"Point of Betrayal" (1995) Rod Taylor plays Ted Kitteridge in a thriller that examines how "absolute money corrupts absolutely." The story also features a rare big-screen love story involving a 60-something couple and has lush South Florida locales as a backdrop. Laura (Dina Merrill) is a wealthy widow who marries Ted to share her twilight years with. But Laura's son, David (Rick Johnson), is suspicious that his new stepfather is going to spend his billion-dollar inheritance -- never mind that Ted has his own millions to spend. Rick's fear rises after Ted impulsively buys an exotic summer home to share with Laura. David gains control of his mother's finances and hires a sexy, sneaky nurse, Monet (Rebecca Broussard), to keep an eye on Laura -- and to mess with her medication. Daughter Sara (Ann Cusack) seems to mediate the family conflict, but all's not what it appears to be. Rod's in fine form, and there are some Taylor-made staples for his fans: Fisticuffs and a glimpse of bare chest. Although set in South Carolina, "Point of Betrayal" was filmed in various Palm Beach County, Fla., locations -- the lighthouse sits at Jupiter Inlet and many scenes were shot in Boca Raton (where your Web hostess went to college!). The Palm Beach Post dropped in on the filming of a scene at the Boca Raton Hotel and Club, and here's part of the report, from Nov. 14, 1994: While Taylor wanders off to prepare for his on-camera entrance, Merrill watches affectionately and says, "It's fun to work with Rod again." ... The first time, she recalls, was a guest appearance on one of Taylor's TV series. "They started at the crack of dawn, so I arrived at 7:30 ready to rehearse. And it was, 'Miss Merrill, this is Mr. Taylor.' 'How do you do?' 'Nice to meet you.' 'OK, we're shooting a love scene. Would you mind getting in bed?' It's true! By lunch we knew each other pretty well." ... Merrill and Taylor take their places to film their simple but emotional scene. The actors run through a couple of rehearsals; a special effects technician creates a dreamy atmosphere by blowing smoke onto the set. The cameras roll for a take, and Taylor slowly enters the ballroom, jacket in hand, and sits at a table. He seems weary and melancholy, and then he looks up to see Merrill, off-camera. His face lights up as he smiles and says, "I've missed you." "I've missed you, my love. Dance with me," says Merrill, radiant in an electric-blue dress. Taylor moves to join her. They embrace and dance. Originally titled "Shattered Trust," the movie cost between $5 million and $7 million to make.

LINKS "Rod is truly one of the greatest actors I've ever worked with. He's charming, funny, brilliant, a terrific writer, and a painter as well.... "I love Rod's work in 'Point of Betrayal.' ... He actually makes you care about the characters." -- Director Richard Martini See a trailer for the movie. Internet Movie Database: Full cast and credits.

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