A series of disturbing deaths plague Southern California, prompting a private investigator to search for answers (Tony Franciosa), while the lead detective attempts to suppress the strange circumstances (Vic Morrow). A client enlists the investigator’s help; he happens to have a twin sister (Donna Mills and Patty Duke). “Curse of the Black Widow” (1977) shares similarities with other spooky TV-movie thrillers from Dan Curtis, including “The Night Strangler” (1973), "The Norliss Tapes" (1973), and “Scream of the Wolf” (1974). One reviewer found it to be unintentionally humorous, though I didn’t notice that myself. The events are certainly unusual, something the performers seem aware of, but a serious atmosphere is maintained as they treat the story with respect. Besides Duke and Mills in supporting roles, Roz Kelly appears as the private eye's assistant, Flaps. Some viewers will recognize Roz from her role as Pinky Tuscadero on Happy Days. I anticipated something akin to the 1987 film “Black Widow,” starring Debra Winger, Theresa Russell, and Dennis Hopper, but this is closer in style to Curtis’ earlier works combined with Marvel's "Werewolf By Night." The special effects at the conclusion are decent given that it was a television production prior to CGI becoming commonplace. While some plot points are foreseeable, like the ending sequence, there are also intriguing elements and a few genuinely unsettling scenes set on an abandoned farm. Franciosa proves to be a surprisingly effective lead, and his rapport with his energetic assistant is enjoyable. The movie’s length is 1 hour, 40 minutes, and filming took place at 20th Century Fox Studios in Century City along with various locations around Los Angeles, such as Piru Mansion, Malibu, Buena Park, Culver City, and West Hollywood. GRADE: B-/B

Source on TMDB