the ending really isn't but there is some good acting by the entire cast.
No wonder everyone raises an eye-brow when a widower remarries so quickly!
Natasha Henstridge plays a 3 time divorcée who becomes a nurse and goes to work in a hospice like atmosphere at the home of James Brolin's dying wife.
The wife complies by dying shortly and romance soon blooms between Henstridge and the "grief" stricken widower. Naturally, the town gossips have a field day with this. Their talk will not be long as the two wed.
Henstridge has plenty on her mind and plate for that matter. She has affairs with ranch hands as she mocks the institution of marriage-full throttle.
Of course, she has to contend with an alcoholic step-daughter and a recently wed step-daughter. The former really is on to Linda (Henstridge) but is powerless to act.
When Brolin (Cavanaugh) dies suddenly, Linda wants to cremate him. We all know what that means. A natural demise did not come to the real-life husband of Barbra Streisand!
While the story is predictable, the ending really isn't but there is some good acting by the entire cast.
No wonder everyone raises an eye-brow when a widower remarries so quickly!
Stupid LMN movie
guil1224 May 2009
I cannot give this horrendous movie any points. Even for an aging James Brolin. It's plain embarrassing to watch him making out with the blonde bimbo in this. Natasha Henstringe plays a selfish woman who is out to get all she can. The only weapon she can use is a low cut bra. She claims she's beautiful and men desire her. She's dreaming about that, for she certainly doesn't see her backside, which is as wide as her top. Never wear jeans, Natasha, they don't flatter you. Brolin acts like a stupid old man who can't keep his zipper shut. He has not aged very well over the years. His daughters, Jewel Staite and Melinda Deines do their best to put up with the gold digger wife of their father. Staite does a good job. Michelle Duquet as the mother does the best acting. She gives an honest performance and doesn't need a pair of breasts to guide her through the film. If you want to laugh watch Henstringe try acting.
Excellent lifetime movie, one of the best
kimber_hill20 January 2007
I honestly thought this was one of the better lifetime movies and I am a big lifetime fan. I wish I could remember the ending but I know its a good movie. Nastashia (spelling???) does a great job as the nurse who became the widow. I saw this movie on the TV schedule the other night. I'd seen it before but couldn't remember the whole story. I looked to my right where my boyfriend was comfortably sleeping on the couch, ah hah, now's my lifetime movie chance. I settled in to watch the movie I'd remembered to be pretty good, wish I could remember the whole story but that's OK, I knew I was in for a good treat. One hour later, movie is going strong but its a work night, I got up early that day and its 10pm and I'm getting sleepy. So I drag my boyfriend to bed without seeing the last hour of the movie so once again I'm left with the memory of a good movie but still don't remember how it ended. I still wonder but.... am now searching the listings for a replay and/or trying to find this movie on DVD/VHS..Some people make fun of lifetime movies and yes some of them warrant that criticism but there are a few really good ones and this is one of them.
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