The Honeymoon is Over…

The Honeymoon killers, (1970) a film done in docudrama form is chilling, disturbing, unique, and unforgettable. I wanted to say funny, but I really can’t because the story is true. But you can’t help finding dark comedy in this horrible story. The story is of a couple who were serial killers back in the 40’s known as the “The Lonely Heart Killers.” Martha Beck (Shirley Stoler) an obese nurse from Alabama and a Spanish immigrant, Ray Fernandez (Tony Lo Bianco) meet through a “lonely hearts” ad placed by Fernandez who has been swindling women for a while. His intention was not to really meet Martha as a love interest, but rather to find another victim. However when he meets the broke, heavy, chocolate eating Martha he is fascinated. He makes her a partner in crime.

After some time Ray tells her of his practice of using his appearance and charm to persuade middle-aged women to part with their money. The lost and morose Martha thinks nothing of it; she will do whatever to keep Ray by her side. The pair embark in a crime spree which shocked a nation just recovering for the Second World War. At first they lure middle-aged women and steal from them. Soon the crime graduates to killing off the victims. In total it is believed the pair killed a total of 20 women including a 2-year-old child.

The film done in black and white is creepy and the somber, emotional Mahler music is the icing on the cake. It’s a disturbing psychological thriller that will have you thinking twice about answering a “lonely heart,” ad ever again. The murder scenes are too real, especially when the child is led to her death. But what makes this film all the chilling is the fact that this really happened. The pair were executed in 1951. A must see for classic crime fans.