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How to Murder Your Wife

  • TV Movie
  • 2015
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
6.5/10
271
YOUR RATING
How to Murder Your Wife (2015)
ComedyDrama

A melodramatic black comedy presenting the true story of Alfred Benning's murder of his wife, Betty, in 1970s Wellington. The film follows a passive-aggressive man (Simon O'Conner) spiraling... Read allA melodramatic black comedy presenting the true story of Alfred Benning's murder of his wife, Betty, in 1970s Wellington. The film follows a passive-aggressive man (Simon O'Conner) spiraling toward psychosis as his emotionally abusive wife (Geraldine Brophy) threatens to cast his... Read allA melodramatic black comedy presenting the true story of Alfred Benning's murder of his wife, Betty, in 1970s Wellington. The film follows a passive-aggressive man (Simon O'Conner) spiraling toward psychosis as his emotionally abusive wife (Geraldine Brophy) threatens to cast his beloved dog out of the house.

  • Director
    • Riccardo Pellizzeri
  • Writer
    • John Banas
  • Stars
    • Simon O'Connor
    • Todd Lasance
    • Geraldine Brophy
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    6.5/10
    271
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Riccardo Pellizzeri
    • Writer
      • John Banas
    • Stars
      • Simon O'Connor
      • Todd Lasance
      • Geraldine Brophy
    • 2User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win total

    Photos

    Top cast48

    Edit
    Simon O'Connor
    Simon O'Connor
    • Alf Benning
    Todd Lasance
    Todd Lasance
    • Mark Everitt
    Geraldine Brophy
    Geraldine Brophy
    • Betty Benning
    Mike Minogue
    Mike Minogue
    • Nervous Burgess
    Paul McLaughlin
    • Peter Doone
    Mark Mitchinson
    Mark Mitchinson
    • Mike Bungay
    Boni Tukiwaho
    • Carmen
    Holly Shanahan
    Holly Shanahan
    • Tracey Lee
    Alison Quigan
    Alison Quigan
    • Maria Nieuwlaar
    Sophie Hambleton
    • Geraldine Earp
    Vanessa Stacey
    • Rita Downes
    Steve Maxwell
    • Totty
    • (as Steven Maxwell)
    Edward Clendon
    • BJ
    Hilary Norris
    Hilary Norris
    • Annie Cousins
    Adam Brookfield
    • Don the Neighbour
    Cohen Holloway
    Cohen Holloway
    • Dave Fenchurch
    Simon Smith
    • Tim Belcher
    Paul Yates
    Paul Yates
    • Larsen
    • Director
      • Riccardo Pellizzeri
    • Writer
      • John Banas
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews2

    6.5271
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    Featured reviews

    9wendy-35941

    Black comedy, the unbelievable yet true story of the murder of Elizabeth Bennet, set in 1970s Wellington, New Zealand.

    Thoroughly enjoyable laugh-out-loud black comedy of the murder of Elizabeth Bennett in 1970s, Wellington, New Zealand.

    Yes, murder isn't a funny business, especially a true story but this film somehow just makes it work. A roller-coaster ride of long-suffering Alf planning the murder of his wife Elizabeth Bennett and subsequent investigation introduces rich characters include the famous transvestite Carmen who ran for office in the 1970s and detectives who ended up in very high-ranking government positions.

    Clever, strong cinematography and editing, you can see the hands that made Underbelly coming through.

    An added bonus is a peak into the national psych of New Zealand in the 1970s including the time of the All Blacks Tour of South Africa, paisley ties and church fêtes.
    10PeterHerrmann

    Very original... even though it's supposedly copied from real life.

    What characters! Some very funny scenes. Some gruesome scenes (albeit funny at the same time). Some sadness as well. Can't say more without spoilers. First half is very good (with a few - very few - slow bits), but 2nd half really is superb. Brilliant casting, acting, directing. The lead character is remarkable.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      While there is no reference in the movie or the credits, this movie is surprising similar to Alfred Hitchcock's 'How to Get Rid of Your Wife' (Alfred Hitchcock Hour). The Hitchcock TV drama is not a black comedy but is very much based on a nagging wife and a passive husband who is pushed to the limit so starts to dig a hole in his garden. It is possible that rather than the movie being based on Hitchcock, Banning got an idea from watching Hitchcock. This is not a movie connection as no reference AT ALL is made by film writers.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • August 13, 2015 (New Zealand)
    • Country of origin
      • New Zealand
    • Official site
      • Screentime (New Zealand)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • True Crime: How to Murder Your Wife
    • Production company
      • Screentime
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • NZ$2,900,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 37 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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