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Drama Cult Classic

Family ties fray as lust, betrayal, and smuggling collide on the path to deadly consequences.

THE SISTER IN LAW

She Helped Her Husband Destroy His Brother By The Most Immoral Act Imaginable

1974 · 1h 25m · R · Drama · IMDB TMDB

Robert and Edward are brothers involved in a web of adultery and deceit. They share Edward's wife and his mistress and a mission to deliver a package of jewels across the Canadian border, but the mission turns out to be deadly.

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Quick Answer

What is The Sister in Law about?

The Sister in Law is a 1974 American drama film directed by Joseph Ruben about a traveling singer-songwriter whose visit to his brother sets off a chain of adultery, deceit, and a dangerous smuggling plot.

Programmer's Pick

Few dramas serve up their love triangles with this much heat, nudity, and moral messiness. Joseph Ruben's early work proves family gatherings are a poor venue for adultery—or planning cross-border jewel drops.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Robert Strong, a singer-songwriter who has been on the road, pays a visit to his brother Edward. What should be a simple family reunion turns provocative when Robert becomes entangled with Edward's bored wife, Joanna, and finds himself caught up with Edward's mistress, Deborah Holt. The trio's shifting alliances lead them into a risky drug smuggling operation, with Robert and Deborah attempting to help Edward break free from his criminal entanglements. As desires and loyalties blur, the situation spirals toward uncertain—possibly fatal—consequences. The Sister in Law offers a tense, sultry exploration of forbidden relationships and the high-stakes dangers that can emerge when family boundaries are crossed.

Details & Specs

Director
Joseph Ruben
Writer
Joseph Ruben
Release
1974
Runtime
1h 25m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Drama

Why This Matters

This film marks the directorial debut of Joseph Ruben, launching a thirty-year career, and was shot on location at JFK International Airport in New York City.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Joseph Ruben Writer: Joseph Ruben
John Savage John Savage Robert Strong Will MacMillan Will MacMillan Edward Strong Anne Saxon Anne Saxon Joanna Strong Meridith Baer Meridith Baer Deborah Holt Frank Adonis Frank Adonis Benjo Jonathan Oppenheim Jonathan Oppenheim Fat Man TM Tom Mahoney Thin Man JD Jan DeCarlo Mrs. Strong JC Jack Cooper Mr. Strong LS Larry Sontag Hood GG Gillian Gordon Lena MR Michael Ruben John Strong RV Ray Valente Messenger RB Robert Baines Literary Agent BG Bruce G. Sparks Producer #1 Carter Stevens Carter Stevens Producer #2 NC Noel Casabona Hood LB Lucien Bohbot Girl in Cafe

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Why Cult

Taboo Family Affairs

Lust runs wild as Robert finds himself seduced by his own sister-in-law, igniting a charged atmosphere of forbidden desire.

Drug Smuggling Drama

Under the surface of steamy relationships lies a dangerous plot involving drug trafficking and a deadly jewel delivery.

Sultry Seventies Vibe

Expect full-frontal nudity, bare skin on display, and a host of exploitation flourishes that put the 'cult' in cult cinema.

Double Trouble Mistresses

Robert and Edward both find themselves entangled not only with Edward's wife but also with his mistress, blurring lines in every possible way.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was The Sister in Law released? +

The Sister in Law was released in 1974.

Who directed The Sister in Law? +

The Sister in Law was directed by Joseph Ruben.

How long is The Sister in Law? +

The runtime of The Sister in Law is 85 minutes.

What genre is The Sister in Law? +

The Sister in Law is a drama film.

Where can I watch The Sister in Law? +

The Sister in Law is available to watch on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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