The Bait Poster

The Bait 1973

★ 6.45 votes78 min📅 1973-03-13

"The Hunter becomes the Hunted!"

The Bait (1973), a gripping TV-movie crime thriller directed by Leonard Horn, plunges viewers into a chilling cat-and-mouse game between a relentless serial killer and a determined police officer.

Director: Leonard Horn

Cast

Donna Mills
Donna Mills
Tracy Fleming
Michael Constantine
Michael Constantine
Captain Gus Maryk
William Devane
William Devane
Earl Stokey
Arlene Golonka
Arlene Golonka
Liz Fowler
June Lockhart
June Lockhart
Nora
Noam Pitlik
Noam Pitlik
Solomon
Thalmus Rasulala
Thalmus Rasulala
Eddie Nugent
Gianni Russo
Gianni Russo
Gianni Ruggeri
Brioni Farrell
Brioni Farrell
Denise
Brad Savage
Brad Savage
Mickey

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Bait (1973) about?

The Bait (1973) follows Tracy Fleming, a widowed police officer who takes on the role of bait to catch a serial killer responsible for murdering six women. Risking her life, she steps into the killer's crosshairs in a desperate bid for justice, leading to a climactic showdown.

Who directed The Bait?

The Bait was directed by Leonard Horn, a filmmaker known for his work in television dramas and crime thrillers during the 1970s.

Who stars in The Bait?

The Bait (1973) stars Donna Mills as the lead, alongside Michael Constantine, William Devane, Arlene Golonka, and June Lockhart in key supporting roles.

Is The Bait (1973) worth watching?

While The Bait (1973) isn't as widely remembered today, its tight pacing and engaging performances make it a solid pick for fans of vintage crime thrillers. The film's suspenseful premise and emotional core offer a satisfying, if dated, viewing experience.

How long is The Bait?

The Bait (1973) has a runtime of 78 minutes, making it a concise and intense watch.

About The Bait (1973) — A Gripping TV Thriller Where a Cop Becomes the Bait

The Bait (1973), a gripping TV-movie crime thriller directed by Leonard Horn, plunges viewers into a chilling cat-and-mouse game between a relentless serial killer and a determined police officer. Tracy Fleming, portrayed with grit by Donna Mills, is a widowed undercover operative who makes the harrowing choice to become bait in hopes of luring the predator out of hiding. With six women already fallen victim to the killer's violent spree, Fleming's risky strategy sets the stage for a tense, high-stakes confrontation that tests her courage and survival instincts. The film masterfully balances suspense and drama, weaving themes of justice, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between hunter and hunted.

Set against the backdrop of a shadowy, crime-ridden urban landscape, The Bait (1973) delivers an atmosphere thick with dread and urgency. Michael Constantine and William Devane round out the cast as pivotal figures in Fleming's dangerous mission, while the taut 78-minute runtime keeps the tension relentless from start to finish. This underrated gem remains a compelling watch for fans of vintage thrillers that blend emotional depth with edge-of-your-seat suspense.