On the Other Hand, Death is a gay-themed mystery film.It stars Chad Allen, Margot Kidder, and Gabrielle Rose.It is the third film adaptation of a Richard Stevenson novel featuring fictional detective Donald Strachey.It was directed by Ron Oliver.On the Other Hand, Death starts when Private Investigator Donald Strachey is under the impression he is tailing an unfaithful housewife for evidence that she is cheating on her husband, but it turns out that the "housewife" is actually an undercover cop who promptly arrests him. When an elderly lesbian couple refuses to sell their home to a powerful developer their house is covered in homophobic vandalism, but is this apparent hate crime motivated by genuine disdain for gay culture or simple corporate greed? All the homeowners in the neighborhood have agreed to sell except for a committed lesbian couple with no interest in money nor intentions of moving. A local investigator suspects that the attack is simply a way of convincing the couple to bend to big business, and as he delves further into the case he comes to terms with his feelings for an old boyfriend. Inspired by the strength of the lesbian couple he is working for, the investigator finally learns how to love again.On the Other Hand may turn off some viewers for having homosexuals and lesbians as characters of the story.But sexual orientation aside,this is one good mystery and crime thriller.It also does not lack suspense and tension.Aside from that,we get a good story that is worth one's time for viewing and entertainment.Also,we get brilliant and outstanding performances from the cast especially Chad Allen as Donald Strachey - a police detective that could probably considered the "gay" Sherlock Holmes.

Chad Allen who faced and weathered a scandal about outing a prominent gay actor has once again brought to cinematic life, gay private detective Donald Strachey. In On The Other Hand Death, Allen is working two cases and then realizes just how much they are connected. Not unlike the classic Farewell My Lovely from the hand of Raymond Chandler.On The Other Hand Death, has Strachey brought in for questioning after it's found out he's been hired to trail an undercover cop working an assignment. At the same time Allen's partner Sebastian Spence's ex Daman Runyon asks that Allen look into some bias related incidents involving a long time lesbian couple, Margot Kidder and Gabrielle Rose.Kidder and Rose leave way out in the rural part of Albany county and when Kidder who is a school guidance counselor finally came out of the closet, several of the neighbors became pretty hostile. Especially one whose son is experiencing those same sex urges. It would make things more convenient all around if Kidder would sell the family farm which has been in her family for generations.Maybe a little too convenient as Allen investigates and finds more than just your garden variety homophobia at work here.On The Other Hand Death will never approach Dashiell Hammett or Raymond Chandler's work in the genre, but why does it have to? If the protagonist was straight this would just be another routine detective story that got a good film made from it. But Allen has done four Strachey stories and may yet do more if the demand is there.Hopefully the demand will be there.

Okay, I have to admit, I've been a Chad Allen fan ever since I caught him live in an off Broadway play called TEMPORARY HELP. I thought he was not only handsome but an excellent actor as well. It's always good to see his work and commitment to a film, play or whatever he promotes. In this film, the last of the four part series, he once again plays gay detective Donald Strachey assigned to a case, or rather several cases at the same time. As the story unravels, you find yourself caught up with the plot and begin guessing who did what to whom. But along the way there are secrets unraveled and dark pasts revealed. It's quite a journey.The gay theme is incidental and done with respect to the gay community by not making it the issue. And yet there are thoughts and statements that cover the subject in a delicate and touching way. Not preached at you but simply told. One of the tenderest scenes involve two young teen aged boys having a secret affair. When discovered by accident by our hero, he tells them such beautiful things and gives them purpose for caring about each other and to stand tall and believe in each other. I just cried when that scene happened. When I was young, how I would have relished that someone in my life to tell me the same things.There are gay relationships abundant in this film. But the subject of the film is greed and land ownership, not being gay. I loved that about this film. You just accepted the relationships. Director, Ron Oliver, did a remarkable job in bringing it all together. You could tell it was he and Chad Allen's dedication to telling the story honestly that made it a real human experience. Oliver does brilliant work in this film.Not to be forgotten are the superb supporting cast; Sebastian Spence as Strachey's lover and partner is a perfect foil for Allen. Being straight doesn't keep him from playing opposite gay actor Allen in any way. In fact you can see the chemistry between the two actors as they are working. Add the legend Margot Kidder as the other half of a lesbian couple who are centered in the story for not selling their farmhouse. Kidder is unpredictable as an actress. But she almost always gives a performance worth watching. In this film she does. As the other half of the partnership, Gabreille Rose is fantastic. Quality exudes from her throughout. She's also a beautiful woman. I hear she did a masterful job as Amanda Wingfield in Tennessee Williams' play THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Nelson Wong brings comedy and a freshness to his role as Starchey's helper. Some funny moments. Damon Runyan is another handsome hunk, playing the only nude scene in the picture, and brings an honest performance. Then Lori Ann Triolo, Barclay Hope, David Orth and Kerry James all are good in their roles.I loved this movie and look forward to more of the same. And Chad Allen, if you read this, don't ever stop your crusade for gay rights. I can't tell you how much that means to those that need to stand up and claim their identity.

This film is about Donald Strachey investigating the harassment of a lesbian couple, and he uncovers a lot of dark secrets along the investigation."On the Other Hand, Death" maintains the mystery and thrill throughout the film. It has a complicated plot, with a lot of unexpected twists. Though it is refreshing to see such a nicely written mystery, the various parts of the mystery needs a lot of explaining and building up. This makes the first half of the film confusing and seems leading to nowhere. When everything finally falls into place, I am marvelled by the storyline.The plot's inclusion of confused teens and people with a dark past make the characters more real. In addition, the relationship between Donald and Timothy is loving, not based on sex as other gay films would jump into at once. This is affirmative and encouraging to people who long for lifelong relationships. I enjoyed watching "On the Other Hand, Death", and I look forward to watching more Donald Strachey films.