Murphy's Law (1986)

Murphy's Law is a 1986 American neo-noir action thriller film directed by the late J. Lee Thompson from a screenplay by Gail Morgan Hickman. It was released by Cannon Films to the United States on April 18, 1986. The film stars the late Charles Bronson and Kathleen Wilhoite in lead roles with a supporting cast that includes the late Carrie Snodgress, Robert F. Lyons, and Richard Romanus. The film marks the sixth collaboration between Bronson and director J. Lee Thompson (following 1976's St. Ives, 1977's The White Buffalo, 1980's Caboblanco, 1983's 10 to Midnight, and 1984's The Evil That Men Do).

Years ago, police detective Jack Murphy (Charles Bronson) put murderer Joan Freeman (Carrie Snodgress) behind bars. But, when Freeman is released, she wreaks havoc upon Murphy's life. Freeman kills his ex-wife and other police officers, framing Murphy for her crimes. After he's arrested, the police handcuff Murphy to a thief, Arabella McGee (Kathleen Wilhoite). Still attached to Arabella, Murphy breaks out of jail, and the duo work together to find the real killer.

Victims

• Teri Kaplam - Killed by Frank Vincenzo off-screen, body seen.
• Cameron - Shot in the head by Joan Freeman.
• Unnamed Male Police Officer - Shot by Anthony Vincenzo.
• Unnamed Stewardess - Shot in the head by Anthony Vincenzo.
• Anthony Vincenzo - Shot by Detective Jack Murphy.
• Jan Murphy - Shot by Joan Freeman.
• Carl - Shot by Joan Freeman.
• Detective Benjamin "Ben" Wilcove - Shot by Joan Freeman off-camera.
• Judge Kellerman - Drowned by Joan Freenman.
• At Least One Unnamed Person - Killed by Red Lesale off-screen, mentioned.
• At Least One Unnamed Person - Killed by Jerry Myers off-screen, mentioned.
• Dr. Lovell - Strangled by Joan Freeman with a cord.
• Unnamed Man - Shot by Joan Freeman off-screen, mentioned.
• Mr. Skinner - Suffocated by Joan Freeman off-screen, body seen.
• Sergeant Ed Reineke - Shot in the throat by Joan Freeman with bow causing him to fall of a balcony.
• Reese - Accidentally shot by Santana while Detective Jack Murphy used him as a human shield.
• Santana - Stabbed in the back of the neck after Detective Jack Murphy threw him onto a shard of glass.
• Frank Vincenzo - Shot by Detective Jack Murphy.
• Joan Freeman - Fell to her death after Detective Jack Murphy threw her off a fire escape.

Deaths

• Total - 19
  • 12 Men
  • 5 Women
  • 2 Unknown Genders

Kill Counts

1. Joan Freeman - 9 (Deceased)
2. Detective Jack Murphy - 5
3. Anthony Vincenzo - 2 (Deceased)
4. Red Lesale - 1
5. Jerry Myers - 1
6. Frank Vincenzo - 1 (Deceased)
7. Santana - 1 (Deceased)