How to Murder a Millionaire

How to Murder a Millionaire

Year: 1990

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: Paul Schneider

Comedy

A Beverly Hills housewife suspects that her husband of thirty years is trying to kill her.

How to Murder a Millionaire (1990) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at How to Murder a Millionaire (1990) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sun‑drenched world of Beverly Hills, a life of designer boutiques, immaculate homes, and effortless elegance surrounds Irma, a housewife whose days glide between cocktail parties and the latest runway arrivals. The glossy veneer of wealth masks a more private rhythm, one that thrives on routine, comfort, and the quiet confidence that comes from decades of affluence. Yet beneath the polished surface, the very streets that glitter with promise can feel oddly claustrophobic, hinting that security is sometimes an illusion crafted by opulence itself.

Married to Walter for thirty years, Irma’s marriage once seemed the epitome of stability, but the passage of time has left subtle fissures in the partnership. Conversation that once flowed effortlessly now carries undercurrents of lingering doubt, and ordinary moments begin to whisper of possible danger. The idea that a familiar, trusted partner could become a threat introduces an unsettling tension that colors every interaction, turning the familiar corridors of their home into a place where shadows may linger longer than they ought.

Enter Loretta, Irma’s longtime confidante, whose own experiences with love and disappointment give her a keen sense of when something is amiss. Their friendship provides a sanctuary of candid conversation, allowing Irma to voice fears that might otherwise remain locked away. Adding further texture to the social tapestry is Gilbert, a charismatic figure whose presence amplifies the blend of glamour and intrigue that permeates their circle, while Danny and Teresa represent the restless ambition that often flits at the periphery of such affluent gatherings.

Against this backdrop of glittering excess and whispered suspicion, the film settles into a tone that balances sleek, stylish visuals with an undercurrent of suspense. It invites the audience to linger in the elegance of Beverly Hills while feeling the faint pulse of unease that suggests even the most luxurious lives can harbor hidden peril. The stage is set for a story where trust, wealth, and the fear of betrayal intertwine, leaving viewers eager to see how far Irma will go to protect what she holds most dear.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:39

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Suburban thrillers with uneasy paranoia like How to Murder a Millionaire

Ordinary lives unravel into suspicion and deception behind closed doors.If you liked the tense, paranoid atmosphere of How to Murder a Millionaire, you'll find similar movies here. This collection features stories where betrayal and conspiracy threaten domestic tranquility, focusing on characters who must unravel a sinister plot from within their own inner circle.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on a protagonist, often a spouse, who discovers a hidden plot against them, typically involving betrayal by a trusted partner or associate. The story unfolds as they gather clues, often questioning their own sanity, and attempt to turn the tables on their oppressor.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared mood of domestic unease and suspense, a steady pacing that builds paranoia, and a focus on the corrupting influence of wealth and materialism within a seemingly stable environment.

Darkly comedic caper thrillers like How to Murder a Millionaire

Thrillers where high-stakes plots are undercut by playful, satirical humor.Fans of How to Murder a Millionaire will enjoy these similar movies that mix thrills with laughs. Discover films where murder plots, conspiracies, and betrayals are presented with a darkly humorous, almost farcical tone, creating a unique blend of suspense and satire.

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Narrative Summary

These stories follow a caper-like structure involving a conspiracy or crime, but the tone is lifted by witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and absurd situations. The narrative avoids pure bleakness, using humor to explore dark themes like greed and betrayal.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific tonal blend: a tense, high-stakes core plot is presented with comedic and satirical elements. They maintain a moderate intensity and a steady pace, resulting in a viewing experience that is suspenseful yet surprisingly playful.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in How to Murder a Millionaire

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