简介：NovelistLarryDonner(BillyCrystal)struggleswithwriter'sblockduetohisresentmenttowardshisex-wifeMargaret(KateMulgrew),whostolehisbookandgarneredmainstreamsuccessandcriticalacclaimwithit.OwenLift(DannyDeVito)isatimid,middle-agedmanwhostillliveswithhisoverbearing,abusivemother(AnneRamsey).Owenfantasizesofkillinghismotherbutcan'tsummonthecouragetobringhisdesiresintofruition.AsastudentinLarry'scommunitycollegewritingclass,OwenisgivenadvicebyLarrytoviewanAlfredHitchcockfilmtogainsomeinsightintoplotdevelopment.HeseesStrangersonaTrain,inwhichtwostrangersconspiretocommitamurderforeachother,figuringtheirlackofconnectiontothevictimwill,intheory,establishaperfectalibi.HavingoverheardLarry'spublicrantthathewishhisex-wifedead,OwenformsaplantokillMargaret,believingthatLarrywillrespondbykillinghismother.HetracksMargaretdowntoHawaiiandfollowsherontoacruiseship,apparentlypushingheroverboardwhileshetriestoretrieveanearringthatfellout.OwenreturnsfromHawaiitotellLarryofMargaret'sdeathandthatLarrynow"owes"hi