NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
485APOS, 1999-09-08
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<PAGE>


                                                      Registration No. 333-36865


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                ----------------

                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO
                                    FORM S-6
                                FOR REGISTRATION
                                      UNDER
                    THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OF SECURITIES
                      OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS REGISTERED
                                 ON FORM N-8B-2

                                ----------------

                    NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
                              (EXACT NAME OF TRUST)

                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                               (NAME OF DEPOSITOR)
                            720 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
                           MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53202
          (COMPLETE ADDRESS OF DEPOSITOR'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

     JOHN M. BREMER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                            720 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
                           MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53202
                (NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)



                  It is proposed that this filing will become effective

                        immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
                    ---
                        on (DATE) pursuant to paragraph (b)
                    ---
                        60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
                    ---

                     X  on November 8, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule
                    --- 485

                        this post-effective amendment designates a new effective
                    --- date for a previously filed post-effective amendment


                                ----------------


<PAGE>

                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                    NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT

                   VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES

                              CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET

         Cross reference sheet showing location in Prospectus of information
required by Form N-8B-2.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Item Number                             Heading in Prospectus
         -----------                             ---------------------
<S>                                              <C>
             1.........................................Cover Page
             2 ........................................Cover Page; Northwestern Mutual Life
             3 ........................................Not Applicable
             4 ........................................Distribution of the Policies
             5 ........................................The Account
             6 ........................................The Account
             7 ........................................Not Applicable
             8 ........................................Not Applicable
             9 ........................................Legal Proceedings
            10(a)......................................Other Policy Provisions:  OWNER
            10(b)......................................Other Policy Provisions:  DIVIDENDS
            10(c) and (d)..............................Death Benefit, Cash Value, Policy
                                                       Loans, Withdrawals of Policy Value, Right to Return
                                                       Policy
            10(e)......................................Premiums, Termination and
                                                       Reinstatement
            10(f)......................................Voting Rights
            10(g)......................................Voting Rights, Substitution of Fund
                                                       Shares and Other Changes
            10(h)......................................Voting Rights, Substitution of Fund
                                                       Shares and Other Changes
            10(i)......................................Premiums, Death Benefit, Cash Value,
                                                       Dividends
            11.........................................The Account, The Funds
            12 ........................................The Funds
            13 ........................................Summary, The Funds, Deductions and
                                                       Charges, Distribution of the Policies
            14 ........................................Summary:  The Policy:  Availability
                                                       Limitations
            15 ........................................Premiums, Allocations to the Account
            16 ........................................The Account, The Funds, Allocations
                                                       to the Account
            17 ........................................Same Captions as Items 10(a), (c),
                                                       and (d)
            18 ........................................The Account, Detailed Information about
                                                       the Policy
            19 ........................................Reports
            20 ........................................Not Applicable
            21 ........................................Policy Loans
            22 ........................................Other Policy Provisions:
                                                       INCONTESTABILITY and DEFERRAL OF
                                                       DETERMINATION AND PAYMENT
            23.........................................Not Applicable
            24 ........................................Not Applicable
            25 ........................................Northwestern Mutual Life
            26 ........................................The Funds, Deductions and Charges
            27 ........................................Northwestern Mutual Life
            28 ........................................Management
            29 ........................................Not Applicable
            30 ........................................Not Applicable
            31 ........................................Not Applicable
            32 ........................................Not Applicable


                                      -ii-

<PAGE>

            33 ........................................Not Applicable
            34 ........................................Not Applicable
            35 ........................................Northwestern Mutual Life
            36 ........................................Not Applicable
            37 ........................................Not Applicable
            38 ........................................Distribution of the Policies
            39 ........................................Distribution of the Policies
            40 ........................................The Funds
            41 ........................................The Funds, Distribution of the Policies
            42 ........................................Not Applicable
            43 ........................................Not Applicable
            44 ........................................The Funds, Premiums, Death Benefit,
                                                       Allocations to the Account, Cash Value
            45 ........................................Not Applicable
            46 ........................................Same Captions as Items 10(c) and (d)
            47 ........................................Not Applicable
            48 ........................................Not Applicable
            49 ........................................Not Applicable
            50 ........................................The Account
            51 ........................................Numerous Captions
            52 ........................................Substitution of Fund Shares and
                                                       Other Changes
            53 ........................................Not Applicable
            54 ........................................Not Applicable
            55 ........................................Not Applicable
            56 ........................................Not Applicable
            57 ........................................Not Applicable
            58 ........................................Not Applicable
            59 ........................................Financial Statements
</TABLE>


                                      -iii-
<PAGE>


November 8, 1999



[LOGO]
The Quiet Company-Registered Trademark-

P R O S P E C T U S

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE

Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy





                                                    (PHOTO)










Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. and
Russell Insurance Funds

The Northwestern Mutual
Life Insurance Company
720 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(414) 271-1444


<PAGE>

CONTENTS FOR THIS PROSPECTUS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      PAGE
                                                      ----
<S>                                                   <C>
Prospectus..............................................1
Summary ................................................2
     Variable Life Insurance............................2
     The Account and its Divisions......................2
     The Policy.........................................2
       Availability Limitations.........................2
       Premiums.........................................2
       Death Benefit....................................2
       Cash Value ......................................2
       Deductions and Charges...........................2
         From Premiums..................................2
         From Policy Value..............................2
         From the Mutual Funds..........................3
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company,
     Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account,
         Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. and
         Russell Insurance Funds........................4
     Northwestern Mutual Life...........................4
     The Account........................................4
     The Funds..........................................4
     Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc...............4
        Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio................4
        Aggressive Growth Stock Portfolio...............4
        International Equity Portfolio..................4
        Index 400 Stock Portfolio.......................4
        Growth Stock Portfolio..........................5
        Growth and Income Stock Portfolio...............5
        Index 500 Stock Portfolio.......................5
        Balanced Portfolio..............................5
        High Yield Bond Portfolio.......................5
        Select Bond Portfolio...........................5
        Money Market Portfolio..........................5
        Russell Insurance Funds.........................5
        Multi-Style Equity Fund.........................5
        Aggressive Equity Fund..........................5
        Non-U.S. Fund...................................5
        Real Estate Securities Fund.....................6
        Core Bond Fund..................................6
Detailed Information About the Policy...................6
     Premiums...........................................6
     Death Benefit......................................6
       Death Benefit Options............................6
       Choice of Tests for Tax Purposes.................6
       Death Benefit Changes............................7
     Allocations to the Account.........................7
     Deductions and Charges.............................7
       Deductions from Premiums.........................7
       Charges Against the Policy Value.................8
       Expenses of the Funds............................8
       Policies Issued Prior to November 1, 1999........8
   Cash Value...........................................8
   Policy Loans.........................................9
   Withdrawals of Policy Value..........................9
   Termination and Reinstatement........................9
       Right to Return Policy..........................10
       Other Policy Provisions.........................10
           Owner.......................................10
           Beneficiary.................................10
           Incontestability............................10
           Suicide.....................................10
           Misstatement of Age or Sex..................10
           Collateral Assignment.......................10
           Deferral of Determination and Payment.......10
           Dividends...................................10
       Voting Rights...................................10
       Substitution of Fund Shares
         and Other Changes.............................11
   Reports.............................................11
   Distribution of the Policies........................11
   Tax Considerations..................................11
       General.........................................11
       Life Insurance Qualification....................11
       Tax Treatment of Life Insurance.................12
       Modified Endowment Contracts....................12
       Other Tax Considerations........................13
   Other Information...................................13
       Management......................................13
       Regulation......................................16
       Year 2000 Issues................................16
       Legal Proceedings...............................16
       Registration Statement..........................16
       Experts.........................................16
   Financial Statements................................17
     Financial Statements of the Account
       (for the two years ended June 30, 1999).........17
     Report of Independent Accountants
       (for the two years ended December 31, 1998).....25
     Financial Statements of the Account
       (for the two years ended December 31, 1998).....26
     Financial Statements of Northwestern Mutual Life
       (for the three years ended
          December 31, 1998)...........................32
     Report of Independent Accountants
       (for the three years ended
         December 31, 1998)............................45
   Appendix............................................46
</TABLE>



<PAGE>

P R O S P E C T U S


NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE

FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

This prospectus describes the Variable Executive Life Policy (the "Policy")
offered by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. The Policy is an
individual flexible premium variable life insurance policy designed to be used
for a variety of business purposes.

The Policy offers flexible premium payments, sixteen investment funding options
and a choice of three death benefit options.

The investment options correspond to the eleven Portfolios of Northwestern
Mutual Series Fund, Inc. and the five Funds which comprise the Russell Insurance
Funds. The prospectuses for these mutual funds, attached to this prospectus,
describe the investment objectives for all of the Portfolios and Funds.

The values provided by the Policy vary daily depending on investment results.
These values are not guaranteed. The Portfolios and Funds present varying
degrees of investment risk.

You may return a Policy for a limited period of time. See "Right to Return
Policy", p. 10.


IT MAY NOT BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO REPLACE EXISTING INSURANCE WITH A VARIABLE LIFE
INSURANCE POLICY. SEE DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES AND CASH VALUE.

THIS PROSPECTUS IS VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT PROSPECTUSES FOR
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL SERIES FUND, INC. AND THE RUSSELL INSURANCE FUNDS WHICH ARE
ATTACHED HERETO, AND SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


                                       1
<PAGE>

SUMMARY

THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY PROVIDES A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE POLICY. IT OMITS DETAILS
WHICH ARE INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ATTACHED MUTUAL FUND
PROSPECTUSES AND IN THE TERMS OF THE POLICY.

VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE

Variable life insurance is cash value life insurance and is similar in many ways
to traditional fixed benefit life insurance. Both kinds of life insurance
provide an income tax-free death benefit and a cash value that grows
tax-deferred. Variable life insurance allows the policyowner to direct the
premiums, after certain deductions, among a range of investment options. The
variable life insurance death benefit and cash value vary to reflect the
performance of the selected investments.

THE ACCOUNT AND ITS DIVISIONS

Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account is the investment vehicle for the
Policies. The Account has sixteen divisions. You determine how net premiums are
to be apportioned. We invest the assets of each division in a corresponding
Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. or one of the Russell
Insurance Funds. The eleven Portfolios of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.
are the Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio, Aggressive Growth Stock Portfolio,
International Equity Portfolio, Index 400 Stock Portfolio, Growth Stock
Portfolio, Growth and Income Stock Portfolio, Index 500 Stock Portfolio,
Balanced Portfolio, High Yield Bond Portfolio, Select Bond Portfolio and Money
Market Portfolio. The five Russell Insurance Funds are the Multi-Style Equity
Fund, Aggressive Equity Fund, Non-U.S. Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, and
Core Bond Fund. For additional information about the funds see the attached
prospectuses.

THE POLICY

AVAILABILITY LIMITATIONS We have designed the Variable Executive Life Policy for
use with non-tax qualified executive benefit plans. We offer the Policy for use
with corporate-sponsored plans where at least five Policies will be issued, each
on the life of a different eligible insured person, and the first year premium
for the group will be at least $250,000. We will permit exceptions in some cases
and additional requirements may apply. Each case must be approved at our Home
Office.

PREMIUMS You may pay premiums at any time and in any amounts, within limits, but
additional premiums will be required to keep the Policy in force if values
become insufficient to pay current charges.

DEATH BENEFIT The Policy offers a choice of three death benefit options:

- -        SPECIFIED AMOUNT (OPTION A)

- -        SPECIFIED AMOUNT PLUS POLICY VALUE (OPTION B)

- -        SPECIFIED AMOUNT PLUS PREMIUMS PAID (OPTION C)

In each case, the death benefit will be at least the amount needed to meet
federal income tax requirements for life insurance. You select the Specified
Amount when you purchase the Policy. You may increase or decrease the Specified
Amount, within limits and subject to conditions, after a Policy is issued. The
minimum amount is $50,000.00. No minimum death benefit is guaranteed.

CASH VALUE The cash value of a Policy is not guaranteed and varies daily to
reflect investment experience. You may surrender a Policy for its cash value.
The Policy also includes loan and withdrawal provisions.

DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES

FROM PREMIUMS

- -        Deduction of 3.6% for local, state and federal taxes attributable to
         premiums


- -        Sales load of 15% up to the Target Premium for first Policy year, 6.8%
         of premiums up to the Target Premium for Policy years 2-6, and 3% of
         all other premiums. The Target Premium is based on the modified
         endowment contract seven-pay limit for the Specified Amount and the age
         and sex of the insured. See "Modified Endowment Contracts", p. 12. A
         Policy receiving the 3% deduction in the first Policy year on any
         portion of the premium will be classified as a modified endowment
         contract.


FROM POLICY VALUE

- -        Cost of insurance charge deducted monthly, is based on the net amount
         at risk, the age, sex and risk classification of the insured, and the
         Policy duration. Current charges are based on our experience.
         Maximum charges are based on the 1980 CSO Mortality Tables.

- -        Monthly mortality and expense risk charge. The current charge is at the
         annual rate of .75% (0.06250% monthly rate) of the Policy Value, less
         any Policy debt, for the first 10 Policy years, and .30% (0.02500%
         monthly rate) thereafter. The maximum annual rate is .90% (0.07500%
         monthly rate).


                                       2
<PAGE>

- -        Monthly administrative charge. The current charge is $15.00 in the
         first Policy year and $5.00 thereafter. The maximum charge is $15 in
         the first Policy year and $10 thereafter.

- -        Charge for expenses and taxes associated with the Policy loan, if any.
         The aggregate charge is at the current annual rate of .75% (0.06250%
         monthly rate) of the Policy debt for the first ten Policy years and
         .20% (0.01667%) thereafter.

- -        Any transaction charges that may result from a withdrawal, a transfer,
         a change in the Specified Amount or a change in the death benefit
         option. We are currently waiving these charges. The maximum charge is
         $250 for death benefit option changes and $25 for each of the other
         transactions.

FROM THE MUTUAL FUNDS

- -         A daily charge for investment advisory and other services provided to
          the mutual funds. The total expenses vary by Portfolio or Fund and
          currently fall in an approximate range of .21% to 2.37% of assets on
          an annual basis.

The following table shows the annual expenses for each of the Portfolios and
Funds, as a percentage of the average net assets, based on 1998 operations.
Expenses for the Portfolios and Funds which were not in operation during 1998
are estimated.

                      NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL SERIES FUND, INC.
                      -------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   INVESTMENT
                    ADVISORY       OTHER      TOTAL
PORTFOLIO              FEE       EXPENSES   EXPENSES
- ---------            -------     --------   --------
<S>                   <C>        <C>        <C>
Small Cap Growth
  Stock* ...........  .80%          .46%       1.26%
Aggressive Growth
  Stock.............  .52%          .00%      .52%
International Equity                .67%      .09%
 .76%
Index 400 Stock*....  .25%          .23%      .48%
Growth Stock .......  .45%          .01%      .46%
Growth and Income
  Stock.............  .57%          .01%      .58%
Index 500 Stock.....  .20%          .01%      .21%
Balanced............  .30%          .00%      .30%
High Yield Bond.....  .49%          .01%      .50%
Select Bond.........  .30%          .00%      .30%
Money Market........  .30%          .00%      .30%
</TABLE>

*SMALL CAP GROWTH STOCK AND INDEX 400 STOCK PORTFOLIOS
Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), investment adviser to
Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion
of its advisory fee, up to the full amount of that fee, equal to the amount by
which total operating expenses exceed (1) 0.92% of the Small Cap Growth Stock
Portfolio's average daily net assets on an annual basis, and (2) 0.35% of the
Index 400 Stock Portfolio's average daily net assets. In addition, NMIS has
voluntarily agreed to reimburse each of these portfolios for all remaining
expenses after fee waivers which exceed (1) 0.92% in the case of the Small Cap
Growth Stock Portfolio, and (2) 0.35% in the case of the Index 400 Stock
Portfolio, of the average daily net assets on an annual basis. This waiver and
reimbursement, in each case, may be revised or eliminated at any time without
notice to shareholders. Operating expenses are based on average net assets
expected to be invested during the period ending on December 31, 1999. During
the course of this period, expenses may be more or less than the amounts shown.

                             RUSSELL INSURANCE FUNDS
                             -----------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   INVESTMENT
                    ADVISORY       OTHER      TOTAL
FUND                  FEE *      EXPENSES*  EXPENSES
- ----                -------      --------   --------
<S>                  <C>         <C>        <C>
Multi-Style Equity
  Fund.............. 0.78%         0.43%     1.21%
Aggressive Equity
  Fund.............. 0.95%         0.72%     1.67%
Non-U.S. Fund....... 0.95%         1.42%     2.37%
Real Estate Securities
  Fund.............. 0.85%         0.30%     1.15%
Core Bond Fund...... 0.60%         0.68%     1.28%
</TABLE>


*MULTI-STYLE EQUITY FUND  Frank Russell Investment Company's (FRIC's) advisor,
Frank Russell Investment Management Company (FRIMCo) has contractually agreed to
waive, at least until April 30, 2000, a portion of its 0.78% management fee, up
to the full amount of that fee, equal to the amount by which the Fund's total
operating expenses exceed 0.92% of the Fund's average daily net assets on an
annual basis and to reimburse the Fund for all remaining expenses after fee
waivers which exceed 0.92% of the average daily net assets on an annual basis.
Taking the fee waivers into account, the actual annual total operating expenses
were 0.92% of the average net assets of the Multi-Style Fund.



AGGRESSIVE EQUITY FUND  FRIMCo has contractually agreed to waive, at least until
April 30, 2000, a portion of its 0.95% management fee, up to the full amount of
that fee, equal to the amount by which the Fund's total operating expenses
exceed 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets on an annual basis and to
reimburse the Fund for all remaining expenses after fee waivers which exceed
1.25% of the average daily net assets on an annual basis. Taking the fee waivers
into account, the actual annual total operating expenses were 1.25% of the
average net assets of the Aggressive Equity Fund.



NON-U.S. FUND FRIMCo has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its 0.95%
management fee, up to the full amount of that fee, equal to the amount by which
the Fund's total operating expenses exceed 1.30% of the Fund's average daily net
assets on an annual basis and to reimburse the Fund for all remaining expenses
after fee waivers which exceed 1.30% of the average daily net assets on an
annual basis. Taking the fee waivers into account, the actual annual total
operating expenses were 1.30% of the average net assets of the Non-U.S. Fund.



REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND FRIMCo has contractually agreed to waive a portion
of its .85% management fee, up to the full amount of that fee, equal to the
amount by which the Fund's total operating expenses exceed 1.15% of the Fund's
average daily net assets on an annual basis and to reimburse the Fund for all
remaining expenses after fee waivers which exceed 1.15% of the average daily net
assets on an annual basis. Operating expenses are based on average net assets
expected to be invested during the year ending December 31, 1999. During the
course of this period, expenses may be more or less than the amount shown.



CORE BOND FUND FRIMCo has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its 0.60%
management fee, up to the full amount of that fee, equal to the amount by which
the Fund's total operating expenses exceed .80% of the Fund's average daily net
assets on an annual basis and to reimburse the Fund for all remaining expenses
after fee waivers which exceed .80% of the average daily net assets on an annual
basis. Taking the fee waivers into account, the actual annual total operating
expenses were .80% of the average net assets of the Core Bond Fund.



                                       3
<PAGE>

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT,
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL SERIES FUND, INC. AND
RUSSELL INSURANCE FUNDS


NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company is a mutual life insurance
company organized by a special act of the Wisconsin Legislature in 1857. It is
the nation's fourth largest life insurance company, based on total assets in
excess of $77 billion on December 31, 1998, and is licensed to conduct a
conventional life insurance business in the District of Columbia and in all
states of the United States. Northwestern Mutual Life sells life and disability
insurance policies and annuity contracts through its own field force of
approximately 6,000 full time producing agents. The Internal Revenue Service
Employer Identification Number of Northwestern Mutual Life is 39-0509570.

"We" in this prospectus means Northwestern Mutual Life.

THE ACCOUNT

We established Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account by action of our
Trustees on November 23, 1983, in accordance with the provisions of Wisconsin
insurance law. Under Wisconsin law the income, gains and losses, realized or
unrealized, of the Account are credited to or charged against the assets of the
Account without regard to our other income, gains or losses. We use the Account
only for variable life insurance policies, including other variable life
insurance policies which are described in other prospectuses.

The Account is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a unit
investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This registration
does not involve supervision of management or investment practices or policies.
The Account has sixteen divisions. All of the assets of each division are
invested in shares of the corresponding Portfolio or Fund described below.

THE FUNDS

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL SERIES FUND, INC.

Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. is a mutual fund of the series type
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end diversified
management investment company. The Account buys shares of each Portfolio at
their net asset value without any sales charge.

The investment adviser for the Fund is Northwestern Mutual Investment Services,
LLC ("NMIS"), our wholly-owned subsidiary. The investment advisory agreements
for the respective Portfolios provide that NMIS will provide services and bear
certain expenses of the Fund. For providing investment advisory and other
services and bearing Fund expenses, the Fund pays NMIS a fee at an annual rate
which ranges from .20% of the aggregate average daily net assets of the Index
500 Stock Portfolio to a maximum of .67% for the International Equity Portfolio,
based on 1998 asset size. Other expenses borne by the Portfolios range from 0%
for the Select Bond, Money Market and Balanced Portfolios to .09% for the
International Equity Portfolio. We provide the people and facilities NMIS uses
in performing its investment advisory functions and we are a party to the
investment advisory agreement. NMIS has retained J.P. Morgan Investment
Management, Inc. and Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. under investment
sub-advisory agreements to provide investment advice to the Growth and Income
Stock Portfolio and the International Equity Portfolio.

The investment objectives and types of investments for each of the eleven
Portfolios of the Fund are set forth below. There can be no assurance that the
Portfolios will realize their objectives. For more information about the
investment objectives and policies, the attendant risk factors and expenses see
the attached prospectus for Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.


SMALL CAP GROWTH STOCK PORTFOLIO The investment objective of the Small Cap
Growth Stock Portfolio is long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio will seek
to achieve this objective primarily by investing in the common stocks of
companies which can reasonably be expected to increase sales and earnings at a
pace which will exceed the growth rate of the U.S. economy over an extended
period.


AGGRESSIVE GROWTH STOCK PORTFOLIO. The investment objective of the Aggressive
Growth Stock Portfolio is to achieve long-term appreciation of capital primarily
by investing in the common stocks of companies which can reasonably be expected
to increase their sales and earnings at a pace which will exceed the growth rate
of the nation's economy over an extended period.

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO. The investment objective of the International
Equity Portfolio is long-term capital growth. It pursues its objective through a
flexible policy of investing in stocks and debt securities of companies and
governments outside the United States.


INDEX 400 STOCK PORTFOLIO The investment objective of the Index 400 Stock
Portfolio is to achieve investment results that approximate the performance of


                                       4
<PAGE>

the Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index ("S&P 400 Index"). The Portfolio will
attempt to meet this objective by investing in stocks included in the S&P 400
Index.


GROWTH STOCK PORTFOLIO. The investment objective of the Growth Stock Portfolio
is long-term growth of capital; current income is secondary. The Portfolio will
seek to achieve this objective by selecting investments in companies which have
above average earnings growth potential.

GROWTH AND INCOME STOCK PORTFOLIO. The investment objective of the Growth and
Income Stock Portfolio is long-term growth of capital and income. Ordinarily the
Portfolio pursues its investment objectives by investing primarily in
dividend-paying common stock.

INDEX 500 STOCK PORTFOLIO. The investment objective of the Index 500 Stock
Portfolio is to achieve investment results that approximate the performance of
the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index ("S&P 500 Index"). The
Portfolio will attempt to meet this objective by investing in stocks included in
the S&P 500 Index. Stocks are generally more volatile than debt securities and
involve greater investment risks.

BALANCED PORTFOLIO. The investment objective of the Balanced Portfolio is to
realize as high a level of long-term total rate of return as is consistent with
prudent investment risk. The Balanced Portfolio will invest in common stocks and
other equity securities, bonds and money market instruments. Investment in the
Balanced Portfolio necessarily involves the risks inherent in stocks and debt
securities of varying maturities, including the risk that the Portfolio may
invest too much or too little of its assets in each type of security at any
particular time.

HIGH YIELD BOND PORTFOLIO. The investment objective of the High Yield Bond
Portfolio is to achieve high current income and capital appreciation by
investing primarily in fixed income securities that are rated below investment
grade by the major rating agencies.

SELECT BOND PORTFOLIO. The primary investment objective of the Select Bond
Portfolio is to provide as high a level of long-term total rate of return as is
consistent with prudent investment risk. A secondary objective is to seek
preservation of shareholders' capital. The Select Bond Portfolio will invest
primarily in debt securities. The value of debt securities will tend to rise and
fall inversely with the rise and fall of interest rates.

MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO. The investment objective of the Money Market Portfolio
is to realize maximum current income consistent with liquidity and stability of
capital. The Money Market Portfolio will invest in money market instruments and
other debt securities with maturities generally not exceeding one year. The
return produced by these securities will reflect fluctuations in short-term
interest rates.

RUSSELL INSURANCE FUNDS

The Russell Insurance Funds also comprise a mutual fund of the series type
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end diversified
management investment company. The Account buys shares of each of the Russell
Insurance Funds at their net asset value without any sales charge.

The assets of each of the Russell Insurance Funds are invested by one or more
investment management organizations researched and recommended by Frank Russell
Company ("Russell"), and an affiliate of Russell, Frank Russell Investment
Management Company ("FRIMCo"). FRIMCo also advises, operates and administers the
Russell Insurance Funds. Russell is our majority-owned subsidiary.


The investment objectives and types of investments for each of the five Russell
Insurance Funds are set forth below. There can be no assurance that the Funds
will realize their objectives. A table showing the expense ratios for each of
the Russell Insurance Funds is included in the Summary above, at PAGE 3. For
more information about the investment objectives and policies, the attendant
risk factors and expenses see the attached prospectus for the Russell Insurance
Funds.


MULTI-STYLE EQUITY FUND. The investment objective of the Multi-Style Equity Fund
is to provide income and capital growth by investing principally in equity
securities. The Multi-Style Equity Fund invests primarily in common stocks of
medium and large capitalization companies. These companies are predominately
US-based, although the Fund may invest a limited portion of its assets in non-US
firms from time to time.

AGGRESSIVE EQUITY FUND. The investment objective of the Aggressive Equity Fund
is to provide capital appreciation by assuming a higher level of volatility than
is ordinarily expected from Multi-Style Equity Fund by investing in equity
securities. The Aggressive Equity Fund invests primarily in common stocks of
small and medium capitalization companies. These companies are predominately
US-based, although the Fund may invest in non-US firms from time to time.

NON-U.S. FUND. The investment objective of the Non-U.S. Fund is to provide
favorable total return and additional diversification for US investors by
investing primarily in equity and fixed-income securities of non-US companies,
and securities issued by non-US governments. The Non-U.S. Fund invests primarily
in equity securities issued by companies domiciled


                                       5
<PAGE>

outside the United States and in depository receipts, which represent ownership
of securities of non-US companies.

REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND. The investment objective of the Real Estate
Securities Fund is to generate a high level of total return through above
average current income, while maintaining the potential for capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by concentrating its
investments in equity securities of issuers whose value is derived primarily
from development, management and market pricing of underlying real estate
properties.

CORE BOND FUND. The investment objective of the Core Bond Fund is to maximize
total return, through capital appreciation and income, by assuming a level of
volatility consistent with the broad fixed-income market, by investing in
fixed-income securities. The Core Bond Fund invests primarily in fixed-income
securities. In particular, the Fund holds debt securities issued or guaranteed
by the US government, or to a lesser extent by non-US governments, or by their
respective agencies and instrumentalities. It also holds mortgage-backed
securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations. The Fund also invests
in corporate debt securities and dollar-denominated obligations issued in the US
by non-US banks and corporations (Yankee Bonds). A majority of the Fund's
holdings are US dollar-denominated. From time to time the Fund may invest in
municipal debt obligations.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICY

PREMIUMS

The Policy permits you to pay premiums at any time before the Policy anniversary
that is nearest the insured's 95th birthday and in any amounts within the limits
described in this section.

We use the Specified Amount you select when you purchase the Policy to determine
the minimum initial premium. The minimum initial premium is approximately equal
to three times the initial monthly Cost of Insurance Charge and other
deductions.


We calculate a Target Premium when the Policy is issued and we use the Target
Premium to determine the sales load. The Target Premium is based on the modified
endowment contract seven-pay limit for the Specified Amount and the age and sex
of the insured.


After a Policy is issued, there are no minimum premiums, except that we will not
accept a premium of less than $25. The Policy will remain in force during the
insured's lifetime so long as the Policy Value, less the amount of any Policy
debt, is sufficient to pay the monthly cost of insurance charge and other
current charges.

The Policy sets no maximum on premiums, but we will accept a premium that would
increase the net amount at risk only if the insurance, as increased, will be
within our issue limits, the insured meets our insurability requirements and we
receive the premium prior to the anniversary nearest the insured's 75th
birthday. We will not accept a premium if it would disqualify the Policy as life
insurance for federal income tax purposes. We will accept a premium, however,
even if it would cause the Policy to be classified as a modified endowment
contract. See "Tax Considerations", p. 11.


DEATH BENEFIT

DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS The Policy provides for three death benefit options:

SPECIFIED AMOUNT (OPTION A) You select the Specified Amount when you purchase
the Policy.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT PLUS POLICY VALUE (OPTION B) The Policy Value is the cumulative
amount invested, adjusted for investment results, reduced by the charges for
insurance and other expenses.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT PLUS PREMIUMS PAID (OPTION C)

In addition, under any of the Options, we will increase the Death Benefit if
necessary to meet the definitional requirements for life insurance for federal
income tax purposes as discussed below.

Under any of the death benefit options the death benefit will be equal to the
Policy Value at all times on and after the Policy anniversary nearest the 100th
birthday of the insured.

CHOICE OF TESTS FOR TAX PURPOSES A Policy must satisfy one of two testing
methods to qualify as life insurance for federal income tax purposes. You may
choose either the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test or the Cash Value
Accumulation Test. Both tests require the Policy to meet minimum ratios, or
multiples, of death benefit to the Policy Value. The minimum multiple decreases
as the age of the insured advances. You make the choice of testing methods when
you purchase a Policy and it may not be changed.


                                       6
<PAGE>

For the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test the minimum multiples of
death benefit to the Policy Value are shown below.

           Guideline Premium/Cash Value
           ----------------------------
               Corridor Test Multiples
               -----------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Attained   Policy              Attained   Policy
- --------   ------              --------   ------
Age        Value %             Age        Value %
- ---        -------             ---        -------
<S>         <C>                <C>        <C>
40 or under..250               61...........128
41...........243               62...........126
42...........236               63...........124
43...........229               64...........122
44...........222               65...........120
45...........215               66...........119
46...........209               67...........118
47...........203               68...........117
48...........197               69...........116
49...........191               70...........115
50...........185               71...........113
51...........178               72...........111
52...........171               73...........109
53...........164               74...........107
54...........157               75-90........105
55...........150               91...........104
56...........146               92...........103
57...........142               93...........102
58...........138               94...........101
59...........134               95 or over...100
60...........130
</TABLE>

For the Cash Value Accumulation Test the minimum multiples of death benefit to
the Policy Value are calculated using net single premiums based on the attained
age of the insured and the Policy's underwriting classification, using a 4%
interest rate.

The Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test has lower minimum multiples than
the Cash Value Accumulation Test, usually resulting in better cash value
accumulation for a given amount of premium. But the Guideline Premium/Cash Value
Corridor Test limits the amount of premium that may be paid in each Policy year.
The Cash Value Accumulation Test has no such annual limitation, and allows more
premium to be paid during the early Policy years.

DEATH BENEFIT CHANGES After we issue a Policy you may change the death benefit
option, or increase or decrease the Specified Amount, subject to our approval.
Changes are subject to insurability requirements and issue limits. We will not
permit a change if it results in a Specified Amount less than the minimum for a
new Policy that we would issue on that date.

A change in the death benefit option, or an increase or decrease in the
Specified Amount, will be effective on the monthly processing date next
following receipt of a written request at our Home Office.

Administrative charges of up to $250 for a change in the death benefit option,
and up to $25 for each of more than one change in the Specified Amount in a
Policy year, may apply. We will deduct any such charges from the Policy Value.
We are currently waiving these charges.

A change in the death benefit option, or an increase or decrease in the
Specified Amount, may have important tax effects. See "Tax Considerations", p.
11. The cost of insurance charge will increase if a change results in a larger
net amount at risk. See "Charges Against the Policy Value," below.

ALLOCATIONS TO THE ACCOUNT

We place the initial net premium in the Account on the Policy date. Net premiums
you pay thereafter are placed in the Account on the date we receive them at our
Home Office. Net premiums are premiums less the deductions from premiums. See
"Deductions from Premiums," below.


We invest premiums we place in the Account prior to the initial allocation date
in the Money Market Division of the Account. The initial allocation date is
identified in the Policy and is the later of the date we approved the
application and the date we received the initial premium at our Home Office. A
different initial allocation date applies in those states which require a refund
of at least the premium paid during the period when the Policy may be returned.
In those states, the initial allocation date will be one day after the end of
the period during which the policyowner has the right to return the Policy,
based on the applicable state laws. See "Right to Return Policy", p.10. On the
initial allocation date we invest the amount in the Money Market Division in the
Account divisions as you have directed in the application for the Policy. You
may change the allocation for future net premiums at any time by written request
and the change will be effective for premiums we place in the Account
thereafter. Allocation must be in whole percentages.


You may transfer accumulated amounts from one division of the Account to
another. Transfers are effective on the date we receive a written request at our
Home Office. We reserve the right to charge a fee of up to $25, to cover
administrative costs of transfers, if there are more than twelve transfers in a
Policy year. We are currently waiving these charges.

DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES

DEDUCTIONS FROM PREMIUMS We deduct a charge for taxes attributable to premiums
from each premium.


                                       7
<PAGE>

The total amount of this deduction is 3.6% of the premium. Of this amount 2.35%
is for state premium taxes. Premium taxes vary from state to state and currently
range from .5% to 3.5% of life insurance premiums. The 2.35% rate is an average.
The tax rate for a particular state may be lower, higher, or equal to the 2.35%
deduction. We do not expect to profit from this charge. The remainder of the
deduction, 1.25% of each premium, is for federal income taxes measured by
premiums. We believe that this charge does not exceed a reasonable estimate of
our federal income taxes attributable to the treatment of deferred acquisition
costs.


We deduct a charge for sales costs from each premium. The charge is 15% of
premiums paid during the first Policy year up to the Target Premium, 6.8% of
premiums paid during each of Policy years 2-6 up to the Target Premium, and 3%
of all other premiums. The Target Premium is based on the modified endowment
contract seven-pay limit for the Specified Amount and the age and sex of the
insured. See "Modified Endowment Contracts", p. 12. To the extent that sales
expenses exceed the amounts deducted, we will pay the expenses from our other
assets. These assets may include, among other things, any gain realized from the
monthly charge against the Policy Value for the mortality and expense risks we
have assumed, as described below.


CHARGES AGAINST THE POLICY VALUE We deduct a cost of insurance charge from the
Policy Value on each monthly processing date. We determine the amount by
multiplying the net amount at risk by the cost of insurance rate. The net amount
at risk is equal to the death benefit currently in effect less the Policy Value.
The cost of insurance rate reflects the issue age, policy duration and risk
classification of the insured. The maximum cost of insurance rates are included
in the Policy.

We also deduct a charge for the mortality and expense risks we have assumed. The
maximum amount of the charge is equal to an annual rate of .90% (0.07500%
monthly rate) of the Policy Value, less any Policy debt. Currently the charge is
equal to an annual rate of .75% (0.06250% monthly rate) of Policy Value, less
any Policy debt, for the first ten Policy years and .30% (0.0250% monthly rate)
thereafter. The mortality risk is that insureds may not live as long as we
estimated. The expense risk is that expenses of issuing and administering the
Policies may exceed the estimated costs. We will realize a gain from this charge
to the extent it is not needed to provide benefits and pay expenses under the
Policies.


We deduct a monthly administrative charge of not more than $15 for the first
Policy year and $10 thereafter. Currently this charge will be $5 after the first
Policy year. This charge is for administrative expenses, including costs of
premium collection, processing claims, keeping records and communicating with
Policyowners. We do not expect to profit from this charge.



We deduct a charge for the expenses and taxes associated with the Policy debt,
if any. The aggregate charge is at the current annual rate of 0.75% (0.06250%
monthly rate) of the Policy debt for the first ten Policy years and 0.20%
(0.01667% monthly rate) thereafter.


The Policy provides for transaction fees to be deducted from the Policy Value on
the dates on which transactions take place. These charges are $25 for changes in
the Specified Amount, withdrawals or transfers of assets among the divisions of
the Account if more than twelve transfers take place in a Policy year. The fee
for a change in the death benefit option is $250. Currently we are waiving all
of these fees.

We will apportion deductions from the Policy Value among the divisions of the
Account in proportion to the amounts invested in the divisions.

EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS The investment performance of each division of the Account
reflects all expenses borne by the corresponding Portfolio or Fund. The expenses
are summarized above on page 3. See the attached mutual fund prospectuses for
more information about those expenses.


POLICIES ISSUED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 1, 1999 For Policies issued prior to November
1, 1999, including Policies issued after that date in states where the current
Policy form has not been approved, the deduction from premiums for sales costs
is 15% of premiums paid during the first Policy year up to the Target Premium
and 3% of all other premiums.


CASH VALUE


You may surrender a Policy for the cash value at any time during the lifetime of
the insured. The cash value for the Policy will change daily in response to
investment results. No minimum cash value is guaranteed. The cash value is equal
to the Policy Value reduced by any Policy debt outstanding. During the first
Policy year the cash value is increased by the amount of sales load previously
deducted from premiums, during the second Policy year the cash value is
increased by 66.67% of previous sales load deductions and during the third
Policy year the cash value is increased by 33.33% of the previous sales load
deductions. This increase in cash value during the first three Policy years does
not apply if the Policy is in a grace period on the date on which you surrender
the Policy. This increase in cash value is not available in New Jersey. The cash
values shown in the illustrations on pages 47 - 50 are not correct for Policy
Years 1, 2 and 3 for Policies sold in New Jersey. Corrected illustrations are
available upon request.



                                       8
<PAGE>

We determine the cash value for a Policy at the end of each valuation period.
Each business day, together with any non-business days before it, is a valuation
period. A business day is any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open
for trading. In accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act
of l940, we may also determine the cash value for a Policy on any other day on
which there is sufficient trading in securities to materially affect the value
of the securities held by the Portfolios or Funds.


For Policies issued prior to November 1, 1999, including Policies issued after
that date in states where the current Policy form has not been approved, the
cash value is equal to the Policy Value reduced by any Policy debt outstanding.
During the first policy year the cash value is increased by the amount of sales
load previously deducted from premiums, and during the second Policy year the
cash value is increased by 50% of previous sales load deductions. The increase
in cash value during the first two Policy years does not apply if the Policy is
in a grace period on the date on which you surrender the Policy. This increase
in cash value is not available in New Jersey. See "Policies Issued Prior to
November 1, 1999", p. 8.


POLICY LOANS

You may borrow up to 90% of the Policy Value using the Policy as security. If a
Policy loan is already outstanding, the maximum amount for any new loan is 90%
of the Policy Value, less the amount already borrowed.

Interest on a Policy loan accrues and is payable on a daily basis at an annual
effective rate of 5%. We add unpaid interest to the amount of the loan. If the
amount of the loan equals or exceeds the Policy Value on a monthly processing
date, the Policy will enter the grace period. See "Termination and
Reinstatement", below. We will send you a notice at least 61 days before the
termination date. The notice will show how much you must pay to keep the Policy
in force.

We will take the amount of a Policy loan from the Account divisions in
proportion to the amounts in the divisions. We will transfer the amounts
withdrawn to our general account and will credit them on a daily basis with an
annual earnings rate equal to the 5% Policy loan interest rate. A Policy loan,
even if you repay it, will have a permanent effect on the Policy Value because
the amounts borrowed will not participate in the Account's investment results
while the loan is outstanding. The effect may be either favorable or unfavorable
depending on whether the earnings rate credited to the loan amount is higher or
lower than the rate credited to the unborrowed amount left in the Account.

You may repay a Policy loan, and any accrued interest outstanding, in whole or
in part, at any time. We will credit payments as of the date we receive them and
will transfer those amounts from our general account to the Account divisions,
in proportion to the premium allocation in effect, as of the same date.

A Policy loan may have important tax consequences. See "Tax Considerations",
p. 11.

WITHDRAWALS OF POLICY VALUE

You may make a withdrawal of Policy Value. A withdrawal may not reduce the loan
value to less than any Policy debt outstanding. The loan value is 90% of the
Policy Value, less any Policy debt already outstanding. Following a withdrawal
the remaining Policy Value, less any Policy debt outstanding, must be at least
three times the current monthly charges for the cost of insurance and other
expenses. The minimum amount for withdrawals is $250. We permit up to four
withdrawals in a Policy year. An administrative charge of up to $25 may apply,
but we are currently waiving this charge.

A withdrawal of Policy Value decreases the death benefit by the same amount. If
the death benefit for a Policy has been increased to meet the federal tax
requirements for life insurance, the decrease in the death benefit caused by a
subsequent withdrawal will be larger than the amount of the withdrawal. If
Option A or Option C is in effect a withdrawal of Policy Value will reduce the
Specified Amount by the amount of the withdrawal. Following a withdrawal the
remaining death benefit must be at least the minimum amount that we would
currently issue.

We will take the amount withdrawn from Policy Value from the Account divisions
in proportion to the amounts in the divisions. The Policy makes no provision for
repayment of amounts withdrawn. A withdrawal of Policy Value may have important
tax consequences. See "Tax Considerations", p. 11.

TERMINATION AND REINSTATEMENT

If the Policy Value, less any Policy debt outstanding, is less than the monthly
charges for the cost of insurance and other expenses on any monthly processing
date, we allow a grace period of 61 days for the payment of sufficient premium
to keep the Policy in force. The grace period begins on the date that we send
you a notice. The notice will state the minimum amount of premium required to
keep the Policy in force and the date by which you must pay the premium. The
Policy will terminate unless you pay the required amount before the grace period
expires.

After a Policy has terminated, it may be reinstated within one year. The insured
must provide satisfactory evidence of insurability. The minimum amount of
premium required for reinstatement will be the monthly charges that were due
when the Policy terminated plus the charges for three more months.


                                       9
<PAGE>

Reinstatement of a Policy will be effective on the first monthly processing date
after an application for reinstatement is received at our Home Office, subject
to our approval. Any Policy debt that was outstanding when the Policy terminated
will also be reinstated.

The Policy Value when a Policy is reinstated is equal to the premium paid, after
the deduction for taxes and sales load, less the sum of all monthly charges for
the cost of insurance and other expenses for the grace period and for the
current month. We will allocate the Policy Value among the Account divisions
based on the allocation for premiums currently in effect.

A Policy may not be reinstated after the Policy has been surrendered for its
cash value.

See "Tax Considerations", p. 11, for a discussion of the tax effects associated
with termination and reinstatement of a Policy.

RIGHT TO RETURN POLICY

You may return a Policy within 45 days after you signed the application for
insurance or within 10 days (or later where required by state law) after you
receive the Policy, whichever is later. You may mail or deliver the Policy to
the agent who sold it or to our Home Office. If you return it, we will consider
the Policy void from the beginning. We will refund the sum of the amounts
deducted from the premium paid plus the value of the Policy in the Account on
the date we receive the returned Policy. In some states, the amount we refund
will not be less than the premium you paid.

OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS

OWNER. The owner is identified in the Policy. The owner may exercise all rights
under the Policy while the insured is living. Ownership may be transferred to
another. We must receive written proof of the transfer at our Home Office. "You"
in this prospectus means the owner or prospective purchaser of a Policy.

BENEFICIARY. The beneficiary is the person to whom the death benefit is payable.
The beneficiary is named in the application. After we issue the Policy you may
change the beneficiary in accordance with the Policy provisions.

INCONTESTABILITY. We will not contest a Policy after it has been in force during
the lifetime of the insured for two years from the date of issue. We will not
contest an increase in the amount of insurance that was subject to insurability
requirements after the increased amount has been in force during the lifetime of
the insured for two years from the date of issuance of the increase.

SUICIDE. If the insured dies by suicide within one year from the date of issue,
the amount payable under the Policy will be limited to the premiums paid, less
the amount of any Policy debt and withdrawals. If the insured dies by suicide
within one year of the date of issuance of an increase in the amount of
insurance, which was subject to insurability requirements, the amount payable
with respect to the increase will be limited to the amounts charged for the cost
of insurance and other expenses attributable to the increase.

MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX. If the age or sex of the insured has been misstated,
we will adjust the charges for cost of insurance and other expenses under a
Policy to reflect the correct age and sex.

COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT. You may assign a Policy as collateral security. We are
not responsible for the validity or effect of a collateral assignment and will
not be deemed to know of an assignment before receipt of the assignment in
writing at our Home Office.

DEFERRAL OF DETERMINATION AND PAYMENT. We will ordinarily pay Policy benefits
within seven days after we receive all required documents at our Home Office.
However, we may defer determination and payment of benefits during any period
when it is not reasonably practicable to value securities because the New York
Stock Exchange is closed or an emergency exists or the Securities and Exchange
Commission, by order, permits deferral for the protection of Policyowners.

DIVIDENDS. The Policies will share in divisible surplus to the extent we
determine annually. Since we do not expect the Policies to contribute to
divisible surplus, we do not expect to pay any dividends.

VOTING RIGHTS

We are the owner of the shares of both mutual funds in which all assets of the
Account are invested. As the owner of the shares we will exercise our right to
vote the shares to elect directors of the mutual funds, to vote on matters
required to be approved or ratified by mutual fund shareholders under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and to vote on any other matters that may be
presented to any mutual fund shareholders' meeting. However, we will vote the
mutual fund shares held in the Account in accordance with instructions from
owners of the Policies. We will vote any shares of the mutual funds held in our
general account in the same proportions as the shares for which we have received
voting instructions. If the applicable laws or regulations change so as to
permit us to vote the shares in our own discretion, we may elect to do so.

The number of mutual fund shares for each division of the Account for which the
owner of a Policy may give instructions is determined by dividing the amount of
the Policy Value apportioned to that division, if any, by the per share value
for the corresponding Portfolio or Fund. The number will be determined as of a
date


                                       10
<PAGE>

we choose, but not more than 90 days before the shareholders' meeting.
Fractional votes are counted. We will solicit voting instructions with written
materials at least 14 days before the meeting. We will vote shares as to which
we receive no instructions in the same proportion as the shares as to which we
receive instructions.

We may, if required by state insurance officials, disregard voting instructions
which would require mutual fund shares to be voted for a change in the
sub-classification or investment objectives of a Portfolio or Fund, or to
approve or disapprove an investment advisory agreement for either of the mutual
funds. We may also disregard voting instructions that would require changes in
the investment policy or investment adviser for either a Portfolio or a Fund,
provided that we reasonably determine to take this action in accordance with
applicable federal law. If we disregard voting instructions, we will include a
summary of the action and reasons therefor in the next semiannual report to the
owners of the Policies.

SUBSTITUTION OF FUND SHARES AND OTHER CHANGES

If, in our judgment, a Portfolio or Fund becomes unsuitable for continued use
with the Policies because of a change in investment objectives or restrictions,
shares of another Portfolio or Fund or another mutual fund may be substituted.
Any substitution of shares will be subject to any required approval of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance or
other regulatory authority. We have also reserved the right, subject to
applicable federal and state law, to operate the Account or any of its divisions
as a management company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or in any
other form permitted, or to terminate registration of the Account if
registration is no longer required, and to change the provisions of the Policies
to comply with any applicable laws.

REPORTS

At least once each Policy year you will receive a statement showing the death
benefit, cash value, Policy Value and any Policy loan, including loan interest.
This report will show the apportionment of invested assets among the Account
divisions. You will also receive annual and semiannual reports for the Account
and both of the mutual funds, including financial statements.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES

We sell the Policies through individuals who, in addition to being licensed life
insurance agents of Northwestern Mutual Life, are registered representatives of
Northwestern Mutual Investment Services LLC ("NMIS"), our wholly-owned
subsidiary. NMIS is a registered broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers. NMIS
was organized in 1968 as a Wisconsin corporation. Its address is 720 East
Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. The Internal Revenue Service
Employer Identification Number of NMIS is 39-0509570.


Commissions paid to the agents will not exceed 15% of the premium for the first
year, 5.75% of the premium for years 2-6, and 2.75% of the premium thereafter.
During the sixth Policy year and thereafter agents will receive compensation at
the annual rate of .20% of the cash value of a Policy.


General agents and district agents who are registered representatives of NMIS
and have supervisory responsibility for sales of the Policies receive commission
overrides and other compensation.

TAX CONSIDERATIONS

GENERAL The following discussion provides a general description of federal
income tax considerations relating to the Policy. The discussion is based on
current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") as currently
interpreted by the Internal Revenue Service. We do not intend this as tax
advice. The discussion is not exhaustive, it does not address the likelihood of
future changes in federal income tax law or interpretations thereof, and it does
not address state or local tax considerations which may be significant in the
purchase and ownership of a Policy.

LIFE INSURANCE QUALIFICATION Section 7702 of the Code defines life insurance for
federal income tax purposes. The Code provides two alternative tests for
determining whether the death benefit is a sufficient multiple of the Policy
Value. See "Choice of Tests for Tax Purposes", p. 6. We have designed the Policy
to comply with these rules. We will return premiums that would cause a Policy to
be disqualified as life insurance.

Section 817(h) of the Code authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to set
standards for diversification of the investments underlying variable life
insurance policies. Final regulations have been issued pursuant to this
authority. Failure to meet the diversification requirements would disqualify the
Policies as life insurance for purposes of Section 7702 of the Code. We intend
to comply with these requirements.

The Treasury Department, in connection with the diversification requirements,
stated that it expected to issue guidance about circumstances where a
policyowner's control of separate account assets would cause the policyowner,
and not the life insurance company, to be treated as the owner of those assets.
These guidelines have not been issued. If the owner of a Policy were treated as
the owner of the Fund shares


                                       11
<PAGE>

held in the Account, the income and gains related to those shares would be
included in the owner's gross income for federal income tax purposes. We believe
that we own the assets of the Account under current federal income tax law.

TAX TREATMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE While a Policy is in force, increases in the
Policy Value as a result of investment experience are not subject to federal
income tax until there is a distribution as defined by the Code. The death
benefit received by a beneficiary will not be subject to federal income tax.

Unless the Policy is a modified endowment contract, as described below, we
believe that a loan received under a Policy will be construed as indebtedness of
the owner and no part of the loan will be treated as a distribution subject to
current federal income tax. Interest paid by individual owners of the Policies
will ordinarily not be deductible. You should consult a qualified tax adviser as
to the deductibility of interest paid, or accrued, by other purchasers of the
Policies. See "Other Tax Considerations", p. 13.

As a general rule, the proceeds from a withdrawal of Policy Value will be
taxable only to the extent that the withdrawal exceeds the basis of the Policy.
The basis of the Policy is generally equal to the premiums paid less any amounts
previously received as tax-free distributions. In certain circumstances, a
withdrawal of Policy Value during the first 15 Policy years may be taxable to
the extent that the Policy Value exceeds the basis of the Policy. This means
that the amount withdrawn may be taxable even if that amount is less than the
basis of the Policy. In addition, if a Policy terminates while a Policy loan is
outstanding, the cancellation of the loan and accrued interest will be treated
as a distribution from the Policy and may be taxable under these rules.

Special tax rules may apply when ownership of a Policy is transferred. You
should seek qualified tax advice if you plan a transfer of ownership.

MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS A Policy will be classified as a modified endowment
contract if the cumulative premium paid during the first seven Policy years
exceeds a defined "seven-pay" limit. The seven-pay limit is based on a
hypothetical life insurance policy issued on the same insured person and for the
same initial death benefit which, under specified conditions (which include the
absence of expense and administrative charges) will be fully paid for after
seven level annual payments. A Policy will be treated as a modified endowment
contract unless cumulative premiums paid under the Policy, at all times during
the first seven Policy years, are less than or equal to the cumulative seven-pay
premiums which would have been paid under the hypothetical policy on or before
such times.

Whenever there is a "material change" under a Policy, it will generally be
treated as a new contract for purposes of determining whether the Policy is a
modified endowment contract, and subjected to a new seven-pay period and a new
seven-pay limit. The new seven-pay limit would be determined taking into account
the Policy Value of the Policy at the time of such change. A materially changed
Policy would be considered a modified endowment contract if it failed to satisfy
the new seven-pay limit. A material change could occur as a result of a change
in the death benefit option, a change in the Specified Amount, and certain other
changes.

If the benefits are reduced during the first seven Policy years after entering
into the Policy (or within seven years after a material change), for example, by
requesting a decrease in the Specified Amount or, in some cases, by making a
withdrawal of Policy Value, the seven-pay premium limit will be redetermined
based on the reduced level of benefits and applied retroactively for purposes of
the seven-pay test. If the premiums previously paid are greater than the
calculated seven-pay premium level limit, the Policy will become a modified
endowment contract. A life insurance policy which is received in exchange for a
modified endowment contract will also be considered a modified endowment
contract.

If a Policy is a modified endowment contract, any distribution from the Policy
will be taxed on a gain-first basis. Distributions for this purpose include a
loan (including any increase in the loan amount to pay interest on an existing
loan or an assignment or a pledge to secure a loan) or a withdrawal of Policy
Value. Any such distributions will be considered taxable income to the extent
the Policy Value exceeds the basis in the Policy. For modified endowment
contracts, the basis would be increased by the amount of any prior loan under
the Policy that was considered taxable income. For purposes of determining the
taxable portion of any distribution, all modified endowment contracts issued by
Northwestern Mutual Life to the same policyowner (excluding certain qualified
plans) during any calendar year are to be aggregated. The Secretary of the
Treasury has authority to prescribe additional rules to prevent avoidance of
gain-first taxation on distributions from modified endowment contracts.

A 10% penalty tax will apply to the taxable portion of a distribution from a
modified endowment contract. The penalty tax will not, however, apply to
distributions (i) to taxpayers 59 1/2 years of age or older, (ii) in the case of
a disability (as defined in the Code) or (iii) received as part of a series of
substantially equal periodic annuity payments for the life (or life expectancy)
of the taxpayers or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the taxpayer
and his beneficiaries. If a Policy is surrendered, the excess, if


                                       12
<PAGE>

any, of the Policy Value over the basis of the Policy will be subject to federal
income tax and, unless one of the above exceptions applies, the 10% penalty tax.
The exceptions generally do not apply to life insurance policies owned by
corporations or other entities. If a Policy terminates while there is a Policy
loan, the cancellation of the loan and accrued loan interest will be treated as
a distribution to the extent not previously treated as such and could be subject
to tax, including the penalty tax, as described under the above rules.

If a Policy becomes a modified endowment contract, distributions that occur
during the Policy year it becomes a modified endowment contract and any
subsequent Policy year will be taxed as described in the two preceding
paragraphs. In addition, distributions from a Policy within two years before it
becomes a modified endowment contract will be subject to tax in this manner.
This means that a distribution made from a Policy that is not a modified
endowment contract could later become taxable as a distribution from a modified
endowment contract. The Secretary of the Treasury has been authorized to
prescribe rules which would treat similarly other distributions made in
anticipation of a policy becoming a modified endowment contract.

OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS Business-owned life insurance may be subject to certain
additional rules. Section 264(a)(1) of the Code generally disallows a deduction
for premiums paid on Policies by anyone who is directly or indirectly a
beneficiary under the Policy. Increases in Policy Value may also be subject to
tax under the corporation alternative minimum tax provisions.

Section 264(a)(4) of the Code limits the Policyowner's deduction for interest on
loans taken against life insurance policies to interest on an aggregate total of
$50,000 of loans per covered life only with respect to life insurance policies
covering key persons. Generally, a key person means an officer or a 20% owner.
However, the number of key persons will be limited to the greater of (a) five
individuals, or (b) the lesser of 5% of the total officers and employees of the
taxpayer or 20 individuals. Deductible interest for these Policies will be
subject to limits based on current market rates.

In addition, Section 264(f) disallows a proportionate amount of a business'
interest deduction based on the amount of unborrowed cash value of non-exempt
life insurance policies held in relation to other business assets. Exempt
policies include policies held by natural persons unless the business is a
direct or indirect beneficiary under the policy and policies owned by a business
and insuring employees, directors, officers and 20% owners (as well as joint
policies insuring 20% owners and their spouses).

Finally, life insurance subject to a split dollar arrangement is taxable to the
employee in the amount of the annual value of the economic benefit to the
employee measured by the issuer's lowest one-year term rates as defined by
various Internal Revenue Service rulings or the government's P.S. 58 table
rates. There is also a risk that the accrued earnings in equity split dollar
policies may be taxable in the year earned. Although the Internal Revenue
Service has not issued a formal ruling on this issue, it issued a technical
advise memorandum in 1996 to this effect (which is applicable only to the
taxpayer under audit) and is currently reviewing the taxation of split dollar
arrangements generally.

Depending on the circumstances, the exchange of a Policy, a change in the death
benefit option, a Policy loan, a withdrawal of Policy Value, a change in
ownership or an assignment of the Policy may have federal income tax
consequences. In addition, federal, state and local transfer, estate,
inheritance, and other tax consequences of Policy ownership, premium payments
and receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the circumstances of each Policyowner
or beneficiary. If you contemplate any such transaction you should consult a
qualified tax adviser.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION

MANAGEMENT

Northwestern Mutual Life is managed by a Board of Trustees. The Trustees and
senior officers of Northwestern Mutual Life and their positions including Board
committee memberships, and their principal occupations, as of the date of this
prospectus, are listed below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address
of each Trustee and senior officer is c/o The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Company, 720 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.

TRUSTEES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                                     PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- ----                                                     -------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>
R. Quintus Anderson (A)........................  Chairman, Aarque Capital Corporation since 1997; prior thereto,
                                                 Chairman, The Aarque Companies, 111 West Second Street, P.O. Box
                                                 310, Jamestown, NY 14702-0310 (diversified metal


                                       13
<PAGE>

                                                 products manufacturing)

Edward E. Barr (HR)............................  Chairman, Sun Chemical Corporation, 222 Bridge Plaza South, Fort
                                                 Lee, New Jersey 07024 (graphic arts) since 1998;  prior thereto,
                                                 President and Chief Executive Officer.  President and Chief
                                                 Executive Officer, DIC Americas, Inc., Fort Lee, NJ

Gordon T. Beaham, III (OT).....................  Chairman of the Board and President, Faultless Starch/Bon Ami
                                                 Company, 1025 West Eighth Street, Kansas City, MO 64101
                                                 (consumer products manufacturer)

Robert C. Buchanan (A, E, F)...................  President and Chief Executive Officer, Fox Valley Corporation,
                                                 100 West Lawrence Street, P.O. Box 727, Appleton, WI 54911
                                                 (manufacturer of gift wrap and writing paper)

Robert E. Carlson (E)..........................  Executive Vice President of Northwestern Mutual Life

George A. Dickerman (AM).......................  Chairman Emeritus, Spalding Sports Worldwide, 425 Meadow Street,
                                                 P.O. Box 901, Chicopee, MA 01021-0901 (manufacturer of sporting
                                                 equipment) since 1999; Chairman of the Board from 1998 to 1999;
                                                 prior thereto, President

Pierre S. du Pont (AM).........................  Attorney, Richards, Layton and Finger, P.O. Box 551, 1 Rodney
                                                 Square, Wilmington, DE 1989

James D. Ericson (AM, E, F. HR, OT)............  President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwestern Mutual
                                                 Life

J. E. Gallegos (A).............................  Attorney at Law; President, Gallegos Law Firm, 460 St. Michaels
                                                 Drive, Building 300, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Stephen N. Graff (E, F, OT)....................  Retired Partner, Arthur Andersen LLP (public accountants).
                                                 Address:  805 Lone Tree Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122-2014

Patricia Albjerg Graham (HR)...................  Professor, Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, 420
                                                 Gutman, Cambridge, MA 02138.  President, The Spencer Foundation
                                                 (social and behavioral sciences)

Stephen F. Keller (HR).........................  Attorney.  Former Chairman, Santa Anita Realty Enterprises since
                                                 1997; prior thereto, Chairman.  Address:  101 South Las Palmas
                                                 Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Barbara A. King (AM)...........................  President, Landscape Structures, Inc., Rt 3, 601 - 7th Street
                                                 South, Delano, MN 55328 (manufacturer of playground equipment)

J. Thomas Lewis (HR)...........................  Attorney (retired), 228 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 1024, New
                                                 Orleans, LA 70130, since 1998; prior thereto, Attorney, Monroe &
                                                 Lemann, New Orleans, LA

Daniel F. McKeithan, Jr. (E, F, HR)............  President, Tamarack Petroleum Company, Inc., 777 East Wisconsin
                                                 Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202 (operator of oil and gas wells);
                                                 President, Active Investor Management, Inc., Milwaukee, WI

Guy A. Osborn (E, F, OT).......................  Retired Chairman of Universal Foods Corporation, 433 East
                                                 Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 since 1997; prior thereto,
                                                 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Timothy D. Proctor (A).........................  Director, Worldwide Human Resources of Glaxo Wellcome plc, Glaxo
                                                 Wellcome House, Berkeley Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 0NN,
                                                 United Kingdom, since 1998; prior thereto, Senior Vice President
                                                 Human Resources, General Counsel & Secretary of Glaxo Wellcome,
                                                 Inc. (pharmaceuticals)



                                       14
<PAGE>

H. Mason Sizemore, Jr. (AM)....................  President and Chief Operating Officer, The Seattle Times,
                                                 Fairview Avenue North and John Street, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA
                                                 98109 (publishing)

Harold B. Smith (OT)...........................  Chairman, Executive Committee, Illinois Tool Works, Inc., 3600
                                                 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025-5811 (engineered components
                                                 and industrial systems and consumables)


Sherwood H. Smith, Jr. (AM)....................  Chairman Emeritus of Carolina Power & Light, 411 Fayetteville
                                                 Street Mall, P.O. Box 1551, Raleigh, NC 27602, since 1999;
                                                 Chairman of the Board from 1997 to 1999; prior thereto, Chairman
                                                 of the Board and Chief Executive Officer



Peter M. Sommerhauser..........................  Partner, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. (attorneys), 780 North Water
                                                 Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3590


John E. Steuri (OT)............................  Chairman, Advanced Thermal Technologies, 2102 Riverfront Drive,
                                                 Suite 120, Little Rock, AR 72202-1747 since 1997 (heating,
                                                 air-conditioning and humidity control). Retired since 1996 as
                                                 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ALLTEL Information
                                                 Services, Inc., Little Rock, AR (application software).


John J. Stollenwerk (AM, E, F).................  President and Chief Executive Officer, Allen-Edmonds Shoe
                                                 Corporation, 201 East Seven Hills Road, P.O. Box 998, Port
                                                 Washington, WI 53074-0998



Barry L. Williams (HR).........................  President and Chief Executive Officer of Williams Pacific
                                                 Ventures, Inc., 100 First Street, Suite 2350, San Francisco, CA
                                                 94105-2634 (venture capital consulting)


Kathryn D. Wriston (A).........................  Director of various corporations.  Address:  c/o Shearman &
                                                 Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, Room 1126, New York, NY 10022

A      -- Member, Audit Committee                F     --  Member, Finance Committee
AM     -- Member, Agency and Marketing           HR    --  Member, Human Resources and Public Policy
          Committee                                        Committee
E      -- Member, Executive Committee            OT    --  Member, Operations and Technology Committee
</TABLE>


SENIOR OFFICERS (OTHER THAN TRUSTEES)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 POSITION WITH
         NAME                              NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE
- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>
    John M. Bremer                   Executive Vice President, General Counsel
                                        and Secretary
    Peter W. Bruce                   Executive Vice President
    Edward J. Zore                   Executive Vice President
    Deborah A. Beck                  Senior Vice President
    William H. Beckley               Senior Vice President
    Mark G. Doll                     Senior Vice President
    Richard L. Hall                  Senior Vice President
    William C. Koenig                Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary
    Donald L. Mellish                Senior Vice President
    Mason G. Ross                    Senior Vice President
    John E. Schlifske                Senior Vice President
    Leonard F. Stecklein             Senior Vice President
    Frederic H. Sweet                Senior Vice President
    Walter J. Wojcik                 Senior Vice President
    Gary E. Long                     Vice President and Controller
</TABLE>


                                       15
<PAGE>

REGULATION

We are subject to the laws of Wisconsin governing insurance companies and to
regulation by the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance. We file an annual
statement in a prescribed form with the Department of Insurance on or before
March 1 in each year covering operations for the preceding year and including
financial statements. Regulation by the Wisconsin Insurance Department includes
periodic examination to determine solvency and compliance with insurance laws.
We are also subject to the insurance laws and regulations of the other
jurisdictions in which we are licensed to operate.

YEAR 2000 ISSUES


Since early 1996 we have been preparing for the computer requirements associated
with the approaching turn of the century. We completed assessment of internal
systems in 1996. As of the date of this prospectus the necessary system changes
are substantially complete. System testing is in process. Testing of all
critical systems has been completed.


The work on these computer systems extends to software packages we purchase from
vendors. In addition, we have been communicating formally with our business
partners to identify and assess potential exposure that could result from their
failure to address these computer issues on a timely basis. Each of our
departments has prepared a contingency plan.

We and our business partners bear all of the costs of identifying and resolving
the computer systems issues associated with the year 2000. These costs will have
no effect on the performance of the Account. The Policies permit charges for
administrative expenses to be increased up to the guaranteed maximum rates.
However, we do not expect our costs for year 2000 compliance to have any
significant effect on the benefits or values provided by the Policies.

We believe that our computer systems will be ready for the year 2000 well in
advance of the deadline. By their nature, however, the issues in this area carry
the risk of unforeseen problems, both at Northwestern Mutual Life and at all the
other sites where supporting functions and interaction take place. There can be
no assurance that these problems will not have a material adverse impact on the
operations of Northwestern Mutual Life and the Account.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are engaged in litigation of various kinds which in our judgment is not of
material importance in relation to its total assets. There are no legal
proceedings pending to which the Account is a party.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

We have filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with
respect to the Policies. This prospectus does not contain all the information
set forth in the registration statement. A copy of the omitted material is
available from the main office of the SEC in Washington, D.C. upon payment of
the prescribed fee. Further information about the Policies is also available
from the Home Office of Northwestern Mutual Life. The address and telephone
number are on the cover of this prospectus.

EXPERTS

The financial statements of Northwestern Mutual Life as of December 31, 1998 and
1997 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 and
of the Account as of December 31, 1998 and for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1998 included in this prospectus have been so included
in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting. Actuarial matters included in this prospectus have been examined by
William C. Koenig, F.S.A., Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary of
Northwestern Mutual Life. His opinion is filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement.


                                       16

<PAGE>

VARIABLE LIFE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
Financial Statements
JUNE 30, 1999
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
(IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>
ASSETS
  Invesments at Market Value:
    Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.
      Small Cap Growth Stock
       2 shares (cost $2).........................  $       2
      Aggressive Growth Stock
       39,011 shares (cost $119,280)..............    143,443
      International Equity
       61,024 shares (cost $97,271)...............     98,859
      Index 400 Stock
       0 shares (cost $0).........................         --
      Growth Stock
       38,876 shares (cost $72,073)...............     95,168
      Growth and Income Stock
       57,448 shares (cost $82,928)...............     92,205
      Index 500 Stock
       72,881 shares (cost $178,292)..............    263,173
      Balanced
       83,288 shares (cost $135,310)..............    177,654
      High Yield Bond
       17,706 shares (cost $18,701)...............     16,644
      Select Bond
       12,580 shares (cost $15,175)...............     14,317
      Money Market
       49,763 shares (cost $49,591)...............     49,764
    Russell Insurance Funds
      Multi-Style Equity
       4 shares (cost $70)........................         70
      Aggressive Equity
       2 shares (cost $19)........................         19
      Non-U.S.
       0 shares (cost $1).........................          1
      Real Estate Securities
       0 shares (cost $5).........................          5
      Core Bond
       0 shares (cost $1).........................          1   $ 951,325
                                                    ---------
Due from Sale of Fund Shares..................................        843
Due from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company...........        674
                                                                ---------
Total Assets..................................................  $ 952,842
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
LIABILITIES
  Due to Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company...........  $     843
  Due on Purchase of Fund Shares..............................        674
                                                                ---------
      Total Liabilities.......................................      1,517
                                                                ---------
EQUITY (NOTE 8)
  Variable Life Policies Issued Before October 11, 1995.......    435,942
  Variable Complife Policies Issued On or After October 11,
   1995.......................................................    507,755
  Variable Executive Life Policies Issued On or After March 2,
   1998.......................................................      5,206
  Variable Joint Life Policies Issued On or After December 10,
   1998.......................................................      2,422
                                                                ---------
      Total Equity............................................    951,325
                                                                ---------
      Total Liabilities and Equity............................  $ 952,842
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
</TABLE>

    The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements
          (Amounts as of June 30, 1999 in these Financial Statements
                    are prepared from unaudited figures.)

                                      17
<PAGE>
VARIABLE LIFE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
Statement of Operations and Changes in Equity
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SMALL CAP
                                                                         GROWTH              AGGRESSIVE GROWTH
                                              COMBINED                   STOCK                 STOCK DIVISION
                                 ----------------------------------    DIVISION #    ----------------------------------
                                   SIX MONTHS                          ----------      SIX MONTHS
                                      ENDED           YEAR ENDED         AS OF            ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                    JUNE 30,         DECEMBER 31,       JUNE 30,        JUNE 30,         DECEMBER 31,
                                      1999               1998             1999            1999               1998
                                 ---------------    ---------------    ----------    ---------------    ---------------

<S>                              <C>                <C>                <C>           <C>                <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income...............   $       54,702     $       24,922     $      --     $        4,627     $        3,287
Mortality and Expense Risks...            1,720              2,755            --                253                424
Taxes.........................              737              1,178            --                109                181
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------
Net Investment Income
  (Loss)......................           52,245             20,989            --              4,265              2,682
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............            3,990              4,332            --              1,158                523
  Unrealized Appreciation
    (Depreciation) of
    Investments
    During the Period.........           19,976             68,780            --              7,338              4,928
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------
  Net Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............           23,966             73,112            --              8,496              5,451
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------
Increase (Decrease) in Equity
  Derived from Investment
  Activity....................           76,211             94,101            --             12,761              8,133
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
  Policyowners' Net
    Payments..................          180,464            258,672            --             17,347             30,145
  Policy Loans, Surrenders,
    and Death Benefits........          (27,176)           (37,427)           --             (4,590)            (6,454)
  Mortality and Other (net)...          (28,109)           (39,611)           --             (3,260)            (5,193)
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions.................          105,950            133,775             2             11,383             20,371
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions.................         (105,950)          (133,773)           --             (9,552)            (6,419)
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------
Increase in Equity
  Derived from Equity
  Transactions................          125,179            181,636             2             11,328             32,450
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------
Net Increase in Equity........          201,390            275,737             2             24,089             40,583

EQUITY
  Beginning of Period.........          749,935            474,198            --            119,230             78,647
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------
  End of Period...............   $      951,325     $      749,935     $       2     $      143,319     $      119,230
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------
                                 ---------------    ---------------        -----     ---------------    ---------------

<CAPTION>

                                 INTERNATIONAL EQUITY DIVISION
                                --------------------------------
                                  SIX MONTHS
                                    ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                   JUNE 30,        DECEMBER 31,
                                     1999              1998
                                --------------    --------------
<S>                              <C>              <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income...............  $      13,164     $       3,591
Mortality and Expense Risks...            181               308
Taxes.........................             77               132
                                --------------    --------------
Net Investment Income
  (Loss)......................         12,906             3,151
                                --------------    --------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............            362               284
  Unrealized Appreciation
    (Depreciation) of
    Investments
    During the Period.........         (3,665)           (1,424)
                                --------------    --------------
  Net Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............         (3,303)           (1,140)
                                --------------    --------------
Increase (Decrease) in Equity
  Derived from Investment
  Activity....................          9,603             2,011
                                --------------    --------------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
  Policyowners' Net
    Payments..................         12,499            20,672
  Policy Loans, Surrenders,
    and Death Benefits........         (2,808)           (4,327)
  Mortality and Other (net)...         (2,349)           (3,785)
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions.................          8,617            15,743
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions.................         (5,052)           (5,013)
                                --------------    --------------
Increase in Equity
  Derived from Equity
  Transactions................         10,907            23,290
                                --------------    --------------
Net Increase in Equity........         20,510            25,301

EQUITY
  Beginning of Period.........         78,417            53,116
                                --------------    --------------
  End of Period...............  $      98,927     $      78,417
                                --------------    --------------
                                --------------    --------------
</TABLE>

# The initial investments in the Small Cap Growth Stock and the Index 400 Stock
  Divisions were made on June 30, 1999.

    The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements

                                       18
<PAGE>
VARIABLE LIFE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
Statement of Operations and Changes in Equity
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  INDEX 400                                                 GROWTH & INCOME
                                    STOCK            GROWTH STOCK DIVISION                   STOCK DIVISION
                                 DIVISION #     --------------------------------    --------------------------------
                                 -----------      SIX MONTHS                          SIX MONTHS
                                    AS OF           ENDED           YEAR ENDED          ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                  JUNE 30,         JUNE 30,        DECEMBER 31,        JUNE 30,        DECEMBER 31,
                                    1999             1999              1998              1999              1998
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------

<S>                              <C>            <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income...............   $       --     $       2,344     $         956     $       9,123     $         537
Mortality and Expense Risks...           --               165               211               166               234
Taxes.........................           --                70                91                71               100
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
Net Investment Income
  (Loss)......................           --             2,109               654             8,886               203
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............           --               443               143               303               220
  Unrealized Appreciation
    (Depreciation) of
    Investments
    During the Period.........           --             6,337            10,533            (1,170)           10,574
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
  Net Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............           --             6,780            10,676              (867)           10,794
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
  Increase (Decrease) in
    Equity Derived from
    Investment Activity.......           --             8,889            11,330             8,019            10,997
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
  Policyowners' Net
    Payments..................           --            10,075            12,991            11,036            14,771
  Policy Loans, Surrenders,
    and Death Benefits........           --            (2,472)           (2,859)           (2,977)           (2,902)
  Mortality and Other (net)...           --            (2,052)           (2,494)           (2,138)           (2,847)
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions.................           --            16,978            16,839            11,227            17,225
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions.................           --            (2,279)           (2,015)           (3,495)           (3,106)
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
Increase in Equity
  Derived from Equity
  Transactions................           --            20,250            22,462            13,653            23,141
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
Net Increase in Equity........           --            29,139            33,792            21,672            34,138

EQUITY
  Beginning of Period.........           --            66,025            32,233            70,527            36,389
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
  End of Period...............   $       --     $      95,164     $      66,025     $      92,199     $      70,527
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
                                 -----------    --------------    --------------    --------------    --------------

<CAPTION>
                                            INDEX 500
                                          STOCK DIVISION
                                ----------------------------------
                                  SIX MONTHS
                                     ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                   JUNE 30,         DECEMBER 31,
                                     1999               1998
                                ---------------    ---------------
<S>                              <C>               <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income...............  $        5,542     $        4,530
Mortality and Expense Risks...             464                671
Taxes.........................             199                287
                                ---------------    ---------------
Net Investment Income
  (Loss)......................           4,879              3,572
                                ---------------    ---------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............             937              1,125
  Unrealized Appreciation
    (Depreciation) of
    Investments
    During the Period.........          19,801             31,738
                                ---------------    ---------------
  Net Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............          20,738             32,863
                                ---------------    ---------------
  Increase (Decrease) in
    Equity Derived from
    Investment Activity.......          25,617             36,435
                                ---------------    ---------------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
  Policyowners' Net
    Payments..................          25,444             29,665
  Policy Loans, Surrenders,
    and Death Benefits........          (7,497)            (8,924)
  Mortality and Other (net)...          (4,920)            (5,367)
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions.................          38,147             37,076
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions.................          (4,600)            (5,443)
                                ---------------    ---------------
Increase in Equity
  Derived from Equity
  Transactions................          46,574             47,007
                                ---------------    ---------------
Net Increase in Equity........          72,191             83,442

EQUITY
  Beginning of Period.........         191,141            107,699
                                ---------------    ---------------
  End of Period...............  $      263,332     $      191,141
                                ---------------    ---------------
                                ---------------    ---------------
</TABLE>

# The initial investments in the Small Cap Growth Stock and the Index 400 Stock
  Divisions were made on June 30, 1999.

    The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements

                                      19
<PAGE>
VARIABLE LIFE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
Statement of Operations and Changes in Equity
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            SELECT BOND
                                         BALANCED DIVISION                 HIGH YIELD BOND DIVISION           DIVISION
                                 ----------------------------------    --------------------------------    --------------
                                   SIX MONTHS                            SIX MONTHS                          SIX MONTHS
                                      ENDED           YEAR ENDED           ENDED           YEAR ENDED          ENDED
                                    JUNE 30,         DECEMBER 31,         JUNE 30,        DECEMBER 31,        JUNE 30,
                                      1999               1998               1999              1998              1999
                                 ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
<S>                             <C>                <C>                <C>               <C>               <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income...............  $       17,659     $        8,344     $          18     $       1,489     $       1,211
Mortality and Expense Risks...             340                681                32                53                29
Taxes.........................             146                292                14                22                12
                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
Net Investment Income (Loss)..          17,173              7,371               (28)            1,414             1,170
                                ----------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
 Realized Gain (Loss) on
   Investments...............              844              1,893              (140)               47                83
Unrealized Appreciation
  (Depreciation) of
  Investments
  During the Period.........            (7,549)            14,317               231            (1,828)           (1,347)
                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
Net Gain (Loss) on                      (6,705)            16,210                91            (1,781)           (1,264)
  Investments...............    ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------

Increase (Decrease) in
  Equity Derived from
  Investment Activity.......            10,468             23,581                63              (367)              (94)
                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
Policyowners' Net
  Payments..................             9,724             17,811             2,632             3,490             1,546
Policy Loans, Surrenders,
  and Death Benefits........            (4,648)            (8,879)             (462)             (690)             (536)
  Mortality and Other (net).            (2,206)            (3,232)             (445)             (641)             (268)
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions...............             9,885              7,905             2,166             5,399             2,398
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions...............           (3,631)            (5,398)           (1,805)           (1,476)           (1,434)
                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
Increase in Equity
  Derived from Equity
  Transactions..............              9,124              8,207             2,086             6,082             1,706
                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
Net Increase in Equity......            19,592             31,788             2,149             5,715             1,612

EQUITY
  Beginning of Period.......           158,110            126,322            14,516             8,801            12,669
                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
  End of Period.............    $      177,702     $      158,110     $      16,665     $      14,516     $      14,281
                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------
                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------    --------------    --------------

<CAPTION>

                                                        MONEY MARKET DIVISION
                                                  ---------------------------------
                                                    SIX MONTHS
                                  YEAR ENDED          ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                 DECEMBER 31,        JUNE 30,        DECEMBER 31,
                                     1998              1999              1998
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------
<S>                              <C>              <C>               <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income..............   $         743     $       1,014     $        1,445
Mortality and Expense Risks..              51                90                122
Taxes........................              22                39                 51
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------
Net Investment Income (Loss).             670               885              1,272
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
 Realized Gain (Loss) on
   Investments...............              97                --                 --
Unrealized Appreciation
  (Depreciation) of
  Investments
  During the Period.........              (58)               --                 --
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------
Net Gain (Loss) on                         39                --                 --
  Investments...............    --------------    --------------    ---------------

Increase (Decrease) in
  Equity Derived from
  Investment Activity.......              709               885              1,272
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
Policyowners' Net
  Payments..................            2,004            90,065            127,123
Policy Loans, Surrenders,
  and Death Benefits........             (620)           (1,186)            (1,772)
  Mortality and Other (net).             (250)          (10,471)           (15,802)
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions...............            3,951             5,147              9,266
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions...............           (2,217)          (74,102)          (102,686)
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------
Increase in Equity
  Derived from Equity
  Transactions..............            2,868             9,453             16,129
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------
Net Increase in Equity......            3,577            10,338             17,401

EQUITY
  Beginning of Period.......            9,092            39,300             21,899
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------
  End of Period.............    $      12,669     $      49,638     $       39,300
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------
                                --------------    --------------    ---------------
</TABLE>

    The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements

                                      20
<PAGE>
VARIABLE LIFE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
Statement of Operations and Changes in Equity
(IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             RUSSELL
                                   RUSSELL       RUSSELL                       REAL
                                 MULTI-STYLE    AGGRESSIVE     RUSSELL        ESTATE        RUSSELL
                                   EQUITY         EQUITY       NON-U.S.     SECURITIES     CORE BOND
                                 DIVISION #     DIVISION #    DIVISION #    DIVISION #    DIVISION #
                                 -----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    -----------
                                    AS OF         AS OF         AS OF         AS OF          AS OF
                                  JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,
                                    1999           1999          1999          1999          1999
                                 -----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    -----------

<S>                              <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income...............   $       --     $      --     $      --     $      --     $       --
Mortality and Expense Risks...           --            --            --            --             --
Taxes.........................           --            --            --            --             --
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---
Net Investment Income
  (Loss)......................           --            --            --            --             --
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............           --            --            --            --             --
  Unrealized Appreciation
    (Depreciation) of
    Investments
    During the Period.........           --            --            --            --             --
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---
  Net Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............           --            --            --            --             --
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---
  Increase (Decrease) in
    Equity Derived from
    Investment Activity.......           --            --            --            --             --
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
  Policyowners' Net
    Payments..................           70            19             1             5              1
  Policy Loans, Surrenders,
    and Death Benefits........           --            --            --            --             --
  Mortality and Other (net)...           --            --            --            --             --
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions.................           --            --            --            --             --
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions.................           --            --            --            --             --
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---
Increase in Equity
  Derived from Equity
  Transactions................           70            19             1             5              1
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---
Net Increase in Equity........           70            19             1             5              1

EQUITY
  Beginning of Period.........           --            --            --            --             --
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---
  End of Period...............   $       70     $      19     $       1     $       5     $        1
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---
                                      -----         -----           ---           ---            ---
</TABLE>

#  The initial investments in the Russell Multi-Style, Aggressive, Non-U.S.,
   Real Estate Securities, and Core Bond Divisions were made on June 30, 1999.

    The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements

                                      21
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
Notes to Financial Statements
JUNE 30, 1999

NOTE 1 -- Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account (the "Account") is
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940
and is a segregated asset account of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Company ("Northwestern Mutual") used to fund variable life insurance policies.

NOTE 2 -- The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Principal
accounting policies are summarized below.

NOTE 3 -- All assets of each Division of the Account are invested in shares of
the corresponding Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. and the
Russell Insurance Funds (collectively known as "the Funds"). The shares are
valued at the Fund's offering and redemption price per share. The Funds are a
diversified open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940.

NOTE 4 -- Dividend income from the Funds is recorded on the record date of the
dividends. Transactions in the Funds shares are accounted for on the trade date.
The basis for determining cost on sale of the Funds shares is identified cost.
Purchases and sales of the Funds shares for the period ended June 30, 1999 by
each Division are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    PURCHASES       SALES
                                  -------------  ------------
<S>                               <C>            <C>
Small Cap Growth Stock
  Division......................  $       2,438  $         --
Aggressive Growth Division......     18,620,297     2,903,038
International Equity Division...     25,024,772     1,278,144
Index 400 Stock Division........             --            --
Growth Stock Division...........     23,145,256       781,453
Growth & Income Stock
  Division......................     23,329,664       785,922
Index 500 Stock Division........    528,545,556     1,586,316
Balanced Division...............     28,151,125     1,902,661
High Yield Bond Division........      2,877,703       840,133
Select Bond Division............      4,423,175     1,512,428
Money Market Division...........     33,804,804    23,341,955
Russell Multi-Style Equity
  Division......................         70,358            --
Russell Aggressive Equity
  Division......................         19,194            --
Russell Non-U.S. Division.......            588            --
Russell Real Estate Securities
  Division......................          5,240            --
Russell Core Bond Division......            394            --
</TABLE>

NOTE 5 -- A deduction for mortality and expense risks is determined daily and
paid to Northwestern Mutual. Generally, for Variable Life policies issued before
October 11, 1995, and Variable Complife policies issued on or after October 11,
1995 the deduction is at an annual rate of .50% and .60%, respectively, of the
net assets of the Account. A deduction for the mortality and expense risks for
the Variable Executive Life policies issued on or after March 3, 1998 is
determined monthly at an annual rate of .75% of the amount invested in the
Account for the Policy for the first ten Policy years, and .30% thereafter. The
mortality risk is that insureds may not live as long as estimated. The expense
risk is that expenses of issuing and administering the policies may exceed the
estimated costs.

Certain deductions are also made from the annual, single or other premiums
before accounts are allocated to the Account. These deductions are for (1) sales
load, (2) administrative expenses, (3) taxes and (4) a risk charge for the
guaranteed minimum death benefit.

Additional mortality costs are deducted from the policy annually and are paid to
Northwestern Mutual to cover the cost of providing insurance protection. This
cost is actuarially calculated based upon the insured's age, the 1980
Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table and the amount of insurance
provided under the policy.

NOTE 6 -- Northwestern Mutual is taxed as a "life insurance company" under the
Internal Revenue Code. The variable life insurance policies which are funded in
the Account are taxed as part of the operations of Northwestern Mutual. Policies
provide that a charge for taxes may be made against the assets of the Account.
Generally, for Variable Life policies issued before October 11, 1995,
Northwestern Mutual charges the Account at an annual rate of .20% of the
Account's net assets and reserves the right to increase, decrease or eliminate
the charge for taxes in the future. Generally, for Variable Complife policies
issued on or after October 11, 1995, and for Variable Executive Life policies
issued on or after March 3, 1998, there is no charge being made against the
assets of the Account for federal income taxes, but Northwestern Mutual Life
reserves the right to charge for taxes in the future.

NOTE 7 -- The Account is credited for the policyowners' net annual premiums at
the respective policy anniversary dates regardless of when policyowners actually
paid their premiums. Northwestern Mutual's equity represents any unpaid portion
of net annual premiums. This applies to Variable Life and Variable Complife
policies only.

                                      22
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands)
JUNE 30, 1999

NOTE 8 -- Equity Values by Division are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                VARIABLE LIFE
                                                                                            POLICIES ISSUED BEFORE
                                                                                               OCTOBER 11, 1995
                                                                                                  EQUITY OF:
                                                                                           ------------------------    TOTAL
                                                                                           POLICYOWNERS      NML      EQUITY
                                                                                           -------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                        <C>            <C>        <C>
Small Cap Growth Stock Division..........................................................    $      --    $      --  $      --
Aggressive Growth Stock Division.........................................................       45,452        3,370     48,822
International Equity Division............................................................       36,147        2,779     38,926
Index 400 Stock Division.................................................................           --           --         --
Growth Stock Division....................................................................       28,201        1,528     29,729
Growth and Income Stock Division.........................................................       29,274        1,681     30,955
Index 500 Stock Division.................................................................      114,555        5,230    119,785
Balanced Division........................................................................      143,478        4,870    148,348
High Yield Bond Division.................................................................        4,545          354      4,899
Select Bond Division.....................................................................        7,506          429      7,935
Money Market Division....................................................................        6,270          273      6,543
Russell Multi-Style Equity Division......................................................           --           --         --
Russell Aggressive Equity Division.......................................................           --           --         --
Russell Non-U.S. Division................................................................           --           --         --
Russell Real Estate Securities Division..................................................           --           --         --
Russell Core Bond Division...............................................................           --           --         --
                                                                                           -------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                             $ 415,428    $  20,514  $ 435,942
                                                                                           -------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                           -------------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             VARIABLE COMPLIFE
                                                                                           POLICIES ISSUED ON OR
                                                                                           AFTER OCTOBER 11, 1995
                                                                                                 EQUITY OF:
                                                                                          ------------------------    TOTAL
                                                                                          POLICYOWNERS      NML      EQUITY
                                                                                          -------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                       <C>            <C>        <C>
Small Cap Growth Stock Division.........................................................    $       2    $      --  $       2
Aggressive Growth Stock Division........................................................       73,147       21,141     94,288
International Equity Division...........................................................       45,627       13,655     59,282
Index 400 Stock Division................................................................           --           --         --
Growth Stock Division...................................................................       48,211       16,506     64,717
Growth and Income Stock Division........................................................       45,419       15,597     61,016
Index 500 Stock Division................................................................      103,997       37,203    141,200
Balanced Division.......................................................................       21,445        6,879     28,324
High Yield Bond Division................................................................        8,596        3,011     11,607
Select Bond Division....................................................................        4,523        1,350      5,873
Money Market Division...................................................................       17,694       23,656     41,350
Russell Multi-Style Equity Division.....................................................           70           --         70
Russell Aggressive Equity Division......................................................           19           --         19
Russell Non-U.S. Division...............................................................            1           --          1
Russell Real Estate Securities Division.................................................            5           --          5
Russell Core Bond Division..............................................................            1           --          1
                                                                                          -------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                            $ 368,757    $ 138,998  $ 507,755
                                                                                          -------------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                          -------------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>

                                      23
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
Notes to Financial Statements
(in thousands)
JUNE 30, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE     VARIABLE JOINT LIFE
                                                                               POLICIES ISSUED ON OR     POLICIES ISSUED ON OR
                                                                                AFTER MARCH 2, 1998     AFTER DECEMBER 10, 1998
                                                                              -----------------------  -------------------------
                                                                                       TOTAL                     TOTAL
                                                                                      EQUITY                    EQUITY
                                                                              -----------------------  -------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                      <C>
Small Cap Growth Stock Division.............................................         $      --                 $      --
Aggressive Growth Stock Division............................................               338                        56
International Equity Division...............................................               602                        47
Index 400 Stock Division....................................................                --                        --
Growth Stock Division.......................................................               638                        69
Growth and Income Stock Division............................................               126                       107
Index 500 Stock Division....................................................             1,477                       672
Balanced Division...........................................................               967                        12
High Yield Bond Division....................................................               132                         7
Select Bond Division........................................................               454                        54
Money Market Division.......................................................               472                     1,398
Russell Multi-Style Equity Division.........................................                --                        --
Russell Aggressive Equity Division..........................................                --                        --
Russell Non-U.S. Division...................................................                --                        --
Russell Real Estate Securities Division.....................................                --                        --
Russell Core Bond Division..................................................                --                        --
                                                                                      --------                  --------
                                                                                     $   5,206                 $   2,422
                                                                                      --------                  --------
                                                                                      --------                  --------
</TABLE>

                                      24

<PAGE>
                     [LOGO]

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and
Policyowners of Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account

In our opinion, the accompanying combined statement of assets and liabilities
and the related combined and separate statements of operations and changes in
equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account and Aggressive Growth Stock Division,
International Equity Division, Growth Stock Division, Growth and Income Stock
Division, Index 500 Stock Division, Balanced Division, High Yield Bond Division,
Select Bond Division, and the Money Market Division thereof at December 31,
1998, the results of each of their operations and the changes in each of their
equity for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements are the responsibility of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included
direct confirmation of the number of shares owned at December 31, 1998 with
Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., provide a reasonable basis for the
opinion expressed above.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Milwaukee, Wisconsin
January 25, 1999

                                       25
<PAGE>
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

(IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>
ASSETS
  Investments at Market Value:
    Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.
      Aggressive Growth Stock
       34,420 shares (cost $102,404)..............  $ 119,230
      International Equity
       46,760 shares (cost $73,163)...............     78,416
      Growth Stock
       29,383 shares (cost $49,267)...............     66,025
      Growth and Income Stock
       43,428 shares (cost $60,081)...............     70,528
      Index 500 Stock
       58,115 shares (cost $126,062)..............    191,141
      Balanced
       71,092 shares (cost $108,217)..............    158,110
      High Yield Bond
       15,509 shares (cost $16,804)...............     14,516
      Select Bond
       10,143 shares (cost $12,181)...............     12,669
      Money Market
       39,300 shares (cost $39,300)...............     39,300   $ 749,935
                                                    ---------
Due from Sale of Fund Shares..................................         95
Due from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company...........        328
                                                                ---------
      Total Assets............................................  $ 750,358
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
LIABILITIES
  Due to Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company...........  $      95
  Due on Purchase of Fund Shares..............................        328
                                                                ---------
      Total Liabilities.......................................        423
                                                                ---------
EQUITY (NOTE 8)
  Variable Life Policies Issued Before October 11, 1995.......    392,772
  Variable Complife Policies Issued On or After October 11,
   1995.......................................................    356,862
  Variable Executive Life Policies Issued On or After March 2,
   1998.......................................................        301
                                                                ---------
      Total Equity............................................    749,935
                                                                ---------
      Total Liabilities and Equity............................  $ 750,358
                                                                ---------
                                                                ---------
</TABLE>

    The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements

                                      26
<PAGE>
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN EQUITY

(IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      AGGRESSIVE GROWTH             INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
                                          COMBINED                     STOCK DIVISION                     DIVISION
                                -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                 YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                    1998            1997            1998            1997            1998            1997
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

<S>                             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>

INVESTMENT INCOME

Dividend Income...............    $ 24,922        $ 24,262        $  3,287         $3,345         $ 3,591         $ 1,286

Mortality and Expense Risks...       2,755           1,788             424            271             308             197

Taxes.........................       1,178             767             181            116             132              85
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

Net Investment Income.........      20,989          21,707           2,682          2,958           3,151           1,004
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS

  Realized Gain on
    Investments...............       4,332           4,871             523            231             284             203

  Unrealized Appreciation
    (Depreciation) of
    Investments During the
    Period....................      68,780          42,532           4,928          5,109          (1,424)          2,358
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

  Net Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............      73,112          47,403           5,451          5,340          (1,140)          2,561
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

  Increase in Equity Derived
    from Investment
    Activity..................      94,101          69,110           8,133          8,298           2,011           3,565
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS

  Policyowners' Net
    Deposits..................     258,672         170,672          30,145         21,502          20,672          12,656

  Policy Loans, Surrenders,
    and Death Benefits........     (37,427)        (23,728)         (6,454)        (4,003)         (4,327)         (2,787)

  Mortality and Other (net)...     (39,611)        (28,427)         (5,193)        (3,791)         (3,785)         (2,368)

  Transfers from Other
    Divisions.................     133,775          86,366          20,371         19,008          15,743          14,866

  Transfers to Other
    Divisions.................    (133,773)        (86,366)         (6,419)        (4,091)         (5,013)         (2,149)
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

Increase in Equity Derived
  from Equity Transactions....     181,636         118,517          32,450         28,625          23,290          20,218
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

Net Increase in Equity........     275,737         187,627          40,583         36,923          25,301          23,783

EQUITY

  Beginning of Year...........     474,198         286,571          78,647         41,724          53,116          29,333
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

  End of Year.................    $749,935        $474,198        $119,230         $78,647        $78,417         $53,116
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
</TABLE>

    The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements

                                       27
<PAGE>
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN EQUITY

(IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       GROWTH & INCOME                    INDEX 500
                                    GROWTH STOCK DIVISION              STOCK DIVISION                  STOCK DIVISION
                                -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                 YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                    1998            1997            1998            1997            1998            1997
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income...............    $   956         $ 1,413         $   537         $ 7,776         $  4,530        $  2,579
Mortality and Expense Risks...        211             105             234             120              671             395
Taxes.........................         91              45             100              52              287             169
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Net Investment Income.........        654           1,263             203           7,604            3,572           2,015
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized Gain on
    Investments...............        143             172             220             173            1,125           2,375
  Unrealized Appreciation
    (Depreciation) of
    Investments During the
    Period....................     10,533           4,151          10,574          (1,823)          31,738          17,772
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
  Net Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............     10,676           4,323          10,794          (1,650)          32,863          20,147
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
  Increase in Equity Derived
    from Investment
    Activity..................     11,330           5,586          10,997           5,954           36,435          22,162
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
  Policyowners' Net
    Deposits..................     12,991           7,334          14,771           7,537           29,665          19,733
  Policy Loans, Surrenders,
    and Death Benefits........     (2,859)         (1,314)         (2,902)         (1,842)          (8,924)         (5,039)
  Mortality and Other (net)...     (2,494)         (1,329)         (2,847)         (1,457)          (5,367)         (4,127)
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions.................     16,839           8,851          17,225          10,673           37,076          20,024
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions.................     (2,015)         (1,341)         (3,106)         (1,104)          (5,443)         (3,783)
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Increase in Equity Derived
  from Equity Transactions....     22,462          12,201          23,141          13,807           47,007          26,808
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Net Increase in Equity........     33,792          17,787          34,138          19,761           83,442          48,970
EQUITY
  Beginning of Year...........     32,233          14,446          36,389          16,628          107,699          58,729
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
  End of Year.................    $66,025         $32,233         $70,527         $36,389         $191,141        $107,699
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
</TABLE>

    The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements

                                       28
<PAGE>
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN EQUITY

(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      BALANCED DIVISION           HIGH YIELD BOND DIVISION          SELECT BOND DIVISION
                                -----------------------------   -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                 YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                    1998            1997            1998            1997            1998            1997
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income...............    $  8,344        $  5,105        $ 1,489          $1,370         $   743          $  436
Mortality and Expense Risks...         681             558             53              29              51              35
Taxes.........................         292             239             22              12              22              15
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Net Investment Income.........       7,371           4,308          1,414           1,329             670             386
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized Gain on
    Investments...............       1,893           1,655             47              26              97              36
  Unrealized Appreciation
    (Depreciation) of
    Investments During the
    Period....................      14,317          15,262         (1,828)           (531)            (58)            234
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
  Net Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............      16,210          16,917         (1,781)           (505)             39             270
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
  Increase in Equity Derived
    from Investment
    Activity..................      23,581          21,225           (367)            824             709             656
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
  Policyowners' Net
    Deposits..................      17,811          15,394          3,490           1,922           2,004           1,820
  Policy Loans, Surrenders,
    and Death Benefits........      (8,879)         (7,260)          (690)           (349)           (620)           (311)
  Mortality and Other (net)...      (3,232)         (3,395)          (641)           (339)           (250)           (560)
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions.................       7,905           4,266          5,399           3,276           3,951           2,000
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions.................      (5,398)         (4,734)        (1,476)           (425)         (2,217)           (756)
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Increase in Equity Derived
  from Equity Transactions....       8,207           4,271          6,082           4,085           2,868           2,193
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
Net Increase in Equity........      31,788          25,496          5,715           4,909           3,577           2,849
EQUITY
  Beginning of Year...........     126,322         100,826          8,801           3,892           9,092           6,243
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
  End of Year.................    $158,110        $126,322        $14,516          $8,801         $12,669          $9,092
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------

<CAPTION>

                                    MONEY MARKET DIVISION
                                -----------------------------

                                 YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                    1998            1997
                                -------------   -------------
<S>                             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividend Income...............    $ 1,445         $   952
Mortality and Expense Risks...        122              78
Taxes.........................         51              34
                                -------------   -------------
Net Investment Income.........      1,272             840
                                -------------   -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
  (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
  Realized Gain on
    Investments...............         --              --
  Unrealized Appreciation
    (Depreciation) of
    Investments During the
    Period....................         --              --
                                -------------   -------------
  Net Gain (Loss) on
    Investments...............         --              --
                                -------------   -------------
  Increase in Equity Derived
    from Investment
    Activity..................      1,272             840
                                -------------   -------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
  Policyowners' Net
    Deposits..................    127,123          82,774
  Policy Loans, Surrenders,
    and Death Benefits........     (1,772)           (823)
  Mortality and Other (net)...    (15,802)        (11,061)
  Transfers from Other
    Divisions.................      9,266           3,402
  Transfers to Other
    Divisions.................   (102,686)        (67,983)
                                -------------   -------------
Increase in Equity Derived
  from Equity Transactions....     16,129           6,309
                                -------------   -------------
Net Increase in Equity........     17,401           7,149
EQUITY
  Beginning of Year...........     21,899          14,750
                                -------------   -------------
  End of Year.................    $39,300         $21,899
                                -------------   -------------
                                -------------   -------------
</TABLE>

    The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements

                                       29
<PAGE>
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998

NOTE 1 -- Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account (the "Account") is
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940
and is a segregated asset account of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Company ("Northwestern Mutual") used to fund variable life insurance policies.

NOTE 2 -- The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Principal
accounting policies are summarized below.

NOTE 3 -- All assets of each Division of the Account are invested in shares of
the corresponding Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (the
"Fund"). The shares are valued at the Fund's offering and redemption price per
share. The Fund is a diversified open-end investment company registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940.

NOTE 4 -- Dividend income from the Fund is recorded on the record date of the
dividends. Transactions in Fund shares are accounted for on the trade date. The
basis for determining cost on sale of Fund shares is identified cost. Purchases
and sales of Fund shares for the year ended December 31, 1998 by each Division
are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PURCHASES          SALES
                                  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                               <C>              <C>
Aggressive Growth Division......  $    36,381,397  $     1,248,015
International Equity Division...       27,429,118          990,001
Growth Stock Division...........       23,393,892          279,458
Growth & Income Stock
Division........................       24,059,882          715,896
Index 500 Stock Division........       52,625,759        2,046,627
Balanced Division...............       20,647,579        5,068,597
High Yield Bond Division........        8,131,249          635,946
Select Bond Division............        5,351,461        1,813,834
Money Market Division...........       47,332,350       29,930,945
</TABLE>

NOTE 5 -- A deduction for mortality and expense risks is determined daily and
paid to Northwestern Mutual. Generally, for Variable Life policies issued before
October 11, 1995, and Variable Complife policies issued on or after October 11,
1995 the deduction is at an annual rate of .50% and .60%, respectively, of the
net assets of the Account. A deduction for the mortality and expense risks for
the Variable Executive Life policies issued on or after March 3, 1998 is
determined monthly at an annual rate of .75% of the amount invested in the
Account for the Policy for the first ten Policy years, and .30% thereafter. The
mortality risk is that insureds may not live as long as estimated. The expense
risk is that expenses of issuing and administering the policies may exceed the
estimated costs.

Certain deductions are also made from the annual, single or other premiums
before amounts are allocated to the Account. These deductions are for (1) sales
load, (2) administrative expenses, (3) taxes and (4) a risk charge for the
guaranteed minimum death benefit.

Additional mortality costs are deducted from the policy annually and are paid to
Northwestern Mutual to cover the cost of providing insurance protection. This
cost is actuarially calculated based upon the insured's age, the 1980
Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table and the amount of insurance
provided under the policy.

NOTE 6 -- Northwestern Mutual is taxed as a "life insurance company" under the
Internal Revenue Code. The variable life insurance policies which are funded in
the Account are taxed as part of the operations of Northwestern Mutual. Policies
provide that a charge for taxes may be made against the assets of the Account.
Generally, for Variable Life policies issued before October 11, 1995,
Northwestern Mutual charges the Account at an annual rate of .20% of the
Account's net assets and reserves the right to increase, decrease or eliminate
the charge for taxes in the future. Generally, for Variable Complife policies
issued on or after October 11, 1995, and for Variable Executive Life policies
issued on or after March 3, 1998, there is no charge being made against the
assets of the Account for federal income taxes, but Northwestern Mutual reserves
the right to charge for taxes in the future.

NOTE 7 -- The Account is credited for the policyowners' net annual premiums at
the respective policy anniversary dates regardless of when policyowners actually
paid their premiums. Northwestern Mutual's equity represents any unpaid portion
of net annual premiums. This applies to Variable Life and Variable Complife
policies only.

                                       30
<PAGE>
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998

(IN THOUSANDS)

NOTE 8 -- Equity Values by Division are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              VARIABLE LIFE
                                                                                          POLICIES ISSUED BEFORE
                                                                                             OCTOBER 11, 1995
                                                                                                EQUITY OF:
                                                                                         ------------------------    TOTAL
                                                                                         POLICYOWNERS      NML       EQUITY
                                                                                         -------------  ---------  ----------
<S>                                                                                      <C>            <C>        <C>
Aggressive Growth Stock Division.......................................................   $   42,391    $  3,793   $  46,184
International Equity Division..........................................................       32,539       3,074      35,613
Growth Stock Division..................................................................       22,888       1,510      24,398
Growth and Income Stock Division.......................................................       26,309       1,808      28,117
Index 500 Stock Division...............................................................       95,615       4,943     100,558
Balanced Division......................................................................      134,029       5,006     139,035
High Yield Bond Division...............................................................        4,916         428       5,344
Select Bond Division...................................................................        6,911         417       7,328
Money Market Division..................................................................        5,918         277       6,195
                                                                                         -------------  ---------  ----------
                                                                                          $  371,516    $ 21,256   $ 392,772
                                                                                         -------------  ---------  ----------
                                                                                         -------------  ---------  ----------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            VARIABLE COMPLIFE
                                                                                          POLICIES ISSUED ON OR
                                                                                         AFTER OCTOBER 11, 1995
                                                                                               EQUITY OF:
                                                                                        -------------------------    TOTAL
                                                                                        POLICYOWNERS      NML        EQUITY
                                                                                        -------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                     <C>            <C>         <C>
Aggressive Growth Stock Division......................................................   $   54,132    $  18,846   $  72,978
International Equity Division.........................................................       31,302       11,492      42,794
Growth Stock Division.................................................................       30,575       11,026      41,601
Growth and Income Stock Division......................................................       30,515       11,841      42,356
Index 500 Stock Division..............................................................       65,609       24,890      90,499
Balanced Division.....................................................................       14,142        4,909      19,051
High Yield Bond Division..............................................................        6,565        2,594       9,159
Select Bond Division..................................................................        4,161        1,171       5,332
Money Market Division.................................................................       13,154       19,938      33,092
                                                                                        -------------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                         $  250,155    $ 106,707   $ 356,862
                                                                                        -------------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                        -------------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE
                                                                                                          POLICIES ISSUED ON OR
                                                                                                           AFTER MARCH 2, 1998
                                                                                                        -------------------------
                                                                                                                  TOTAL
                                                                                                                 EQUITY
                                                                                                        -------------------------
<S>                                                                                                     <C>
Aggressive Growth Stock Division......................................................................          $      67
International Equity Division.........................................................................                 10
Growth Stock Division.................................................................................                 25
Growth and Income Stock Division......................................................................                 55
Index 500 Stock Division..............................................................................                 84
Balanced Division.....................................................................................                 24
High Yield Bond Division..............................................................................                 13
Select Bond Division..................................................................................                  9
Money Market Division.................................................................................                 14
                                                                                                                    -----
                                                                                                                $     301
                                                                                                                    -----
                                                                                                                    -----
</TABLE>

                                       31
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(IN MILLIONS)

The following financial statements of Northwestern Mutual should be considered
only as bearing upon the ability of Northwestern Mutual Life to meet its
obligations under the Policies.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ---------------------
                                                      1998        1997
                                                    ---------   ---------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>
ASSETS
    Bonds.........................................  $  34,888   $  32,359
    Common and preferred stocks...................      6,576       6,524
    Mortgage loans................................     12,250      10,835
    Real estate...................................      1,481       1,372
    Policy loans..................................      7,580       7,163
    Other investments.............................      1,839       2,026
    Cash and temporary investments................      1,275         572
    Due and accrued investment income.............        827         795
    Other assets..................................      1,313       1,275
    Separate account assets.......................      9,966       8,160
                                                    ---------   ---------
        Total assets..............................  $  77,995   $  71,081
                                                    ---------   ---------
                                                    ---------   ---------
LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
    Reserves for policy benefits..................  $  51,815   $  47,343
    Policy benefit and premium deposits...........      1,709       1,624
    Policyowner dividends payable.................      2,870       2,640
    Interest maintenance reserve..................        606         461
    Asset valuation reserve.......................      1,994       1,974
    Income taxes payable..........................      1,161       1,043
    Other liabilities.............................      3,133       3,735
    Separate account liabilities..................      9,966       8,160
                                                    ---------   ---------
        Total liabilities.........................     73,254      66,980
    Surplus.......................................      4,741       4,101
                                                    ---------   ---------
        Total liabilities and surplus.............  $  77,995   $  71,081
                                                    ---------   ---------
                                                    ---------   ---------
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       32
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(IN MILLIONS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    ---------------------------------
                                                      1998        1997        1996
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>
REVENUE
    Premium income................................  $  8,021    $  7,294    $  6,667
    Net investment income.........................     4,536       4,171       3,836
    Other income..................................       922         861         759
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
        Total revenue.............................    13,479      12,326      11,262
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
    Benefit payments to policyowners and
     beneficiaries................................     3,602       3,329       2,921
    Net additions to policy benefit reserves......     4,521       4,026       3,701
    Net transfers to separate accounts............       564         566         579
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
        Total benefits............................     8,687       7,921       7,201
    Operating expenses............................     1,297       1,138       1,043
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
        Total benefits and expenses...............     9,984       9,059       8,244
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
Gain from operations before dividends and taxes...     3,495       3,267       3,018
Policyowner dividends.............................     2,869       2,636       2,341
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
Gain from operations before taxes.................       626         631         677
Income tax expense................................       301         356         452
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
Net gain from operations..........................       325         275         225
Net realized capital gains........................       484         414         395
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
        Net income................................  $    809    $    689    $    620
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
                                                    ---------   ---------   ---------
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       33
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SURPLUS

(IN MILLIONS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -------------------------------
                                                       1998        1997        1996
                                                      -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>
BEGINNING OF YEAR BALANCE.........................    $4,101      $3,515      $2,786
  Net income......................................       809         689         620
  Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains.....      (147)        576         295
  Increase in investment reserves.................       (20)       (526)       (176)
  Other, net......................................        (2)       (153)        (10)
                                                      -------     -------     -------
  Net increase in surplus.........................       640         586         729
                                                      -------     -------     -------
END OF YEAR BALANCE...............................    $4,741      $4,101      $3,515
                                                      -------     -------     -------
                                                      -------     -------     -------
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       34
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(IN MILLIONS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      ----------------------------------
                                                        1998         1997         1996
                                                      --------     --------     --------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Insurance and annuity premiums..................    $ 8,876      $ 8,093      $ 7,361
  Investment income received......................      4,216        3,928        3,634
  Disbursement of policy loans, net of
   repayments.....................................       (416)        (360)        (326)
  Benefits paid to policyowners and
   beneficiaries..................................     (3,572)      (3,316)      (2,912)
  Net transfers to separate accounts..............       (564)        (565)        (579)
  Policyowner dividends paid......................     (2,639)      (2,347)      (2,105)
  Operating expenses and taxes....................     (1,749)      (1,722)      (1,663)
  Other, net......................................        (83)         124          (59)
                                                      --------     --------     --------
    NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES.....      4,069        3,835        3,351
                                                      --------     --------     --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  PROCEEDS FROM INVESTMENTS SOLD OR MATURED
    Bonds.........................................     28,720       38,284       31,942
    Common and preferred stocks...................     10,359        9,057        4,570
    Mortgage loans................................      1,737        1,012        1,253
    Real estate...................................        159          302          178
    Other investments.............................        768          398          316
                                                      --------     --------     --------
                                                       41,743       49,053       38,259
                                                      --------     --------     --------
  COST OF INVESTMENTS ACQUIRED
    Bonds.........................................     30,873       41,169       35,342
    Common and preferred stocks...................      9,642        9,848        4,463
    Mortgage loans................................      3,135        2,309        2,455
    Real estate...................................        268          202          125
    Other investments.............................        567          359          255
                                                      --------     --------     --------
                                                       44,485       53,887       42,640
                                                      --------     --------     --------
  NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN SECURITIES LENDING
   AND OTHER......................................       (624)         440        1,617
                                                      --------     --------     --------
    NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES.........     (3,366)      (4,394)      (2,764)
                                                      --------     --------     --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND TEMPORARY
 INVESTMENTS......................................        703         (559)         587
CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, BEGINNING OF
 YEAR.............................................        572        1,131          544
                                                      --------     --------     --------
CASH AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS, END OF YEAR.......    $ 1,275      $   572      $ 1,131
                                                      --------     --------     --------
                                                      --------     --------     --------
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       35
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

1. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying consolidated statutory financial statements include the
accounts of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company ("Company") and its
wholly-owned life insurance subsidiary, Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance
Company ("Subsidiary"). The Company and its Subsidiary offer life, annuity,
disability income and long term care products to the personal, business, estate
and tax-qualified markets.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting
policies prescribed or permitted by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
of the State of Wisconsin ("statutory basis of accounting").

In 1998, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") adopted
the Codification of Statutory Accounting Principles, which will replace the
current Accounting Practices and Procedures manual as the NAIC's primary
guidance on statutory accounting. The NAIC is now considering amendments to the
codification guidance that would also be effective upon its planned
implementation effective January 1, 2001. It is expected that the Office of the
Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin ("OCI") will adopt the
codification, but it is not known whether the OCI will make any changes to that
guidance. The potential effect of the codification on the Company will depend
upon the guidance adopted by the OCI.

Financial statements prepared on the statutory basis of accounting vary from
financial statements prepared on the basis of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles ("GAAP") primarily because on a GAAP basis (1) policy acquisition
costs are deferred and amortized, (2) investment valuations and insurance
reserves are based on different assumptions, (3) funds received under
deposit-type contracts are not reported as premium revenue, and (4) deferred
taxes are provided for temporary differences between book and tax basis of
certain assets and liabilities. The effects on the financial statements of the
differences between the statutory basis of accounting and GAAP are material to
the Company.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with the statutory basis
of accounting requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual future results could differ from these estimates.

INVESTMENTS

The Company's investments are valued on the following bases:

<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>  <C>
Bonds                           --   Amortized cost using the interest method; loan-backed and
                                     structured securities are amortized using estimated
                                     prepayment rates and, generally, the prospective adjustment
                                     method
Common and preferred stocks     --   Common stocks are carried at fair value, preferred stocks
                                     are generally carried at cost, and unconsolidated
                                     subsidiaries are recorded using the equity method
Mortgage loans                  --   Amortized cost
Real estate                     --   Lower of cost, less depreciation and encumbrances, or
                                     estimated net realizable value
Policy loans                    --   Unpaid principal balance, which approximates fair value
Other investments               --   Consists primarily of joint venture investments which are
                                     valued at equity in ventures' net assets
Cash and temporary investments  --   Amortized cost, which approximates fair value
</TABLE>

                                       36
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

Temporary investments consist of debt securities that have maturities of one
year or less at acquisition.

NET INVESTMENT INCOME

Net investment income includes interest and dividends received or due and
accrued on debt securities and stocks, equity in unconsolidated subsidiaries'
earnings and the Company's share of joint venture income. Net investment income
is reduced by investment management expenses, real estate depreciation,
depletion related to energy assets and costs associated with securities lending.

INTEREST MAINTENANCE RESERVE

The Company is required to maintain an interest maintenance reserve ("IMR"). The
IMR is used to defer realized gains and losses, net of tax, on fixed income
investments resulting from changes in interest rates. Net realized gains and
losses deferred to the IMR are amortized into investment income over the
approximate remaining term to maturity of the investment sold.

INVESTMENT RESERVES

The Company is required to maintain an asset valuation reserve ("AVR"). The AVR
establishes a general reserve for invested asset valuation using a formula
prescribed by state regulations. The AVR is designed to stabilize surplus
against potential declines in the value of investments. In addition, the Company
maintained a $200 million voluntary investment reserve at December 31, 1998 and
1997 to absorb potential investment losses exceeding those considered by the AVR
formula. Increases or decreases in these investment reserves are recorded
directly to surplus.

SEPARATE ACCOUNTS

Separate account assets and related policy liabilities represent the segregation
of funds deposited by "variable" life insurance and annuity policyowners.
Policyowners bear the investment performance risk associated with variable
products. Separate account assets are invested at the direction of the
policyowner in a variety of Company-managed mutual funds. Variable product
policyowners also have the option to invest in a fixed interest rate annuity in
the general account of the Company. Separate account assets are reported at fair
value.

PREMIUM REVENUE AND OPERATING EXPENSES

Life insurance premiums are recognized as revenue at the beginning of each
policy year. Annuity and disability income premiums are recognized when received
by the Company. Operating expenses, including costs of acquiring new policies,
are charged to operations as incurred.

OTHER INCOME

Other income includes considerations on supplementary contracts, ceded
reinsurance expense allowances and miscellaneous policy charges.

                                       37
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

BENEFIT PAYMENTS TO POLICYOWNERS AND BENEFICIARIES

Benefit payments to policyowners and beneficiaries include death, surrender and
disability benefits, matured endowments and supplementary contract payments.

RESERVES FOR POLICY BENEFITS

Reserves for policy benefits are determined using actuarial estimates based on
mortality and morbidity experience tables and valuation interest rates
prescribed by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of
Wisconsin. See Note 3.

POLICYOWNER DIVIDENDS

Almost all life insurance policies, and certain annuity and disability income
policies, issued by the Company are participating. Annually, the Company's Board
of Trustees approves dividends payable on participating policies in the
following fiscal year, which are accrued and charged to operations when
approved.

RECLASSIFICATION

Certain financial statement balances for 1997 and 1996 have been reclassified to
conform to the current year presentation.

2. INVESTMENTS

DEBT SECURITIES

Debt securities consist of all bonds and fixed-maturity preferred stocks. The
estimated fair values of debt securities are based upon quoted market prices, if
available. For securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated using
independent pricing services or internally developed pricing models. The Company
records unrealized losses for debt securities considered impaired.

                                       38
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

Statement value, which principally represents amortized cost, and estimated fair
value of the Company's debt securities at December 31, 1998 and 1997 were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                RECONCILIATION TO ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE
                                                                ---------------------------------------
                                                                   GROSS          GROSS       ESTIMATED
                                                    STATEMENT    UNREALIZED     UNREALIZED      FAIR
DECEMBER 31, 1998                                     VALUE     APPRECIATION   DEPRECIATION     VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------  ---------   ------------   ------------   ---------
                                                                       (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
US Government and political obligations...........  $ 3,904       $  461          $ (11)      $ 4,354
Mortgage-backed securities........................    7,357          280            (15)        7,622
Corporate and other debt securities...............   23,627        1,240           (382)       24,485
                                                    ---------   ------------     ------       ---------
                                                     34,888        1,981           (408)       36,461
Preferred stocks..................................      189            4             (1)          192
                                                    ---------   ------------     ------       ---------
Total.............................................  $35,077       $1,985          $(409)      $36,653
                                                    ---------   ------------     ------       ---------
                                                    ---------   ------------     ------       ---------

<CAPTION>

                                                                RECONCILIATION TO ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE
                                                                ---------------------------------------
                                                                   GROSS          GROSS       ESTIMATED
                                                    STATEMENT    UNREALIZED     UNREALIZED      FAIR
DECEMBER 31, 1997                                     VALUE     APPRECIATION   DEPRECIATION     VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------  ---------   ------------   ------------   ---------
                                                                       (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
US Government and political obligations...........  $ 3,695       $  336          $  (3)      $ 4,028
Mortgage-backed securities........................    7,015          264             (4)        7,275
Corporate and other debt securities...............   21,649        1,098           (208)       22,539
                                                    ---------   ------------     ------       ---------
                                                     32,359        1,698           (215)       33,842
Preferred stocks..................................      167            4             (2)          169
                                                    ---------   ------------     ------       ---------
Total.............................................  $32,526       $1,702          $(217)      $34,011
                                                    ---------   ------------     ------       ---------
                                                    ---------   ------------     ------       ---------
</TABLE>

The statement value of debt securities by contractual maturity at December 31,
1998 and 1997 is shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual
maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations
with or without call or prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                        1998           1997
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>
Due in one year or less...........................    $   655        $   605
Due after one year through five years.............      5,031          4,878
Due after five years through ten years............     10,286          9,760
Due after ten years...............................     11,748         10,268
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                       27,720         25,511
Mortgage-backed securities........................      7,357          7,015
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                      $35,077        $32,526
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                    ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

STOCKS

The estimated fair values of common and perpetual preferred stocks are based
upon quoted market prices, if available. For securities not actively traded,
fair values are estimated using independent pricing services or internally
developed pricing models.

                                       39
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

The adjusted cost of common and preferred stock held by the Company at December
31, 1998 and 1997 was $4.8 billion and $5.0 billion, respectively.

MORTGAGE LOANS AND REAL ESTATE

Mortgage loans are collateralized by properties located throughout the United
States and Canada. The Company attempts to minimize mortgage loan investment
risk by diversification of geographic locations and types of collateral
properties.

The fair value of mortgage loans as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 was
approximately $12.9 billion and $11.5 billion, respectively. The fair value of
the mortgage loan portfolio is estimated by discounting the future estimated
cash flows using current interest rates of debt securities with similar credit
risk and maturities, or utilizing net realizable values.

At December 31, 1998 and 1997, real estate includes $61 million acquired through
foreclosure at each date and $120 million and $124 million, respectively, of
home office real estate. In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company recorded unrealized
losses of $5 million, $2 million and $43 million, respectively, for the excess
of statement value over fair value of certain real estate investments and
mortgage loans.

REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES

Realized investment gains and losses for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED               FOR THE YEAR ENDED               FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                                      DECEMBER 31, 1998                DECEMBER 31, 1997                DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                ------------------------------   ------------------------------   ------------------------------
                                                        NET                              NET                              NET
                                                      REALIZED                         REALIZED                         REALIZED
                                REALIZED   REALIZED    GAINS     REALIZED   REALIZED    GAINS     REALIZED   REALIZED    GAINS
                                 GAINS      LOSSES    (LOSSES)    GAINS      LOSSES    (LOSSES)    GAINS      LOSSES    (LOSSES)
                                --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                                         (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Bonds.........................  $   514     $ (231)    $  283    $   518     $ (269)    $ 249     $   396     $ (383)    $   13
Common and preferred stocks...      885       (240)       645        533       (150)      383         580       (115)       465
Mortgage loans................       18        (11)         7         14        (14)        -           2        (15)       (13)
Real estate...................       41          -         41        100         (2)       98          36          -         36
Other investments.............      330       (267)        63        338       (105)      233         204        (51)       153
                                --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                  1,788       (749)     1,039      1,503       (540)      963       1,218       (564)       654
                                --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Less: Capital gains taxes.....                            358                             340                               224
Less: IMR deferrals...........                            197                             209                                35
                                                      --------                         --------                         --------
Net realized capital gains....                         $  484                           $ 414                            $  395
                                                      --------                         --------                         --------
                                                      --------                         --------                         --------
</TABLE>

SECURITIES LENDING

The Company has entered into a securities lending agreement whereby certain
securities are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms. The
Company's policy requires a minimum of 102 percent of the fair value of the
loaned securities as collateral, calculated on a daily basis in the form of
either cash or securities. Collateral assets received and related liability due
to counterparties of $1.5 billion are included in the consolidated

                                       40
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

statements of financial position for each of the periods ended at December 31,
1998 and 1997, and approximate the statement value of securities loaned at those
dates.

INVESTMENT IN MGIC

The Company owns 11.0% (11.9 million shares) of the outstanding common stock of
MGIC Investment Corporation ("MGIC"). This investment is accounted for using the
equity method. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the fair value of the Company's
investment in MGIC exceeded the statement value of $180 million and $273
million, respectively, by $296 million and $768 million, respectively.

In July 1995, the Company entered into a forward contract with a brokerage firm
to deliver 8.9 million to 10.7 million shares of MGIC (or cash in an amount
equal to the market value of the MGIC shares at contract maturity) in August,
1998, in exchange for a fixed cash payment of $247 million ($24 per share). The
Company's objective in entering into the forward contract was to hedge against
depreciation in the value of its MGIC holdings during the contract period below
the initial spot price of $24, while partially participating in appreciation, if
any, during the forward contract's duration. In August 1998, the Company
delivered 8.9 million shares to settle the forward contract. In conjunction with
the settlement, the Company recorded a $114 million realized gain.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions to reduce
its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates
and market volatility. These hedging strategies include the use of forwards,
futures, options and swaps.

The Company held the following positions for hedging purposes at December 31,
1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT                     NOTIONAL AMOUNTS                         RISKS REDUCED
- ---------------------------------------------  ---------------------------   ---------------------------------------------
                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
                                               DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                   1998           1997
                                               ------------   ------------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>            <C>
Foreign Currency Forward                                                     Currency exposure on foreign-denominated
 Contracts...................................      $601           $564       investments.
Common Stock Futures.........................       657            327       Stock market price fluctuation.
Bond Futures.................................       379             95       Bond market price fluctuation.
Options to acquire Interest Rate Swaps.......       419            530       Interest rates payable on certain annuity and
                                                                             insurance contracts.
Foreign Currency and Interest Rate Swaps.....        94            209       Interest rates on variable rate notes and
                                                                             currency exposure on foreign-denominated
                                                                             bonds.
</TABLE>

The notional or contractual amounts of derivative financial instruments are used
to denominate these types of transactions and do not represent the amounts
exchanged between the parties.

In addition to the use of derivatives for hedging purposes, equity swaps were
held for investment purposes during 1997 and 1998. The notional amount of equity
swaps outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $188 million and $143
million, respectively.

Foreign currency forwards, foreign currency swaps, stock futures and equity
swaps are reported at fair value. Resulting gains and losses on these contracts
are unrealized until expiration of the contract. There is no statement

                                       41
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

value reported for interest rate swaps, bond futures and options to acquire
interest rate swaps prior to the settlement of the contract, at which time
realized gains and losses are deferred to IMR. Changes in the value of
derivative instruments are expected to offset gains and losses on the hedged
investments. During 1998, net realized and unrealized gains on investments were
partially offset by net realized losses of $104 million and net unrealized
losses of $58 million on derivative instruments. The effect of derivative
instruments in 1997 and 1996 was not material to the Company's results of
operations.

3. RESERVES FOR POLICY BENEFITS

Life insurance reserves on substantially all policies issued since 1978 are
based on the Commissioner's Reserve Valuation Method with interest rates ranging
from 3 1/2% to 5 1/2%. Other life policy reserves are primarily based on the net
level premium method employing various mortality tables at interest rates
ranging from 2% to 4 1/2%.

Deferred annuity reserves on contracts issued since 1985 are valued primarily
using the Commissioner's Annuity Reserve Valuation Method with interest rates
ranging from 3 1/2% to 6 1/4%. Other deferred annuity reserves are based on
contract value. Immediate annuity reserves are based on present values of
expected benefit payments at interest rates ranging from 3 1/2% to 7 1/2%.

Active life reserves for disability income ("DI") policies issued since 1987 are
primarily based on the two-year preliminary term method using a 4% interest rate
and the 1985 Commissioner's Individual Disability Table A ("CIDA") for
morbidity. Active life reserves for prior DI policies are based on the net level
premium method, a 3% to 4% interest rate and the 1964 Commissioner's Disability
Table for morbidity. Disabled life reserves for DI policies are based on the
present values of expected benefit payments primarily using the 1985 CIDA
(modified for Company experience in the first two years of disability) with
interest rates ranging from 3% to 5 1/2%.

Use of these actuarial tables and methods involves estimation of future
mortality and morbidity based on past experience. Actual future experience could
differ from these estimates.

4. EMPLOYEE AND AGENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company sponsors noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans for all
eligible employees and agents. The expense associated with these plans is
generally recorded by the Company in the period contributions to the plans are
funded. As of January 1, 1998, the most recent actuarial valuation date
available, the qualified defined benefit plans were fully funded. The Company
recorded a liability of $98 million and $87 million for nonqualified defined
benefit plans at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. In addition, the
Company has a contributory 401(k) plan for eligible employees and a
noncontributory defined contribution plan for all full-time agents. The
Company's contributions are expensed in the period contributions are made to the
plans. The Company recorded $29 million, $27 million and $25 million of total
expense related to its defined benefit and defined contribution plans for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The defined benefit
and defined contribution plans' assets of $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, were primarily invested in the
separate accounts of the Company.

In addition to pension and retirement benefits, the Company provides certain
health care and life insurance benefits ("postretirement benefits") for retired
employees. Substantially all employees may become eligible for these benefits if
they reach retirement age while working for the Company. Postretirement benefit
costs for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were a net expense
(benefit) of $1.8 million, ($1.3) million and

                                       42
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

($12.0) million, respectively. Net benefits were primarily a result of favorable
differences between actuarial assumptions and actual experience.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    DECEMBER 31,          DECEMBER 31,
                                        1998                  1997
                                --------------------  --------------------
<S>                             <C>                   <C>
Unfunded postretirement
 benefit obligation for
 retirees and other fully
 eligible employees (Accrued
 in statement of financial
 position)....................  $35 million           $34 million
Estimated postretirement
 benefit obligation for active
 non-vested employees (Not
 accrued until employee
 vests).......................  $56 million           $50 million
Discount rate.................  7%                    7%
Health care cost trend rate...  10% to an ultimate    10% to an ultimate
                                5%, declining 1% for  5%, declining 1% for
                                5 years               5 years
</TABLE>

If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased by 1%, the accrued
postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 would have
been increased by $5 million and $4 million, respectively.

At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the recorded postretirement benefit obligation
was reduced by $23 million and $20 million, respectively, for assets funded for
postretirement health care benefits.

5. REINSURANCE

In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to limit its exposure to
loss on any single insured and to recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding
to reinsurers under excess coverage and coinsurance contracts. The Company
retains a maximum of $25 million of coverage per individual life and $35 million
maximum of coverage per joint life. The Company has an excess reinsurance
contract for disability income policies with retention limits varying based upon
on coverage type.

The amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are net
of reinsurance. Policy benefit reserves at December 31, 1998 and 1997 were
reported net of ceded reserves of $518 million and $435 million, respectively.
The effect of reinsurance on premiums and benefits for the years ended December
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1998      1997      1996
                                                    -------   -------   -------
                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>
Direct premiums...................................  $8,426    $7,647    $7,064
Premiums ceded....................................    (405)     (353)     (397)
                                                    -------   -------   -------
Net premium revenue...............................  $8,021    $7,294    $6,667
                                                    -------   -------   -------
                                                    -------   -------   -------
Benefits to policyowners and beneficiaries........  $8,869    $8,057    $7,348
Benefits ceded....................................    (182)     (136)     (147)
                                                    -------   -------   -------
Net benefits to policyowners and beneficiaries....  $8,687    $7,921    $7,201
                                                    -------   -------   -------
                                                    -------   -------   -------
</TABLE>

                                       43
<PAGE>
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

In addition, the Company received $121 million, $115 million and $93 million for
the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, from reinsurers
representing allowances for reimbursement of commissions and other expenses.
These amounts are included in other income in the consolidated statement of
operations.

Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to
policyowners. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in
losses to the Company; consequently, allowances are established for amounts
deemed uncollectible. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its
reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar
geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to
minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies.

6. INCOME TAXES

Provisions for income taxes are based on current income tax payable without
recognition of deferred taxes. The Company files a consolidated life-nonlife
federal income tax return. Federal income tax returns for years through 1988 are
closed as to further assessment of tax. Adequate provision has been made in the
financial statements for any additional taxes which may become due with respect
to the open years.

The Company's effective tax rate on gains from operations before taxes for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was 48%, 56%, and 67% respectively.
The Company's effective tax rate exceeds the federal corporate rate of 35%
primarily because, (1) the Company pays a tax that is assessed only on the
surplus of mutual life insurance companies ("equity tax"), and (2) the Company
must capitalize and amortize (as opposed to immediately deducting) an amount
deemed to represent the cost of acquiring new business ("DAC tax").

7. ACQUISITION OF FRANK RUSSELL COMPANY

Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 10, 1998, the
Company acquired Frank Russell Company effective January 1, 1999 for a purchase
price of approximately $950 million. Frank Russell is a leading investment
management and consulting firm, providing investment advice, analytical tools
and investment vehicles to institutional and individual investors in more than
30 countries.

In connection with its acquisition of Frank Russell Company, the Company will be
required in 1999 to charge-off directly from surplus approximately $341 million,
which represents the amount of acquisition goodwill less 10% of the Company's
surplus at December 31, 1998. In addition, the Company will request permission
from the OCI to charge-off the remaining $474 million of acquisition goodwill in
1999 and currently intends to do so.

In connection with the acquisition, the Company has unconditionally guaranteed
certain debt obligations of Frank Russell Company, including $350 million of
senior notes and up to $150 million of other credit facilities.

8. CONTINGENCIES

The Company has guaranteed certain obligations of its affiliates. These
guarantees totaled approximately $133 million at December 31, 1998 and are
generally supported by the underlying net asset values of the affiliates.

In addition, the Company routinely makes commitments to fund mortgage loans or
other investments in the normal course of business. These commitments aggregated
to $2.1 billion at December 31, 1998 and were extended at market interest rates
and terms.

The Company is engaged in various legal actions in the normal course of its
investment and insurance operations. In the opinion of management, any losses
resulting from such actions would not have a material effect on the Company's
financial position.

                                       44
<PAGE>
                                 [LETTERHEAD]

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Trustees and Policyowners of
 The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary as of December
31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of
changes in surplus and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1998. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As described in Note 1, these consolidated financial statements were prepared in
conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Office of
the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Wisconsin (statutory basis of
accounting), which practices differ from generally accepted accounting
principles. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements are not intended
to represent a presentation in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the
variances between the statutory basis of accounting and generally accepted
accounting principles, although not reasonably determinable, are presumed to be
material.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements audited by us (1) do not
present fairly in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the
financial position of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its
subsidiary at December 31, 1998 and 1997, or the results of their operations or
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1998 because of the effects of the variances between the statutory basis of
accounting and generally accepted accounting principles referred to in the
preceding paragraph and (2) do present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its
subsidiary at December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1998, on the basis of accounting described in Note 1.

      /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

January 25, 1999

                                       45

<PAGE>

APPENDIX


ILLUSTRATIONS OF DEATH BENEFITS, CASH VALUES AND ACCUMULATED PREMIUMS. The
tables on the following pages illustrate how the death benefit and cash value
for a Policy would vary over time based on hypothetical investment results. The
tables assume gross investment return rates of 0%, 6% and 12% on assets of the
Account. The Policies illustrated are on a sex-neutral basis, age 45, $500,000
Specified Amount and death benefit Option A with a $10,000 annual planned
premium. These illustrations, on pages 47-50, are for a Policy issued to a
guaranteed issue, non-Tobacco risk using 1) the guideline premium/cash value
corridor test, and 2) the cash value accumulation test for the definition of
life insurance, based on both current charges and on maximum charges.


The death benefits and cash values would be different from those shown if the
gross investment return rate averaged 0%, 6% or 12%, but fluctuated over and
under the average rate at various points in time. The values would also be
different, depending on the Account divisions selected by the owner of the
Policy, if the Portfolio or Funds return rate averaged 0%, 6% or 12%, but the
rates for each individual Portfolio or Fund varied over and under the average.


The amounts shown as the death benefits and cash values reflect the deductions
from premiums and deductions from Policy Value. The amounts shown as the cash
values reflect the fact that the Company will refund a portion of the sales load
for a policy surrendered during the first three years. The amounts shown also
reflect the average of the investment advisory fees and other expenses
applicable to each of the Portfolios and Funds at the annual rate of .66% of
their net assets. In calculating this average rate we used the actual expenses
for 1998 for the nine Portfolios which were in operation, and estimated expense
ratios which we expect the two new Portfolios and five Funds to incur in 1999 on
an annualized basis. See "The Funds", p. 3. Thus the 0%, 6% and 12% gross
hypothetical return rates on the Fund's assets are equivalent to the net rates
of -.66%, 5.34% and 11.34% on the assets of the Account.


The second column of each table shows the amount which would accumulate if an
amount equal to the annual premium were invested to earn interest, after taxes,
at a 5% interest rate compounded annually.

The death benefits and corresponding cash values shown on pages 47 and 49
illustrate benefits which would be paid if investment returns of 0%, 6% and 12%
are realized, if mortality and expense experience in the future is as currently
experienced. HOWEVER, CURRENT MONTHLY COST OF INSURANCE AND EXPENSE CHARGES MAY
CHANGE SUBJECT TO THE STATED MAXIMUM CHARGES.

A comparable illustration based on a proposed insured's age, sex and risk
classification and proposed face amount or premium is available upon request.


                                       46
<PAGE>

                 FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
            SEX-NEUTRAL ISSUE AGE 45 -- GUARANTEED ISSUE NON-TOBACCO
                            $500,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                             DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A
                             $10,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                  GUIDELINE PREMIUM / CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST

                                 CURRENT CHARGES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DEATH BENEFIT                             CASH VALUE
                                            -------------------                       ----------------
                                        ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS              ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                    PREMIUM             ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF              ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                  ACCUMULATED
   END OF        AT 5% INTEREST        0%            6%           12%           0%           6%           12%
POLICY YEAR         PER YEAR        -------       -------       -------      -------      -------      -------
- -----------         --------
<S>              <C>                <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>
1                    10,500         500,000       500,000       500,000        8,650        9,107        9,565
2                    21,525         500,000       500,000       500,000       16,536       17,949       19,417
3                    33,101         500,000       500,000       500,000       23,812       26,697       29,812
4                    45,256         500,000       500,000       500,000       30,428       35,317       40,805
5                    58,019         500,000       500,000       500,000       37,850       45,288       53,974
6                    71,420         500,000       500,000       500,000       45,075       55,625       68,446
7                    85,491         500,000       500,000       500,000       52,485       66,750       84,791
8                   100,266         500,000       500,000       500,000       59,705       78,307      102,797
9                   115,779         500,000       500,000       500,000       66,689       90,271      122,605
10                  132,068         500,000       500,000       500,000       73,496      102,722      144,471
15                  226,575         500,000       500,000       500,000      106,079      175,967      299,370
20(age 65)          347,193         500,000       500,000       686,313      132,415      267,160      562,551
25                  501,135         500,000       500,000     1,162,093      150,098      383,527    1,001,804
30                  697,608         500,000       574,705     1,855,317      152,295      537,107    1,733,941
35                  948,363         500,000       770,513     3,108,671      124,530      733,822    2,960,639
40                1,268,398         500,000     1,025,331     5,225,510       29,011      976,505    4,976,676
45                1,676,852               0     1,330,468     8,637,029            0    1,267,113    8,225,741
</TABLE>



ASSUMES NO POLICY LOAN OR WITHDRAWAL HAS BEEN MADE.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND
UPON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER
TO THE DIVISIONS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.

THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6% AND 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL
POLICY YEARS. THEY WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT IF PREMIUMS WERE PAID IN DIFFERENT
AMOUNTS OR FREQUENCIES THAN SHOWN. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
A PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       47
<PAGE>

                 FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
            SEX-NEUTRAL ISSUE AGE 45 -- GUARANTEED ISSUE NON-TOBACCO
                            $500,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                             DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A
                             $10,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                  GUIDELINE PREMIUM / CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST

                               GUARANTEED CHARGES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DEATH BENEFIT                             CASH VALUE
                                            -------------------                       ----------------
                                        ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS              ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                    PREMIUM             ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF              ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                  ACCUMULATED
   END OF        AT 5% INTEREST        0%            6%           12%           0%           6%           12%
POLICY YEAR         PER YEAR        -------       -------       -------      -------      -------      -------
- -----------         --------
<S>              <C>                <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
1                   10,500          500,000       500,000       500,000        7,235        7,646        8,059
2                   21,525          500,000       500,000       500,000       13,556       14,787       16,070
3                   33,101          500,000       500,000       500,000       19,182       21,648       24,320
4                   45,256          500,000       500,000       500,000       24,123       28,247       32,896
5                   58,019          500,000       500,000       500,000       29,734       35,945       43,234
6                   71,420          500,000       500,000       500,000       35,070       43,805       54,483
7                   85,491          500,000       500,000       500,000       40,461       52,188       67,121
8                  100,266          500,000       500,000       500,000       45,536       60,731       80,897
9                  115,779          500,000       500,000       500,000       50,305       69,452       95,954
10                 132,068          500,000       500,000       500,000       54,669       78,269      112,358
15                 226,575          500,000       500,000       500,000       70,430      124,252      221,623
20 (age 65)        347,193          500,000       500,000       500,000       73,324      172,853      403,530
25                 501,135          500,000       500,000       818,835       54,587      221,356      705,893
30                 697,608                0       500,000     1,274,359            0      267,336    1,190,990
35                 948,363                0       500,000     2,077,499            0      303,894    1,978,571
40               1,268,398                0       500,000     3,378,145            0      322,617    3,217,281
45               1,676,852                0       500,000     5,377,664            0      282,033    5,121,585
</TABLE>




ASSUMES NO POLICY LOAN OR WITHDRAWAL HAS BEEN MADE.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND
UPON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER
TO THE DIVISIONS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.

THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6% AND 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL
POLICY YEARS. THEY WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT IF PREMIUMS WERE PAID IN DIFFERENT
AMOUNTS OR FREQUENCIES THAN SHOWN. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
A PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       48
<PAGE>

                 FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
            SEX-NEUTRAL ISSUE AGE 45 -- GUARANTEED ISSUE NON-TOBACCO
                            $500,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                             DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A
                             $10,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                          CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST

                                 CURRENT CHARGES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DEATH BENEFIT                             CASH VALUE
                                            -------------------                       ----------------
                                        ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS              ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                    PREMIUM             ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF              ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                  ACCUMULATED
   END OF        AT 5% INTEREST        0%            6%           12%           0%           6%           12%
POLICY YEAR         PER YEAR        -------       -------       -------      -------      -------      -------
- -----------         --------
<S>              <C>               <C>         <C>          <C>               <C>          <C>        <C>
  1                 10,500         500,000       500,000      500,000           8,650       9,107        9,565
  2                 21,525         500,000       500,000      500,000          16,536      17,949       19,417
  3                 33,101         500,000       500,000      500,000          23,812      26,697       29,812
  4                 45,256         500,000       500,000      500,000          30,428      35,317       40,805
  5                 58,019         500,000       500,000      500,000          37,850      45,288       53,974
  6                 71,420         500,000       500,000      500,000          45,075      55,625       68,446
  7                 85,491         500,000       500,000      500,000          52,485      66,750       84,791
  8                100,266         500,000       500,000      500,000          59,705      78,307      102,797
  9                115,779         500,000       500,000      500,000          66,689      90,271      122,605
  10               132,068         500,000       500,000      500,000          73,496     102,722      144,471
  15               226,575         500,000       500,000      596,989         106,079     175,967      298,924
  20 (age 65)      347,193         500,000       500,000      970,030         132,415     267,160      551,055
  25               501,135         500,000       598,451    1,502,610         150,098     380,699      955,870
  30               697,608         500,000       731,964    2,266,834         152,295     514,753    1,594,151
  35               948,363         500,000       874,576    3,376,804         124,530     667,887    2,578,764
  40             1,268,398         500,000     1,023,301    4,967,770          29,011     836,600    4,061,401
  45             1,676,852               0     1,176,221    7,227,052               0   1,013,903    6,229,718
</TABLE>



ASSUMES NO POLICY LOAN OR WITHDRAWAL HAS BEEN MADE.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND
UPON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER
TO THE DIVISIONS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.

THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6% AND 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL
POLICY YEARS. THEY WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT IF PREMIUMS WERE PAID IN DIFFERENT
AMOUNTS OR FREQUENCIES THAN SHOWN. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
A PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       49
<PAGE>

                 FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
            SEX-NEUTRAL ISSUE AGE 45 -- GUARANTEED ISSUE NON-TOBACCO
                            $500,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                             DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A
                             $10,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM
                          CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST

                               GUARANTEED CHARGES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DEATH BENEFIT                             CASH VALUE
                                            -------------------                       ----------------
                                        ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS              ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
                    PREMIUM             ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF              ANNUAL INVESTMENT RETURN OF
                  ACCUMULATED
   END OF        AT 5% INTEREST        0%            6%           12%           0%           6%           12%
POLICY YEAR         PER YEAR        -------       -------       -------      -------      -------      -------
- -----------         --------
<S>              <C>                <C>           <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>       <C>
1                     10,500        500,000       500,000       500,000        7,235        7,646       8,059
2                     21,525        500,000       500,000       500,000       13,556       14,787      16,070
3                     33,101        500,000       500,000       500,000       19,182       21,648      24,320
4                     45,256        500,000       500,000       500,000       24,123       28,247      32,896
5                     58,019        500,000       500,000       500,000       29,734       35,945      43,234
6                     71,420        500,000       500,000       500,000       35,070       43,805      54,483
7                     85,491        500,000       500,000       500,000       40,461       52,188      67,121
8                    100,266        500,000       500,000       500,000       45,536       60,731      80,897
9                    115,779        500,000       500,000       500,000       50,305       69,452      95,954
10                   132,068        500,000       500,000       500,000       54,669       78,269     112,358
15                   226,575        500,000       500,000       500,000       70,430      124,252     221,623
20(age 65)           347,193        500,000       500,000       696,306       73,324      172,853     395,557
25                   501,135        500,000       500,000     1,024,623       54,587      221,356     651,804
30                   697,608              0       500,000     1,452,646            0      267,336   1,021,573
35                   948,363              0       500,000     2,016,044            0      303,894   1,539,592
40                 1,268,398              0       500,000     2,761,970            0      322,617   2,258,049
45                 1,676,852              0       500,000     3,755,006            0      282,033   3,236,815
</TABLE>




ASSUMES NO POLICY LOAN OR WITHDRAWAL HAS BEEN MADE.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND
UPON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER
TO THE DIVISIONS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.

THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6% AND 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR INDIVIDUAL
POLICY YEARS. THEY WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT IF PREMIUMS WERE PAID IN DIFFERENT
AMOUNTS OR FREQUENCIES THAN SHOWN. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE
HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER
A PERIOD OF TIME.


                                       50
<PAGE>

More information about Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. is included in the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information (SAI), incorporated by reference in
this prospectus, which is available free of charge.

More information about the Fund's investments is included in the Fund's annual
and semi-annual reports, which discuss the market conditions and investment
strategies that significantly affected each Portfolio's performance during the
previous fiscal period.

To request a free copy of the Fund's SAI, or current annual or semi-annual
report, call us at 1-800-519-4665. Information about the Fund (including the
SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the Public Reference Room of the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of
the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the SEC's Internet
site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained, upon
payment of a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the
SEC, Washington, DC 20549-6009.


N O R T H W E S T E R N  M U T U A L  L I F E

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE



NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL SERIES FUND, INC.

RUSSELL INSURANCE FUNDS



P    R    O    S    P    E    C    T    U    S


Investment Company Act File Nos. 811-3990 and 811-5371

NORTHWESTERN
MUTUAL LIFE-Registered Trademark-

PO Box 3095
Milwaukee  WI  53201-3095

Change Service Requested


<PAGE>

                                     PART II


                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

         This amendment to the registration statement comprises the following
papers and documents:

         The facing sheet

         The cross-reference sheet

         The prospectus consisting of 53 pages

         The undertaking with respect to fees and charges

         The signatures

         Written consents of the following persons:

                  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (filed herewith as Exhibit C(1))

                  William C. Koenig, F.S.A. (included in his opinion filed
                  herewith as Exhibit C(6))

The following exhibits:

         Exhibit A(3)(c)         Schedules of sales commissions

         Exhibit A(5)(a)         Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
                                 Policy, RR.VEL. (0398), with application and
                                 supplement application, including Policy
                                 amendment (sex-neutral)

         Exhibit A(5)(b)         Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
                                 Policy, RR.VEL. (0398), with application and
                                 supplement application, including Policy
                                 amendment (sex-distinct)

         Exhibit A(5)(d)         Application forms are included in Exhibits
                                 A(5)(a) and A(5)(b) above

         Exhibit C(1)            Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

         Exhibit C(6)            Opinion and consent of William C. Koenig,
                                 F.S.A.


                                   UNDERTAKING

         The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company hereby represents that
the fees and charges deducted under the contracts registered by this
registration statement, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the
services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed
by the insurance company.


                                      II-1

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account, has duly caused this
Amended Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, and State of Wisconsin, on
the 7th day of September, 1999.

                                  NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT
                                  (Registrant)

                                  By THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE
                                   INSURANCE COMPANY
                                     (Depositor)


Attest: JOHN M. BREMER                       By: JAMES D. ERICSON
       --------------------------------         -------------------------------
        John M. Bremer, Executive Vice          James D. Ericson, President and
         President, General Counsel              Chief Executive Officer
         and Secretary
                                             By NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL INVESTMENT
                                                SERVICES, LLC
                                                (Depositor)


Attest: MERRILL C. LUNDBERG                  By: RICHARD L. HALL
       --------------------------------         -------------------------------
        Merrill C. Lundberg, Secretary          Richard L. Hall,
                                                President and CEO

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
depositors have duly caused this Amended Registration Statement to be signed on
their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, and their seals to
be hereunto affixed, all in the City of Milwaukee, and State of Wisconsin, on
the 7th day of September, 1999.
                                             THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE
                                             INSURANCE COMPANY  (Depositor)


Attest: JOHN M. BREMER                       By: JAMES D. ERICSON
       --------------------------------         -------------------------------
       John M. Bremer, Executive Vice           James D. Ericson, President and
       President, General Counsel               Chief Executive Officer
       and Secretary
                                             NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL INVESTMENT
                                             SERVICES, LLC  (Depositor)


Attest: MERRILL C. LUNDBERG                  By: RICHARD L. HALL
       --------------------------------         -------------------------------
       Merrill C. Lundberg, Secretary           Richard L. Hall,
                                                President and CEO

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amended Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities with the depositor and on the dates indicated:

Signature                         Title
- ---------                         -----

JAMES D. ERICSON                  Trustee, President and            Dated
- -----------------------------     Principal Executive and           September 7,
James D. Ericson                  Financial Officer                 1999


                                      II-2

<PAGE>

GARY E. LONG                      Vice President, Controller
- ----------------------------      and Principal Accounting
Gary E. Long                      Officer


HAROLD B. SMITH*                  Trustee
- ----------------------------
Harold B. Smith


J. THOMAS LEWIS*                  Trustee
- ----------------------------
J. Thomas Lewis


PATRICIA ALBJERG GRAHAM*          Trustee
- ----------------------------
Patricia Albjerg Graham


R. QUINTUS ANDERSON*              Trustee
- ----------------------------
R. Quintus Anderson


STEPHEN F. KELLER*                Trustee                    Dated September
- ----------------------------                                 7, 1999
Stephen F. Keller


PIERRE S. du PONT*                Trustee
- ----------------------------
Pierre S. du Pont


J. E. GALLEGOS*                   Trustee
- ----------------------------
J. E. Gallegos


KATHRYN D. WRISTON*               Trustee
- ----------------------------
Kathryn D. Wriston


BARRY L. WILLIAMS*                Trustee
- ----------------------------
Barry L. Williams


GORDON T. BEAHAM III*             Trustee
- ----------------------------
Gordon T. Beaham III


DANIEL F. McKEITHAN, JR.*         Trustee
- ----------------------------
Daniel F. McKeithan, Jr.


ROBERT E. CARLSON*                Trustee
- ----------------------------
Robert E. Carlson


                                      II-3

<PAGE>

EDWARD E. BARR*                   Trustee
- ----------------------------
Edward E. Barr


ROBERT C. BUCHANAN*               Trustee
- ----------------------------
Robert C. Buchanan


SHERWOOD H. SMITH, JR.*           Trustee
- ----------------------------
Sherwood H. Smith, Jr.


H. MASON SIZEMORE, JR.*           Trustee
- ----------------------------
H. Mason Sizemore, Jr.


JOHN J. STOLLENWERK*              Trustee
- ----------------------------
John J. Stollenwerk


GEORGE A. DICKERMAN*              Trustee
- ----------------------------
George A. Dickerman


GUY A. OSBORN*                    Trustee                    Dated September
- ----------------------------                                 7, 1999
Guy A. Osborn


JOHN E. STEURI*                   Trustee
- ----------------------------
John E. Steuri


STEPHEN N. GRAFF*                 Trustee
- ----------------------------
Stephen N. Graff


BARBARA A. KING*                  Trustee
- ----------------------------
Barbara A. King


TIMOTHY D. PROCTOR*               Trustee
- ----------------------------
Timothy D. Proctor


PETER M. SOMMERHAUSER*            Trustee
- ----------------------------
Peter M. Sommerhauser


*By: JAMES D. ERICSON
     -----------------------
      James D. Ericson, Attorney in fact,
      pursuant to the Power of Attorney
      attached hereto


                                      II-4

<PAGE>

                               CONSENT OF ACTUARY


         The Consent of William C. Koenig, F.S.A., is contained in his opinion
filed as Exhibit C(6).






                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



         The Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is filed as Exhibit C(1).


                                      II-5

<PAGE>

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


         The undersigned Trustees of THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE
COMPANY hereby constitute and appoint James D. Ericson and Robert E. Carlson, or
either of them, their true and lawful attorneys and agents to sign the names of
the undersigned Trustees to (1) the registration statement or statements to be
filed under the Securities Act of 1933 and to any instrument or document filed
as part thereof or in connection therewith or in any way related thereto, and
any and all amendments thereto in connection with variable contracts issued or
sold by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company or any separate account
credited therein and (2) the Form 10-K Annual Report or Reports of The
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and/or its separate accounts for its
or their fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 to be filed under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and to any instrument or document filed as part thereof or
in connection therewith or in any way related thereto, and any and all
amendments thereto. "Variable contracts" as used herein means any contracts
providing for benefits or values which may vary according to the investment
experience of any separate account maintained by The Northwestern Mutual Life
Insurance Company, including variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies. Each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all
that said attorneys and agents shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has subscribed these
presents this 28th day of July, 1999.



                                R. QUINTUS ANDERSON            Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                R. Quintus Anderson



                                EDWARD E. BARR                 Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Edward E. Barr



                                GORDON T. BEAHAM III           Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Gordon T. Beaham III



                                ROBERT C. BUCHANAN             Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Robert C. Buchanan



                                ROBERT E. CARLSON              Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Robert E. Carlson



                                GEORGE A. DICKERMAN            Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                George A. Dickerman


                                      II-6

<PAGE>

                                PIERRE S. du PONT              Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Pierre S. du Pont



                                JAMES D. ERICSON               Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                James D. Ericson




                                J. E. GALLEGOS                 Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                J. E. Gallegos




                                STEPHEN N. GRAFF               Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Stephen N. Graff




                                PATRICIA ALBJERG GRAHAM        Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Patricia Albjerg Graham




                                STEPHEN F. KELLER              Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Stephen F. Keller




                                BARBARA A. KING                Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Barbara A. King




                                J. THOMAS LEWIS                Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                J. Thomas Lewis




                                DANIEL F. McKEITHAN, JR.       Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Daniel F. McKeithan, Jr.




                                GUY A. OSBORN                  Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Guy A. Osborn




                                TIMOTHY D. PROCTOR             Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Timothy D. Proctor


                                      II-7

<PAGE>

                                H. MASON SIZEMORE, JR.          Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                H. Mason Sizemore, Jr.



                                HAROLD B. SMITH                Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Harold B. Smith



                                SHERWOOD H. SMITH, JR.         Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Sherwood H. Smith, Jr.



                                PETER M. SOMMERHAUSER          Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Peter M. Sommerhauser



                                JOHN E. STEURI                 Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                John E. Steuri



                                JOHN J. STOLLENWERK            Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                John J. Stollenwerk



                                BARRY L. WILLIAMS              Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Barry L. Williams



                                KATHRYN D. WRISTON             Trustee
                                -------------------------------
                                Kathryn D. Wriston


                                      II-8

<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
                          EXHIBITS FILED WITH FORM S-6
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO
             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                       FOR
                   NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE


Exhibit Number                              Exhibit Name
- --------------                              ------------


         Exhibit A(3)(c)         Schedules of sales commissions

         Exhibit A(5)(a)         Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
                                 Policy, RR.VEL. (0398), with application and
                                 supplement application, including Policy
                                 amendment (sex-neutral)

         Exhibit A(5)(b)         Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
                                 Policy, RR.VEL. (0398), with application and
                                 supplement application, including Policy
                                 amendment (sex-distinct)

         Exhibit A(5)(d)         Application forms are included in Exhibits
                                 A(5)(a) and A(5)(b) above

         Exhibit C(1)            Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

         Exhibit C(6)            Opinion and consent of William C. Koenig,
                                 F.S.A.



<PAGE>

                                Exhibit A(3)(c)

  STANDARD FULL-TIME SPECIAL AND SOLICITING AGENTS' COMMISSION AND FEE SCHEDULE


VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE

         1. For purposes of this Subsection:

                  (a) "Writing Agent" means the Agent whose name appears on the
                  application as Agent of Record or the Agent who has been given
                  credit by the written consent of the original Agent of Record.

                  (b) "Servicing Agent" means the Writing Agent unless his
                  contract has terminated or he is no longer servicing the
                  business, or the Agent who has been appointed to service the
                  business in the event the Writing Agent has terminated or is
                  no longer able to service the business.

                  (c) "Band 1 Contract" means Variable Executive Life contracts
                  where the anticipated first-year premium is less than $25
                  million.

                  (d) "Band 2 Contract" means Variable Executive Life contracts
                  where the anticipated first-year premium is $25 million or
                  more.

                  (e) "Internal 1035 Exchange" means a Variable Executive Life
                  contract issued in lieu of another NML life insurance policy
                  on the same insured.

                  (f) "Cash Value Rollover" means the cash value on an inforce
                  NML contract that is deposited into a Variable Executive Life
                  contract at time of issue, pursuant to a 1035 exchange.

                  (g) "Target premium" means the premium level over which the
                  compensation rates vary in the first policy year for Band 1
                  contracts.

         2. First-year commissions

                  (a) Band 1 Contracts - Writing Agent shall be entitled to
                  receive commissions equal to 15% of first-year premium up to
                  the Target Premium plus 2.75% of first-year premium in excess
                  of the Target Premium on Variable Executive Life policies and
                  contracts issued upon applications procured by him pursuant to
                  his Agent's contract.

                  (b) Band 2 Contracts - Writing Agent shall be entitled to
                  receive commissions equal to 0.75% of first-year premium on
                  Variable Executive Life policies and contracts issued upon
                  applications procured by him pursuant to his Agent's contract.


                                       1
<PAGE>

         3. Service Fees

                  (a) Band 1 Contracts - Servicing Agent shall be entitled to
                  receive service fees equal to 5.75% of premiums paid up to the
                  Target Premium in policy years two through six plus 2.75% of
                  all other premiums paid in policy years two and subsequent on
                  Band 1 Variable Executive Life policies and contracts.

                  (b) Band 2 Contracts - Servicing Agent shall be entitled to
                  receive service fees equal to 0.75% of second and subsequent
                  policy year premiums paid on Band 2 Variable Executive Life
                  policies and contracts.

         4. Trail Compensation

                  Commencing at the end of policy year six and in each
                  subsequent policy year, Servicing Agent shall be entitled to
                  receive service fees equal to 0.2% of the cash value at the
                  end of the policy year on Band 1 and Band 2 Variable Executive
                  Life policies and contracts.

         5. Internal 1035 Exchanges

                  (a) Cash Value Rollovers - No compensation will be paid on
                  Cash Value Rollovers.

                  (b) Band 1 Contracts - On premium other than cash value
                  rollovers, Writing Agent shall be entitled to receive
                  commissions equal to 2.75% of first-year premium on Band 1
                  Variable Executive Life policies and contracts issued upon
                  applications procured by him pursuant to his Agent's contract.
                  In addition, Servicing Agent shall be entitled to receive
                  service fees equal to 5.75% of premiums paid up to the Target
                  Premium in policy years two through six plus 2.75% of all
                  other premiums paid in policy years two and subsequent on Band
                  1 Variable Executive Life policies and contracts.

                  (c) Band 2 Contracts - On premium other than cash value
                  rollovers, Writing Agent shall be entitled to receive
                  commissions equal to 0.75% of first-year premium on Band 2
                  Variable Executive Life policies and contracts issued upon
                  applications procured by him pursuant to his Agent's contract.
                  In addition, Servicing Agent shall be entitled to receive
                  service fees equal to 0.75% of second and subsequent policy
                  year premiums on Band 2 Variable Executive Life policies and
                  contracts.

                  (d) Trail compensation - Servicing Agent shall also be
                  entitled to receive service fees on Internal 1035 Exchanges,
                  as described in Subsection 4 above


                                       2
<PAGE>

         6. Commission Chargebacks

                  Commissions and service fees will be charged back for full
                  surrenders in policy years one, two and three, according to
                  the following schedule:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     Full Surrender In                     Chargeback
                        Policy Month                       Percentage
                     -----------------                     ----------
<S>                                                        <C>
                            1-12                             100.0%
                             13                               96.0%
                             14                               92.0%
                             15                               88.0%
                             16                               84.0%
                             17                               80.0%
                             18                               76.0%
                             19                               72.0%
                             20                               68.0%
                             21                               64.0%
                             22                               60.0%
                             23                               56.0%
                             24                               52.0%
                             25                               48.0%
                             26                               44.0%
                             27                               40.0%
                             28                               36.0%
                             29                               32.0%
                             30                               28.0%
                             31                               24.0%
                             32                               20.0%
                             33                               16.0%
                             34                               12.0%
                             35                                8.0%
                             36                                4.0%
                             37+                               0.0%
</TABLE>


                                       3

<PAGE>

                                   Exhibit A(5)(a)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company agrees to pay the benefits
                           provided in this policy,
                     subject to its terms and conditions.
             Signed at Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the Date of Issue.


                /s/                                /s/

                PRESIDENT AND CEO                  SECRETARY

               FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

                        ELIGIBLE FOR ANNUAL DIVIDENDS

                    Insurance payable at death of Insured.

                              Flexible premiums.

                     Benefits reflect investment results.

          Variable benefits described in Sections 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8.

THE DEATH BENEFIT MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON INVESTMENT
RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT.

THE CASH VALUE UNDER THIS POLICY MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON
INVESTMENT RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM CASH VALUE.

RIGHT TO RETURN POLICY.  Please read this policy carefully.  The policy may be
returned by the Owner for any reason within (1) ten days after it was received
or (2) forty-five days after the application was signed, whichever is later.
The policy may be returned to your agent or to the Home Office of the Company at
720 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI  53202.  If returned, the policy will
be considered void from the beginning.  The Company will refund the sum of (a)
the difference between any premium paid and the amount allocated to the Separate
Account plus (b) the value of the policy in the Separate Account on the date the
returned policy is received.

RR.VEL.(0398)








                                    [LOGO]

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INSURED            John J. Doe           AGE AND SEX            35 Male-SN

POLICY DATE        March 1, 1998         POLICY NUMBER          10 000 000

PLAN               Flexible Premium      SPECIFIED AMOUNT       $1,000,000
                   Variable Life


RR.VEL.(0398)

<PAGE>

                THIS POLICY IS A LEGAL CONTRACT BETWEEN THE OWNER AND
                   THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.
                             READ YOUR POLICY CAREFULLY.
                              GUIDE TO POLICY PROVISIONS
BENEFITS AND PREMIUMS
SECTION 1.  THE CONTRACT
    Life Insurance Benefit payable on death of Insured.  Incontestability.
    Suicide.  Definition of dates.  Insurability requirements. Reports to
    Owner.
SECTION 2.  OWNERSHIP
    Rights of the Owner.  Assignment as collateral.
SECTION 3.  DEATH BENEFIT
    Description of death benefit options.  Changes to death benefits.
SECTION 4.  PREMIUMS, TRANSFERS AND REINSTATEMENT
    Payment of premiums.  Calculation and allocation of net premiums.  Transfer
    of assets.  Premium limitations.  Grace period of 61 days to pay premium.
    How to reinstate the policy.
SECTION 5.  DIVIDENDS
    Annual dividends.  Use of dividends.  Dividend at death.
SECTION 6.  THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
    The Separate Account and the Divisions.  Valuation of assets.
SECTION 7.  DETERMINATION OF VALUES
    Policy Value.  Monthly Policy Charge.
SECTION 8.  CASH VALUE AND SURRENDER
    Cash value.  Surrender.  Deferral of payments.
SECTION 9.  LOANS AND WITHDRAWALS
    Policy loans.  Interest on loans.  Withdrawals.
SECTION 10.  BENEFICIARIES
    Naming and change of beneficiaries.  Marital deduction provision for spouse
    of Insured.  Succession in interest of beneficiaries.
APPLICATION
RR.VEL.(0398)

<PAGE>

                                BENEFITS AND PREMIUMS
                            DATE OF ISSUE - MARCH 1, 1998


Plan:  Flexible Premium Variable Life

Specified Amount:  $1,000,000


Death Benefit Option:  Specified Amount (Option A)

Definition of Life Insurance Test: Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test


The minimum premium (Section 4.4) is $25.00.


The maximum premium under the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test:
    Guideline Single Premium           = $ 169,461.00
    Guideline Annual Level Premium     = $  13,992.00

The minimum withdrawal amount (Section 9.5) is $250.00.

This policy is issued in a select premium class.














DIRECT BENEFICIARY XYZ Corporation
OWNER    XYZ Corporation


INSURED            John J. Doe         AGE AND SEX         35 Male-SN

POLICY DATE        March 1, 1998       POLICY NUMBER       10 000 000

PLAN               Flexible Premium    SPECIFIED AMOUNT    $1,000,000
                   Variable Life



RP.VEL.(0398)                           Page 3
                                                        POLICY NUMBER 10 000 000

<PAGE>

                             SCHEDULE OF MAXIMUM CHARGES



The Premium Expense Charge (Section 4.2) is the sum of the following:

     1.  Sales Load:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      Premium Paid                             First Policy Year    Policy Years 2-6    Policy Years 7+
      ------------                             -----------------    ----------------    ---------------
      <S>                                      <C>                  <C>                 <C>
      Up to $ 39,090.00                               15%                86.8%                 3%
      In Excess of $ 39,090.00                         3%                   3%                 3%
</TABLE>

     2.  Federal Deferred Acquisition Cost Charge       l.25% of premium

     3.  Premium Tax Charge                             2.35% of premium

            The Premium Expense Charge for Deferred
            Acquisition Cost and Premium Tax may
            change to reflect changes in tax law.

Maximum Monthly Policy Charges:

     The maximum Monthly Administrative Charge (Section 7.3) is $15 in the
     first policy year and $10 thereafter.

     The maximum Monthly Mortality and Expense Risk Charge (Section 7.4) is
     .075% of the amount invested for this policy in the Separate Account.


Maximum Transaction Charges:

     The maximum charge for death benefit option changes (Section 3.2) is
     $250.00 per change.

     The maximum charge for Specified Amount changes (Section 3.3) is
     $25.00 per change for more than one change during any policy year.

     The maximum transfer fee (Section 4.3) is $25.00 per transfer for more
     than 12 transfers during any policy year.

     The maximum withdrawal charge (Section 9.5) is $25.00 per withdrawal.



RP.VEL.(1199)                           Page 4
                                                        POLICY NUMBER 10 000 000

<PAGE>

                 TABLE OF GUARANTEED MAXIMUM COST OF INSURANCE RATES
                               MONTHLY RATES PER $1.00
                                    (Section 7.5)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Attained Age   Monthly Rate   Attained Age   Monthly Rate   Attained Age   Monthly Rate
<S>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
    35           .00017           60           .00123           85           .01178
    36           .00018           61           .00133           86           .01285
    37           .00019           62           .00146           87           .01396
    38           .00021           63           .00160           88           .01510
    39           .00022           64           .00175           89           .01629

    40           .00024           65           .00193           90           .01754
    41           .00026           66           .00211           91           .01888
    42           .00029           67           .00230           92           .02034
    43           .00031           68           .00250           93           .02200
    44           .00033           69           .00272           94           .02411

    45           .00036           70           .00297           95           .02707
    46           .00039           71           .00325           96           .03175
    47           .00042           72           .00357           97           .03981
    48           .00045           73           .00394           98           .05478
    49           .00049           74           .00436           99           .08333

    50           .00053           75           .00482
    51           .00058           76           .00530
    52           .00063           77           .00581
    53           .00068           78           .00633
    54           .00075           79           .00688

    55           .00081           80           .00749
    56           .00089           81           .00816
    57           .00096           82           .00893
    58           .00104           83           .00980
    59           .00113           84           .01076
</TABLE>


RP.VEL.(0398)                           Page 5
                                                        POLICY NUMBER 10 000 000

<PAGE>

                  GUIDELINE PREMIUM/CASH VALUE CORRIDOR PERCENTAGES

The Corridor Percentages are used to determine the Minimum Death Benefit under
the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test (Section 3.1).


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Attained Age               Attained Age               Attained Age
               Corridor %                 Corridor %                 Corridor %
<S>            <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>
    35            250          60           130           85            105
    36            250          61           128           86            105
    37            250          62           126           87            105
    38            250          63           124           88            105
    39            250          64           122           89            105

    40            250          65           120           90            105
    41            243          66           119           91            104
    42            236          67           118           92            103
    43            229          68           117           93            102
    44            222          69           116           94            101

    45            215          70           115          95+            100
    46            209          71           113
    47            203          72           111
    48            197          73           109
    49            191          74           107

    50            185          75           105
    51            178          76           105
    52            171          77           105
    53            164          78           105
    54            157          79           105

    55            150          80           105
    56            146          81           105
    57            142          82           105
    58            138          83           105
    59            134          84           105

</TABLE>


RP.VEL.(0398)                           Page 6
                                                        POLICY NUMBER 10 000 000

<PAGE>

                                                        POLICY NUMBER 10 000 000


                              SEPARATE ACCOUNT DIVISIONS
                                     (Section 6)


               Select Bond Division
               International Equity Division
               Money Market Division
               Balanced Division
               Index 500 Stock Division
               Aggressive Growth Stock Division
               High Yield Bond Division
               Growth Stock Division
               Growth & Income Stock Division
               Index 400 Stock Division
               Small Cap Growth Stock Division
               Russell Multi-Style Equity Division
               Russell Aggressive Equity Division
               Russell Non-US Division
               Russell Real Estate Securities Division
               Russell Core Bond Division




The Initial Allocation Date (Section 4.3) is July 1, 1999.








RR.VEL.(0799)                 Page 7

<PAGE>

                               SECTION 1.  THE CONTRACT

1.1  LIFE INSURANCE BENEFIT

     The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company will pay a benefit on the
death of the Insured while this policy is in force.  Subject to the terms and
conditions of the policy:

     -    payment of the death proceeds will be made after proof of the death of
          the Insured is received at the Home Office; and

     -    payment will be made to the beneficiary or other payee under
          Section 10.

The amount of the death proceeds will be:

     -    the death benefit (Section 3.1); less

     -    the amount of any policy debt (Section 9.3); less

     -    any Monthly Policy Charges due and unpaid if the Insured dies during
          the grace period (Section 4.5).

     These amounts will be determined as of the date of death.

     The Company will pay interest on the death proceeds from the date of death
until the proceeds are withdrawn in cash. Interest will be at a rate of not less
than 2%, or at any higher rate required by state law.

1.2  ENTIRE CONTRACT; CHANGES

     This policy, including  the attached application and any amendments,
endorsements or riders, is the entire contract.  Statements in the application
are representations and not warranties.  A change in the policy is valid only if
it is approved in writing by an officer of the Company.  The Company may require
that the policy be sent to it for endorsement to show a change.  No agent has
the authority to change the policy or to waive any of its terms.

RP.VEL.(0398)


                                          8

<PAGE>

1.3  INCONTESTABILITY

     The Company will not contest this policy after the policy has been in
force, during the lifetime of the Insured, for two years from the Date of Issue.
An increase in the amount of insurance after the Date of Issue, which occurred
upon the request of the Owner and was subject to the Company's insurability
requirements, will be incontestable after the increase has been in force, during
the lifetime of the Insured, for two years from the date of issuance of the
increase.  In issuing the insurance, the Company has relied on the application.
While the insurance is contestable, the Company, on the basis of a misstatement
in the application, may rescind the insurance or deny a claim.

1.4  SUICIDE

     If the Insured dies by suicide within one year from the Date of Issue, the
amount payable by the Company will be limited to the premiums paid, less the
amount of any policy debt and withdrawals. If the Insured dies by suicide within
one year from the date of issuance of an increase in the amount of insurance,
which occurred upon the request of the Owner and was subject to the Company's
insurability requirements, the amount payable with respect to such increase will
be limited to the Monthly Policy Charges attributable to the increase.

1.5  POLICY DATE AND DATE OF ISSUE

     Monthly processing dates and policy months, years and anniversaries are
computed from the Policy Date.  The contestable and suicide periods begin with
the Date of Issue.  These dates are shown on page 3.

1.6  MISSTATEMENT OF AGE

     If the age of the Insured has been misstated, the policy will be modified
by recalculating all Monthly Policy Charges based on the correct age.

1.7  PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY

     All payments by the Company under this policy are payable at its Home
Office.

1.8  INSURABILITY REQUIREMENTS

     To make some changes under this policy, the Insured must meet the Company's
insurability requirements.  These requirements are as follows:

     -    evidence of insurability must be given that is satisfactory to the
          Company; and

     -    under the Company's underwriting standards, the Insured is in an
          underwriting classification that is the same as, or is better than,
          the one for this policy.

                                SECTION 2.  OWNERSHIP



2.1  THE OWNER

     The Owner is named on page 3.  The Owner, the Owner's successor or the
Owner's transferee may exercise policy rights without the consent of any
beneficiary, except to the extent the Owner's rights are restricted by a
designation of an irrevocable beneficiary.

2.2  TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP

     The Owner may transfer the ownership of this policy.  Written proof of
transfer satisfactory to the Company must be received at its Home Office.  The
transfer will then take effect as of the date that it was signed.  The Company
may require that the policy be sent to it for endorsement to show the transfer.

2.3  COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT

     The Owner may assign this policy as collateral security.  The Company is
not responsible for the validity or effect of the collateral assignment.  The
Company will not be responsible to an assignee for any payment or other action
taken by the Company before receipt of the assignment in writing at its Home
Office.

     The interest of any beneficiary will be subject to any collateral
assignment made either before or after the beneficiary is named.

     The collateral assignee is not an Owner.  The collateral assignment is not
a transfer of ownership.  Ownership can be transferred only by complying with
Section 2.2.
RR.VEL.(0398)


                                          9

<PAGE>

                              SECTION 3.  DEATH BENEFIT


3.1  DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS

     This policy provides for three death benefit options. The option in effect
is shown on page 3.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT (OPTION A) -  The death benefit before the policy anniversary
nearest the Insured's 100th birthday is the greater of:

     - the Specified Amount; or

     - the Minimum Death Benefit.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT PLUS POLICY VALUE (OPTION B) -  The death benefit before the
policy anniversary nearest the Insured's 100th birthday is the greater of:

     -    the Specified Amount plus the Policy Value; or

     -    the Minimum Death Benefit.


SPECIFIED AMOUNT PLUS PREMIUMS PAID (OPTION C) -  The death benefit before the
policy anniversary nearest the Insured's 100th birthday is the greater of:

     -    the Specified Amount plus the sum of the premiums paid; or

     -    the Minimum Death Benefit.

MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT.   The Minimum Death Benefit is the amount required by the
Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as amended, to maintain this policy as life
insurance. The test in effect for determining compliance with the IRC definition
of life insurance is shown on page 3 and will be either:
(1)  the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test:  the Minimum Death Benefit
     equals the Policy Value multiplied by the corridor percentage shown on page
     6 at the Insured's attained age; or
(2)  the Cash Value Accumulation Test:  the Minimum Death Benefit equals the
     Policy Value divided by the Net Single Premium shown on page 6 at the
     Insured's attained age.
AGE 100 AND LATER.  The death benefit on and after the policy anniversary
nearest the Insured's 100th birthday will be equal to the Policy Value
regardless of the death benefit option in effect.

3.2  DEATH BENEFIT OPTION CHANGES

     Subject to approval by the Company, the Owner may change the death benefit
option upon written request.  This change will be effective on the first monthly
processing date following receipt of the request at the Home Office.  The
Company reserves the right to charge for a death benefit option change.  This
charge will be deducted from the Policy Value and will not exceed the amount
shown on page 4.  A change will not be allowed if the Specified Amount following
a change would be less than the minimum amount the Company would issue at the
time of change.

CHANGES TO OPTION A.     The death benefit option may be changed to Option A at
any time.  On the effective date of change, the Specified Amount will be changed
as follows:
(1)  If the change is from Option B to Option A, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change plus the
     Policy Value on the effective date of the change.
(2)  If the change is from Option C to Option A, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change plus the sum
     of the premiums paid as of the effective date of the change.
CHANGES TO OPTION B OR OPTION C.   The death benefit option may be changed to
Option B or Option C at any time before the policy anniversary nearest the
Insured's 75th birthday.  All changes to Option B or Option C will be subject to
the Company's insurability requirements (Section 1.8).  On the effective date of
change, the Specified Amount will be changed as follows:
(1)  If the change is from Option A to Option B, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change minus the
     Policy Value on the effective date of the change.
(2)  If the change is from Option A to Option C, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change minus the
     sum of the premiums paid as of the effective date of the change.
(3)  If the change is from Option B to Option C, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change plus (a) the
     Policy Value on the effective date of the change, minus (b) the sum of the
     premiums paid as of the effective date of the change.
(4)  If the change is from Option C to Option B, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change plus  (a)
     the sum of the premiums paid as of the effective date of the change, minus
     (b) the Policy Value on the effective date of the change.
RR.VEL.(0398)


                                          10
<PAGE>

3.3  SPECIFIED AMOUNT CHANGES

     Subject to approval by the Company, the Owner may change the Specified
Amount upon written request.  This change will be effective on the first monthly
processing date following receipt of the request at the Home Office.  The
Company reserves the right to charge for more than one Specified Amount change
in a policy year. This charge will be deducted from the Policy Value and will
not exceed the amount shown on page 4.

INCREASES.  An increase will be made only if, at the time the increase is
applied for:

     -    the insurance in force, as increased, will be within the Company's
          issue limits;

     -    the Company's insurability requirements (Section 1.8) are met; and

     -    the increase request is received prior to the policy anniversary
          nearest the Insured's 75th birthday.

DECREASES.  A decrease will not be allowed if the Specified Amount following the
decrease would be less than the minimum amount the Company would issue at the
time of change.

                  SECTION 4.  PREMIUMS, TRANSFERS AND REINSTATEMENT


4.1  PREMIUM PAYMENT

     All premiums after the first are payable at the Home Office or to an
authorized agent.  Premiums may be paid to the Company at any time and in any
amount subject to the limitations described in Section 4.4.  A receipt signed by
an officer of the Company will be furnished on request.

4.2  NET PREMIUM

     The net premium is the amount of each premium paid that is available for
allocation to the Divisions of the Separate Account.  The amount of the net
premium will be:

     -    the premium paid; less

     -    the Premium Expense Charge.

  The Premium Expense Charge will consist of the amounts shown on page 4.

4.3  ALLOCATION OF NET PREMIUMS AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSFERS

     The initial net premium and any additional net premiums received prior to
the Initial Allocation Date will be allocated to the Money Market Division on
the date the premiums are received in the Home Office.  The Initial Allocation
Date is shown on page 7.

     On the Initial Allocation Date, amounts in the Money Market Division will
be allocated in accordance with the application.  This allocation will remain in
effect for later net premiums unless changed by the Owner by written request.
Any change in allocation will be in effect for net premiums credited to the
policy following the receipt of the written request at the Home Office.
Allocations must be in whole percentages.

     On or after the Initial Allocation Date, the Owner may transfer the amounts
invested in any of the Divisions. The transfer will take effect on the date a
written request is received in the Home Office.  The Company reserves the right
to charge for more than twelve transfers in a policy year.  This charge will be
deducted from the Policy Value and will not exceed the amount shown on page 4.

4.4  PREMIUM LIMITATIONS

     Premiums may be paid to the Company at any time before the policy
anniversary that is nearest the Insured's 95th birthday.  The minimum premium
the Company will accept is shown on page 3.

     The Company will not accept any premium that causes this policy not to
qualify as a life insurance policy under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
Further, the Company reserves the right to make distributions from this policy
as necessary to continue to qualify the policy as life insurance under the
Internal Revenue Code.

     A premium payment that would increase the policy's death benefit more than
it increases the Policy Value will be accepted only if:

     -    the insurance in force, as increased, will be within the Company's
          issue limits;

     -    the Company's insurability requirements (Section 1.8) are met; and

     -    the premium payment is received prior to the policy anniversary
          nearest the Insured's 75th birthday.

4.5  GRACE PERIOD

     If the Policy Value less the amount of any policy debt on a monthly
processing date is not sufficient to cover the current Monthly Policy Charge, a
grace period of 61 days will be allowed for the payment of sufficient premium to
keep the policy in force.  The minimum premium that must be paid is three times
the Monthly Policy Charge due when the insufficiency occurred.

     The grace period will begin on the date the Company sends written notice of
the insufficiency.  The grace period will end 61 days after the notice is sent.
The notice will state the date the grace period ends and the amount of premium
required to keep the policy in force.  Upon receipt of payment, the Company will
allocate the net premium, less any Monthly Policy Charges due and unpaid, to the
Divisions of the Separate Account according to the allocation of net premiums
currently in effect.

     The policy will remain in force during the grace period.  If sufficient
premium is not paid by the end of the grace period, the policy will terminate
with no value.

     If the Insured dies during the grace period, any Monthly Policy Charges due
and unpaid will be deducted from the death proceeds of the policy.

RR.VEL.(0398)


                                          11

<PAGE>

4.6  REINSTATEMENT

     If it has terminated under Section 4.5, the policy may be reinstated not
more than one year after the end of the grace period, subject to approval by the
Company.  To reinstate the policy the Company's insurability requirements
(Section 1.8) must be met and sufficient premium to cover  the following must be
paid:

     -    all Monthly Policy Charges that were due and unpaid before the end of
          the grace period; plus

     -    three times the Monthly Policy Charge due on  the effective date of
          reinstatement.


     On the date the policy is reinstated, the Policy Value will be equal to the
net premium less the sum of all Monthly Policy Charges that were due and unpaid
before the end of the grace period and the Monthly Policy Charge on the
effective date of reinstatement.  The Company will allocate the Policy Value to
the Divisions of the Separate Account according to the allocation of net
premiums currently in effect. Any policy debt on the date of termination will
also be reinstated and added to the Policy Value.

     If the Company approves the application for reinstatement, the effective
date of the reinstated policy will be the first monthly processing date
following receipt at the Home Office of the reinstatement application.

     This policy may not be reinstated if the policy was surrendered.

                                SECTION 5.  DIVIDENDS


5.1  ANNUAL DIVIDENDS

     This policy will share in the divisible surplus of the Company to the
extent it contributes to this surplus.  This surplus is determined each year.
This policy's share will be credited as a dividend on the policy anniversary.

     Since this policy is not expected to contribute to divisible surplus, it is
not expected that any dividends will be paid.

5.2  USE OF DIVIDENDS

     Annual dividends may be paid in cash or used to increase the Policy Value.
Dividends used to increase the Policy Value will be allocated to the Divisions
of the Separate Account according to the allocation of net premiums currently in
effect.   If no direction is given for the use of dividends, they will be used
to increase the Policy Value.

5.3  DIVIDEND AT DEATH

     If a dividend is payable for the period from the beginning of the policy
year to the date of the Insured's death, the dividend is payable as part of the
policy proceeds.
RR.VEL.(0398)


                                          12

<PAGE>

                           SECTION 6.  THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT


6.1  DESCRIPTION

     Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account (the Separate Account) is
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Separate Account has several Divisions, as shown on page 7.  Assets of the
Separate Account are invested in shares of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.
(the Fund).  The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as
an open-end, diversified investment company.  The Fund has one Portfolio for
each Division.  Assets of each Division of the Separate Account are invested in
shares of the corresponding Portfolio of the Fund.  Shares of the Fund are
purchased for the Separate Account at their net asset value.  The Company may
make available additional Divisions and Portfolios.

     Assets will be allocated to the Separate Account to support the operation
of this and other variable life insurance policies.  Assets may also be
allocated for other purposes, but not to support the operation of any contracts
or policies other than variable life insurance.  Income and realized and
unrealized gains and losses from assets in the Separate Account are credited to
or charged against it without regard to other income, gains or losses of the
Company.

     The assets of the Separate Account will be valued on each valuation day.
They are the property of the Company.  The portion of these assets equal to
policy reserves and liabilities will not be charged with liabilities arising out
of any other business the Company may conduct.  The Company reserves the right
to transfer assets of the Separate Account in excess of these reserves and
liabilities to its General Account.

     The Owner may exchange this policy for a fixed benefit life insurance
policy if the Fund changes its investment advisor or if a Portfolio has a
material change in its investment objectives or restrictions.  The Company will
notify the Owner if there is any such change.  The Owner may exchange this
policy within 60 days after the notice or the effective date of the change,
whichever is later.

     If, in the judgment of the Company, a Portfolio no longer suits the
purposes of this policy due to a change in its investment objectives or
restrictions, the Company may substitute shares of another Portfolio of the Fund
or shares of another mutual fund.  Any such substitution will be subject to any
required approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Wisconsin
Commissioner of Insurance or other regulatory authority.

     The Company also may, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and
regulations (including any order of the SEC), make changes as follows:

     -    the Separate Account or a Division may be operated as a management
          company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or in any other form
          permitted by law, if deemed by the Company to be in the best interest
          of the policyowners.

     -    the Separate Account may be deregistered under the Investment Company
          Act of 1940 in the event registration is no longer required.

     -    the provisions of this and other policies may be modified to comply
          with any other applicable federal or state laws.


     In the event of a substitution or change, the Company may make appropriate
endorsement of this and other policies having an interest in the Separate
Account and take other actions as may be necessary to effect the substitution or
change.

6.2  VALUATION DAY AND VALUATION PERIOD

     A valuation day is any day on which the assets of the Separate Account are
valued.  A valuation period is a valuation day and any immediately preceding
days which are not valuation days.

     Assets are valued as the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on
each day the Exchange is open.  Each Division's share of amounts allocated,
transferred or added to a Division or deducted, loaned, transferred or withdrawn
from a Division, on any day, will be determined as of the end of the valuation
period that contains that day.

                         SECTION 7.  DETERMINATION OF VALUES


7.1  POLICY VALUE

     On the Policy Date, the Policy Value is equal to the net premium less the
Monthly Policy Charge.  On any day after that, the Policy Value is equal to what
it was on the previous day plus any of these items applicable on that day:

     -    any increase due to investment results of all amounts invested in all
          Divisions for the Policy Value;

     -    interest on the policy debt at an annual rate equal to the loan
          interest rate;

     -    the net premium, if a premium is paid;

     -    any policy dividend directed to increase the Policy Value; and

minus any of these items applicable on that day:

     -    any decrease due to investment results of all amounts invested in all
          Divisions for the Policy Value;

     -    the Monthly Policy Charge;

     -    on any monthly processing date on which there is a policy debt, a
          charge for expenses and taxes associated with the debt;

     -    any withdrawals; and

     -    any transaction charges that may result from a withdrawal, a transfer,
          a change in the Specified Amount or a change in the death benefit
          option.

     The Monthly Policy Charge, any charge for expenses and taxes associated
with policy debt, withdrawals and any transaction charges will be deducted from
the Policy Value.  The deduction will be allocated to each Division in
proportion to the amounts in each Division.

7.2  MONTHLY POLICY CHARGE

     A Monthly Policy Charge is deducted from the Policy Value on each monthly
processing date and is equal to the sum of the following:

     -    the Monthly Administrative Charge;

     -    the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge; and

     -    the Cost of Insurance Charge.


RR.VEL.(0398)


                                          13

<PAGE>

7.3  MONTHLY ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE

     A Monthly Administrative Charge is deducted from the Policy Value on each
monthly processing date as part of the Monthly Policy Charge. The maximum
Monthly Administrative Charge is shown on page 4.

7.4  MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

     A charge for the mortality and expense risk the Company assumes is deducted
from the Policy Value on each monthly processing date as part of the Monthly
Policy Charge. The maximum Monthly Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is shown on
page 4.

7.5  COST OF INSURANCE CHARGE

     A Cost of Insurance Charge is deducted from the Policy Value on each
monthly processing date as part of the Monthly Policy Charge.  The Cost of
Insurance Charge is the cost of insurance rate times the net amount at risk.
The cost of insurance rate is based on the attained age of the Insured.  The
maximum cost of insurance rates are shown on page 5.  The net amount at risk is
(a) minus (b) where:
     (a)  is the death benefit on the monthly processing date, after deduction
          of the Monthly Administrative Charge and the Mortality and Expense
          Risk Charge, divided by 1.0032737; and
     (b)  is the Policy Value on the monthly processing date after deduction of
          the Monthly Administrative Charge and the Mortality and Expense Risk
          Charge.

                         SECTION 8. CASH VALUE AND SURRENDER


8.1  CASH VALUE

     The cash value of this policy is equal to:

     -    the Policy Value; less

     -    any policy debt.

8.2  SURRENDER

     The Owner may surrender this policy for its cash value.  A written
surrender of all claims, satisfactory to the Company, will be required.  The
date of surrender will be the date of receipt at the Home Office of the written
surrender.  The policy will terminate, and the cash value will be determined, as
of the end of the valuation period which includes the date of surrender.  The
Company may require that the policy be sent to it.

8.3  DEFERRAL OF PAYMENTS

The Company reserves the right:

     -    to defer determination of the cash value and payment of the cash
          value;

     -    to defer payment of a loan or withdrawal; and

     -    to defer determination of a change in the amount of variable insurance
          or other variable amounts payable on death, and, if such determination
          has been deferred, to defer payment of the death benefit;

     during any period when:

     -    the New York Stock Exchange is closed or trading on the New York Stock
          Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; or

     -    the SEC declares that an emergency exists as a result of which the
          sale or determination of investment results is not reasonably
          practicable; or

     -    the SEC, by order, permits deferral for the protection of the
          Company's policyowners.

RR.VEL.(0398)


                                          14

<PAGE>
                          SECTION 9.  LOANS AND WITHDRAWALS


9.1  POLICY LOANS

     The Owner may obtain a loan from the Company in an amount that, when added
to existing policy debt, is not more than the loan value.

     On the date a loan is made, the amount invested for this policy in the
Separate Account will be reduced by the amount of the loan.  The reduction will
be allocated to each Division in proportion to the amounts in each Division.  On
the date a loan repayment is made, or the date accrued interest is paid, the
amount invested for this policy in the Separate Account will be increased by the
amount of the payment.  The increase will be allocated to the Divisions of the
Separate Account according to the allocation of net premiums currently in
effect.

9.2  LOAN VALUE

     The loan value is 90% of the Policy Value on the date of the loan.

9.3  POLICY DEBT

     Policy debt consists of all outstanding loans and accrued interest.  It may
be paid to the Company at any time.  Any policy debt will be deducted from the
policy proceeds.

     If the policy debt equals or exceeds the Policy Value on a monthly
processing date, the policy will terminate with no value subject to the
conditions of the Grace Period (Section 4.5).

9.4  LOAN INTEREST

     Interest accrues and is payable on a daily basis from the date of the loan.
Unpaid interest is added to policy debt.

     Interest is payable at an annual effective rate of 5%.

9.5  WITHDRAWALS

     The Owner may make a withdrawal of the Policy Value.  The Company reserves
the right to charge for withdrawals. This charge will be deducted from the
Policy Value and will not exceed the amount shown on page 4.  However, the Owner
may not:

     -    withdraw an amount which would reduce the loan value to less than the
          policy debt;

     -    withdraw an amount which would reduce the death benefit to less than
          the minimum amount the Company would issue at the time of withdrawal;

     -    withdraw an amount which would reduce the cash value to less than
          three times the most recent Monthly Policy Charge;

     -    withdraw less than the minimum withdrawal amount shown on page 3; or

     -    make more than four withdrawals in a policy year.


     When a withdrawal from the Policy Value is made, the amount invested for
this policy in the Separate Account will be reduced by the amount of the
withdrawal. The reduction will be allocated to each Division in proportion to
the amounts in each Division.  If the death benefit option in effect at the time
of withdrawal is either Option A or Option C, the Specified Amount will be
reduced by the lesser of:

     -    the amount of the withdrawal; or

     -    the excess, if any, of the Specified Amount over the result of (a)
          minus (b) where:

          (a)  is the death benefit immediately prior to the withdrawal; and

          (b)  is the amount of the withdrawal.


RR.VEL.(0398)

                                          15
<PAGE>

                              SECTION 10.  BENEFICIARIES


10.1  DEFINITION OF BENEFICIARIES

     The term "beneficiaries" as used in this policy includes direct
beneficiaries, contingent beneficiaries and further payees.

10.2  NAMING AND CHANGE OF BENEFICIARIES

BY OWNER.  The Owner may name and change the beneficiaries of death proceeds:

     -    while the Insured is living.

     -    during the first 60 days after the date of death of the Insured, if
          the Insured was not the Owner immediately prior to the Insured's
          death.  A change made during this 60 days may not be revoked.

BY DIRECT BENEFICIARY.  A direct beneficiary may name and change the contingent
beneficiaries and further payees of the direct beneficiary's share of the
proceeds:

     -    if the direct beneficiary is the Owner; or

     -    if, at any time after the death of the Insured, no contingent
          beneficiary or further payee of that share is living.

     These direct beneficiary rights are subject to the Owner's rights during
the 60 days after the date of death of the Insured.

BY SPOUSE (MARITAL DEDUCTION PROVISION).

     -    POWER TO APPOINT.  The spouse of the Insured will have the power alone
          and in all events to appoint all amounts payable to the spouse under
          the policy if:
          a.   immediately before the Insured's death, the Insured was the
               Owner; and
          b.   the spouse is a direct beneficiary; and
          c.   the spouse survives the Insured.
     Under this power, the spouse can appoint:
          a.   to the estate of the spouse; or
          b.   to any other persons as contingent beneficiaries and further
               payees.

     -    EFFECT OF EXERCISE.  As to the amounts appointed, the exercise of this
          power will:
          c.   revoke any other designation of beneficiaries;
          d.   revoke any election of payment plan as it applies to them; and
          e.   cause any provision to the contrary in Section 10 of the policy
               to be of no effect.
EFFECTIVE DATE.  A naming or change of a beneficiary will be made on receipt at
the Home Office of a written request that is acceptable to the Company.  The
request will then take effect as of the date that it was signed.  The Company is
not responsible for any payment or other action that is taken by it before the
receipt of the request.  The Company may require that the policy be sent to it
to be endorsed to show the naming or change.

10.3  SUCCESSION IN INTEREST OF BENEFICIARIES

DIRECT BENEFICIARIES.  The proceeds of this policy will be payable in equal
shares to the direct beneficiaries who survive and receive payment.  If a direct
beneficiary dies before receiving all or part of the direct beneficiary's full
share, the unpaid portion will be payable in equal shares to the other direct
beneficiaries who survive and receive payment.

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARIES.  At the death of all of the direct beneficiaries, the
proceeds will be payable in equal shares to the contingent beneficiaries who
survive and receive payment.  If a contingent beneficiary dies before receiving
all or part of the contingent's full share, the unpaid portion will be payable
in equal shares to the other contingent beneficiaries who survive and receive
payment.

FURTHER PAYEES.  At the death of all of the direct and contingent beneficiaries,
the proceeds will be paid in one sum:

     -    in equal shares to the further payees who survive and receive payment;
          or
     -    if no further payees survive and receive payment, to the estate of the
          last to die of all of the direct and contingent beneficiaries who
          survive the Insured.

OWNER OR THE OWNER'S ESTATE.  If no beneficiaries are alive when the Insured
dies, the proceeds will be paid to the Owner or to the Owner's estate.

10.4  GENERAL

TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP.  A transfer of ownership of itself will not change the
interest of a beneficiary.

CLAIMS OF CREDITORS.  So far as allowed by law, no amount payable under this
policy will be subject to the claims of creditors of a beneficiary.

<PAGE>

                            AMENDMENT TO FLEXIBLE PREMIUM
                            VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
    AS OF THE DATE OF ISSUE, SECTION 8.1 CASH VALUE, IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

    During the first policy year, if the policy is not in a grace period, the
cash value of this policy is equal to:

    -    the Policy Value; plus

    -    [100%] of the sum of Sales Loads (page 4) deducted from premiums paid
         to date; less

    -    any policy debt.

    During the second policy year, if the policy is not in a grace period, the
cash value of this policy is equal to:

    -    the Policy Value; plus

    -    [66.67%] of the sum of Sales Loads (page 4) deducted from premiums paid
         to date; less

    -    any policy debt.

    During the third policy year, if the policy is not in a grace period, the
cash value of this policy is equal to:

    -    the Policy Value; plus

    -    [33.33%] of the sum of Sales Loads (page 4) deducted from premiums paid
         to date; less

    -    any policy debt.

    During the fourth and later policy years and any time the policy is in a
grace period; the cash value of this policy is equal to:

    -    the Policy Value; less

    -    any policy debt.


                                                             Secretary

                                                    THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE

                                                          INSURANCE COMPANY
RR.VEL RSL.(1199)
<PAGE>

                     AMENDMENT TO SECTION 6 THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                          FOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE


     AS OF THE DATE OF ISSUE, THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF SECTION 6.1 IS AMENDED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS:

     Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account (the Separate Account) is
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Separate Account has several Divisions, as shown on page 7.  Assets of the
Separate Account are invested in shares of mutual funds or portfolios of mutual
funds, both of which are referred to in this policy as Portfolios. Shares of the
Portfolios are purchased for the Separate Account at their net asset value.  The
Company may make available additional Divisions and Portfolios.



     AS OF THE DATE OF ISSUE, THE FOURTH AND FIFTH PARAGRAPHS OF SECTION 6.1 ARE
AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

     The Owner may exchange this policy for a fixed benefit life insurance
policy being offered at that time by the Company if the Portfolio changes its
investment advisor or has a material change in its investment objectives or
restrictions.  The Company will notify the Owner if there is any such change.
The Owner may exchange this policy within 60 days after the notice or the
effective date of the change, whichever is later.

     If, in the judgment of the Company, a Portfolio no longer suits the
purposes of this policy due to a change in its investment objectives or
restrictions, the Company may substitute shares of another Portfolio.  Any such
substitution will be subject to any required approval of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC), the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance or other
regulatory authority.






                                                              Secretary
                                                       NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE
                                                          INSURANCE COMPANY

VEL.FUNDS.(0799)

<PAGE>

                          POLICY APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT FOR
                   FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
                    THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              720 East Wisconsin Avenue
                             Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202

INSURED:
                                             ----------------

POLICY:

Specified Amount:                            $
                                              ---------------
Death Benefit Option:
                                              ---------------
Definition of Life Insurance Test:
                                              ---------------
Initial Premium:                             $
                                              ---------------
Reminder Premium:                            $
                                              ---------------
Reminder Mode:
                                              ---------------










- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               For Home Office Use Only



Underwriting Amount:  $
                       ---------------

Illustrated  Cumulative Premiums:
Year  5: $                              Year 15: $
          ---------------                         ---------------
Year 10: $                              Year 20: $
          ---------------                         ---------------


VEL,
     ---------------


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                                  Illustration No.
                                                                  --------------
90-1 VEL.Supp.(0799)                              Page 1 of 3

<PAGE>

THE DEATH BENEFIT MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON INVESTMENT
RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT.

THE CASH VALUE UNDER THIS POLICY MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON
INVESTMENT RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM CASH VALUE.

ALLOCATION OF NET PREMIUMS

This allocation will apply to all net premiums and loan repayments.  Use whole
percentages only.  If monthly dollar cost averaging is desired, complete both
this section and the monthly dollar cost averaging section below.  Only
allocations to the Money Market Division are utilized for dollar cost averaging
purposes.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                          <C>
Money Market Division                   %    Growth & Income Stock Division                 %
                                     ----                                                ----
Select Bond Division                    %    Index 400 Stock Division                       %
                                     ----                                                ----
International Equity Division           %    Small Cap Growth Stock Division                %
                                     ----                                                ----
Balanced Division                       %    Russell Multi-Style Equity Division            %
                                     ----                                                ----
Index 500 Stock Division                %    Russell Aggressive Equity Division             %
                                     ----                                                ----
Aggressive Growth Stock Division        %    Russell Non-US Division                        %
                                     ----                                                ----
High Yield Bond Division                %    Russell Real Estate Securities Division        %
                                     ----                                                ----
Growth Stock Division                   %    Russell Core Bond Division                     %
                                     ----                                                ----

Total                                           100%
                                                ----
                                                ----
</TABLE>

MONTHLY DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

To elect monthly dollar cost averaging complete the following section.

Transfer the following amount from the Money Market Division on each monthly
processing date and allocate it among the other Divisions as specified below:
$__________.  If the amount specified is larger than the balance in the Money
Market Division, the entire balance will be transferred.  Use whole percentages
only.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                           <C>
Select Bond Division                    %     Growth & Income Stock Division                %
                                     ----                                                ----
International Equity Division           %     Index 400 Stock Division                      %
                                     ----                                                ----
Balanced Division                       %     Small Cap Growth Stock Division               %
                                     ----                                                ----
Index 500 Stock Division                %     Russell Multi-Style Equity Division            %
                                     ----                                                ----
Aggressive Growth Stock Division        %     Russell Aggressive Equity Division            %
                                     ----                                                ----
High Yield Bond Division                %     Russell Non-US Division                       %
                                     ----                                                ----
Growth Stock Division                   %     Russell Real Estate Securities Division       %
                                     ----                                                ----
                                              Russell Core Bond Division                    %
                                                                                         ----

Total                                           100%
                                                ----
                                                ----
</TABLE>




                                                  Insured:
                                                           ---------------------
                                                  Illustration No.
                                                                  --------------
90-1 VEL.Supp.(0799)                              Page 2 of 3

<PAGE>

  THIS PAGE WILL BE REQUIRED ONLY IF THE INSURED HAS INVESTMENT RESPONSIBILITY.

SUITABILITY

Northwestern Mutual Life is required to make the following inquiries for
purposes of determining the suitability of this sale.  Responses will be kept
confidential.



TOTAL ANNUAL INCOME (all sources) $
                                   --------------------


TOTAL NET WORTH $
                 --------------------------------------


YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE FOLLOWING:

                                                       Less than       Five or
                                                         Five           More
                                           None          Years          Years
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------
          Mutual Funds
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------

          Individual Common Stocks
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------

          Variable Annuities
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------

          Variable Life Insurance
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------






Signature of Insured:
                     -------------------------------------------------




                                                  Insured:
                                                          ----------------------
                                                  Illustration No.
                                                                  --------------
90-1 VEL.Supp.(0799)                              Page 3 of 3

HOL03 116608

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S><C>

THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY                                                          -------------------------
720 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53202                                                       POLICY NUMBER

EMPLOYER SPONSORED LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION                                                      ------------------------------
/ / Companion policies                                                                               PLAN GROUP NUMBER

INSURED
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1   Has an application or informal inquiry ever been made to Northwestern Mutual Life for annuity, life, long term care, or
    disability insurance on the life of the Insured?  / / Yes / / No     If yes, the last policy number is
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    A.   / / Mr. / / Mrs. / / Ms. / / Dr. / / Other                            B.   / / MALE
                                                    ----------------                / / FEMALE

         -----------------------------------------------------------------
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    C.   BIRTHDATE: (Month, Day Year)  D.   STATE OF BIRTH (or Foreign Country):    E.   TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
                                                                                                   --        --
         ----------------------------       ------------------------------------         ------------------------------
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    F.   PRIMARY RESIDENCE:
                   STREET OR PO BOX:
                                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         CITY, STATE, ZIP (Country if other than U.S.A.):
                                                          -------------------------------------------------------------
                   E-MAIL ADDRESS:
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICANT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2   Select ONLY ONE:  / /Insured at Insured's Address   OR  / /Other (Complete A, B and C)
    A.   / / Mr. / / Mrs. / / Ms. / / Dr. / / Other
                                                   -----------------                / / MALE
         PERSONAL NAME:                                                             / / FEMALE
                        ---------------------------------------------------------
         (FIRST, MIDDLE INITIAL, LAST)

         RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED:
                                  ---------------------------------------      ----------------------------------------
    OR                                                                           MONTH             DAY           YEAR
         BUSINESS/TRUST:
                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         TYPE OF ORGANIZATION: / / Trust / / Corporation / / Partnership / / Other type of Business
                                                                                                   ------------------------------
         AUTHORIZED COMPANY
         REP/TRUSTEE NAME:
                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    B.   TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
                                         --------------------------------
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    C.   ADDRESS:  STREET OR PO BOX:
                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         CITY, STATE, ZIP (Country if other than U.S.A.):
                                                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   E-MAIL ADDRESS:
                                   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIUM PAYER
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3   Select ONLY ONE:    / /ISA (Omit A through D below)    OR   / /Insured (Complete D only)  / /Applicant (Complete D only)
                                                                / /Owner (Complete D only)    / / Other (Complete A, B, C and D)

    A.   / / Mr. / / Mrs. / / Ms. / / Dr. / / Other
                                                   -----------------                / / MALE
         PERSONAL NAME:                                                             / / FEMALE
                        ---------------------------------------------------------
         (FIRST, MIDDLE INITIAL, LAST)

         BIRTHDATE
                        ------------------------
                        MONTH     DAY     YEAR

    OR

         BUSINESS/TRUST:                                                                           `
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    B.   TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:                             C.   DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

         ------------------------------                                   Area Code  (         )
                                                                                                ---------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Send premium and other notices regarding this policy to:
    D.   ADDRESS:  / / Insured's Address    / /Applicant's Address   OR
                       STREET OR PO BOX:
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         CITY, STATE, ZIP (Country if other than U.S.A.):
                                                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                        E-MAIL ADDRESS:
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S><C>

4-7 (Reserved)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.  SPECIAL DATE
    PREPAID:
    / / Short term - Policy Date will coincide with ISA Payment Date. (For monthly ISA only)

    / / Short term to:                                     / / Date to save age / /
                       ----------------------------                                 --------------------------
                        MONTH    DAY    YEAR                                          MONTH    DAY    YEAR

    NON-PREPAID:

    / / Specified future date:                             / / Date to save age / /
                               --------------------                                 --------------------------
                               MONTH    DAY    YEAR                                   MONTH    DAY    YEAR

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY APPLIED FOR
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.  FIRST POLICY INFORMATION                                    SECOND POLICY INFORMATION
    / / APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT (REQUIRED FOR COMPLIFE AND           / / APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT (REQUIRED FOR COMPLIFE AND
        ALL VARIABLE LIFE PRODUCTS)                                     ALL VARIABLE LIFE PRODUCTS)
    OR                                                              OR
    A.   PLAN:                                                      A.   PLAN:
              -------------------------------------------                     -------------------------------------------

         AMOUNT: $                                                       AMOUNT: $
                -----------------------------------------                       -----------------------------------------
    B.   ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:                                       B.   ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
         / / Waiver of Premium                                           / / Waiver of Premium
         / / Accidental Death $            (BENEFIT AMOUNT)              / / Accidental Death $            (BENEFIT AMOUNT)
                                ----------                                                      ----------
         / /  Other                                                      / /  Other
                    -------------------------------------                           -------------------------------------
    C.   ANNUAL DIVIDENDS:                                          C.   ANNUAL DIVIDENDS:
         / / Reduce current premium                                      / / Reduce current premium
         / / Purchase paid-up additions                                  / / Purchase paid-up additions
         / / Accumulate at interest                                      / / Accumulate at interest
         / / Be paid in cash                                             / / Be paid in cash
         / / Be used for a combination of options above                  / / Be used for a combination of options above
              (COMPLETE FORM 18-1364-01)                                      (COMPLETE FORM 18-1364-01)
    D.   POLICY LOAN INTEREST RATE OPTION:                          D.   POLICY LOAN INTEREST RATE OPTION:
         / / 8%     / / Variable Rate                                    / / 8%     / / Variable Rate

10. If an additional benefit cannot be approved, should         10. If an additional benefit cannot be approved, should
    the company issue a policy without the benefit?                 the company issue a policy without the benefit?
    / / Yes    / /  No                                              / / Yes    / /  No

11. Shall the Premium Loan provision, if available, be-         11. Shall the Premium Loan provision, if available, be-
    come operative according to its terms?                          come operative according to its terms?
    / / Yes    / / No                                               / / Yes    / / No

12. PREMIUM FREQUENCY:                                          12. PREMIUM FREQUENCY:
    / /  Annually     / / Semiannually     / / Quarterly            / /  Annually     / / Semiannually     / / Quarterly
    / / Single                                                      / / Single
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13-14 (Reserved)
BENEFICIARY                                                     OWNER
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. A. DIRECT BENEFICIARY                                       16. The OWNER will be: (SELECT ONLY ONE)


    -----------------------------------------------------           / /  A.   Insured
    FIRST     MIDDLE INITIAL      LAST                              / /  B.   Applicant
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED                                             / /  C.   Other
                                                                                    -------------------------------------
                                                                                     FIRST     MIDDLE INITIAL    LAST
    -----------------------------------------------------
    FIRST     MIDDLE INITIAL      LAST
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED                                                             -------------------------------------
                                                                                     RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED

    -----------------------------------------------------
    FIRST     MIDDLE INITIAL      LAST                              / /  D.   SEE ATTACHED SUPPLEMENT FORM.
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED                                                       (To be used in place of designations above.)

                                                                    RESIDENCE OF OWNER
    B. CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY                                       / /  Insured's address in 1F.
                                                                    / /  Premium Payer's address in 3D or

    -----------------------------------------------------                ------------------------------------------------
    FIRST     MIDDLE INITIAL      LAST                                                STREET OR PO BOX
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED
                                                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                           CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE (COUNTRY IF OTHER
    -----------------------------------------------------                                 THAN U.S.A.)
    FIRST     MIDDLE INITIAL      LAST
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED
    / / and all (other) children of the insured.

    (SELECT TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE CHILDREN OR TO ADD TO             OWNER'S TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
    THE CONTINGENT BENEFICIARIES NAMED. NOTE: THE WORD
    CHILDREN INCLUDES CHILD OR ANY LEGALLY ADOPTED CHILD.)
                                                                                                  (See TIN Instructions)
    C.   / / SEE ATTACHED SUPPLEMENT FORM                           -----------------------------
     (TO BE USED IN PLACE OF DESIGNATIONS ABOVE)

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

INSURED
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         FIRST               MIDDLE INITIAL                LAST


CONDITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE AGREEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17. Has the premium for the policy applied for been given to the agent in
    exchange for the Conditional Life Insurance Agreement
    with the same number as this application? . . . . . . . . / /Yes     / /No

18-19 (Reserved)


INSURANCE HISTORY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20. Does the Insured have any other life insurance in force, pending or
    contemplated in other companies?. . . . . . . . . . . . . / /Yes     / /No
    If yes, indicate Company Name, Individual (Ind) or Group (Grp) and identify
    the amount of In Force, Pending or Contemplated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    LIFE INSURANCE AMOUNTS
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Ind or                                            Contemplated        Accidental Death
         Company Name        Grp       In Force Amount      Pending Amount         Amount               Amount
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <S>                      <C>       <C>                  <C>                <C>                 <C>

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


21  As a result of this purchase will the values or benefits of any other life
    insurance policy or annuity contract, on any life, be
    affected in any way? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ./ /Yes     / /No

    NOTE TO AGENT: VALUES OR BENEFITS ARE AFFECTED IF ANY QUESTION ON THE
    DEFINITION OF REPLACEMENT SUPPLEMENT COULD BE ANSWERED "YES."

    If "yes", this transaction is a replacement of life insurance or annuity.

    The agent must:
         -  submit required papers and sale materials AND
         -  provide required disclosure notices to the applicant.

    The applicant must answer the questions:
         -  on the Definition of Replacement Supplement AND
         -  A, B, and C below.

    Will this insurance:
    A.   replace Northwestern Mutual Life? . . . . . . . . . ./ /Yes     / /No
    B.   replace other Companies?. . . . . . . . . . .        / /Yes     / /No
    C.   result in 1035 exchange?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ./ /Yes     / /No

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is agreed that:

(1) If the premium is not paid when the application is signed, no insurance
    will be in effect. The insurance will take effect at the time the policy is
    delivered and the premium is paid, if: the Insured is living at the time;
    and the answers and statements in the underwriting questionnaire are then
    true to the best of the Insured's knowledge and belief.

(2) If the premium is paid when the application is taken, no life insurance
    will be in effect except as provided in the Conditional Life Insurance
    Agreement.

(3) If the policy is issued in an extra premium class, acceptance of the policy
    will amend it so that extended term insurance can be in force only if: the
    Company gives its consent; or the loan value is not large enough to grant a
    premium loan. If a premium is not paid within the grace period and extended
    term insurance cannot be in force, paid-up insurance will be selected.

(4) No agent is authorized to make or alter contracts or to waive any of the
    Company's rights or requirements.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE OWNER OF THE POLICY APPLIED FOR HEREIN CERTIFIES, UNDER PENALTIES OF
PERJURY, (1) THAT THE TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER GIVEN FOR THE OWNER ON THE
SECOND PAGE OF THIS APPLICATION IS THE OWNER'S CORRECT TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (OR THE OWNER IS WAITING FOR A NUMBER TO BE ISSUED) AND (2) THE OWNER IS
NOT SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING EITHER BECAUSE THE OWNER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED
BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) THAT THE OWNER IS SUBJECT TO BACKUP
WITHHOLDING AS A RESULT OF A FAILURE TO REPORT ALL INTEREST OR DIVIDENDS, OR THE
IRS HAS NOTIFIED THE OWNER THAT THE OWNER IS NO LONGER SUBJECT TO BACKUP
WITHHOLDING. (SEE TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER INSTRUCTIONS.)

THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DOES NOT REQUIRE YOUR CONSENT TO ANY PROVISION OF
THIS DOCUMENT OTHER THAN THE CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO AVOID BACKUP
WITHHOLDING.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


THE SIGNATURES BELOW APPLY TO THE APPLICATION, POLICY APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT AND
    THE CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.


- ------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------
      SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT               SIGNATURE OF OWNER (IF OTHER THAN
                                                    APPLICANT)


Signed by Applicant at:

              ---------------------    ---------------------------------------
              CITY, COUNTY, & STATE        SIGNATURE OF LICENSED AGENT


Date signed by Applicant
                           ------------------------
                           MONTH  DAY  YEAR

<PAGE>

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU   ...


read your policy.

notify your Northwestern Mutual agent or the Company at 720 East Wisconsin
Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202, of an address change.

call your Northwestern Mutual agent for information--particularly on a
suggestion to terminate or exchange this policy for another policy or plan.

ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

The members of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company are its
policyholders of insurance policies and deferred annuity contracts.  The members
exercise control through a Board of Trustees.  Elections to the Board are held
each year at the annual meeting of members.  Members are entitled to vote in
person or by proxy.

                   FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

                            ELIGIBLE FOR ANNUAL DIVIDENDS

                        Insurance payable at death of Insured.
                                  Flexible premiums.
                         Benefits reflect investment results.
              Variable benefits described in Sections 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8.
THE DEATH BENEFIT MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON INVESTMENT
RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT.

THE CASH VALUE UNDER THIS POLICY MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON
INVESTMENT RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM CASH VALUE.


RR.VEL.(0398)


<PAGE>
                                 Exhibit A(5)(b)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company agrees to pay the benefits
                          provided in this policy,
                    subject to its terms and conditions.
            Signed at Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the Date of Issue.


               /s/                               /s/

               PRESIDENT AND CEO                 SECRETARY

               FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

                        ELIGIBLE FOR ANNUAL DIVIDENDS

                   Insurance payable at death of Insured.

                             Flexible premiums.

                    Benefits reflect investment results.

          Variable benefits described in Sections 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8.

THE DEATH BENEFIT MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON INVESTMENT
RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT.

THE CASH VALUE UNDER THIS POLICY MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON
INVESTMENT RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM CASH VALUE.

RIGHT TO RETURN POLICY.  Please read this policy carefully.  The policy may be
returned by the Owner for any reason within (1) ten days after it was received
or (2) forty-five days after the application was signed, whichever is later.
The policy may be returned to your agent or to the Home Office of the Company at
720 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI  53202.  If returned, the policy will
be considered void from the beginning.  The Company will refund the sum of (a)
the difference between any premium paid and the amount allocated to the Separate
Account plus (b) the value of the policy in the Separate Account on the date the
returned policy is received.

RR.VEL.(0398)








                                    [LOGO]

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INSURED             John J. Doe             AGE AND SEX            35 Male

POLICY DATE         March 1, 1998           POLICY NUMBER          10 000 000

PLAN                Flexible Premium        SPECIFIED AMOUNT       $1,000,000
                    Variable Life


RR.VEL.(0398)

<PAGE>

              THIS POLICY IS A LEGAL CONTRACT BETWEEN THE OWNER AND
                 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.
                           READ YOUR POLICY CAREFULLY.
                           GUIDE TO POLICY PROVISIONS
BENEFITS AND PREMIUMS
SECTION 1.  THE CONTRACT
            Life Insurance Benefit payable on death of Insured.
            Incontestability.  Suicide.  Definition of dates.  Insurability
            requirements. Reports to Owner.
SECTION 2.  OWNERSHIP
            Rights of the Owner.  Assignment as collateral.
SECTION 3.  DEATH BENEFIT
            Description of death benefit options.  Changes to death benefits.
SECTION 4.  PREMIUMS, TRANSFERS AND REINSTATEMENT
            Payment of premiums.  Calculation and allocation of net premiums.
            Transfer of assets.  Premium limitations.  Grace period of 61 days
            to pay premium.  How to reinstate the policy.
SECTION 5.  DIVIDENDS
            Annual dividends.  Use of dividends.  Dividend at death.
SECTION 6.  THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
            The Separate Account and the Divisions.  Valuation of assets.
SECTION 7.  DETERMINATION OF VALUES
            Policy Value.  Monthly Policy Charge.
SECTION 8.  CASH VALUE AND SURRENDER
            Cash value.  Surrender.  Deferral of payments.
SECTION 9.  LOANS AND WITHDRAWALS
            Policy loans.  Interest on loans.  Withdrawals.
SECTION 10.  BENEFICIARIES
            Naming and change of beneficiaries.  Marital deduction provision for
            spouse of Insured.  Succession in interest of beneficiaries.
APPLICATION


<PAGE>

                              BENEFITS AND PREMIUMS
                          DATE OF ISSUE - MARCH 1, 1998


Plan:  Flexible Premium Variable Life

Specified Amount:  $1,000,000


Death Benefit Option:  Specified Amount (Option A)

Definition of Life Insurance Test: Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test



The minimum premium (Section 4.4) is $25.00.


The maximum premium under the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test:
     Guideline Single Premium                = $ 176,024.00
     Guideline Annual Level Premium          = $  14,536.00

The minimum withdrawal amount (Section 9.5) is $250.00.

This policy is issued in a select premium class.









DIRECT BENEFICIARY       XYZ Corporation
OWNER  XYZ Corporation


INSURED             John J. Doe              AGE AND SEX                 35 Male

POLICY DATE         March 1, 1998            POLICY NUMBER            10 000 000


<PAGE>


PLAN                Flexible Premium         SPECIFIED AMOUNT         $1,000,000
                    Variable Life



                                         Page 3

                                                        POLICY NUMBER 10 000 000

                          SCHEDULE OF MAXIMUM CHARGES



The Premium Expense Charge (Section 4.2) is the sum of the following:

     1.   Sales Load:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Premium Paid                    First Policy Year    Policy Years 2-6    Policy Years 7+
          ------------                    -----------------    ----------------    ---------------
          <S>                             <C>                  <C>                 <C>
          Up to $  40,260.00                     15%                6.8%                 3%
          In Excess of $  40,260.00               3%                  3%                 3%
</TABLE>

     2.   Federal Deferred Acquisition Cost Charge          l.25% of premium

     3.   Premium Tax Charge                                2.35% of premium

          The Premium Expense Charge for Deferred Acquisition Cost and
          Premium Tax may change to reflect changes in tax law.

Maximum Monthly Policy Charges:

     The maximum Monthly Administrative Charge (Section 7.3) is $15 in the
     first policy year and $10 thereafter.

     The maximum Monthly Mortality and Expense Risk Charge (Section 7.4) is
     .075% of the amount invested for this policy in the Separate Account.


Maximum Transaction Charges:

     The maximum charge for death benefit option changes (Section 3.2) is
     $250.00 per change.

     The maximum charge for Specified Amount changes (Section 3.3) is
     $25.00 per change for more than one change during any policy year.

     The maximum transfer fee (Section 4.3) is $25.00 per transfer for more
     than 12 transfers during any policy year.


     The maximum withdrawal charge (Section 9.5) is $25.00 per withdrawal.

RR. VEL. (1199)

<PAGE>

                                Page 4
                                                        POLICY NUMBER 10 000 000

               TABLE OF GUARANTEED MAXIMUM COST OF INSURANCE RATES
                             MONTHLY RATES PER $1.00
                                  (Section 7.5)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Attained Age  Monthly Rate   Attained Age   Monthly Rate   Attained Age   Monthly Rate
<S>           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
    35           .00018           60           .00134           85           .01275
    36           .00019           61           .00146           86           .01384
    37           .00020           62           .00160           87           .01496
    38           .00022           63           .00175           88           .01611
    39           .00023           64           .00193           89           .01727

    40           .00025           65           .00212           90           .01848
    41           .00027           66           .00232           91           .01975
    42           .00030           67           .00254           92           .02112
    43           .00032           68           .00277           93           .02268
    44           .00035           69           .00301           94           .02466

    45           .00038           70           .00329           95           .02750
    46           .00041           71           .00361           96           .03205
    47           .00044           72           .00397           97           .04002
    48           .00048           73           .00439           98           .05483
    49           .00052           74           .00485           99           .08333

    50           .00056           75           .00535
    51           .00061           76           .00588
    52           .00066           77           .00643
    53           .00073           78           .00699
    54           .00080           79           .00759

    55           .00087           80           .00824
    56           .00096           81           .00896
    57           .00104           82           .00977
    58           .00113           83           .01069
    59           .00123           84           .01169
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                      Page 5
                                                        POLICY NUMBER 10 000 000



                GUIDELINE PREMIUM/CASH VALUE CORRIDOR PERCENTAGES

The Corridor Percentages are used to determine the Minimum Death Benefit under
the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test (Section 3.1).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Attained Age                 Attained Age                  Attained Age
               Corridor %                    Corridor %                    Corridor %
<S>            <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>
    35             250            60             130            85             105
    36             250            61             128            86             105
    37             250            62             126            87             105
    38             250            63             124            88             105
    39             250            64             122            89             105

    40             250            65             120            90             105
    41             243            66             119            91             104
    42             236            67             118            92             103
    43             229            68             117            93             102
    44             222            69             116            94             101

    45             215            70             115            95+            100
    46             209            71             113
    47             203            72             111
    48             197            73             109
    49             191            74             107

    50             185            75             105
    51             178            76             105
    52             171            77             105
    53             164            78             105
    54             157            79             105

    55             150            80             105
    56             146            81             105
    57             142            82             105
    58             138            83             105
    59             134            84             105
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                                        POLICY NUMBER 10 000 000


                              SEPARATE ACCOUNT DIVISIONS
                                     (Section 6)


               Select Bond Division
               International Equity Division
               Money Market Division
               Balanced Division
               Index 500 Stock Division
               Aggressive Growth Stock Division
               High Yield Bond Division
               Growth Stock Division
               Growth & Income Stock Division
               Index 400 Stock Division
               Small Cap Growth Stock Division
               Russell Multi-Style Equity Division
               Russell Aggressive Equity Division
               Russell Non-US Division
               Russell Real Estate Securities Division
               Russell Core Bond Division




The Initial Allocation Date (Section 4.3) is July 1, 1999.








RR.VEL.(0799)                 Page 7

<PAGE>

                            SECTION 1.  THE CONTRACT


1.1  LIFE INSURANCE BENEFIT

     The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company will pay a benefit on the
death of the Insured while this policy is in force.  Subject to the terms and
conditions of the policy:

     -    payment of the death proceeds will be made after proof of the death of
          the Insured is received at the Home Office; and

     -    payment will be made to the beneficiary or other payee under
          Section 10.

The amount of the death proceeds will be:

     -    the death benefit (Section 3.1); less

     -    the amount of any policy debt (Section 9.3); less

     -    any Monthly Policy Charges due and unpaid if the Insured dies during
          the grace period (Section 4.5).

     These amounts will be determined as of the date of death.

     The Company will pay interest on the death proceeds from the date of death
until the proceeds are withdrawn in cash. Interest will be at a rate of not less
than 2%, or at any higher rate required by state law.

1.2  ENTIRE CONTRACT; CHANGES

     This policy, including  the attached application and any amendments,
endorsements or riders, is the entire contract.  Statements in the application
are representations and not warranties.  A change in the policy is valid only if
it is approved in writing by an officer of the Company.  The Company may require
that the policy be sent to it for endorsement to show a change.  No agent has
the authority to change the policy or to waive any of its terms.


                                        8
<PAGE>


1.3  INCONTESTABILITY

     The Company will not contest this policy after the policy has been in
force, during the lifetime of the Insured, for two years from the Date of Issue.
An increase in the amount of insurance after the Date of Issue, which occurred
upon the request of the Owner and was subject to the Company's insurability
requirements, will be incontestable after the increase has been in force, during
the lifetime of the Insured, for two years from the date of issuance of the
increase.  In issuing the insurance, the Company has relied on the application.
While the insurance is contestable, the Company, on the basis of a misstatement
in the application, may rescind the insurance or deny a claim.

1.4  SUICIDE

     If the Insured dies by suicide within one year from the Date of Issue, the
amount payable by the Company will be limited to the premiums paid, less the
amount of any policy debt and withdrawals. If the Insured dies by suicide within
one year from the date of issuance of an increase in the amount of insurance,
which occurred upon the request of the Owner and was subject to the Company's
insurability requirements, the amount payable with respect to such increase will
be limited to the Monthly Policy Charges attributable to the increase.

1.5  POLICY DATE AND DATE OF ISSUE

     Monthly processing dates and policy months, years and anniversaries are
computed from the Policy Date.  The contestable and suicide periods begin with
the Date of Issue.  These dates are shown on page 3.

1.6  MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX

     If the age or sex of the Insured has been misstated, the policy will be
modified by recalculating all Monthly Policy Charges based on the correct age
and sex.

1.7  PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY

<PAGE>


     All payments by the Company under this policy are payable at its Home
Office.

1.8  INSURABILITY REQUIREMENTS

     To make some changes under this policy, the Insured must meet the Company's
insurability requirements.  These requirements are as follows:

     -    evidence of insurability must be given that is satisfactory to the
          Company; and

     -    under the Company's underwriting standards, the Insured is in an
          underwriting classification that is the same as, or is better than,
          the one for this policy.



<PAGE>

1.9  REPORTS TO OWNER

     At least once each policy year, the Company will send to the Owner:

     -    a statement of the death benefit, the Policy Value, and any policy
          debt, including loan interest.

     -    a report of the Separate Account, including financial statements.

     -    any other information required by law.

                              SECTION 2.  OWNERSHIP


2.1  THE OWNER

     The Owner is named on page 3.  The Owner, the Owner's successor or the
Owner's transferee may exercise policy rights without the consent of any
beneficiary, except to the extent the Owner's rights are restricted by a
designation of an irrevocable beneficiary.

2.2  TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP

     The Owner may transfer the ownership of this policy.  Written proof of
transfer satisfactory to the Company must be received at its Home Office.  The
transfer will then take effect as of the date that it was signed.  The Company
may require that the policy be sent to it for endorsement to show the transfer.

2.3  COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT

     The Owner may assign this policy as collateral security.  The Company is
not responsible for the validity or effect of the collateral assignment.  The
Company will not be responsible to an assignee for any payment or other action
taken by the Company before receipt of the assignment in writing at its Home
Office.

     The interest of any beneficiary will be subject to any collateral
assignment made either before or after the beneficiary is named.

     The collateral assignee is not an Owner.  The collateral assignment is not
a transfer of ownership.  Ownership can be transferred only by complying with
Section 2.2.


                                        9
<PAGE>


                            SECTION 3.  DEATH BENEFIT


3.1  DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS

     This policy provides for three death benefit options. The option in effect
is shown on page 3.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT (OPTION A) -  The death benefit before the policy anniversary
nearest the Insured's 100th birthday is the greater of:

     -    the Specified Amount; or

     -    the Minimum Death Benefit.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT PLUS POLICY VALUE (OPTION B) -  The death benefit before the
policy anniversary nearest the Insured's 100th birthday is the greater of:

     -    the Specified Amount plus the Policy Value; or

     -    the Minimum Death Benefit.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT PLUS PREMIUMS PAID (OPTION C) -  The death benefit before the
policy anniversary nearest the Insured's 100th birthday is the greater of:

     -the Specified Amount plus the sum of the premiums paid; or

     -    the Minimum Death Benefit.

MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT.   The Minimum Death Benefit is the amount required by the
Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as amended, to maintain this policy as life
insurance. The test in effect for determining compliance with the IRC definition
of life insurance is shown on page 3 and will be either:

<PAGE>

(1)  the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test:  the Minimum Death Benefit
     equals the Policy Value multiplied by the corridor percentage shown on page
     6 at the Insured's attained age; or
(2)  the Cash Value Accumulation Test:  the Minimum Death Benefit equals the
     Policy Value divided by the Net Single Premium shown on page 6 at the
     Insured's attained age.
AGE 100 AND LATER.   The death benefit on and after the policy anniversary
nearest the Insured's 100th birthday will be equal to the Policy Value
regardless of the death benefit option in effect.

3.2  DEATH BENEFIT OPTION CHANGES

     Subject to approval by the Company, the Owner may change the death benefit
option upon written request.  This change will be effective on the first monthly
processing date following receipt of the request at the Home Office.  The
Company reserves the right to charge for a death benefit option change.  This
charge will be deducted from the Policy Value and will not exceed the amount
shown on page 4.  A change will not be allowed if the Specified Amount following
a change would be less than the minimum amount the Company would issue at the
time of change.

CHANGES TO OPTION A.   The death benefit option may be changed to Option A at
any time.  On the effective date of change, the Specified Amount will be changed
as follows:
(1)  If the change is from Option B to Option A, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change plus the
     Policy Value on the effective date of the change.
(2)  If the change is from Option C to Option A, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change plus the sum
     of the premiums paid as of the effective date of the change.
CHANGES TO OPTION B OR OPTION C.   The death benefit option may be changed to
Option B or Option C at any time before the policy anniversary nearest the
Insured's 75th birthday.  All changes to Option B or Option C will be subject to
the Company's insurability requirements (Section 1.8).  On the effective date of
change, the Specified Amount will be changed as follows:
(1)  If the change is from Option A to Option B, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change minus the
     Policy Value on the effective date of the change.
(2)  If the change is from Option A to Option C, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change minus the
     sum of the premiums paid as of the effective date of the change.
(3)  If the change is from Option B to Option C, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change plus (a) the
     Policy Value on the effective date of the change, minus (b) the sum of the
     premiums paid as of the effective date of the change.
(4)  If the change is from Option C to Option B, the Specified Amount after the
     change will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change plus  (a)
     the sum of the premiums paid as of the effective date of the change, minus
     (b) the Policy Value on the effective date of the change.


                                       10
<PAGE>


3.3  SPECIFIED AMOUNT CHANGES

     Subject to approval by the Company, the Owner may change the Specified
Amount upon written request.  This change will be effective on the first monthly
processing date following receipt of the request at the Home Office.  The
Company reserves the right to charge for more than one Specified Amount change
in a policy year. This charge will be deducted from the Policy Value and will
not exceed the amount shown on page 4.

INCREASES.  An increase will be made only if, at the time the increase is
applied for:

     -    the insurance in force, as increased, will be within the Company's
          issue limits;

     -    the Company's insurability requirements (Section 1.8) are met; and

     -    the increase request is received prior to the policy anniversary
          nearest the Insured's 75th birthday.

DECREASES.  A decrease will not be allowed if the Specified Amount following the
decrease would be less than the minimum amount the Company would issue at the
time of change.
                SECTION 4.  PREMIUMS, TRANSFERS AND REINSTATEMENT


4.1  PREMIUM PAYMENT

     All premiums after the first are payable at the Home Office or to an
authorized agent.  Premiums may be paid to the Company at any time and in any
amount subject to the limitations described in Section 4.4.  A receipt signed by
an officer of the Company will be furnished on request.

<PAGE>


4.2  NET PREMIUM

     The net premium is the amount of each premium paid that is available for
allocation to the Divisions of the Separate Account.  The amount of the net
premium will be:

     -    the premium paid; less

     -    the Premium Expense Charge.

     The Premium Expense Charge will consist of the amounts shown on page 4.

4.3  ALLOCATION OF NET PREMIUMS
     AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSFERS

     The initial net premium and any additional net premiums received prior to
the Initial Allocation Date will be allocated to the Money Market Division on
the date the premiums are received in the Home Office.  The Initial Allocation
Date is shown on page 7.

     On the Initial Allocation Date, amounts in the Money Market Division will
be allocated in accordance with the application.  This allocation will remain in
effect for later net premiums unless changed by the Owner by written request.
Any change in allocation will be in effect for net premiums credited to the
policy following the receipt of the written request at the Home Office.
Allocations must be in whole percentages.

     On or after the Initial Allocation Date, the Owner may transfer the amounts
invested in any of the Divisions. The transfer will take effect on the date a
written request is received in the Home Office.  The Company reserves the right
to charge for more than twelve transfers in a policy year.  This charge will be
deducted from the Policy Value and will not exceed the amount shown on page 4.

4.4  PREMIUM LIMITATIONS

     Premiums may be paid to the Company at any time before the policy
anniversary that is nearest the Insured's 95th birthday.  The minimum premium
the Company will accept is shown on page 3.

     The Company will not accept any premium that causes this policy not to
qualify as a life insurance policy under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.
Further, the Company reserves the right to make distributions from this policy
as necessary to continue to qualify the policy as life insurance under the
Internal Revenue Code.

     A premium payment that would increase the policy's death benefit more than
it increases the Policy Value will be accepted only if:

     -    the insurance in force, as increased, will be within the Company's
          issue limits;

     -    the Company's insurability requirements (Section 1.8) are met; and

     -    the premium payment is received prior to the policy anniversary
          nearest the Insured's 75th birthday.

4.5  GRACE PERIOD

     If the Policy Value less the amount of any policy debt on a monthly
processing date is not sufficient to cover the current Monthly Policy Charge, a
grace period of 61 days will be allowed for the payment of sufficient premium to
keep the policy in force.  The minimum premium that must be paid is three times
the Monthly Policy Charge due when the insufficiency occurred.

     The grace period will begin on the date the Company sends written notice of
the insufficiency.  The grace period will end 61 days after the notice is sent.
The notice will state the date the grace period ends and the amount of premium
required to keep the policy in force.  Upon receipt of payment, the Company will
allocate the net premium, less any Monthly Policy Charges due and unpaid, to the
Divisions of the Separate Account according to the allocation of net premiums
currently in effect.

     The policy will remain in force during the grace period.  If sufficient
premium is not paid by the end of the grace period, the policy will terminate
with no value.

     If the Insured dies during the grace period, any Monthly Policy Charges due
and unpaid will be deducted from the death proceeds of the policy.


                                       11
<PAGE>


4.6  REINSTATEMENT


     If it has terminated under Section 4.5, the policy may be reinstated not
more than one year after the end of the grace period, subject to approval by the
Company.  To reinstate the policy the Company's insurability requirements
(Section 1.8) must be met and sufficient premium to cover  the following must be
paid:

     -    all Monthly Policy Charges that were due and unpaid before the end of
          the grace period; plus

     -    three times the Monthly Policy Charge due on  the effective date of
          reinstatement.

     On the date the policy is reinstated, the Policy Value will be equal to the
net premium less the sum of all Monthly Policy Charges that were due and unpaid
before the end of the grace period and the Monthly Policy Charge on the
effective date of reinstatement.  The Company will allocate the Policy Value to
the Divisions of the Separate Account according to the allocation of net
premiums currently in effect. Any policy debt on the date of termination will
also be reinstated and added to the Policy Value.

     If the Company approves the application for reinstatement, the effective
date of the reinstated policy will be the first monthly processing date
following receipt at the Home Office of the reinstatement application.

     This policy may not be reinstated if the policy was surrendered.
                              SECTION 5.  DIVIDENDS


5.1  ANNUAL DIVIDENDS

     This policy will share in the divisible surplus of the Company to the
extent it contributes to this surplus.  This surplus is determined each year.
This policy's share will be credited as a dividend on the policy anniversary.

     Since this policy is not expected to contribute to divisible surplus, it is
not expected that any dividends will be paid.

5.2  USE OF DIVIDENDS

     Annual dividends may be paid in cash or used to increase the Policy Value.
Dividends used to increase the Policy Value will be allocated to the Divisions
of the Separate Account according to the allocation of net premiums currently in
effect.   If no direction is given for the use of dividends, they will be used
to increase the Policy Value.

5.3  DIVIDEND AT DEATH

     If a dividend is payable for the period from the beginning of the policy
year to the date of the Insured's death, the dividend is payable as part of the
policy proceeds.


                                       12
<PAGE>


                        SECTION 6.  THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT


6.1  DESCRIPTION

     Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account (the Separate Account) is
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Separate Account has several Divisions, as shown on page 7.  Assets of the
Separate Account are invested in shares of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc.
(the Fund).  The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as
an open-end, diversified investment company.  The Fund has one Portfolio for
each Division.  Assets of each Division of the Separate Account are invested in
shares of the corresponding Portfolio of the Fund.  Shares of the Fund are
purchased for the Separate Account at their net asset value.  The Company may
make available additional Divisions and Portfolios.

     Assets will be allocated to the Separate Account to support the operation
of this and other variable life insurance policies.  Assets may also be
allocated for other purposes, but not to support the operation of any contracts
or policies other than variable life insurance.  Income and realized and
unrealized gains and losses from assets in the Separate Account are credited to
or charged against it without regard to other income, gains or losses of the
Company.

     The assets of the Separate Account will be valued on each valuation day.
They are the property of the Company.  The portion of these assets equal to
policy reserves and liabilities will not be charged with liabilities arising out
of any other business the Company may conduct.  The Company reserves the right
to transfer assets of the Separate Account in excess of these reserves and
liabilities to its General Account.

<PAGE>

     The Owner may exchange this policy for a fixed benefit life insurance
policy if the Fund changes its investment advisor or if a Portfolio has a
material change in its investment objectives or restrictions.  The Company will
notify the Owner if there is any such change.  The Owner may exchange this
policy within 60 days after the notice or the effective date of the change,
whichever is later.

     If, in the judgment of the Company, a Portfolio no longer suits the
purposes of this policy due to a change in its investment objectives or
restrictions, the Company may substitute shares of another Portfolio of the Fund
or shares of another mutual fund.  Any such substitution will be subject to any
required approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Wisconsin
Commissioner of Insurance or other regulatory authority.

     The Company also may, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and
regulations (including any order of the SEC), make changes as follows:

     -    the Separate Account or a Division may be operated as a management
          company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or in any other form
          permitted by law, if deemed by the Company to be in the best interest
          of the policyowners.

     -    the Separate Account may be deregistered under the Investment Company
          Act of 1940 in the event registration is no longer required.

     -    the provisions of this and other policies may be modified to comply
          with any other applicable federal or state laws.

     In the event of a substitution or change, the Company may make appropriate
endorsement of this and other policies having an interest in the Separate
Account and take other actions as may be necessary to effect the substitution or
change.

6.2  VALUATION DAY AND
     VALUATION PERIOD

     A valuation day is any day on which the assets of the Separate Account are
valued.  A valuation period is a valuation day and any immediately preceding
days which are not valuation days.

     Assets are valued as the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on
each day the Exchange is open.  Each Division's share of amounts allocated,
transferred or added to a Division or deducted, loaned, transferred or withdrawn
from a Division, on any day, will be determined as of the end of the valuation
period that contains that day.
                       SECTION 7.  DETERMINATION OF VALUES


7.1  POLICY VALUE

     On the Policy Date, the Policy Value is equal to the net premium less the
Monthly Policy Charge.  On any day after that, the Policy Value is equal to what
it was on the previous day plus any of these items applicable on that day:

     -    any increase due to investment results of all amounts invested in all
          Divisions for the Policy Value;

     -    interest on the policy debt at an annual rate equal to the loan
          interest rate;

     -    the net premium, if a premium is paid;

     -    any policy dividend directed to increase the Policy Value; and

minus any of these items applicable on that day:

     -    any decrease due to investment results of all amounts invested in all
          Divisions for the Policy Value;

     -    the Monthly Policy Charge;

     -    on any monthly processing date on which there is a policy debt, a
          charge for expenses and taxes associated with the debt;

     -    any withdrawals; and

     -    any transaction charges that may result from a withdrawal, a transfer,
          a change in the Specified Amount or a change in the death benefit
          option.

     The Monthly Policy Charge, any charge for expenses and taxes associated
with policy debt, withdrawals and any transaction charges will be deducted from
the Policy Value.  The deduction will be allocated to each Division in
proportion to the amounts in each Division.

7.2  MONTHLY POLICY CHARGE

     A Monthly Policy Charge is deducted from the Policy Value on each monthly
processing date and is equal to the sum of the following:

     -    the Monthly Administrative Charge;

<PAGE>

     -    the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge; and

     -    the Cost of Insurance Charge.


                                       13
<PAGE>


7.3  MONTHLY ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE

     A Monthly Administrative Charge is deducted from the Policy Value on each
monthly processing date as part of the Monthly Policy Charge. The maximum
Monthly Administrative Charge is shown on page 4.

7.4  MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

     A charge for the mortality and expense risk the Company assumes is deducted
from the Policy Value on each monthly processing date as part of the Monthly
Policy Charge. The maximum Monthly Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is shown on
page 4.

7.5  COST OF INSURANCE CHARGE

     A Cost of Insurance Charge is deducted from the Policy Value on each
monthly processing date as part of the Monthly Policy Charge.  The Cost of
Insurance Charge is the cost of insurance rate times the net amount at risk.
The cost of insurance rate is based on the attained age of the Insured.  The
maximum cost of insurance rates are shown on page 5.  The net amount at risk is
(a) minus (b) where:

     (a)  is the death benefit on the monthly processing date, after deduction
          of the Monthly Administrative Charge and the Mortality and Expense
          Risk Charge, divided by 1.0032737; and
     (b)  is the Policy Value on the monthly processing date after deduction of
          the Monthly Administrative Charge and the Mortality and Expense Risk
          Charge.

                       SECTION 8. CASH VALUE AND SURRENDER


8.1  CASH VALUE

     The cash value of this policy is equal to:

     -    the Policy Value; less

     -    any policy debt.

8.2  SURRENDER

     The Owner may surrender this policy for its cash value.  A written
surrender of all claims, satisfactory to the Company, will be required.  The
date of surrender will be the date of receipt at the Home Office of the written
surrender.  The policy will terminate, and the cash value will be determined, as
of the end of the valuation period which includes the date of surrender.  The
Company may require that the policy be sent to it.

8.3  DEFERRAL OF PAYMENTS

The Company reserves the right:

     -    to defer determination of the cash value and payment of the cash
          value;

     -    to defer payment of a loan or withdrawal; and

     -    to defer determination of a change in the amount of variable insurance
          or other variable amounts payable on death, and, if such determination
          has been deferred, to defer payment of the death benefit;

during any period when:

     -    the New York Stock Exchange is closed or trading on the New York Stock
          Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; or

     -    the SEC declares that an emergency exists as a result of which the
          sale or determination of investment results is not reasonably
          practicable; or

     -    the SEC, by order, permits deferral for the protection of the
          Company's policyowners.


                                       14
<PAGE>

                         SECTION 9.  LOANS AND WITHDRAWALS

9.1  POLICY LOANS

     The Owner may obtain a loan from the Company in an amount that, when added
to existing policy debt, is not more than the loan value.

     On the date a loan is made, the amount invested for this policy in the
Separate Account will be reduced by the amount of the loan.  The reduction will
be allocated to each Division in proportion to the amounts in each Division.  On
the date a loan repayment is made, or the date accrued interest is paid, the
amount invested for this policy in the Separate Account will be increased by the
amount of the payment.  The increase will be allocated to the Divisions of the
Separate Account according to the allocation of net premiums currently in
effect.

9.2  LOAN VALUE

     The loan value is 90% of the Policy Value on the date of the loan.

9.3  POLICY DEBT

     Policy debt consists of all outstanding loans and accrued interest.  It may
be paid to the Company at any time.  Any policy debt will be deducted from the
policy proceeds.

     If the policy debt equals or exceeds the Policy Value on a monthly
processing date, the policy will terminate with no value subject to the
conditions of the Grace Period (Section 4.5).

9.4  LOAN INTEREST

     Interest accrues and is payable on a daily basis from the date of the loan.
Unpaid interest is added to policy debt.

     Interest is payable at an annual effective rate of 5%.

9.5  WITHDRAWALS

     The Owner may make a withdrawal of the Policy Value.  The Company reserves
the right to charge for withdrawals. This charge will be deducted from the
Policy Value and will not exceed the amount shown on page 4.  However, the Owner
may not:

     -    withdraw an amount which would reduce the loan value to less than the
          policy debt;

     -    withdraw an amount which would reduce the death benefit to less than
          the minimum amount the Company would issue at the time of withdrawal;

     -    withdraw an amount which would reduce the cash value to less than
          three times the most recent Monthly Policy Charge;

     -    withdraw less than the minimum withdrawal amount shown on page 3; or

     -    make more than four withdrawals in a policy year.

     When a withdrawal from the Policy Value is made, the amount invested for
this policy in the Separate Account will be reduced by the amount of the
withdrawal. The reduction will be allocated to each Division in proportion to
the amounts in each Division.  If the death benefit option in effect at the time
of withdrawal is either Option A or Option C, the Specified Amount will be
reduced by the lesser of:

     -    the amount of the withdrawal; or

     -    the excess, if any, of the Specified Amount over the result of (a)
          minus (b) where:

          (a)  is the death benefit immediately prior to the withdrawal; and
          (b)  is the amount of the withdrawal.


                                       15


                           SECTION 10.  BENEFICIARIES
<PAGE>


10.1 DEFINITION OF BENEFICIARIES

     The term "beneficiaries" as used in this policy includes direct
beneficiaries, contingent beneficiaries and further payees.

10.2 NAMING AND CHANGE OF BENEFICIARIES

BY OWNER.  The Owner may name and change the beneficiaries of death proceeds:

     -    while the Insured is living.

     -    during the first 60 days after the date of death of the Insured, if
          the Insured was not the Owner immediately prior to the Insured's
          death.  A change made during this 60 days may not be revoked.

BY DIRECT BENEFICIARY.  A direct beneficiary may name and change the contingent
beneficiaries and further payees of the direct beneficiary's share of the
proceeds:

     -    if the direct beneficiary is the Owner; or

     -    if, at any time after the death of the Insured, no contingent
          beneficiary or further payee of that share is living.

     These direct beneficiary rights are subject to the Owner's rights during
the 60 days after the date of death of the Insured.

BY SPOUSE (MARITAL DEDUCTION PROVISION).

     -    POWER TO APPOINT.  The spouse of the Insured will have the power alone
          and in all events to appoint all amounts payable to the spouse under
          the policy if:
          a.   immediately before the Insured's death, the Insured was the
               Owner; and
          b.   the spouse is a direct beneficiary; and
          c.   the spouse survives the Insured.
     Under this power, the spouse can appoint:
          a.   to the estate of the spouse; or
          b.   to any other persons as contingent beneficiaries and further
               payees.

     -    EFFECT OF EXERCISE.  As to the amounts appointed, the exercise of this
          power will:
          c.   revoke any other designation of beneficiaries;
          d.   revoke any election of payment plan as it applies to them; and
          e.   cause any provision to the contrary in Section 10 of the policy
               to be of no effect.
EFFECTIVE DATE.  A naming or change of a beneficiary will be made on receipt at
the Home Office of a written request that is acceptable to the Company.  The
request will then take effect as of the date that it was signed.  The Company is
not responsible for any payment or other action that is taken by it before the
receipt of the request.  The Company may require that the policy be sent to it
to be endorsed to show the naming or change.

10.3 SUCCESSION IN INTEREST OF
     BENEFICIARIES

DIRECT BENEFICIARIES.  The proceeds of this policy will be payable in equal
shares to the direct beneficiaries who survive and receive payment.  If a direct
beneficiary dies before receiving all or part of the direct beneficiary's full
share, the unpaid portion will be payable in equal shares to the other direct
beneficiaries who survive and receive payment.

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARIES.  At the death of all of the direct beneficiaries, the
proceeds will be payable in equal shares to the contingent beneficiaries who
survive and receive payment.  If a contingent beneficiary dies before receiving
all or part of the contingent's full share, the unpaid portion will be payable
in equal shares to the other contingent beneficiaries who survive and receive
payment.

FURTHER PAYEES.  At the death of all of the direct and contingent beneficiaries,
the proceeds will be paid in one sum:

     -    in equal shares to the further payees who survive and receive payment;
          or
     -    if no further payees survive and receive payment, to the estate of the
          last to die of all of the direct and contingent beneficiaries who
          survive the Insured.

OWNER OR THE OWNER'S ESTATE.  If no beneficiaries are alive when the Insured
dies, the proceeds will be paid to the Owner or to the Owner's estate.

10.4  GENERAL

TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP.  A transfer of ownership of itself will not change the
interest of a beneficiary.


<PAGE>


CLAIMS OF CREDITORS.  So far as allowed by law, no amount payable under this
policy will be subject to the claims of creditors of a beneficiary.




<PAGE>

                          AMENDMENT TO FLEXIBLE PREMIUM
                         VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
     AS OF THE DATE OF ISSUE, SECTION 8.1 CASH VALUE, IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

     During the first policy year, if the policy is not in a grace period, the
     cash value of this policy is equal to:

     -    the Policy Value; plus

     -    [100%] of the sum of Sales Loads (page 4) deducted from premiums paid
          to date; less

     -    any policy debt.

     During the second policy year, if the policy is not in a grace period, the
     cash value of this policy is equal to:

     -    the Policy Value; plus

     -    [66.67%] of the sum of Sales Loads (page 4) deducted from premiums
          paid to date; less

     -    any policy debt.

     During the third policy year, if the policy is not in a grace period, the
     cash value of this policy is equal to:

     -    the Policy Value; plus

     -    [33.33%] of the sum of Sales Loads (page 4) deducted from premiums
          paid to date; less

     -    any policy debt.

     During the fourth and later policy years and any time the policy is in a
     grace period; the cash value of this policy is equal to:

     -    the Policy Value; less

     -    any policy debt.


                                                              Secretary

                                                    THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE

                                                          INSURANCE COMPANY


                                                                      (page 21)



RR.VEL (1199)


<PAGE>

                     AMENDMENT TO SECTION 6 THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                          FOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE


     AS OF THE DATE OF ISSUE, THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF SECTION 6.1 IS AMENDED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS:

     Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account (the Separate Account) is
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Separate Account has several Divisions, as shown on page 7.  Assets of the
Separate Account are invested in shares of mutual funds or portfolios of mutual
funds, both of which are referred to in this policy as Portfolios. Shares of the
Portfolios are purchased for the Separate Account at their net asset value.  The
Company may make available additional Divisions and Portfolios.



     AS OF THE DATE OF ISSUE, THE FOURTH AND FIFTH PARAGRAPHS OF SECTION 6.1 ARE
AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

     The Owner may exchange this policy for a fixed benefit life insurance
policy being offered at that time by the Company if the Portfolio changes its
investment advisor or has a material change in its investment objectives or
restrictions.  The Company will notify the Owner if there is any such change.
The Owner may exchange this policy within 60 days after the notice or the
effective date of the change, whichever is later.

     If, in the judgment of the Company, a Portfolio no longer suits the
purposes of this policy due to a change in its investment objectives or
restrictions, the Company may substitute shares of another Portfolio.  Any such
substitution will be subject to any required approval of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC), the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance or other
regulatory authority.






                                                              Secretary
                                                       NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE
                                                          INSURANCE COMPANY

VEL.FUNDS.(0799)

<PAGE>

                          POLICY APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT FOR
                   FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
                    THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              720 East Wisconsin Avenue
                             Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202

INSURED:
                                             ----------------

POLICY:

Specified Amount:                            $
                                              ---------------
Death Benefit Option:
                                              ---------------
Definition of Life Insurance Test:
                                              ---------------
Initial Premium:                             $
                                              ---------------
Reminder Premium:                            $
                                              ---------------
Reminder Mode:
                                              ---------------










- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               For Home Office Use Only



Underwriting Amount:  $
                       ---------------

Illustrated  Cumulative Premiums:
Year  5: $                              Year 15: $
          ---------------                         ---------------
Year 10: $                              Year 20: $
          ---------------                         ---------------

VEL,
     ---------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                                  Illustration No.
                                                                  --------------
90-1 VEL.Supp.(0799)                              Page 1 of 3

<PAGE>

THE DEATH BENEFIT MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON INVESTMENT
RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT.

THE CASH VALUE UNDER THIS POLICY MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON
INVESTMENT RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM CASH VALUE.

ALLOCATION OF NET PREMIUMS

This allocation will apply to all net premiums and loan repayments.  Use whole
percentages only.  If monthly dollar cost averaging is desired, complete both
this section and the monthly dollar cost averaging section below.  Only
allocations to the Money Market Division are utilized for dollar cost averaging
purposes.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                          <C>
Money Market Division                   %    Growth & Income Stock Division                 %
                                   -----                                               -----
Select Bond Division                    %    Index 400 Stock Division                       %
                                   -----                                               -----
International Equity Division           %    Small Cap Growth Stock Division                %
                                   -----                                               -----
Balanced Division                       %    Russell Multi-Style Equity Division            %
                                   -----                                               -----
Index 500 Stock Division                %    Russell Aggressive Equity Division             %
                                   -----                                               -----
Aggressive Growth Stock Division        %    Russell Non-US Division                        %
                                   -----                                               -----
High Yield Bond Division                %    Russell Real Estate Securities Division        %
                                   -----                                               -----
Growth Stock Division                   %    Russell Core Bond Division                     %
                                   -----                                               -----
Total                                           100%
                                                ----
                                                ----
</TABLE>

MONTHLY DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

To elect monthly dollar cost averaging complete the following section.

Transfer the following amount from the Money Market Division on each monthly
processing date and allocate it among the other Divisions as specified below:
$__________.  If the amount specified is larger than the balance in the Money
Market Division, the entire balance will be transferred.  Use whole percentages
only.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                          <C>
Select Bond Division                    %     Growth & Income Stock Division                %
                                   -----                                               -----
International Equity Division           %     Index 400 Stock Division                      %
                                   -----                                               -----
Balanced Division                       %     Small Cap Growth Stock Division               %
                                   -----                                               -----
Index 500 Stock Division                %     Russell Multi-Style Equity Division           %
                                   -----                                               -----
Aggressive Growth Stock Division        %     Russell Aggressive Equity Division            %
                                   -----                                               -----
High Yield Bond Division                %     Russell Non-US Division                       %
                                   -----                                               -----
Growth Stock Division                   %     Russell Real Estate Securities Division       %
                                   -----                                               -----
                                             Russell Core Bond Division                     %
                                                                                       -----

Total                                           100%
                                                ----
                                                ----
</TABLE>




                                                  Insured:
                                                           ---------------------
                                                  Illustration No.
                                                                  --------------
90-1 VEL.Supp.(0799)                              Page 2 of 3

<PAGE>

  THIS PAGE WILL BE REQUIRED ONLY IF THE INSURED HAS INVESTMENT RESPONSIBILITY.

SUITABILITY

Northwestern Mutual Life is required to make the following inquiries for
purposes of determining the suitability of this sale.  Responses will be kept
confidential.



TOTAL ANNUAL INCOME (all sources) $
                                   --------------------


TOTAL NET WORTH $
                 --------------------------------------


YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE FOLLOWING:

                                                       Less than       Five or
                                                         Five           More
                                           None          Years          Years
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------
          Mutual Funds
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------

          Individual Common Stocks
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------

          Variable Annuities
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------

          Variable Life Insurance
                                        ----------     ---------      ----------






Signature of Insured:
                     -------------------------------------------------




                                                  Insured:
                                                          ----------------------
                                                  Illustration No.
                                                                  --------------
90-1 VEL.Supp.(0799)                              Page 3 of 3

                                                       Insured:
Illustration No.

HOL03 116608

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C>
THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY                                                                    / / / / / / / / /
720 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53202                                                               POLICY NUMBER

EMPLOYER SPONSORED LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION                                                                / / / / / / / / / / / /
/ /  Companion policies                                                                                      PLAN GROUP NUMBER

INSURED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1    Has an application or informal inquiry ever been made to Northwestern Mutual Life for annuity, life, long term care, or
     disability insurance on the life of the Insured?       / / Yes   / /  No   If yes, the last policy number is
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     A.   / /  Mr.  / /  Mrs. / /  Ms.  / /  Dr.  / /  Other                                                  B.   / /  MALE
                                                            --------------------------                             / /  FEMALE
          / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     C.   BIRTHDATE: (Month, Day Year)       D.   STATE OF BIRTH (or Foreign Country):         E.   TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
          / / / / / / / / / / / / / /                                                               / / / / - / / / - / / / / /
                                                  ------------------------------------
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     F.   PRIMARY RESIDENCE:
                    STREET OR PO BOX:
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          CITY, STATE, ZIP (Country if other than U.S.A.):
                                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       E-MAIL ADDRESS:
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICANT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2    Select ONLY ONE:    / /  Insured at Insured's Address  OR   / /  Other (Complete A, B and C)
     A.   / /  Mr.  / /  Mrs. / /  Ms.  / /  Dr.  / /  Other
                                                            ----------------------------------------
                                                                                                                        / /  MALE
          PERSONAL NAME:      / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /     / /  FEMALE
          (FIRST, MIDDLE INITIAL, LAST)

          RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED:                                                               BIRTHDATE:   / / / / / / / / / / /
     OR                                      ---------------------------------------------------              MONTH  DAY     YEAR
          BUSINESS/TRUST NAME:     / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
          TYPE OF ORGANIZATION:    / /  Trust     / /  Corporation    / /  Partnership    / /  Other type of Business
                                                                                                                        ------------
          AUTHORIZED COMPANY
          REP/TRUSTEE NAME:
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     B.   TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:    / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     C.   ADDRESS:       STREET OR PO BOX:
                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          CITY, STATE, ZIP (Country if other than U.S.A.):
                                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           E-MAIL ADDRESS:
                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIUM PAYER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3    Select ONLY ONE:    / /  ISA (Omit A through D below)  OR   / /  Insured (Complete D only)     / /  Applicant (Complete D only)
                                                                 / /  Owner (Complete D only)  / /  Other (Complete A, B, C and D)
     A.   / /  Mr. / /   Mrs. / /  Ms.  / /  Dr.  / /  Other
                                                            ------------------------------
                                                                                                                        / /  MALE
          PERSONAL NAME:      / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /       / /  FEMALE
          (FIRST, MIDDLE INITIAL, LAST)

          BIRTHDATE      / / / / / / / / / /
                         MONTH   DAY    YEAR
     OR
          BUSINESS/TRUST NAME:     / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     B.   TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:                        C.   DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER:

          / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /                             Area Code  (     )
                                                                                          ------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                                                      (page 22)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C>
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Send premium and other notices regarding this policy to:
     D.   ADDRESS:  / /  Insured's Address   / /  Applicant's Address    OR
                         STREET OR PO BOX:
                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          CITY, STATE, ZIP (Country if other than U.S.A.):
                                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              E-MAIL ADDRESS:
                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                                                    (page 23)
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C>
4-7 (Reserved)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.   SPECIAL DATE
     PREPAID:
     / /  Short term - Policy Date will coincide with ISA Payment Date. (For monthly ISA only)

     / /  Short term to:      / / / / / / / / / /       / /  Date to save age    / /       / / / / / / / / / /
                              MONTH   DAY    YEAR                                         MONTH   DAY    YEAR

     NON-PREPAID
     / /  Specified future date:   / / / / / / / / / /     / /    Date to save age    / /       / / / / / / / / / /
                                   MONTH   DAY    YEAR                                         MONTH   DAY    YEAR

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY APPLIED FOR
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.   FIRST POLICY INFORMATION
     / /  APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT (REQUIRED FOR COMPLIFE AND ALL VARIABLE LIFE PRODUCTS)
     OR
     A.   PLAN:
               ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          AMOUNT: $
                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     B.   ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
          / /  Waiver of Premium
          / /  Accidental Death $  ____________  (BENEFIT AMOUNT)
          / /  Other
                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     C.   ANNUAL DIVIDENDS:
          / /  Reduce current premium
          / /  Purchase paid-up additions
          / /  Accumulate at interest
          / /  Be paid in cash
          / /  Be used for a combination of options above
               (COMPLETE FORM 18-1364-01)
     D.   POLICY LOAN INTEREST RATE OPTION:
          / /  8%   / /  Variable Rate
10.  If an additional benefit cannot be approved, should the company issue a policy without the benefit?      / /  Yes  / /  No
11.  Shall the Premium Loan provision, if available, become operative according to its terms?                 / /  Yes  / /  No
12.  PREMIUM FREQUENCY:
     / /  Annually  / /  Semiannually   / /  Quarterly      / /  Single
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND POLICY INFORMATION
     / /  APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT (REQUIRED FOR COMPLIFE AND ALL VARIABLE LIFE PRODUCTS)
     OR
     A.   PLAN:
               ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          AMOUNT: $
                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     B.   ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
          / /  Waiver of Premium
          / /  Accidental Death $  ____________  (BENEFIT AMOUNT)
          / /  Other
                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     C.   ANNUAL DIVIDENDS:
          / /  Reduce current premium
          / /  Purchase paid-up additions
          / /  Accumulate at interest
          / /  Be paid in cash
          / /  Be used for a combination of options above
               (COMPLETE FORM 18-1364-01)
     D.   POLICY LOAN INTEREST RATE OPTION:
          / /  8%   / /  Variable Rate
10.  If an additional benefit cannot be approved, should the company issue a policy without the benefit?      / /  Yes  / /  No
11.  Shall the premium Loan provision, if available, become operative according to its terms?                 / /  Yes  / /  No
12.  PREMIUM FREQUENCY:
     / /  Annually  / /  Semiannually   / /  Quarterly      / /  Single
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13-14 (Reserved)
BENEFICIARY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.  A. DIRECT BENEFICIARY

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     FIRST                     MIDDLE INITIAL                                  LAST
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     FIRST                     MIDDLE INITIAL                                  LAST
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     FIRST                     MIDDLE INITIAL                                  LAST
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED

     B.   CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     FIRST                     MIDDLE INITIAL                                  LAST
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     FIRST                     MIDDLE INITIAL                                  LAST
RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED
     / /  and all (other) children of the insured.
          (SELECT TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE CHILDREN OR TO ADD TO THE CONTINGENT BENEFICIARIES NAMED. NOTE: THE WORD "CHILDREN" INCLUDES
          CHILD OR ANY LEGALLY ADOPTED CHILD.)

     C.   / /  SEE ATTACHED SUPPLEMENT FORM
          (TO BE USED IN PLACE OF DESIGNATIONS ABOVE)

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OWNER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.  The OWNER will be: (SELECT ONLY ONE)

     / /  A. Insured

     / /  B. Applicant

     / /  C. Other
                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    FIRST                                            MIDDLE INITIAL                                      LAST

                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            RELATIONSHIP TO INSURED

     / /  D. SEE ATTACHED SUPPLEMENT FORM.
               (To be used in place of designations above.)

     RESIDENCE OF OWNER
     / /  Insured's address in 1F.
     / /  Premium Payer's address in 3D or

                                                                      (page 24)
<PAGE>
          --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                      STREET OR PO BOX

          --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE (COUNTRY IF OTHER THAN U.S.A.)

     OWNER'S TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER



     / / / / / / / / / / / /  (See TIN Instructions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                                                      (page 25)
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C>
INSURED             / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
                    FIRST                         MIDDLE INITIAL                     LAST



CONDITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17.  Has the premium for the policy applied for been given to the agent in exchange for the Conditional Life Insurance Agreement
     with the same number as this application?                                                                     / /  Yes  / /  No

18-19 (Reserved)

INSURANCE HISTORY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20.  Does the Insured have any other life insurance in force, pending or contemplated in other companies?          / /  Yes  / /  No
     If yes, indicate Company Name, Individual (Ind) or Group (Grp) and identify the amount of In Force, Pending or Contemplated.

     LIFE INSURANCE AMOUNTS
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Ind or                                                 Contemplated        Accidental Death
     Company Name              Grp           In Force Amount     Pending Amount         Amount                Amount
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21.  As a result of this purchase will the values or benefits of any other life insurance policy or annuity contract, on any life,
     be affected in any way?....................................................................................../ /   Yes  / /  No

     NOTE TO AGENT: VALUES OR BENEFITS ARE AFFECTED IF ANY QUESTION ON THE DEFINITION OF REPLACEMENT SUPPLEMENT COULD BE ANSWERED
     "YES."

     If "yes", this transaction is a replacement of life insurance or annuity.

     The agent must:
          -  submit required papers and sale materials AND
          -  provide required disclosure notices to the applicant.

     The applicant must answer the questions:
          -  on the Definition of Replacement Supplement AND
          -  A, B, and C below.

     Will this insurance:
     A.   replace Northwestern Mutual Life?........................................................................./ / Yes  / /  No
     B.   replace other Companies?................................................................................../ / Yes  / /  No
     C.   result in 1035 exchange?................................................................................../ / Yes  / /  No
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is agreed that:

(1)  If the premium is not paid when the application is signed, no insurance
     will be in effect. The insurance will take effect at the time the policy is
     delivered and the premium is paid, if: the Insured is living at the time;
     and the answers and statements in the underwriting questionnaire are then
     true to the best of the Insured's knowledge and belief.

(2)  If the premium is paid when the application is taken, no life insurance
     will be in effect except as provided in the Conditional Life Insurance
     Agreement.

(3)  If the policy is issued in an extra premium class, acceptance of the policy
     will amend it so that extended term insurance can be in force only if: the
     Company gives its consent; or the loan value is not large enough to grant a
     premium loan. If a premium is not paid within the grace period and extended
     term insurance cannot be in force, paid-up insurance will be selected.

(4)  No agent is authorized to make or alter contracts or to waive any of the
     Company's rights or requirements.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE OWNER OF THE POLICY APPLIED FOR HEREIN CERTIFIES, UNDER PENALTIES OF
PERJURY, (1) THAT THE TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER GIVEN FOR THE OWNER ON THE
SECOND PAGE OF THIS APPLICATION IS THE OWNER'S CORRECT TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (OR THE OWNER IS WAITING FOR A NUMBER TO BE ISSUED) AND (2) THE OWNER IS
NOT SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING EITHER BECAUSE THE OWNER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED
BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) THAT THE OWNER IS SUBJECT TO BACKUP
WITHHOLDING AS A RESULT OF A FAILURE TO REPORT ALL INTEREST OR DIVIDENDS, OR THE
IRS HAS NOTIFIED THE OWNER THAT THE OWNER IS NO LONGER SUBJECT TO BACKUP
WITHHOLDING. (SEE TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER INSTRUCTIONS.)

THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DOES NOT REQUIRE YOUR CONSENT TO ANY PROVISION OF
THIS DOCUMENT OTHER THAN THE CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO AVOID BACKUP
WITHHOLDING.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SIGNATURES BELOW APPLY TO THE APPLICATION, POLICY APPLICATION SUPPLEMENT AND
THE CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.


- ----------------------------------------     -----------------------------------
     SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT                  SIGNATURE OF OWNER
                                             (IF OTHER THAN APPLICANT)


Signed by
Applicant at:
               ---------------------         -----------------------------------
               CITY, COUNTY, & STATE         SIGNATURE OF LICENSED AGENT



Date signed by Applicant
                              / / / / / / / / / /
                              MONTH   DAY    YEAR

<PAGE>

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU   ...

read your policy.

notify your Northwestern Mutual agent or the Company at 720 East Wisconsin
Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202, of an address change.

call your Northwestern Mutual agent for information--particularly on a
suggestion to terminate or exchange this policy for another policy or plan.

ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

The members of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company are its
policyholders of insurance policies and deferred annuity contracts.  The members
exercise control through a Board of Trustees.  Elections to the Board are held
each year at the annual meeting of members.  Members are entitled to vote in
person or by proxy.

                 FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

                          ELIGIBLE FOR ANNUAL DIVIDENDS

                     Insurance payable at death of Insured.
                               Flexible premiums.
                      Benefits reflect investment results.
            Variable benefits described in Sections 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8.
THE DEATH BENEFIT MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON INVESTMENT
RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT.

THE CASH VALUE UNDER THIS POLICY MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE DAILY DEPENDING ON
INVESTMENT RESULTS.  THERE IS NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM CASH VALUE.


<PAGE>

                                  Exhibit C(1)

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


         We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of
this Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6
(the "Registration Statement") of our report dated January 25, 1999, relating to
the financial statements of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, and
of our report dated January 25, 1999, relating to the financial statements of
Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account, which appear in such Prospectus. We
also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Prospectus.





PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 7, 1999

<PAGE>

                                  Exhibit C(6)


                                                              September 7, 1999

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company
720 East Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Gentlemen:

         This opinion is furnished in connection with Post-Effective Amendment
No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6, Registration No. 333-36865, of
Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account. The prospectus included in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 ("Prospectus") describes the Flexible Premium
Variable Life Insurance Policy to be issued in connection with the Account
("Policy"). The Policy form was prepared under my direction, and I am familiar
with the Registration Statement and Exhibits thereto. In my opinion:

1.       The illustrations of cash values and death benefits included on pages
         47 through 50 of the Prospectus, in the Appendix thereto, based on the
         assumptions stated in the illustrations, are consistent with the
         provisions of the Policies and current charges and experience. The
         Policy has not been designed so as to make the illustration appear more
         favorable for a prospective purchaser, age 45 on the sex-neutral basis
         shown, than for purchasers at other ages on a sex-neutral basis or for
         a male or a female.

2.       With respect to the charge of 1.25% of premiums for federal income
         taxes measured by premiums, described on page 8 of the Prospectus,

         (a)      the charge is reasonable in relation to the issuer's increased
                  federal tax burden under Section 848 of the Internal Revenue
                  Code of 1986;

         (b)      the targeted rate of return (11%) used in calculating the
                  charge is reasonable; and

         (c)      the factors taken into account in determining such targeted
                  rate of return are appropriate.

         I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to my name under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus.

                                        Sincerely,

                                        WILLIAM C. KOENIG

                                        William C. Koenig
                                        Senior Vice President
                                          and Chief Actuary


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