Murder Can Hurt You!

A teenage boy from a broken home gets involved in a series of murders, initially as a witness and later as a suspect. He finds himself entangled in a complex web of deception and danger as the police try to piece together the truth. The investigation leads to unexpected places and reveals a dark side to the seemingly idyllic community.

As a made-for-television movie from 1980, "Murder Can Hurt You!" received a mixed reception. While it aimed for suspense and drama, critics and audiences at the time often found its plot predictable and its attempts at deep characterization lacking. It is remembered more for its cast, particularly a young Scott Baio, than for groundbreaking storytelling.

• The film attempts a compelling mystery but often falls short due to a convoluted plot.

• Scott Baio's performance as the troubled teen is a notable aspect, though the supporting cast struggles to elevate the material.

• Seen as a standard TV thriller of its era, it offers some suspense but lacks originality.

Google audience: Audience reviews for "Murder Can Hurt You!" are scarce due to its made-for-television nature and age. When available, they generally reflect the critical consensus, noting it as an average thriller with a decent premise that doesn't quite deliver a memorable experience.

The film was part of a trend of made-for-television crime dramas in the late 1970s and early 1980s that often tackled darker themes suitable for a broader audience.