Pack of Lies (1987)
Directed by Anthony Page
Genres - Drama, Spy Film |
Sub-Genres - Psychological Drama, Unglamorized Spy Film |
Run Time - 100 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson
Adapted from the one-act play by Hugh Whitemore, Pack of Lies originally aired as a "Hallmark Hall of Fame" presentation on April 26, 1987. Emmy-nominated Ellen Burstyn plays a Canadian housewife living in England, who dutifully allows a government agent (Alan Bates) into her house. The agent sets up a surveillance post in Burstyn's bedroom, ostensibly to keep close watch on a mysterious stranger. In truth, the agent is investigating Burstyn's neighbors Daniel Benzali and Terri Garr--who happen to be her best friends. Pack of Lies was based on a true story, which like its fictional counterpart coalesced into a melange of skewered ethics, deception and betrayal.
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Keywords
surveillance, betrayal, neighbor, friendship, stakeout, espionage, suburbs, war