The Honeymoon Killers

Name: The Honeymoon Killers
Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller
Released: 1970-02-04
Duration: 108 min
Rating: 7.3
Cast: Shirley Stoler, Tony Lo Bianco, Mary Jane Higby, Doris Roberts, Kip McArdle

1970·Crime·1h 48m

7.3

★

Martha Beck, an obese nurse who is desperately lonely, joins a "correspondence club" and finds a romantic pen pal in Ray Fernandez. Martha falls hard for Ray, and is intent on sticking with him even when she discovers he's a con man who seduces lonely single women, kills them and then takes their money. She poses as Ray's sister and joins Ray on a wild killing spree, fueled by her lingering concern that Ray will leave her for one of his marks.

Directed by Leonard Kastle

nurse

widow

alabama

lonely hearts ad

based on true story

con artist

murder

serial killer

1940s

thrill kill

killer couple

Trailer

IMDB

N/A

Where to Watch

Cast

Shirley Stoler

Martha

Tony Lo Bianco

Ray

Doris Roberts

Bunny

Marilyn Chris

Myrtle

Dortha Duckworth

Mother

Barbara Cason

Evelyn

Elsa Raven

Matron

Mary Engel

Lucy

Michael Haley

Jackson

Crew

Leonard Kastle

Director

Leonard Kastle

Screenplay

Oliver Wood

Director of Photography

Michael Haley

Production Manager

Popular Reviews

60 reviews

Andrew Warren

6.0★ · 06/04/25

Based on the true story about the Lonely Hearts Killers, The Honeymoon Killers felt a lot like John Waters’ Pink Flamingos. Martin Scorsese was originally hired to direct the film, but was fired for being “too slow”, after he spent a long period of time framing and lighting a beer can. Maybe if this film wasn’t rushed, and they never fired Scorsese, this could’ve been a better film. I don’t think it would be the same film as Kastle’s version, but I think it would’ve been better.

Addie Pray

8.0★ · 03/04/26

Cold-blooded John Waters!!

KBaker

6.0★ · 09/20/25

Their victims were an old lady, a widow, and her 2 year old daughter. It doesn’t get much more evil than this

Dalia

7.0★ · 08/30/25

Honestly I don’t know who’s the most psychotic because yes it’s Ray’s initial idea and plan to seduce women and steal from them, but Martha is capable of way more than Ray could. I feel like this comes out of Martha out of jealousy and possession, but for Ray, it’s purely for the money. At least Martha turned themselves in, did Ray ever find out that it was her, who knows and btw just to be clear, he was never in love with her.

Brendon

6.0★ · 08/05/25

John Waters loving this movie is one of the most unsurprising things ever.For during the first hour, I wasn't engaged with this movie at all. I felt the actors really defined these characters, their relationships, and personalities, but I didn't feel like anything truly happened. Once the last thirty minutes arrived, the realization clicked, and I was genuinely enjoying it while also appreciating its truly horrific moments, which were well executed. This is a movie not about the murders but about the troubled relationships, and the actors fit their roles tremendously, with Raymond's actor capturing his charming side while still appearing intimidating. Shirley Stoler was great too; she kind of reminded me of a more toned-down Divine. The technical elements weren't perfect, mainly the sound, but I felt the direction did its best to compensate. I would love to rewatch this knowing what it was going for.