DEATH HAS A PAST

Good framework for a well-told tale of passions spinning the plot."" Five women are held in thrall by the sixth who holds the purse strings. Desperate need forces desperate means -- all without success; Claudia demands conformity with her desires. A last truth telling session completes her break with reality, and one tragedy, at least, ends in death. Good entertainment, intelligently presented. Not a whodunit, but skilful handling of a crisis of action.