This dazzling directorial debut from Lawrence Kasdan packs a steamy punch. William Hurt plays the small-town lawyer who falls for femme fatale Kathleen Turner only to find himself ensnared in a tortuous plot to murder her wealthy husband (Richard Crenna). Kasdan respectfully tips his hat to classics such as Double Indemnity, but the intricate plotting and sly humour ensure that his film stands in its own right. The performances are first rate, too: Turner positively sizzles, while Hurt is excellent as the ordinary Joe getting increasingly out of his depth. There's also a creepy cameo from Mickey Rourke and a jolly supporting role for the then unknown Ted Danson.

During an extreme heatwave, a beautiful Florida woman and a seedy lawyer engage in an affair while plotting the murder of her rich husband.