Why is it that movie makers are consistently reluctant to depict a sensual, nude shower scene, but fall over their feet in their attempts to graphically describe a bare breasted woman getting knifed in the chest?

With violence towards women as its subtext, The Baby Doll Murders makes the Friday the 13th films look like an ERA meeting.

Jeff Kober plays a detective who investigates a string of serial killings. A baby doll is left at each scene of a crime where a woman is found stabbed, in the state of undress. The doll is a clue left by the killer who, obviously, wants to be caught, but the real clue is fathoming why Kober was chosen for the lead. His range and sex appeal are limited to say the least, with Kober reminding you of the illegitimate progeny of a hypothetical gang bang involving Andy of Mayberry, Opie, and Ross Perot.

Kober's not, but his co-star Melanie Moore (not the XXX star), as his is girlfriend, is the screen interest. Moore, who has fabulous legs and face, lights up the proceedings with mountains of sex appeal (look for the hot tub scene), as Kober goes on a manhunt for a killer who covers more territory than an outcall girl.

John Saxon, who's got a dossier of police-chief movie roles thicker than a Dagwood sandwich, plays Kober's annoying, unflinching boss.

The love scenes pull major punches, but gratuitous, flashing tit spotters get more than their share of jollies.