The Honeymoon Killers (1969)

About The Honeymoon Killers

The Honeymoon Killers is an American crime film released in 1969. Directed by Leonard Kastle, it is based on the true story of Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck who were known as "The Lonely Hearts Killers" due to their modus operandi where they would swindle and then murder unsuspecting women. The movie stands as a classic document of brutal crime and punishment in mid-20th century America.

Making / Production

The film was initially set to be directed by a young Martin Scorsese, however, after a week of shooting, he was replaced by Leonard Kastle due to creative differences. The film was shot in black-and-white which intensified the dark mood and the grim realities of the narrative.

Actors

• Shirley Stoler as Martha Beck: Stoler's portrayal of the manipulative and controlling Beck is considered a standout performance. Her ability to embody the character’s desperate loneliness and chilling capacity for murder is commendable.
• Tony Lo Bianco as Raymond Fernandez: Lo Bianco plays the role of the smooth-talking, womanizing swindler with great realism. His character is complex, as he evolves from charming conman to ruthless killer.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on a real-life murderous couple, Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez, dubbed as the "Lonely Hearts Killers" in the 1940s.
• Despite being a low-budget film, The Honeymoon Killers became a cult classic, praised for its stark realism and compelling performances.
• Famed director François Truffaut called The Honeymoon Killers his "favourite American film".

Awards

The film did not win any awards but received high critical acclaim for its riveting storytelling and standout performances, especially from Shirley Stoler and Tony Lo Bianco.

Quotes

• "Don't worry, sweetheart. If they could see, they would have eyes in the back. But they don't." - Raymond
• "I've never seen such a disgusting mess." - Martha Beck

Music, Soundtrack

• The film lacked traditional musical scoring. The only music heard in the film is diegetic, emanating from radios and record players. This choice was made to emphasize the realism of the film.
• The haunting rendition of "Fever", played at key points in the movie, adds significantly to the grim atmosphere.