VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT B OF AETNA LIFE INSURANCE & ANNUITY CO
485BPOS, 1997-04-22
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange              Registration No. 33-64277
Commission on April 22, 1997                           Registration No. 811-4536

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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

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                                    FORM S-6
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                     OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS
                            REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2

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       Variable Life Account B of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company

                    Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company

            151 Farmington Avenue, RE4A, Hartford, Connecticut 06l56

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                            Susan E. Bryant, Counsel
                    Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
            151 Farmington Avenue, RE4A, Hartford, Connecticut 06l56
                (Name and Complete Address of Agent for Service)

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It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

        [X]      on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

Pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Registrant has
registered an indefinite number of securities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Registrant filed a Rule 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
on February 28, 1997.


<PAGE>


                             VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT B
                                       OF
                    AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY

                        Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
                       Registration Statement on Form S-6
                              Cross Reference Sheet


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-8B-2
Item No.              Part 1 (Prospectus)
- --------              -------------------
<S>                   <C>
1                     Cover Page; The Separate Account; The Company
2                     Cover Page; The Separate Account; The Company
3                     Not Applicable
4                     Cover Page; The Company; Additional Information - Distribution of the Policy
5                     The Separate Account; The Company
6                     The Separate Account; The Company
7                     Not Applicable
8                     Financial Statements
9                     Additional Information - Legal Matters
10                    The Separate Account; Charges and Fees; Policy Choices; Policy Values; Policy Rights;
                      Additional Information
11                    Allocation of Premiums - Fund Additions, Deletions or Substitutions; Policy Choices
12                    Cover Page; Allocation of Premiums - The Funds
13                    Charges & Fees; Additional Information - Distribution of the Policy
14                    Policy Values; Additional Information; Miscellaneous Policy Provisions
15                    Policy Summary; Allocation of Premiums; Policy Choices; Policy Values
16                    Policy Summary; Allocation of Premiums - The Funds; Policy Values
17                    Policy Rights
18                    Allocation of Premiums; Policy Choices; Policy Rights; Tax Matters
19                    Additional Information - Reports to Policy Owners
20                    Not Applicable
21                    Policy Rights - Policy Loans

<PAGE>

N-8B-2
Item No.              Part 1 (Prospectus)
- --------              -------------------
22                    Not Applicable
23                    Directors & Officers
24                    Not Applicable
25                    The Company
26                    Charges and Fees
27                    The Company
28                    Directors & Officers
29                    The Company
30                    Not Applicable
31                    Not Applicable
32                    Not Applicable
33                    Not Applicable
34                    Not Applicable
35                    Additional Information - State Regulation
36                    Not Applicable
37                    Not Applicable
38                    Additional Information - Distribution of the Policy
39                    The Company
40                    Charges and Fees
41                    The Company
42                    Directors and Officers
43                    Financial Statements
44                    Policy Values; Financial Statements
45                    Not Applicable
46                    The Separate Account; Policy Values
47                    The Separate Account; Policy Choices; Policy Values
48                    Not Applicable
49                    Not Applicable
50                    The Separate Account
51                    Cover Page; Policy Choices

<PAGE>

N-8B-2
Item No.              Part 1 (Prospectus)
- --------              -------------------
52                    The Separate Account; Allocation of Premiums - Fund Additions, Deletions or Substitutions
53                    Tax Matters
54                    Not Applicable
55                    Not Applicable
56                    Not Applicable
57                    Not Applicable
58                    Not Applicable
59                    Financial Statements
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

Variable Life
Account B

Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
151 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06156
800-334-7586

   
Prospectus Dated May 1, 1997
    

The Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy on the Lives of Two Insureds

   
The Policy offered in connection with this Prospectus is the AetnaVest Estate
Protector Policy, a flexible premium variable life insurance policy on the lives
of two Insureds (the "Policy") issued and underwritten by Aetna Life Insurance
and Annuity Company (the "Company"). The Policy is intended to provide life
insurance and pay a benefit, as described in this Prospectus, upon surrender,
maturity or Second Death. The Policy is designed to allow flexible premium
payments, Policy Loans, Partial Surrenders, a choice of two Death Benefit
Options and account values that may be invested on either a fixed or variable or
a combination of fixed and variable basis. Net Premiums may be allocated to
Variable Life Account B, the Fixed Account, or both Accounts. The Variable
Options support the benefits provided by the variable portion of the Policy. The
Fund Account Value in each Variable Option is not guaranteed and will vary with
the investment performance of the associated Fund. Net Premiums allocated to the
Fixed Account will accumulate at rates of interest We determine. Such rates will
not be less than 4% a year. Net Premiums allocated to Variable Life Account B
must be allocated to one or more of the Variable Options We make available.
Sufficient premiums must be paid to continue the Policy in force or to qualify
for a Guaranteed Death Benefit. Premium reminder notices will be sent for
Planned Premiums and for premiums required to continue the Policy in force. The
Policy may be reinstated.
    

The Policy has a free look period during which You may return the Policy or
rescind an increase in the Specified Amount. (See Right of Policy Examination)

   
This Prospectus also describes the Variable Options used to fund the Policy
through Variable Life Account B (the "Separate Account"). The Variable Options
are: Aetna Variable Fund; Aetna Income Shares; Aetna Variable Encore Fund; Aetna
Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.; Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio; Aetna
Crossroads Variable Portfolio; Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio; Aetna Variable
Index Plus Portfolio; Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio; American
Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.--American Century VP Capital Appreciation
(formerly "TCI Growth"); Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio; Fidelity VIP
II--Contrafund Portfolio; Janus Aspen Series--Aggressive Growth Portfolio,
Balanced Portfolio, Growth Portfolio, ShortTerm Bond Portfolio and Worldwide
Growth Portfolio; and Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund--International
Portfolio Class A Shares (collectively, the "Funds"). Unless specifically
mentioned, this Prospectus only describes the Variable Options.

Not all Funds may be available under all Policies or in all jurisdictions. The
Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") for any of the Funds may be obtained
by calling (800) 334-7586.
    

Replacing existing insurance or supplementing an existing flexible premium
variable life insurance policy with the Policy may not be to your advantage.

THIS PROSPECTUS IS VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT PROSPECTUSES OF
THE FUNDS. BOTH THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE UNDERLYING FUND PROSPECTUSES SHOULD BE
READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

   
THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT B REQUIRED TO
BE FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION CAN BE FOUND IN THE SEC'S
WEB SITE AT http://www.sec.gov.
    

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

                                                                               i

<PAGE>

Table of Contents

   
 Definitions   ...................................................  iv
 Policy Summary   ................................................   1
 The Separate Account   ..........................................   1
 Charges & Fees   ................................................   2
   Charges & Fees Assessed Against Premium   .....................   2
   Charges & Fees Assessed Against the Total Account Value  ......   2
   Charges & Fees Assessed Against the Separate Account  .........   3
   Charges Assessed Against the Underlying Funds   ...............   4
   Charges Deducted Upon Surrender  ..............................   5
 Allocation of Premiums    .......................................   6
   The Funds   ...................................................   6
   Investment Advisers of the Funds    ...........................   7
   Mixed and Shared Funding; Conflicts of Interest    ............   8
   Fund Additions, Deletions or Substitutions   ..................   8
   Fixed Account  ................................................   8
 Policy Choices   ................................................   9
   Premium Payments  .............................................   9
   Guaranteed Death Benefit   ....................................  10
   No Lapse Coverage Provision   .................................  10
   Death Benefit Options   .......................................  11
   Transfers and Allocations to Funding Options    ...............  11
   Telephone Transfers  ..........................................  11
   Automated Transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging)  ..................  11
 Policy Values    ................................................  12
   Total Account Value  ..........................................  12
   Accumulation Unit Value    ....................................  12
   Maturity Value    .............................................  13
   Surrender Value   .............................................  13
 Policy Rights    ................................................  13
   Full Surrenders   .............................................  13
   Partial Surrenders   ..........................................  13
   Paid-Up Nonforfeiture Option  .................................  14
   Grace Period   ................................................  14
   Reinstatement of a Lapsed Policy    ...........................  14
   Coverage Beyond Maturity   ....................................  15
   Right to Defer Payment  .......................................  15
   Policy Loans   ................................................  15
   Policy Changes    .............................................  16
   Right of Policy Examination   .................................  17
   Supplemental Benefits   .......................................  17
 Death Benefit    ................................................  17
 Policy Settlement   .............................................  18
   Settlement Options   ..........................................  18
 The Company   ...................................................  19
 Directors & Officers   ..........................................  19
    

ii

<PAGE>

 Additional Information ..........................................  21
   Reports to Policyowners .......................................  21
   Right to Instruct Voting of Fund Shares   .....................  21
   Disregard of Voting Instructions ..............................  22
   State Regulation  .............................................  22
   Legal Matters  ................................................  22
   The Registration Statement ....................................  22
   Distribution of the Policy ....................................  22
   Independent Auditors ..........................................  23
 Tax Matters   ...................................................  23
   General  ......................................................  23
   Federal Tax Status of the Company   ...........................  23
   Life Insurance Qualification  .................................  24
   General Rules  ................................................  24
   Modified Endowment Contracts  .................................  24
   Diversification Standards  ....................................  25
   Investor Control  .............................................  25
   Other Tax Considerations   ....................................  26
 Miscellaneous Policy Provisions .................................  26
   The Policy  ...................................................  26
   Payment of Benefits  ..........................................  26
   Suicide and Incontestability  .................................  27
   Protection of Proceeds  .......................................  27
   Nonparticipation  .............................................  27
   Changes in Owner and Beneficiary; Assignment ..................  27
   Misstatement as to Age and/or Sex   ...........................  28
   Performance Reporting and Advertising  ........................  28
    Illustrations of Death Benefit, Total Account Values 
    and Surrender Values .........................................  28
 Financial Statements of the Separate Account   .................. S-1
 Financial Statements of the Company   ........................... F-1

THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH
OFFERING MAY NOT BE LAWFULLY MADE. NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON IS
AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION
WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN
OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY IS TO PROVIDE INSURANCE
PROTECTION. LIFE INSURANCE IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT. POLICYOWNERS SHOULD
CONSIDER THEIR NEED FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE AND THE POLICY'S LONG-TERM INVESTMENT
POTENTIAL. NO CLAIM IS MADE THAT THE POLICY IS ANY WAY SIMILAR OR COMPARABLE TO
AN INVESTMENT IN A MUTUAL FUND.

                                                                             iii

<PAGE>

Definitions

Accumulation Unit: A unit used to measure the value of the Policyowner's
interest in each applicable Variable Option. An Accumulation Unit is used to
calculate the value of the variable portion of the Policy before the election of
a Settlement Option.

Additional Premiums: Any premiums paid in addition to Planned Premiums.

Amount at Risk: The Death Benefit divided by 1.0032737, minus the Total Account
Value on that date before computing the monthly deductions for the Cost of
Insurance for this Policy.

Annuitant: A person who receives annuity payments.

Annuity: A series of payments for life or for a definite period.

Attained Age: Issue Age of the Insured increased by the number of Policy Years
elapsed.

Basic Monthly Premium: The amount of premium to assure that the Policy remains
in force for a period of at least 5 Policy Years beginning on the Issue Date or
the Issue Date of an Increase or until the younger Insured's Attained Age 80
even if the Surrender Value is insufficient to satisfy the current Monthly
Deduction.

Company: Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company.

Cost of Insurance: A charge related to the Company's expected mortality cost for
Your basic insurance coverage under the Policy, not including any supplemental
benefit provision that You may elect through a Policy rider. It is equal to the
Amount at Risk multiplied by a monthly Cost of Insurance rate.

Death Benefit: The amount described in the Policy Choices section which is
payable on the date of the Second Death, subject to all provisions contained in
the Policy.

Death Benefit Options: Either of the two methods for determining the Death
Benefit.

Fixed Account: A non-variable funding option available on the Policy that
guarantees a minimum interest rate of 4% per year.

Fixed Account Value: The non-loaned portion of the Policy's Total Account Value
attributable to the non-variable portion of the Policy. The Fixed Account Value
is part of the general assets of the Company.

Full Surrender: A Policy right whereby You may terminate the Policy in exchange
for payment of its Full Surrender Value.

Full Surrender Value: Equals the Total Account Value on the date of surrender
less any Surrender Charge, less the Loan Account Value and less any accrued
interest.

Fund(s): One or more of the underlying variable funding options available under
the Policy (as described in this Prospectus). Each of the Funds is an open-end
management investment company (mutual fund) whose shares are purchased by the
Separate Account to fund the benefits provided by the policy.

iv

<PAGE>

Grace Period: The 61-day period beginning on the Monthly Deduction Day on which
the Policy's Surrender Value is insufficient to cover the current Monthly
Deduction. The Policy will lapse without value at the end of the 61-day period
unless a sufficient payment is received by the Company.

Guaranteed Death Benefit: A provision of the Policy which assures that the
Policy will stay in force, even if the Total Account Value is insufficient to
cover the current Monthly Deductions. The Guaranteed Death Benefit is available
to the younger Insured's Attained Age 80 or to the younger Insured's Attained
Age 100.

Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Age 100 Premium: The amount of
premium that must be paid to assure that the Policy remains in force until the
younger Insured's Attained Age 100.

Guideline Annual Premium: An amount of annual payment necessary to provide
future benefits under the Policy determined pursuant to federal securities laws.

Home Office: The Company's principal executive offices at 151 Farmington Avenue,
Hartford, Connecticut 06156.

Insureds: The two persons on whose lives the Policy is issued.

Issue Age: The age of each Insured on his/her birthday nearest to the Policy's
Issue Date.

Issue Date: The effective date on which coverage begins under the Policy.

Loan Account Value: The sum of all unpaid Policy Loans. The amount necessary to
repay Policy Loans in full is the Loan Account Value plus any accrued interest.

Loan Value: Is 90% of the sum of the Fixed Account Value and the Separate
Account Value.

Maturity Date: The Policy Anniversary on which the younger Insured reaches
Attained Age 100.

Maturity Value: The Total Account Value on the Maturity Date, less the amount
necessary to repay any Policy Loans in full, including interest.

Monthly Deduction: A charge assessed against the Total Account Value which
includes the Cost of Insurance, a monthly administrative charge and any charges
for supplemental benefit riders. Monthly Deductions begin on the Issue Date and
occur on each Monthly Deduction Day thereafter.

Monthly Deduction Day: The first Monthly Deduction Day is the Issue Date.
Monthly Deduction Days occur each month thereafter on the same day as the Issue
Date.

Net Premium: The Net Premium is equal to the amount of the premium paid less the
deduction for Premium Load.

Net Single Premium: The amount required to purchase a guaranteed benefit
assuming the Policy's Total Account Value is allocated to the Fixed Account,
using the Insureds' Attained Ages and premium classes. The Net Single Premium is
determined using guaranteed interest of 4% per year and guaranteed maximum Cost
of Insurance rates.

Partial Surrenders: The amount You can receive in cash by surrendering a part of
the Policy.

                                                                               v

<PAGE>

Planned Premiums: Premiums We agree to bill.

Policy: The life insurance contract described in this Prospectus, under which
flexible premium payments are permitted and the Death Benefit may and Total
Account Values will vary with the investment performance of the Fund(s).

Policy Loan: The amount received by borrowing from the Total Account Value.

Policyowner: The person or persons having rights to the benefits under the
Policy; referred to as "You".

Policy Year/Policy Anniversary: The first Policy Year is the 12 month period
beginning on the Issue Date. Your Policy Anniversary is equal to the Issue Date
plus 1 Year, 2 Years, etc.

Premium Loads: A charge assessed against the premium to cover certain expenses
associated with start-up and maintenance costs of the Policy.

Second Death: Death of the Surviving Insured.

SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission.

Separate Account: A separate account established by Aetna Life Insurance and
Annuity Company for the purpose of funding the Policy: Variable Life Account B.

Separate Account Value: The portion of the Policy's Total Account Value
attributable to the variable portion of the Policy.

Settlement Option(s): The method by which payment may be made to a beneficiary
due from a Death Benefit or upon the Full Surrender of the Policy.

Specified Amount: The amount chosen by the Policyowner at application and used
in determining the Death Benefit. It may be increased or decreased as described
in this Prospectus.

Surrender Charge: An amount retained by the Company upon the Full or Partial
Surrender of the Policy.

Surrender Value: The amount You can receive in cash by surrendering the Policy.

Surviving Insured: The Insured living after the first death.

Total Account Value: The sum of the Fixed Account Value, the Separate Account
Value and the Loan Account Value.

   
Valuation Date: The date and time at which the Accumulation Unit Value of a
variable investment option is calculated. Currently, this calculation occurs
after the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange on any normal
business day, Monday through Friday, that the New York Stock Exchange is open.

Valuation Period: The period of time from when the Company determines the
Accumulation Unit Value of a variable investment option until the next time it
determines such unit value. Currently, the calculation occurs after the close of
business of the New York Stock Exchange on any normal business day, Monday
through Friday, that the New York Stock Exchange is open.
    

vi

<PAGE>

Variable Account Value: The Accumulation Unit Value for a Variable Option
multiplied by the number of Accumulation Units for that Variable Option credited
to the Policy.

Variable Option: One or more of the variable funding options available under the
Policy (as described in this Prospectus).

We, Our, Us, Company: Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company, its successors,
or assigns.

Written Request: A request in writing, in a form satisfactory to Us and received
by Us at the Home Office.

                                                                             vii

<PAGE>

Policy Summary

   
The Policy offered in connection with this Prospectus is a flexible premium
variable life insurance policy issued on the lives of two Insureds. The Policy
is intended to provide life insurance and pay a benefit (subject to adjustment
under the Policy's Age and/or Sex, Suicide and Incontestability, and Grace
Period provisions) upon surrender, maturity or Second Death. The Policy is
designed to allow flexible premium payments, Policy Loans, Partial Surrenders, a
choice of two Death Benefit Options and account values that may be either fixed
or variable or a combination of fixed and variable.
    

Charges and fees will be assessed against premium payments, the Total Account
Value, the Separate Account, the underlying Funds and upon surrender. These
charges and fees are described within this Prospectus.

You must purchase Your variable life insurance policy from a registered
representative. The Policy, the initial application on the Insureds, any
subsequent applications and any riders constitute the entire contract.

At the time of application, You must choose a Death Benefit Option, decide on
the amount of premium We agree to bill and determine how to allocate Net
Premiums. You may elect to supplement the benefits afforded by the Policy
through the addition of riders We make available.

The proceeds payable upon the Second Death is based on the Death Benefit Option
chosen. Under Option 1 the Death Benefit would be the greater of the Specified
Amount or a percentage of the Total Account Value. Under Option 2, the Death
Benefit would be the greater of the Specified Amount plus the Total Account
Value on the date of death or a percentage of the Total Account Value.

Although the Policy is designed to allow flexible premiums, sufficient premiums
must be paid to continue the Policy in force to the Maturity Date or to qualify
for a Guaranteed Death Benefit. Premium reminder notices will be sent for
Planned Premiums and for premiums required to continue the Policy. Should Your
Policy lapse, it may be reinstated.

Net Premiums may be allocated to the Separate Account, the Fixed Account or both
Accounts. Net Premiums allocated to the Separate Account must be allocated to
one or more Variable Options and allocations must be in whole percentages. The
variable portion of the Policy is supported by the Variable Options you choose
and will vary with the investment performance of the associated Fund. Net
Premiums allocated to the Fixed Account will accumulate at rates of interest We
determine. Such rates will not be less than 4% a year.

The Separate Account

   
The Separate Account established for the purpose of providing Variable Options
to fund the Policy is Variable Life Account B. Amounts allocated to the Separate
Account are invested in the Funds. Each of the Funds is an open-end management
investment company (mutual fund) whose shares are purchased by the Separate
Account to fund the benefits provided by the Policy. The Funds currently
available under the Separate Account, including their investment objectives and
their investment advisers, are described in this Prospectus. Complete
descriptions of the Funds' investment objectives and restrictions and other
material information relating to an investment in the Funds are contained in the
prospectuses for each of the Funds which are delivered with this Prospectus.
    

Variable Life Account B was established pursuant to a June 18, 1986, resolution
of the Board of Directors of the Company. Under Connecticut Insurance Law, the
income, gains or losses of the Separate Account is credited without regard to
the other income, gains or losses of the Company. These assets are held for the
Company's variable life insurance policies. Any and all distributions made by
the Funds with respect to shares held by the Separate Account will be reinvested
in

                                                                               1

<PAGE>

additional shares at net asset value. The assets maintained in the Separate
Account will not be charged with any liabilities arising out of any other
business conducted by the Company. The Company is, however, responsible for
meeting the obligations of the Policy to the Policyowner.

No stock certificates are issued to the Separate Account for shares of the Funds
held in the Separate Account. Ownership of Fund shares is documented on the
books and records of the Funds and of the Company for the Separate Account.

The Separate Account is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and meets the definition of separate account
under the federal securities laws. Such registration does not involve any
approval or disapproval by the Commission of the Separate Account or the
Company's management or investment practices or policies. The Company does not
guarantee the Separate Account's investment performance.

Charges & Fees

Charges & Fees Assessed Against Premium

Premium Load

Before a premium is allocated to the Policy's Total Account Value, a percentage
of the premium is deducted to cover certain expenses associated with start-up
and maintenance costs of the Policy. These expenses include a 9% sales load, a
2.1% state premium tax charge and a 1.25% federal income tax charge. The state
premium tax charge reimburses the Company for taxes it pays to states and
municipalities in which the Policy is sold. The amount of tax assessed by a
state or municipality may be more or less than the charge. The federal income
tax charge reimburses the Company for its increased federal tax liability under
the Federal Tax Laws. The Company has determined that these tax charges are
reasonable in relation to its increased tax liability, but reserves the right to
increase these tax charges due to changes in the Tax Laws that increase the
Company's tax liability. The total Premium Load is equal to 12.35% of each
premium payment.

Charges & Fees Assessed Against the Total Account Value

Charges and fees assessed against the Total Account Value will be deducted from
the Separate Account Value and the Fixed Account Value in the same proportion
that these values bear to the sum of the Fixed Account Value and the Separate
Account Value on the date of the deduction. This is accomplished by liquidating
Accumulation Units and withdrawing the value of the liquidated Accumulation
Units from each Variable Option in the same proportion as their respective
values have to the sum of Your Fixed Account and Separate Account Values. (See
Accumulation Units)

Transfers within Accounts

   
You may transfer all or part of each Fund to any other Fund or to the Fixed
Account Value at any time. We reserve the right to charge an administrative fee
of $25 for each transfer over 12 transfers per year and limit the number of
Funds you may elect over the lifetime of the Policy to 17.
    

Monthly Deductions

The Monthly Deduction includes the Cost of Insurance, a Policy fee, a monthly
administrative expense charge and any charges for Supplementary Benefits.
Monthly Deductions begin on the Issue Date, even if the Issue Date is earlier
than the date the application is signed, and occur on each Monthly Deduction Day
thereafter. If the Policy's issuance is delayed due to underwriting
requirements, the charges will not be assessed until the underwriting is
complete and the application for the Policy is approved. (See Premium Payments)

Cost of Insurance

The Cost of Insurance charge is related to the Company's expected mortality cost
for Your basic insurance coverage under the Policy, not including any
supplemental benefit provisions that You may elect through a Policy rider. The
Cost of Insurance charge is equal to the Amount at Risk multiplied by a monthly
Cost of Insurance rate. The Cost of Insurance

2

<PAGE>

rate is variable and is based on both Insureds' issue ages, sex (where permitted
by law), number of Policy Years elapsed and premium class. Because the Total
Account Value and, under certain circumstances, the Death Benefit of the Policy
may vary from month to month, the Cost of Insurance charge may also vary on each
Monthly Deduction Day. In addition, You should note that the Cost of Insurance
charge is related to the difference between the Death Benefit payable under the
Policy and the Total Account Value of the Policy. An increase in the Total
Account Value or a decrease in the Death Benefit may result in a smaller Cost of
Insurance charge while a decrease in the Total Account Value or an increase in
the Death Benefit may result in a larger cost of insurance charge.

The Cost of Insurance rate for standard risks will not exceed those based on the
1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Tables (1980 Tables). Substandard
risks will have monthly deductions based on Cost of Insurance rates which may be
higher than those set forth in the 1980 Tables. A table of guaranteed maximum
Cost of Insurance rates per $1,000 of the Amount at Risk will be included in
each Policy. The Monthly Cost of Insurance rates may be adjusted by Us from time
to time. Adjustments will be on a class basis and will be based on Our estimates
for future factors such as mortality, investment income, expenses, and the
length of time Policies stay in force. Any adjustments will be made on a
nondiscriminatory basis.

Policy Fee and Monthly Administrative Expense Charge

The Monthly Deduction amount also includes a Policy fee of $69 a month during
the first Policy Year and $9 a month during subsequent Policy Years (We reserve
the right to charge $74 a month during the first Policy Year and $14 a month
during subsequent Policy Years) and an administrative expense charge of $0.01 a
month per $1,000 of Specified Amount for 20 Policy Years from the Issue Date of
the Policy or increase. (We reserve the right to charge $0.03 a month per $1,000
of Specified Amount for all Policy Years). These charges are for items such as
underwriting and issuance, premium billing and collection, policy value
calculation, confirmations and periodic reports. The monthly Policy fee and
administrative expense charge is not expected to exceed our actual costs.

Charges for Supplemental Benefits

If You elect any supplemental benefits through adding riders to the Policy, a
supplemental benefits charge will be included in the Monthly Deduction amount.
The amount of the charge will vary depending upon the actual supplemental
benefits selected and is described on each applicable Policy rider.

Charges & Fees Assessed Against the Separate Account

Mortality and Expense Risk Charge

A mortality and expense risk charge will be deducted from the Separate Account
Value to compensate the Company for the aggregate mortality and expense risks
assumed in connection with the Policy. The mortality risk assumed by the Company
is that Insureds, as a group, may live for a shorter period of time than
estimated and that the Company will, therefore, pay a Death Benefit before
collecting a sufficient Cost of Insurance charge. The expense risk assumed is
that expenses incurred in issuing and administering the Policies and operating
the Separate Account will be greater than the administrative charges estimated
for such expenses.

The mortality and expense risk charge will be deducted daily and currently
equals an annual rate of 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the Separate
Account. The Company reserves the right to increase or decrease the mortality
and expense risk charge if it believes that circumstances have changed so that
current charges are no longer appropriate. However, in no event will the charge
exceed 0.90% of average daily net assets on an annual basis. If the mortality
and expense risk charge in effect at any time after the later of Policy Year 10
or the Younger Insured's Attained Age 65 is less than 0.90%, the amount of this
daily charge at that time will be reduced to 0.00% although the Company reserves
the right to increase the charge thereafter to 0.90%.

The Separate Account is not subject to any taxes. However, if taxes are assessed
against the Separate Account, We reserve the right to assess taxes against the
Separate Account Value.

                                                                               3

<PAGE>


   
Charges Assessed Against the Underlying Funds

The following table illustrates the investment advisory fees, other expenses and
total expenses paid by each of the Funds as a percentage of average net assets
based on figures for the year ended December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Investment
                                                    Advisory Fees(1)    Other Expenses      Total Fund
                                                    (after expense      (after expense       Annual
                                                    reimbursement)      reimbursement)      Expenses
<S>                                                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Aetna Variable Fund(2)                              0.50%               0.06%               0.56%
Aetna Income Shares(2)                              0.40%               0.08%               0.48%
Aetna Variable Encore Fund(2)                       0.25%               0.10%               0.35%
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.(2)             0.50%               0.08%               0.58%
Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio(2)                  0.60%               0.15%               0.75%
Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio(2)              0.60%               0.15%               0.75%
Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio(2)                  0.60%               0.15%               0.75%
Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio(2)              0.35%               0.15%               0.50%
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio       0.85%               0.03%               0.88%
American Century VP Capital Appreciation
 (formerly "TCI Growth")(3)                         1.00%               0.00%               1.00%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio(4)             0.51%               0.07%               0.58%
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio(4)             0.61%               0.13%               0.74%
Janus Aspen Aggressive Growth Portfolio(5)          0.72%               0.04%               0.76%
Janus Aspen Balanced Portfolio(5)                   0.79%               0.15%               0.94%
Janus Aspen Growth Portfolio(5)                     0.65%               0.04%               0.69%
Janus Aspen Short-Term Bond Portfolio(5)            0.47%               0.19%               0.66%
Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio(5)           0.66%               0.14%               0.80%
Scudder International Portfolio Class A Shares      0.86%               0.19%               1.05%
</TABLE>


(1) Certain of the unaffiliated Fund advisers reimburse the Company for
    administrative costs incurred in connection with administering the Funds as
    variable funding options under the Policy. These reimbursements are paid out
    of the investment advisory fees and are not charged to investors.

(2) The Company provides administrative services to the Fund and assumes the
    Fund's ordinary recurring direct costs under an Administrative Services
    Agreement. The new Administrative Services Agreement became effective on May
    1, 1996 for Aetna Variable Fund, Aetna Income Shares, Aetna Variable Encore
    Fund, Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc., Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio,
    Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio, and Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio.
    Therefore, for these Funds the "Other Expenses" shown are not based on
    actual figures for the year ended December 31, 1996, but reflect the fee
    payable under that Agreement. The Administrative Services Agreement was in
    effect for Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio since its inception.

    Effective August 1, 1996, Investment Advisory Fees were increased for Aetna
    Variable Fund, Aetna Income Shares, Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.,
    Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio, Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio, and
    Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio. The Advisory Fees shown above are not based
    on actual figures for the year ended December 31, 1996, but reflect the
    increased Investment Advisory Fees.

(3) The Portfolio's investment adviser pays all expenses of the Portfolio except
    brokerage commissions, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the
    non-interested person directors (including counsel fees) and extraordinary
    expenses. These expenses have historically represented a very small
    percentage (less than 0.01%) of total net assets in a fiscal year.

(4) A portion of the brokerage commissions that certain funds pay was used to
    reduce expenses. In addition, certain funds have entered into arrangements
    with their custodian and transfer agent whereby interest earned on
    uninvested cash balances was used to reduce custodian and transfer agent
    expenses. Including these reductions, the total operating expenses would
    have been 0.56% for Equity Income Portfolio and 0.71% for Contrafund
    Portfolio.

(5) The fees and expenses shown above are based on gross expenses of the Shares
    before expense offset arrangements for the fiscal year ended December 31,
    1996. The information for each Portfolio is net of fee waivers or reductions
    from Janus Capital. Fee reductions for the Aggressive Growth, Balanced,
    Growth, and Worldwide Growth Portfolios reduce the management fee to the
    level of the corresponding Janus retail fund. Other waivers, if applicable,
    are first applied against the management fee and then against other
    expenses. Without such waivers or reductions, the Management Fee, Other
    Expenses and Total Fund Annual Expenses would have been 0.79%, 0.04% and
    0.83% for Aggressive Growth Portfolio; 0.92%, 0.15% and 1.07% for Balanced
    Portfolio; 0.79%, 0.04% and 0.83% for Growth Portfolio; 0.65%, 0.19% and
    0.84% for Short-Term Bond Portfolio; and 0.77%, 0.14% and 0.91% for
    Worldwide Growth Portfolio, respectively. Janus Capital may modify or
    terminate the waivers or reductions at any time upon at least 90 days'
    notice to the Portfolio's Board of Trustees.
    



4

<PAGE>

   
For further details on each Fund's expenses please refer to that Fund's
prospectus. Additional copies of each Fund's prospectus and the Statement of
Additional Information for each Fund may be obtained free of charge by calling
800-334-7586.
    

Charges Deducted Upon Surrender

If, during the first 20 Policy Years, the Policy is totally surrendered or
lapses, or a Partial Surrender reduces the Specified Amount, a Surrender Charge
will be deducted from the Total Account Value. This charge is imposed in part to
recoup distribution expenses and in part to recover certain first year
administrative costs. The maximum Surrender Charges are included in each Policy
and are in compliance with each state's nonforfeiture law.

The maximum Surrender Charge, as specified in the Policy, is based on the
Specified Amount. It also depends on the Issue Age, risk classification and, in
most states, sex of the Insureds.

If You increase the Specified Amount, a new Surrender Charge will be applicable,
in addition to the then existing Surrender Charge. This charge will be effective
on the Issue Date for the increase and remain in effect for twenty years. In
general, the additional Surrender Charge will be calculated assuming that all
premium payments received after the increase are proportionately allocated as
payments on the initial Specified Amount and on the incremental increase in the
Specified Amount. Supplemental Policy Specifications will be sent to You once
the change is complete and will reflect the maximum additional Surrender Charge
in the Table of Maximum Surrender Charges.

Any decrease in the Specified Amount will not reduce the original or any
additional Surrender Charge.

Any Surrender Charge imposed is based upon the premium actually paid under the
Policy and will comply with SEC rules for maximum sales loads. This will vary
with the Issue Ages, premium class, sex (where allowed), Specified Amount of
insurance and the existence of certain supplementary benefits. For the
illustration contained in this Prospectus, using a Planned Premium of $2,688,
the Surrender Charge would be, at all times, limited to the lesser of (a) or (b)
where (a) is $4,914 (180% of the Guideline Annual Premium for the Policy) minus
9% of premium previously paid and (b) is 41% of premium previously paid. At all
times during the first 2 Policy Years, the Surrender Charge is additionally
limited to 20% of premium paid up to $2,730 (the Guideline Annual Premium for
the Policy), plus 1% of premium up to $5,460 (200% of the Guideline Annual
Premium for the Policy). The Guideline Annual Premium for Your Policy will be
set forth in the Policy Specifications.

The illustration contained in this Prospectus shows Surrender Charges that have
been limited based on the illustrated premium.

Surrender Charges on Full and Partial Surrenders

All applicable surrender Charges are imposed on Full surrenders.

A proportional percentage of all Surrender Charges is imposed on Partial
Surrenders. The proportional percentage is the amount of the net Partial
Surrender divided by the sum of the Separate Account Value and the Fixed Account
Value less full Surrender Charges. When a Partial Surrender is made, any
applicable remaining Surrender Charges will be reduced in the same proportion. A
transaction charge of $25 will be made against the Separate Account for each
Partial Surrender. (See Partial Surrenders)

                                                                               5

<PAGE>

Allocation of Premiums

You may allocate all or a part of Your Net Premiums to the Funds currently
available through the Separate Account in connection with the Policy and/or You
may allocate all or a part of Your Net Premiums to the Fixed Account.

The Funds

   
The Separate Account currently invests in shares of the Funds listed below. Net
Premiums applied to the Separate Account will be invested in the Funds in
accordance with the selection made by the Policyowner. Funds may be added or
withdrawn as permitted by applicable law. We reserve the right to limit the
total number of Funds You may elect to 17 over the lifetime of the Policy.
Shares of the Funds are not sold directly to the general public. Each of the
Funds is available only through the purchase of variable annuities or variable
life insurance policies. (See Mixed and Shared Funding)
    

The investment results of the Funds, whose investment objectives are described
below, are likely to differ significantly. There is no assurance that any of the
Funds will achieve their respective investment objectives. Investment in some of
the Funds involves special risks, which are described in their respective
prospectuses. You should read the prospectuses for the Funds and consider
carefully, and on a continuing basis, which Fund or combination of Funds is best
suited to Your long-term investment objectives. Except where otherwise noted,
all of the Funds are diversified, as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940.

[bullet] Aetna Variable Fund seeks to maximize total return through investments
         in a diversified portfolio of common stocks and securities convertible
         into common stocks.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Income Shares seeks to maximize total return, consistent with
         reasonable risk, through investments in a diversified portfolio
         consisting primarily of debt securities.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Variable Encore Fund seeks to provide high current return,
         consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity, through
         investment in high-quality money market instruments. An investment in
         this Fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government. (1)

   
[bullet] Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc. is a manged Fund which seeks to
         maximize investment return consistent with reasonable safety of
         principal by investing in one or more of the following asset classes:
         stocks, bonds and cash equivalents based on the Company's judgment of
         which of those sectors or mix thereof offers the best investment
         prospects.(1)
    

[bullet] Aetna Generation Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio
         seeks to provide capital appreciation by allocating its investments
         among equities and fixed income securities. Aetna Ascent is managed for
         investors who generally have an investment horizon exceeding 15 years,
         and who have a high level of risk tolerance. See the Fund's prospectus
         for a discussion of the risks involved.(1)

[bullet] Aetna Generation Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio
         seeks to provide total return (i.e., income and capital appreciation,
         both realized and unrealized) by allocating its investments among
         equities and fixed income securities. Aetna Crossroads is managed for
         investors who generally have an investment horizon exceeding 10 years
         and who have a moderate level of risk tolerance. (1)

[bullet] Aetna Generation Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio
         seeks to provide total return consistent with preservation of capital
         by allocating its investments among equities and fixed income
         securities. Aetna Legacy is managed for investors who generally have an
         investment horizon exceeding five years and who have a low level of
         risk tolerance.(1)

   
[bullet] Aetna Variable Portfolios, Inc.--Aetna Variable Index Plus Portfolio
         seeks to outperform the total return performance of publicly traded
         common stocks represented by the S&P 500.(1)
    

[bullet] Alger American Fund--Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
         seeks long-term capital appreciation. Except during temporary defensive
         periods, the Portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets in
         equity securities of com-

6

<PAGE>

   
         panies that, at the time of purchase of such securities, have total
         market capitalization within the range of companies included in the
         Russell 2000 Growth Index, ("Russell Index") and the S&P SmallCap 600
         Index ("S&P Index") updated quarterly. At March 31, 1997, the range of
         market capitalization of the companies in the Russell Index was $10
         million to $1.94 billion; the range of market capitalization of the
         companies in the S&P Index at that date was $32 million to $2.58
         billion. The combined range was $10 million to $2.58 billion.(2)

[bullet] American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.--American Century VP Capital
         Appreciation (formerly TCI Portfolios, Inc.--TCI Growth) seeks capital
         growth. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in common
         stocks (including securities convertible into common stocks) and other
         securities that meet certain fundamental and technical standards of
         selection and, in the opinion of the Fund's investment manager, have
         better than average potential for appreciation.(3)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Fund--Equity-Income
         Portfolio seeks reasonable income by investing primarily in
         income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities, the
         Fund will also consider the potential for capital appreciation.(4)

[bullet] Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Fund II--Contrafund
         Portfolio seeks maximum total return over the long term by investing
         its assets mainly in equity securities of companies that are
         undervalued or out-of-favor.(4)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Aggressive Growth Portfolio is a non-diversified
         portfolio that seeks long-term growth of capital. The Portfolio pursues
         its investment objective by normally investing at least 50% of its
         equity assets in securities issued by medium sized companies.
         Medium-sized companies are those whose market capitalizations fall
         within the range of companies in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, which as of
         December 30, 1996 included companies with capitalizations between
         approximately $192 million and $6.5 billion, but which is expected to
         change on a regular basis.(5)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Balanced Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth
         consistent with preservation of capital and balanced by current income.
         The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by, under normal
         circumstances, investing 40%-60% of its assets in securities selected
         primarily for their growth potential and 40%-60% of its assets in
         securities selected primarily for their income potential.(5)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital
         consistent with the preservation of capital. The Portfolio pursues its
         investment objective by investing in common stocks of a large number of
         issuers of any size.(5)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Short-Term Bond Portfolio seeks as high a level of
         current income as is consistent with preservation of capital. The
         Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in
         short- and intermediate-term fixed income securities.(5)

[bullet] Janus Aspen Series--Worldwide Growth Portfolio seeks long-term growth
         of capital consistent with the preservation of capital. The Portfolio
         pursues its investment objective primarily through investments in
         common stocks of foreign and domestic issuers.(5)

[bullet] Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund--International Portfolio Class A
         Shares seeks long term growth of capital primarily through diversified
         holdings of marketable foreign equity investments.(6)
    

Investment Advisers of the Funds:

   
 (1) Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (adviser); Aeltus Investment
     Management, Inc. (sub-adviser)

 (2) Fred Alger Management, Inc.

 (3) American Century Investment Management, Inc.

 (4) Fidelity Management & Research Company

 (5) Janus Capital Corporation

 (6) Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.

Some of the above Funds may use instruments known as derivatives as part of
their investment strategies, as described in their respective prospectuses. The
use of certain derivatives such as inverse floaters and principal only debt
instru-
    

                                                                               7

<PAGE>

ments may involve higher risk of volatility to a Fund. The use of leverage in
connection with derivatives can also increase risk of losses. See the prospectus
for the Fund for a discussion of the risks associated with an investment in
those Funds. You should refer to the accompanying prospectuses of the Funds for
more complete information about their investment policies and restrictions.

Mixed and Shared Funding; Conflicts of Interest

Shares of the Funds are available to insurance company separate accounts which
fund variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, including
the Policy described in this Prospectus. Because Fund shares are offered to
separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies, it is
conceivable that, in the future, it may not be advantageous for variable life
insurance separate accounts and variable annuity separate accounts to invest in
these Funds simultaneously, since the interests of such Policyowners or
contractholders may differ. Although neither the Company nor the Funds currently
foresees any such disadvantages either to variable life insurance or to variable
annuity Policyowners, each Fund's Board of Trustees/Directors has agreed to
monitor events in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts which
may possibly arise and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in
response thereto. If such a conflict were to occur, one of the separate accounts
might withdraw its investment in a Fund. This might force that Fund to sell
portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices.

Fund Additions, Deletions or Substitutions

The Company reserves the right, subject to compliance with appropriate state and
federal laws, to add additional Fund(s) or cease to make Fund shares available
under the Policy prospectively. The Company may substitute shares of one Fund
for shares of another Fund if, among other things, (a) it is determined that a
Fund no longer suits the purpose of the Policy due to a change in its investment
objectives or restrictions; (b) the shares of a Fund are no longer available for
investment; or (c) in the Company's view, it has become inappropriate to
continue investing in the shares of the Fund. Substitution may be made with
respect to both existing investments and the investment of any future premium
payments. However, no substitution of securities will be made without prior
notice to Policyowners, and without prior approval of the SEC or such other
regulatory authorities as may be necessary, all to the extent required and
permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940 or other applicable law.

Fixed Account

Interests in the Fixed Account have not been registered with the SEC in reliance
upon exemptions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. However,
disclosure in this Prospectus regarding the Fixed Account may be subject to
certain generally applicable provisions of the federal securities laws relating
to the accuracy and completeness of the statements. Disclosure in this
Prospectus relating to the Fixed Account has not been reviewed by the SEC.

The Fixed Account is a fixed funding option available under the Policy. The
Company guarantees a minimum interest rate on amounts in the Fixed Account and
assumes the risk of investment gain or loss. The investment gain or loss of the
Separate Account or any of the Funds does not affect the Fixed Account Value.

The Fixed Account is secured by the general assets of the Company. The general
assets of the Company include all assets of the Company other than those held in
separate accounts sponsored by the Company or its affiliates. The Company will
invest the assets of the Fixed Account in those assets chosen by the Company, as
allowed by applicable law. Investment income of such Fixed Account assets will
be allocated by the Company between itself and those policies participating in
the Fixed Account.

The Company guarantees that, at any time, the Fixed Account Value will not be
less than the amount of the Net Premiums allocated to the Fixed Account, plus
interest at an annual rate of not less than 4%, less the amount of any Partial
Surrenders, Policy Loans or Monthly Deductions. If the interest rate credited is
greater than 4%, additional guaranteed excess interest of .85% will be credited
to the Fixed Account Value beginning in Policy Year 11 or, if later, at the
younger Insured's Attained Age 65.

8

<PAGE>

Policy Choices

Premium Payments

The Policy is a flexible premium life insurance policy in that the Policyowner
has the right to decide when to make premium payments and in what amounts. Your
Policy provides various premium levels at which You may make payments. They are
the Planned Premium, Basic Monthly Premium and the Guaranteed Death Benefit to
the Younger Insured's Attained Age 100 Premium. The amount of each of Your
premium levels will be shown in Your Policy. Alternatively, You make any other
premium payments You wish as Additional Premiums. (See Guaranteed Death Benefit)

Payment of the Basic Monthly Premium, Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger
Insured's Age 100 Premium, Planned Premiums, or Additional Premiums in any
amount will not, except as noted below, guarantee that Your policy will remain
in force. Conversely, failure to pay Basic Monthly Premiums, Planned Premiums or
Additional Premiums will not necessarily cause Your Policy to lapse. Not paying
Your applicable Guaranteed Death Benefit premium will, however, cause the
Guaranteed Death Benefit to terminate and may cause the No Lapse Coverage not to
be applicable. (See Guaranteed Death Benefit and No Lapse Coverage)

Planned Premiums are those premiums You request and We agree to bill on an
annual, semiannual or quarterly basis. Pre-authorized automatic monthly check
payments may also be arranged. Planned Premium due dates are measured from the
Issue Date. The Planned Premium is also due on the Issue Date. You may request
as Your Planned Premium for Your Policy the Basic Monthly Premium or the
Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Attained Age 100 Premium.
Currently, there is no minimum Planned Premium.

You may increase Your Planned Premium at any time by submitting a Written
Request to us or by paying Additional Premium. We may require evidence of
insurability if the Additional Premium or the new Planned Premium during the
current Policy Year would increase the difference between the Death Benefit and
the Total Account Value. If satisfactory evidence of insurability is requested
and not provided, We will refund the increase in premium without interest and
without participation of such amounts in the Funds.

   
In no event may the total of all premiums paid exceed the then-current maximum
premium limitations established by federal law for a Policy to qualify as life
insurance. (See "Tax Matters") If, at any time, a premium is paid which would
result in total premiums exceeding such maximum premium limitation, we will only
accept that portion of the premium which will make total premiums equal the
maximum. Any part of the premium in excess of that amount will be returned or
applied as otherwise agreed and no further premiums will be accepted until
allowed by the then-current maximum premium limitations prescribed by law.
    

Premiums paid in excess of the Planned Premium or an increase in Your Planned
Premium may cause the Policy to be classified as a "Modified Endowment Contract"
for federal income tax purposes. (See Tax Matters)

   
At the time You apply for a Policy, if You have paid at least the amount equal
to Your Basic Monthly Premium prior to the Issue Date and have answered
favorably certain questions relating to each Insured's health, a temporary
insurance agreement (where approved for use and subject to certain maximums)
will be provided.
    

Under limited circumstances, We may backdate a Policy, upon request, by
assigning an Issue Date earlier than the date the application is signed but no
earlier than six months prior to state approval of the Policy. Backdating may be
desirable, for example, so that You can purchase a particular Policy Specified
Amount for lower Cost of Insurance Rates based on a younger insurance age. For a
backdated Policy, You must pay the premium for the period between the Issue Date
and the date the application is received at the Home Office. Backdating of Your
Policy will not affect the date on which Your premium payments are credited to
the Separate Account and You are credited with Accumulation Units. You cannot be
credited with Accumulation Units until Your Net Premium is actually deposited in
the Separate Account. (See Accumulation Units)

                                                                               9

<PAGE>

   
The initial premium equal to at least your Basic Monthly Premium should be made
by check or money order and made payable to the Company and given to the agent
with Your application. After the first premium payment, all premiums must be
sent directly to our Home Office and will be deemed received when actually
received at the Home Office. All Your premium payments, including Your first
premium payment, will be allocated as You have directed, and amounts allocated
to the Funds will be credited to your Policy at the Accumulation Unit Value
computed on the Valuation Date following receipt of your premium at the Home
Office. (See Right of Policy Examination)
    

You may reallocate Your future premium payments at any time by Your request to
us. Allocations must be changed in whole percentages. The change will be
effective as of the date of the next premium payment after You notify Us. We
will send You confirmation of the change. (See Transfers and Allocations to
Funding Options)

Guaranteed Death Benefit

The Guaranteed Death Benefit provision assures that, the Policy will not lapse
if certain premiums are paid when due. As long as there are no outstanding
Policy Loans, have been no Partial Surrenders and all the Guaranteed Death
Benefit premiums due since the Issue Date are paid on or before each Monthly
Deduction Day, the Policy will not lapse even if the Surrender Value is
insufficient to satisfy the current Monthly Deductions. If on a Monthly
Deduction Day, all or part of the applicable Guaranteed Death Benefit premiums
have not been paid, You will have 61 days from the Monthly Deduction Day to pay
the amount of the applicable Guaranteed Death Benefit premiums due. Failure to
do so will cause the corresponding Guaranteed Death benefit to terminate. The
Guaranteed Death Benefit is available to the younger Insured's Attained Age 80
or to the younger Insured's Attained Age 100.

The Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Attained Age 80 assures
that Your Policy will not lapse prior to the later of the younger Insured's
Attained Age 80 or 10 Policy Years from the Issue Date. The premium for this
Guaranteed Death Benefit is the Basic Monthly Premium.

The Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Attained Age 100 assures
that Your Policy will not lapse prior to the younger Insured's Attained Age 100.
The premium for this Guaranteed Death Benefit is the Guaranteed Death Benefit to
the Younger Insured's Age 100 Premium.

If the Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Attained Age 100 has
terminated because sufficient payments have not been made, We will determine if
the condition for the Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Attained
Age 80 has been satisfied. If satisfied, the Guaranteed Death Benefit Provision
to the Younger Insured's Age 100 will terminate and the conditions set forth in
the Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Age 80 provision will be
applicable.

The Guaranteed Death Benefit may not be available in all circumstances and is
only available in those states where it is approved. Once terminated, the
Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Attained Age 80 and the
Guaranteed Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Attained Age 100 provisions
cannot be reinstated.

No Lapse Coverage Provision

The Policy will not terminate within the 5-year period after its Issue Date or
the Issue Date of any increase if sufficient premiums have been paid. The Policy
will not terminate if on any Monthly Deduction Day within that period the sum of
premiums paid within that period equals or exceeds (a) the sum of the Basic
Monthly Premiums for each Policy Month from the start of the period, including
the current month; plus (b) any Partial Surrenders; plus (c) any increase in the
Loan Account Value since the start of the period.

If on any Monthly Deduction Day within the 5-year period the sum of premiums
paid is less than the sum of items (a), (b) and (c) above and the Total Account
Value is less than the Monthly Deduction the Policy will enter the Grace Period.
Additional premiums payments must be paid to prevent the termination of the
Policy. (See Grace Period)

After the 5-year period expires, on each Monthly Deduction Day, the Surrender
Value must be greater than the Monthly Deduction to prevent activation of the
Grace Period provision of the Policy, unless a Guaranteed Death Benefit is in
force. (See Guaranteed Death Benefit and Grace Period)

10

<PAGE>

Death Benefit Options

At the time of purchase, You must choose between the two available Death Benefit
Options. The amount payable upon the Second Death is based upon one of the
following Death Benefit Options You choose.

Under Option 1 the Death Benefit will be the greater of: (a) the Specified
Amount or (b) a percentage of the Total Account Value. This Percentage is 1
divided by the Net Single Premium per dollar of Specified Amount.

Under Option 2 the Death Benefit will be the greater of: (a) the Specified
Amount plus the Total Account Value on the date of death or (b) a percentage of
the Total Account Value. This percentage is 1 divided by the Net Single Premium
per dollar of Specified Amount. Option 2 provides a varying Death Benefit which
increases or decreases over time, depending upon the amount of premium paid and
the investment performance of the Fund(s) You choose.

Under both Option 1 and Option 2, the Death Benefit may be affected by Partial
Surrenders. The Death Benefit payable under either Option will be reduced by the
amount necessary to repay the Loan Account Value in full and, if the Policy is
within the Grace Period, any payment required to keep the Policy in force. (See
Partial Surrenders)

Transfers and Allocations to Funding Options

   
At any time prior to the Maturity Date, You may transfer all or part of each
Fund Account Value to any other Fund or to the Fixed Account Value at any time.
Funds may be transferred between the Funds or from the Funds to the Fixed
Account. We reserve the right to charge an administrative fee of $25 for more
than 12 transfers per year.

Within the forty-five days following the Policy Anniversary, You may request a
transfer of a portion of the Fixed Account Value to one or more of the Funds.
This type of transfer is allowed only once within this forty-five day period,
and We must receive Your request at the Home Office within the forty-five day
period. The transfer will be effective on the Valuation Date that Your request
is received by the Home Office. The amount of such transfer cannot exceed 25% of
the Fixed Account Value.

Accumulation Units for each Variable Option will be added to or subtracted from
Your Separate Account Value, based on each Variable Option's Accumulation Unit
Value computed on the next Valuation Date following our receipt of your request
for transfer, provided the request is received by the close of business of the
New York Stock Exchange. A dollar amount will be added to or subtracted from the
Fixed Account Value according to the terms of Your request for transfer. You
should carefully consider current market conditions and each Fund's investment
policies and related risks before allocating money to the Funds. (See Premium
Payments and Accumulation Units)
    

Telephone Transfers

   
You may request a transfer of Account Values either in writing or by telephone.
In order to make telephone transfers, a written telephone transfer authorization
form must be completed by the Policyowner and returned to the Company at its
Home Office. Once the form is processed, the Policyowner may request a transfer
by telephoning the Company at 800-334-7586. All transfers must be in
accordance with the terms of the Policy.
    

Transfer instructions are currently accepted on each Valuation Date. Once
instructions have been accepted, they may not be rescinded; however, new
telephone instructions may be given on the following day. If the transfer
instructions are not in good order, the Company will not execute the transfer
and You will be notified.

We will use reasonable procedures, such as requiring identifying information
from callers, recording telephone instructions, and providing written
confirmation of transactions, in order to confirm that telephone instructions
are genuine. Any telephone instructions which We reasonably believe to be
genuine will be Your responsibility, including losses arising from any errors in
the communication of instructions. As a result of this procedure, the
Policyowner will bear the risk of loss. If the Company does not use reasonable
procedures, as described above, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized
instructions.

Automated Transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging)

Dollar Cost Averaging describes a system of investing a uniform sum of money at
regular intervals over an extended period of time. Dollar Cost Averaging is
based on the economic fact that buying a security with a constant sum of money
at fixed intervals results in acquiring more of the item when prices are low and
less of it when prices are high.

                                                                              11

<PAGE>

   
You may establish automated transfers of Fund Account Values on a monthly or
quarterly basis from the Aetna Variable Encore Fund to any other Fund through
Written Request or other method acceptable to the Company. Dollar Cost Averaging
is not permitted to or from the Fixed Account. You must have a minimum of $5,000
allocated to the Aetna Variable Encore Fund in order to enroll in the Dollar
Cost Averaging program. The minimum automated transfer amount is $50 per month.
There is no additional charge for the program. You may start or stop
participation in the Dollar Cost Averaging program at any time, but You must
give the Company at least 30 days' notice to change any automated transfer
instructions that are currently in place. The Company reserves the right to
suspend or modify automated transfer privileges at any time.
    

Before participating in the Dollar Cost Averaging program, You should consider
the risks involved in switching between investments available under the Policy.
Dollar Cost Averaging requires regular investments regardless of fluctuating
price levels, and does not guarantee profits or prevent losses. Therefore, You
should carefully consider market conditions and each Fund's investment policies
and related risks before electing to participate in the Dollar Cost Averaging
Program.

Policy Values

Total Account Value

   
Once Your Policy has been issued, each Net Premium allocated to a Variable
Option of the Separate Account is credited in the form of Accumulation Units of
the Variable Option based on that Variable Option's Accumulation Unit Value.
Each Net Premium will be credited to Your Policy at the Accumulation Unit
Value(s) computed on the next Valuation Date following our receipt of the
premium at Our Home Office following the Issue Date of the Policy. The number of
Accumulation Units credited is determined by dividing the Net Premium by the
value of an Accumulation Unit computed after the premium is received and
accepted by Us. Since each Variable Option has a unique Accumulation Unit Value,
if You have elected a combination of Variable Options You will have Accumulation
Units credited to Your Separate Account Value for each Variable Option.
    

The Total Account Value of Your Policy is determined by: (a) multiplying the
total number of Accumulation Units credited to the Policy for each applicable
Variable Option by its appropriate current Accumulation Unit Value; (b) if You
have elected a combination of Variable Options, totaling the resulting value;
and (c) adding any values attributable to the Fixed Account and any values
attributable to the Loan Account Value.

The number of Accumulation Units credited to a Policy will not be changed by any
subsequent change in the value of an Accumulation Unit. The number is increased
by subsequent contributions to or transfers into a Variable Option, and
decreased by charges and withdrawals from that Variable Option.

The Fixed Account Value reflects amounts allocated to the general account
through payment of premiums or transfers from the Separate Account. Amounts
allocated to the Fixed Account Value are guaranteed; however there is no
assurance that the Separate Account Value of the Policy will equal or exceed the
Net Premiums paid and allocated to the Separate Account.

You will be advised at least annually as to the number of Accumulation Units
which remain credited to the Policy, the current Accumulation Unit Values, the
Separate Account Value, the Fixed Account Value, and the Total Account Value.

Accumulation Unit Value

   
The value of an Accumulation Unit is determined on the Valuation Date. A
Valuation Period is the time from one Valuation Date to the next Valuation Date.
The value of an Accumulation Unit for any Valuation Period is determined by
multiplying the value of an Accumulation Unit for the immediately preceding
Valuation Period by the net investment factor for the current period for the
appropriate Variable Option. The net investment factor equals the net investment
rate plus 1.0. The net investment rate is determined separately for each
Variable Option as follows:
    

12

<PAGE>

The net investment rate equals (a) the net assets of the Variable Option held in
Variable Life Account B at the end of a Valuation Period; minus (b) the net
assets of the Variable Option held in Variable Life Account B at the beginning
of that Valuation Period, adjusted by any taxes or provisions for taxes
attributable to the operation of Variable Life Account B; divided by (c) the
value of the Variable Option's Accumulation Units held in Variable Life Account
B at the beginning of the Valuation Period; minus (d) a daily charge for
mortality and expense risk expenses.

Maturity Value

The Maturity Value of the Policy is the Total Account Value less the Loan
Account Value less any unpaid accrued interest.

Surrender Value

The Surrender Value of the Policy is the amount You can receive in cash by
surrendering the Policy. All or part of the Surrender Value may be applied to
one or more of the Settlement Options described in this Prospectus or in any
manner to which We agree and that We make available. (See Charges Deducted Upon
Surrender)

Policy Rights

Full Surrenders

By Written Request, You may surrender the Policy for its Full Surrender Value at
any time before the Maturity Date while one or both Insureds is alive. All
insurance coverage under the Policy will end on the date of the Full Surrender.
The Full Surrender Value will equal (a) the Total Account Value on the date of
surrender; less (b) the Surrender Charge; less (c) the Loan Account Value plus
any accrued interest. We will require return of the Policy. (See Right to Defer
Payment, Policy Settlement and Payment of Benefits)

Partial Surrenders

By Written Request, You may, at any time after the expiration of the Right of
Policy Examination, partially surrender the Policy. A Partial Surrender Charge
will be deducted from the amount of the Total Account Value which is
surrendered. The minimum amount of any Partial Surrender after any Partial
Surrender charge is applied is $500. We may also charge an administrative fee of
$25.

The Partial Surrender charge will be in proportion to the Surrender Charge that
would apply to a Full Surrender. The proportion will be computed as the amount
of the net Partial Surrender divided by the sum of the Fixed Account Value and
the Separate Account Value less the Full Surrender Charge. When the Partial
Surrender is made, any future Surrender Charge will be reduced in the same
proportion.

The Partial Surrender Charge, and the net amount surrendered will reduce the
Policy's values as described in the Charges Deducted Upon Surrender section.

If the Death Benefit Option for the Policy is Option 1, a Partial Surrender will
reduce the Total Account Value, Death Benefit, and Specified Amount. The
Specified Amount and Total Account Value will be reduced by equal amounts.
However, We will not allow a Partial Surrender if the Specified Amount will be
reduced below the minimum Specified Amount of $250,000.

If the Death Benefit Option for the Policy is Option 2, a Partial Surrender will
reduce the Total Account Value and the Death Benefit. The Specified Amount will
not be reduced.

If the Death Benefit for the Policy is determined as the Total Account Value
divided by the Net Single Premium, the Partial Surrender may not reduce the
Specified Amount.

                                                                              13

<PAGE>

A reduction in the Specified Amount will cause a reduction in the required
premiums for the Guaranteed Death Benefit. The future premium required to
maintain the Guaranteed Death Benefit will be based on the new Specified Amount.

If, at the time of a Partial Surrender, Your Total Account Value is attributable
to the Separate Account and the Fixed Account, the Surrender Charge, the
transaction charge and the amount paid to You upon the Partial Surrender will be
deducted from the Separate Account Value and the Fixed Account Value in the same
proportion as these values bear to the sum of the Fixed Account Value and the
Separate Account Value on the date of the deduction. This is accomplished by
liquidating Accumulation Units and withdrawing the value of the liquidated
Accumulation Units from each Variable Option in the same proportion as their
respective values have to the sum of Your Fixed Account and Separate Account
Values. (See Right to Defer Payment, Policy Changes and Payment of Benefits)

Paid-Up Nonforfeiture Option

By Written Request, You may elect, at any time before the Maturity Date, to
continue the Policy as paid-up life insurance.

The Surrender Value will be applied as a Net Single Premium to determine the
Specified Amount of the paid-up insurance. The cost of the paid-up insurance
will be based on the guaranteed maximum Cost of Insurance Rates in the Policy
and an interest rate of 4.0% compounded annually. However, the Specified Amount
of the paid-up insurance cannot exceed the Death Benefit under the Policy as of
the effective date of the paid-up insurance. Any excess Surrender Value will be
refunded to You.

Full and Partial Surrenders and Policy Loans, as described in this Prospectus,
will be allowed if the Policy is continued in force as paid up insurance.

Proceeds payable under this option upon death or maturity will equal the
Specified Amount less debt of the paid up insurance. (See Tax Matters)

Grace Period

If the Surrender Value is insufficient to satisfy a Monthly Deduction on the
Monthly Deduction Day, We will allow You 61 days of grace for payment of an
amount sufficient to continue coverage. We may require payment of the amount
necessary to keep the Policy in force for the current month plus two additional
months.

Written notice will be mailed to Your last known address, according to Our
records, not less than 61 days before termination of the Policy. This notice
will also be mailed to the last known address of any assignee of record.

During the days of grace the Policy will stay in force. If the Second Death
occurs during the days of grace, We will deduct an amount required to keep the
Policy in force from the Death Benefit.

If payment is not made within 61 days after the Monthly Deduction Day, the
Policy will terminate without value at the end of the Grace Period. The
termination will be effective on the Monthly Deduction Day for the first unpaid
Monthly Deduction.

Reinstatement of a Lapsed Policy

If the Policy terminates as provided in its Grace Period benefit, it may be
reinstated. To reinstate the Policy, the following conditions must be met:

- --The Policy has not been fully surrendered.

- --You must apply for reinstatement within 5 years after the date of termination
  and before the Maturity Date.

- --We must receive evidence of insurability, satisfactory to Us, on each
  Insured.

- --We must receive a premium payment sufficient to keep the Policy in force for
  the current month plus two additional months.

Supplemental Benefits will be reinstated only with Our consent. (See Grace
Period and Premium Payments)

14

<PAGE>

Coverage Beyond Maturity

You may elect to continue coverage beyond the Maturity Date provided the Policy
is in force on the Maturity Date. If elected, on the Maturity Date the Separate
Account Value of the Policy will be transferred to the Fixed Account where it
will continue to earn interest as described in the Policy. Monthly Deduction
Amounts will continue to be deducted, with a Cost of Insurance rate equal to
zero. Only payments required to keep the policy in force will be accepted beyond
the Maturity Date.

The Policy may be subject to certain adverse tax consequences when continued
beyond the Maturity Date.

All other rights and benefits as described in the Policy will be available
before the Second Death.

   
Coverage Beyond Maturity may not be available in all states.
    

Right to Defer Payment

Payments of any Separate Account Value will be made within 7 days after Our
receipt of Your Written Request. However, the Company reserves the right to
suspend or postpone the date of any payment of any benefit or values for any
Valuation Period (1) when the New York Stock Exchange is closed (except holidays
or weekends); (2) when trading on the Exchange is restricted; (3) when an
emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that disposal of the securities
held in the Funds is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable to determine the value of the Funds' net assets; or (4) during any
other period when the SEC, by order, so permits for the protection of security
holders. For payment from the Separate Account in such instances, We may defer
payment of Full Surrender and Partial Surrender Values, any Death Benefit in
excess of the current Specified Amount, and any portion of the Loan Value.

Payment of any Fixed Account Value may be deferred for up to six months, except
when used to pay amounts due Us.

Policy Loans

   
We will grant loans at any time after the expiration of the Right of Policy
Examination and before the Maturity Date. The amount of the loan will not be
more than the Loan Value. Unless otherwise required by state law, the Loan Value
for this Policy is 90% of the sum of the Fixed Account Value and the Separate
Account Value less the Surrender Charge applicable at the time of the loan.

The amount of the loan will be transferred out of the Fixed Account and Separate
Account Values in proportion to the value of the Fixed Account and each Variable
Option. The loan amount increases the Loan Account Value. The loan may be repaid
in full or in part at any time prior to the Maturity Date as long as this Policy
is in force and one or both Insureds is alive. The amount necessary to repay all
loans in full is the Loan Account Value plus any accrued interest. Loan
repayments will be allocated to the Fixed Account Value and the Separate Account
Value in the same proportion in which the loan was taken. The Loan Account Value
will be reduced by payments You identify as loan repayments. All other payments
will be considered premium payments.
    

The amount of interest earned on the Loan Account Value and the amount of
interest charged to You on a loan depends on whether the loan is considered
preferred. A preferred loan is a loan beginning in the 11th Policy Year or upon
the younger Insured's Attained Age 65, whichever is later, and on each Policy
Anniversary thereafter, that is taken from the Separate Account Value. The
interest rate charged on the preferred loan and the interest rate credited to
the Loan Account Value is 4%.

For all other loans, the loan interest rate charged is 8%. The Loan Account
Value will earn interest at the guaranteed rate of 4%; however, We may credit
interest in excess of this rate.

Interest is due and payable on the next Policy Anniversary, the date this Policy
ends or upon full repayment of the Loan Account Value. Any interest not paid
when due will be added to the Loan Account Value on the Policy Anniversary and
will itself bear interest on the same terms.

                                                                              15

<PAGE>

An outstanding loan amount will decrease the Surrender Value available under the
Policy. For example, if a Policy has a Surrender Value of $10,000, You may take
a loan of 90% or $9,000, leaving a new Surrender Value of $1,000. If a loan is
not repaid, it will permanently decrease the Surrender Value which could cause
the Policy to lapse. In addition, the Death Benefit will be decreased because of
an outstanding Policy Loan. Furthermore, even if the loan is repaid, the amount
of the Death Benefit and the Policy's Surrender Value may be permanently
affected since the Loan Account Value is not credited with the investment
experience of the Funds.

Policy Changes

You may make changes to Your Policy, as described below, by submitting a Written
Request to Our Home Office. Supplemental Policy Specifications and/or a notice
confirming the change will be sent to You once the change is completed.

Increase in Specified Amount

Increases will be allowed at any time while this Policy is in force while both
Insureds are alive subject to the following conditions. The increase may be
rescinded by You within 45 days of the subsequent application or within 10 days
of receipt of the supplemental Policy Specifications and/or notice of the right
to rescind the increase, whichever is latest.

- --Satisfactory evidence of insurability on both Insureds will be required.

- --The Issue Date for any increase will be shown in the supplemental Policy
  Specifications.

- --The Surrender Value immediately after an increase must be at least three
  times the sum of (a) the most recent Monthly Deduction from the Total Account
  Value and (b) the Specified Amount of the increase multiplied by the
  applicable Cost of Insurance Rate divided by 1000.

- -- An increase in the Specified Amount will increase the Surrender Charge.

- --The 5-year period as described in the No Lapse Coverage provision will
  restart on the Issue Date of the increase.

- --The Basic Monthly Premium and the premium required to satisfy the Guaranteed
  Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Age 100 will be adjusted when the
  Specified Amount is increased.

Decrease in Specified Amount

You may decrease the Specified Amount of this Policy after the 5th Policy Year,
however:

- --We will not allow a decrease in the Specified Amount if the Specified Amount
  would be reduced below the minimum Specified Amount of $250,000.

- --For a decrease in the Specified Amount, the Issue Date will be the Monthly
  Deduction Day on or next following the date on which Your Written Request is
  received.

- --The decrease will reduce any past increases in the reverse order in which
  they occurred.

- --The Basic Monthly Premium and the premium required to satisfy the Guaranteed
  Death Benefit to the Younger Insured's Age 100 will be based on the new
  Specified Amount.

- --There will be no change in the Surrender Charge.

Change in Death Benefit Option

Any change in the Death Benefit Option is subject to the following conditions:

- --We will not allow a change in the Death Benefit Option if the Specified
  Amount will be reduced below the minimum Specified Amount of $250,000.

- --The change will take effect on the Monthly Deduction Day on or next following
  the date on which Your Written Request is received.

- --There will be no change in the Surrender Charge.

16

<PAGE>

- --Evidence of insurability may be required.

- --Changes from Option 1 to 2 will be allowed at any time while this Policy is
  in force. The Specified Amount will be reduced to equal the Specified Amount
  less the Total Account Value at the time of the change.

- --Changes from Option 2 to 1 will be allowed at any time while this policy is
  in force. The new Specified Amount will be increased to equal the Specified
  Amount plus the Total Account Value as of the date of the change.

(See Surrender Charge and Right of Policy Examination)

Right of Policy Examination

The Policy has a free look period during which You may examine the Policy. If
for any reason You are dissatisfied, it may be returned to Aetna or its
representative within 45 days of Application, within 10 days of receipt of the
Policy or 10 days after Aetna mails notice of right to cancel, whichever is
latest. Return the Policy to Aetna, Individual Life Insurance, at 151 Farmington
Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06156. Upon its return, the Policy will be deemed
void from its beginning. The amount refunded will be (a) the difference between
payments made and amounts allocated to Variable Life Account B plus (b) the
value of amount allocated to Variable Life Account B on the date the returned
contract is received by Aetna plus (c) any charges made under this Policy's
terms on the amounts allocated to Variable Life Account B or (d) where required
by State law, the entire payment made.

The Right of Policy Examination also applies to Increases in the Specified
Amount. The increase may, for any reason, be rescinded by You within 45 days of
the Subsequent Application, or within 10 days of receipt of the Supplemental
Policy Specifications and/or notice of the right to rescind the increase,
whichever is latest.

Supplemental Benefits

   
The supplemental benefits currently available as riders to the Policy include
the following (may not be available in all states):
    

[bullet] Disability Benefit Rider--provides for a credit of the benefit amount
         described in the Policy in the event of the total disability of the
         covered Insured.

[bullet] Split Option Amendment Rider--allows You, upon election, to exchange
         the Policy for two individual policies, one on each Insured named in
         the Policy, subject to the terms of the rider.

   
         The exercise of the option provided by this Rider may have tax
         consequences. You should consult a competent tax advisor if you are
         considering purchasing this rider or exercising its option.

[bullet] Four Year Term Rider--provides non-participating term insurance for the
         first four Policy Years. The benefit amount described in the Policy
         increases the Policy's Death Benefit.
    

Other riders for supplemental benefits may become available under the Policy
from time to time. The charges for each of these riders are illustrated in Your
Policy.

Death Benefit

The Death Benefit under the Policy will be paid in a lump sum unless You or the
beneficiary have elected that it be paid under one or more of the Settlement
Options.

Payment of the Death Benefit may be delayed if the Policy is being contested.
You may elect a Settlement Option for the beneficiary and deem it irrevocable.
You may revoke or change a prior election. The beneficiary may make or change

                                                                              17

<PAGE>

an election within 90 days of the Second Death, unless You have made an
irrevocable election. The beneficiary who has elected Settlement Option 1 may
elect another option after the Second Death.

All or part of the Death Benefit may be applied under one of the Settlement
Options, or such options as We may choose to make available in the future.

If the Policy is assigned as collateral security, We will pay any amount due the
assignee in a lump sum. Any excess Death Benefit due will be paid as elected.

(See Right to Defer Payment and Policy Settlement)

Policy Settlement

Proceeds in the form of Settlement Options are payable by the Company upon the
death of the Surviving Insured or upon Full Surrender or upon maturity and may
be paid in a lump sum, in whole or in part, under any of the Settlement Options
available under the Policy.

A Written Request may be made to elect, change or revoke a Settlement Option
before payments begin under any Settlement Option. This request will take effect
upon its filing at our Home Office. If no Settlement Option has been elected by
You when the Death Benefit becomes payable to the beneficiary, that beneficiary
may make the election.

The first variable Settlement Option payment will be as of the tenth Valuation
Period following Our receipt of the properly-completed election form.

Settlement Options are funded by Variable Annuity Account B, a separate account
of the Company established in 1976 in accordance with the insurance laws of the
State of Connecticut. Variable Annuity Account B was formed for the purpose of
segregating assets attributable to the variable portion of the variable annuity
contracts and variable life settlement options from the Company's other assets.
Variable Annuity Account B is registered as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, and meets the definition of separate account
under the federal securities laws. A Variable Annuity Account B prospectus will
be provided in connection with selecting a Settlement Option.

Settlement Options

The following Settlement Options are available under the Policy:

Option 1 -- Payment of interest on the sum left with Us.

Option 2 -- Payments for a stated number of years, but no more than thirty.

Option 3 -- Payments for the lifetime of the Annuitant. If also chosen, We will
guarantee payments for 60, 120, 180, or 240 months.

Option 4 -- Life Income Based Upon the Lives of Two Payees -- an annuity will be
paid during the joint lifetimes of two Annuitants. Payments will continue until
both Annuitants have died. When this option is chosen, a choice must be made of:

a) 100% of the payment to continue after the first death;

b) 66-2/3% of the payment to continue after the first death;

c) 50% of the payment to continue after the first death;

d) Payments for a minimum of 120 months, with 100% of the payment to continue
   after the first death; or

18

<PAGE>

e) 100% of the payment to continue to the survivor if the survivor is the
   original payee, and 50% of the payment to continue to the survivor if the
   survivor is the second payee.

In most states, no election may be made that would result in a first payment of
less than $25 or that would result in total yearly payments of less than $120.
If the value of the Policy is insufficient to elect an option for the minimum
amount specified, a lump-sum payment must be elected.

Calculation of Settlement Option Values

The value of the Settlement Options will be calculated as set forth in the
Policy.

   
The Company

The Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company is a stock life insurance company
organized under the insurance laws of the State of Connecticut in 1976. Through
a merger, it succeeded to the business of Aetna Variable Annuity Life Insurance
Company (formerly Participating Annuity Life Insurance Company organized in
1954). The Company is engaged in the business of issuing life insurance policies
and annuity contracts in all states of the United States. The Company is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings Inc., which is in turn a
wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Services, Inc. and an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Inc.

The Company is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers. As
such it serves as the principal underwriter for the securities offered hereunder
and also acts as the principal underwriter for Variable Annuity Accounts B, C
and G (separate accounts of the Company registered as unit investment trusts),
and Variable Annuity Account I (a separate account of Aetna Insurance Company of
America registered as a unit investment trust). Additionally, the Company is
registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
and, as such, is the investment adviser for Aetna Variable Fund, Aetna Income
Shares, Aetna Variable Encore Fund, Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc., Aetna
GET Fund, Aetna Series Fund, Inc., Aetna Generation Portfolios, Inc. and Aetna
Variable Portfolios, Inc. The Company is also the depositor of Variable Annuity
Accounts B, C and G.

Directors &
Officers

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Address*               Position with Company                 Business Experience During Past 5 Years
- ----------------------   -------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                                     <C>
Daniel P. Kearney         Director, President and Chairman,       President (since December 1993), Aetna Life
                          Executive Committee (Principal          Insurance and Annuity Company; Executive Vice
                          Executive Officer)                      President (since December 1993), and Group
                                                                  Executive, Financial Division (February 1991--
                                                                  December 1993), Aetna Life and Casualty Company.

Christopher J. Burns      Director and                            President, Chief Operations officer (since November
                          Senior Vice President                   1996), Aetna Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice
                                                                  President, Sales & Service (since February 1996),
                                                                  and Senior Vice President, Life (March
                                                                  1991--February 1996), Aetna Life Insurance and
                                                                  Annuity Company.

</TABLE>
    

                                                                              19

<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Address*            Position with Company                   Business Experience During Past 5 Years
- -------------------   --------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>                                      <C>
Laura R. Estes         Director and                             Senior Vice President, Manage/Design Products and
                       Senior Vice President                    Services (since February 1996), and Senior Vice
                                                                President, Pensions (March 1991--February 1996),
                                                                Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company.

J. Scott Fox           Director and                             Senior Vice President, Operations (since March
                       Senior Vice President                    1997), Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company;
                                                                Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, Chief
                                                                Financial Officer, Treasurer (April 1994--March
                                                                1997), Aeltus Investment Management, Inc.;
                                                                Managing Director and Treasurer (March 1987--
                                                                September 1993), Equitable Capital Management
                                                                Corporation.

Timothy A. Holt        Director, Senior Vice President and      Senior Vice President, Strategy & Finance, and
                       Chief Financial Officer                  Chief Financial Officer (since February 1996),
                                                                Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company; Vice
                                                                President, Portfolio Management/Investment Group
                                                                (August 1992--February 1996), Aetna Life and Casualty
                                                                Company.

Gail P. Johnson        Director and Vice President              Vice President, Service and Retain Customers
                                                                (since February 1996); Vice President, Defined
                                                                Benefit Services (September 1994--February
                                                                1996); Vice President, Plan Services, Pensions and
                                                                Financial Services (December 1992--September
                                                                1994); Managing Director, Business Strategy (July
                                                                1991--December 1992).

John Y. Kim            Director and Senior Vice President       President (since December 1995), Aeltus
                                                                Investment Management, Inc.; Chief Investment
                                                                Officer (since May 1994), Aetna Life and Casualty
                                                                Company; Managing Director (September 1993--
                                                                April 1994), Mitchell Hutchins Institutional
                                                                Investors (New York, New York); Vice President
                                                                and Senior Portfolio Manager (October 1991--
                                                                August 1993), Aetna Services, Inc. (formerly Aetna
                                                                Life and Casualty Company).

Shaun P. Mathews       Director and Vice President              Vice President, Products Group (since February
                                                                1996); Senior Vice President, Strategic Markets and
                                                                Products (February 1993--February 1996); Senior
                                                                Vice President, Mutual Funds (March 1991--
                                                                February 1993), Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
                                                                Company.

Glen Salow             Director and Vice President              Vice President, Information Technology (since
                                                                February 1996), Vice President, Information
                                                                Technology, Investments and Financial Services
                                                                (February 1995--February 1996); Vice President,
                                                                Investment Systems (1992--1995); AIT -- Aetna
                                                                Life Insurance and Annuity Company; Senior Vice
                                                                President (December 1986--August 1992),
                                                                Lehman Brothers.
</TABLE>
    

20

<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Address*             Position with Company                Business Experience During Past 5 Years
- ----------------------   ----------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                                  <C>
Creed R. Terry            Director and Vice President          Vice President, Select and Manage Markets
                                                               (since February 1996), Market Strategist (August
                                                               1995--February 1996), Aetna Life Insurance and
                                                               Annuity Company; President (1991--1995),
                                                               Chemical Technology Corporation (a subsidiary of
                                                               Chemical Bank).

Kirk P. Wickman           Vice President, General Counsel      Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
                          and Secretary                        (since November 1996), Aetna Life Insurance and
                                                               Annuity Company; Vice President and Counsel
                                                               (June 1992--November 1996), Aetna Life
                                                               Insurance Company.

Deborah Koltenuk          Vice President and Treasurer,        Vice President, Investment Planning and Financial
                          Corporate Controller                 Reporting (April 1996 to July 1996), Aetna Life

                                                               Insurance Company; Vice President, Investment Planning
                                                               and Financial Reporting (October 1994 to April 1996)
                                                               Aetna Life Insurance Company, The Aetna Casualty and
                                                               Surety Company and The Standard Fire and Insurance
                                                               Company.

Frederick D. Kelsven      Vice President and Chief             Director of Compliance (January 1985 to
                          Compliance Officer                   September 1996), Nationwide Life Insurance
                                                               Company.
</TABLE>

* The address of all Directors and Officers listed is 151 Farmington Avenue,
  Hartford, Connecticut.

These individuals may also be directors and/or officers of other affiliates
of the Company.
    

Directors, officers and employees of the Company are covered by a blanket
fidelity bond in the amount of $60 million issued by Aetna Casualty and Surety
Company.

Additional Information

Reports to Policyowners

The Company will maintain all records relating to the Separate Account. At least
once in each Policy Year, the Company will send You a statement containing the
following information:

(1) A statement of changes (including a statement of monthly deductions and
    investment results and any interest earnings for the report period) in the
    Total Account Value and Surrender Value since the prior report or since the
    Issue Date, if there has been no prior report;

(2) Surrender Value, Death Benefit, and any Loan Account Value as of the Policy
    Anniversary; and

(3) a projection of the Total Account Value, Loan Account Value and Surrender
    Value as of the succeeding Policy Anniversary.

If any portion of Your Total Account Value is allocated to the Separate Account,
You will receive such additional periodic reports as may be required by the SEC.
Some state laws require additional reports; these requirements vary from state
to state.

Right to Instruct Voting of Fund Shares

In accordance with our view of present applicable law, We will vote the shares
of each of the Funds held in the Separate Account in accordance with
instructions received from Policyowners having a voting interest in the Funds.
Policyowners having such an interest will receive periodic reports relating to
the Fund, proxy material and a form for giving voting

                                                                              21

<PAGE>

instructions. The number of shares which You have a right to vote will be
determined as of a record date established by the Fund. The number of votes that
You are entitled to direct with respect to a Fund will be determined by dividing
the portion of Your Total Account Value attributable to that Fund by the net
asset value of one share in the Fund. Voting instructions will be solicited by
written communication at least 14 days before such meeting.

The votes will be cast at meetings of the shareholders of the Fund and will be
based on instructions received from Policyowners. However, if the Investment
Company Act of 1940 or any regulations thereunder should be amended or if the
present interpretation thereof should change, and as a result We determine that
We are permitted to vote the shares of the Fund in our own right, We may elect
to do so.

Fund shares for which no timely instructions are received and Fund shares which
are not otherwise attributable to Policyowners will be voted by Us in the same
proportion as the voting instructions which are received for all Policies
participating in each Fund through the Separate Account.

Disregard of Voting Instructions

When required by state insurance regulatory authorities, We may disregard voting
instructions if the instructions require that the shares be voted so as to cause
a change in the sub-classification or investment objectives of a Fund or to
approve or disapprove an investment advisory contract for a Fund. In addition,
We may disregard voting instructions initiated by a Policyowner in favor of
changes in the investment policy or the investment adviser of the Fund if We
reasonably disapprove of such changes.

A change would be disapproved only if the proposed change is contrary to state
law or prohibited by state regulatory authorities or if We determine that the
change would have an adverse effect on the Separate Account if the proposed
investment policy for a Fund would result in overly speculative or unsound
investments. In the event that We do disregard voting instructions, a summary of
that action and the reasons for such action will be included in the next annual
report to Policyowners.

State Regulation

With the exception of Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Policy will
be offered for sale in all jurisdictions where the Company is authorized to do
business and where the Policy has been approved by the appropriate Insurance
Department or regulatory authorities.

The Company is subject to regulation and supervision by the Insurance Department
of the State of Connecticut, which periodically examines its affairs. The
Company is also subject to the insurance laws and regulations of all
jurisdictions where it is authorized to do business. We are required to submit
annual statements of our operations, including financial statements, to the
insurance departments of the various jurisdictions in which We do business, for
the purposes of determining solvency and compliance with local insurance laws
and regulations.

Legal Matters

   
The Company knows of no material legal proceedings pending to which either the
Separate Account or the Company is a party or which would materially affect the
Separate Account. The legal validity of the securities described in the
prospectus has been passed on by Counsel for the Company.
    

The Registration Statement

A Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 has been filed with
the SEC relating to the offering described in this Prospectus. This Prospectus
does not include all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain portions of which have been omitted pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the SEC. The omitted information may be obtained at the SEC's
principal office in Washington, D.C., upon payment of the SEC's prescribed fees.

Distribution of the Policy

The Company will serve as underwriter of the securities offered hereunder as
defined by the federal securities laws. The Company is registered as a
broker-dealer with the SEC and is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. The Company will contract with one or more registered
broker-dealers, including broker-dealers affiliated with it

22

<PAGE>

("Distributors"), to offer and sell the Policies. The Company may also offer and
sell policies directly. All persons selling the Policies will be registered
representatives of the Distributors, and will also be licensed as insurance
agents to sell variable life insurance.

   
The Company may also contract with independent third party broker-dealers who
will act as wholesalers by assisting the Company in finding broker-dealers to
offer and sell the Policies. These parties may also provide training, marketing
and other sales related functions for the Company and other broker-dealers and
may provide certain administrative services to the Company in connection with
the Policies. The Company may pay such parties compensation based on premium
payments for the Policies purchased through broker-dealers selected by the
wholesaler. In addition, some sales personnel may receive various types of
non-cash compensation as special sales incentives, including trips and
educational and/or business seminars. Supervisory and other management personnel
of the Company may receive compensation that will vary based on the relative
profitability to the Company of the funding options you select. Funding options
that invest in Funds advised by the Company or its affiliates are generally more
profitable to the Company.
    

Salespersons and their supervising broker-dealers will be compensated for sales
of the Policy on a commission and service fee basis. The maximum sales
commission to be paid for policy distribution is 40% of the first year premium
up to the Guaranteed Death Benefit to the younger Insured's Attained Age 100
Premium. In the event of an increase in Specified Amount, the maximum sales
commission will be 40% of the succeeding year's premium up to the Guaranteed
Death Benefit to the younger Insured's Attained Age 100 Premium attributable to
the increase. The maximum sales commission on all other premiums is 3% for
Policy Years 2 through 10 and 1.5% after Policy Year 11. In addition, certain
production, persistency and managerial bonuses as well as expense allowances may
be paid.

Independent Auditors

KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, CityPlace II, Hartford, Connecticut, are the independent
auditors for the Separate Account and for the Company. The services provided to
the Separate Account include primarily the examination of the Separate Account's
financial statements and the review of filings made with the SEC.

Tax Matters

General

The following is a discussion of the federal income tax considerations relating
to the Policy. This discussion is based on the Company's understanding of
federal income tax laws as they now exist and are currently interpreted by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). These laws are complex, and tax results may
vary among individuals. A person or persons contemplating the purchase of or the
exercise of elections under the Policy described in this Prospectus should seek
competent tax advice.

Federal Tax Status of the Company

The Company is taxed as a life insurance company in accordance with the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"). For federal income tax purposes, the
operations of each Separate Account form a part of the Company's total
operations and are not taxed separately, although operations of each Separate
Account are treated separately for accounting and financial statement purposes.

Both investment income and realized capital gains of the Separate Account (i.e.,
income, capital gains and dividends distributed to the Separate Account by the
Funds) are reinvested without tax since the Code does not impose a tax on the
Separate Account for these amounts. The Company reserves the right, however, to
make a deduction for such taxes should they be imposed with respect to such
items in the future.

                                                                              23

<PAGE>

Life Insurance Qualification

   
Section 7702 of the Code includes a definition of life insurance for tax
purposes. These rules generally place limits on the amount of premiums payable
under the contract and the level of cash surrender value. In no event may the
total of all premiums paid exceed the then-current maximum premium limitations
established by federal law for a Policy to qualify as life insurance. If, at any
time, a premium is paid which would result in total premiums exceeding such
maximum premium limitation, we will only accept that portion of the premium
which will make total premiums equal the maximum. Any part of the premium in
excess of that amount will be returned or applied as otherwise agreed and no
further premiums will be accepted until allowed by the then-current maximum
premium limitations prescribed by law. The Secretary of the Treasury has been
granted authority to prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of Section
7702, and proposed regulations governing mortality charges were issued in 1991.
The Company believes that the Policy meets the statutory definition of life
insurance. As such, and assuming the diversification standards of Section 817(h)
(discussed below) are satisfied, then except in limited circumstances (a) death
benefits paid under the Policy should generally be excluded from the gross
income of the beneficiary for federal income tax purposes under Section
101(a)(1) of the Code, and (b) a Policyowner should not generally be taxed on
the cash value under a Policy, including increments thereof, prior to actual
receipt. The principal exceptions to these rules are corporations that are
subject to the alternative minimum tax, and thus may be subject to tax on
increments in the Policy's Total Account Value, and Policyowners who acquire a
Policy in a "transfer for value" and thus can become subject to tax on the
portion of the Death Benefit which exceeds the total of their cost of
acquisition and subsequent premium payments.
    

The Company intends to comply with any future final regulations issued under
Sections 7702 and 817(h) of the Code, and therefore reserves the right to make
such changes as it deems necessary to ensure such compliance. Any such changes
will apply uniformly to affected Policyowners and will be made only after
advance written notice.

General Rules

Upon the surrender or cancellation of any Policy, whether or not it is a
Modified Endowment Contract, the Policyowner will be taxed on the Surrender
Value only to the extent that it exceeds the gross premiums paid less prior
untaxed withdrawals. The amount of any unpaid Policy Loans will, upon surrender,
be added to the Surrender Value and will be treated for this purpose as if it
had been received.

Assuming the Policy is not a Modified Endowment Contract, the proceeds of any
Partial Surrenders are generally not taxable unless the total amount received
due to such surrenders exceeds total premiums paid less prior untaxed Partial
Surrender amounts. However, Partial Surrenders made within the first 15 Policy
Years may be taxable in certain limited instances where the Surrender Value plus
any unpaid Policy debt exceeds the total premiums paid less the untaxed portion
of any prior Partial Surrenders. This result may occur even if the total amount
of any Partial Surrenders does not exceed total premiums paid to that date.

Loans received under the Policy will ordinarily be considered indebtedness of
the Policyowner, and assuming the Policy is not considered a Modified Endowment
Contract, Policy Loans will not be treated as current distributions subject to
tax. Generally, amounts of loan interest paid by individuals will be considered
nondeductible "personal interest."

Modified Endowment Contracts

A class of contracts known as "Modified Endowment Contracts" has been created
under Section 7702A of the Code. The tax rules applicable to loan proceeds and
proceeds of a Partial Surrender of any Policy that is considered to be a
Modified Endowment Contract will differ from the general rules noted above.

A contract will be considered a Modified Endowment Contract if it fails the
"7-pay test." A Policy fails the 7-pay test if, at any time in the first seven
Policy Years, the amount paid into the Policy exceeds the amount that would have
been paid had the Policy provided for the payment of seven (7) level annual
premiums. In the event of a distribution under the Policy, the Company will
notify the Policyowner if the Policy is a Modified Endowment Contract.

24

<PAGE>

   
Each Policy is subject to testing under the 7-pay test during the first seven
Policy Years and for the seven Policy Years following the time a material change
takes effect. A material change, for these purposes, includes the exchange of a
life insurance policy for another life insurance policy or the conversion of a
term life insurance policy into a whole life or universal life insurance policy.
In addition, an increase in the future benefits provided constitutes a material
change unless the increase is attributable to (1) the payment of premiums
necessary to fund the lowest Death Benefit payable in the first seven Policy
Years or (2) the crediting of interest or other earnings with respect to such
premiums. A reduction in death benefits during the first seven Policy Years, or
after the seventh year where the reduced death benefit is lower than the lowest
death benefit provided during the first seven years, may also cause a Policy to
be considered a Modified Endowment Contract.

If the Policy is considered to be a Modified Endowment Contract, the proceeds of
any Partial Surrenders, any Policy Loans and most assignments will be currently
taxable to the extent that the Policy's Total Account Value immediately before
payment exceeds gross premiums paid (increased by the amount of loans previously
taxed and reduced by untaxed amounts previously received). These rules may also
apply to Policy Loans or Partial Surrender proceeds received during the two-year
period prior to the time that a Policy becomes a Modified Endowment Contract. If
the Policy becomes a Modified Endowment Contract, it may be aggregated with
other Modified Endowment Contracts purchased by You from the Company (and its
affiliates) during any one calendar year for purposes of determining the taxable
portion of withdrawals from the Policy.

A penalty tax equal to 10% of the amount includable in income will apply to the
taxable portion of the proceeds of any Policy Surrender or Policy Loan received
by any Policyowner of a Modified Endowment Contract who is not an individual.
Taxable policy distributions made to an individual who has not reached the age
of 59-1/2 will also be subject to the penalty tax unless those distributions are
attributable to the individual becoming disabled, or are part of a series of
equal periodic payments made not less frequently than annually for the life or
life expectancy of such individual (i.e., an annuity).
    

Diversification Standards

   
Section 817(h) of the Code provides that separate account investments (or the
investments of a mutual fund, the shares of which are owned by separate accounts
of insurance companies) underlying the Policy must be "adequately diversified"
in accordance with Treasury regulations in order for the Policy to qualify as
life insurance. The Treasury Department has issued regulations prescribing the
diversification requirements in connection with variable contracts. The Separate
Account, through the Funds, intends to comply with these requirements.
    

Investor Control

In certain circumstances, owners of variable contracts may be considered the
owners for federal income tax purposes of the assets of the separate account
used to support their contracts. In those circumstances, income and gains from
separate account assets would be includable in the variable contractowner's
gross income. In several rulings published prior to the enactment of Section
817(h), the IRS stated that a variable contractowner will be considered the
owner of separate account assets if the contractowner possesses incidents of
ownership in those assets, such as the ability to exercise investment control
over the assets. The Treasury Department has also announced, in connection with
the issuance of regulations under Section 817(h) concerning diversification,
that those regulations "do not provide guidance concerning the circumstances in
which investor control of the investments of a segregated asset account may
cause the investor (i.e., You), rather than the insurance company, to be treated
as the owner of the assets in the account." This announcement also stated that
guidance would be issued by way of regulations or rulings on the "extent to
which policyholders may direct their investments to particular Funds without
being treated as owners of the underlying assets." As of the date of this
Prospectus, no such guidance has been issued.

The ownership rights under the Policy are similar to, but different in certain
respects from those described by the IRS in pre-Section 817(h) rulings in which
it was determined that Policyowners were not owners of separate account assets.
For example, a Policyowner has additional flexibility in allocating premium
payments and account values. While the Com-

                                                                              25

<PAGE>

pany does not believe that these differences would result in a Policyowner being
treated as the owner of a pro rata portion of the assets of the Separate
Account, there is no regulation or ruling of the IRS that confirms this
conclusion. In addition, the Company does not know what standards will be set
forth, if any, in the regulations or rulings which the Treasury Department has
stated it expects to issue. The Company therefore reserves the right to modify
the Policy as necessary to attempt to prevent a Policyowner from being
considered the owner of a pro rata share of the assets of the Separate Account.

Other Tax Considerations

   
Business-owned life insurance may be subject to certain additional rules.
Section 264(a)(1) of the Code generally prohibits employers from deducting
premiums on policies covering officers, employees or other financially
interested parties where the employer is a beneficiary under the Policy.
Additions to the Policy's Total Account Value may also be subject to tax under
the corporation alternative minimum tax provisions. In addition, Section
264(a)(4) of the Code limits the Policyowner's deduction for interest on loans
taken against life insurance covering the lives of officers, employees, or
others financially interested in the Policyowner's trade or business. Under
current tax law, interest may generally be deducted on an aggregate total of
$50,000 of loans per covered life only with respect to life insurance policies
covering each officer, employee or others who may have a financial interest in
the Policyowner's trade or business, and are considered key persons.

Generally, a key person means an officer or a 20 percent owner. However, the
number of key persons will be limited to the greater of (a) 5 individuals, or
(b) the lesser of 5 percent of the total officers and employees of the tax payor
or 20 individuals. Deductible interest for these contracts will be capped based
on applicable Moody's Corporate Bond Rate.

Depending on the circumstances, the exchange of a policy, a change in the
Policy's Death Benefit Option, a Policy Loan, a Full or Partial Surrender, 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. Any person concerned about these tax implications should consult a
competent tax adviser before initiating any transaction.
    

Misc. Policy Provisions

The Policy

The Policy which You receive, the application You make when You purchase the
Policy, any applications for any changes approved by Us and any riders
constitute the whole contract. Copies of all applications are attached to and
made a part of the Policy.

Application forms are completed by the applicants and forwarded to the Company
for acceptance. Upon acceptance the Policy is prepared, executed by duly
authorized officers of the Company, and forwarded to You.

We reserve the right to make a change in the Policy; however, we will not change
any terms of the Policy beneficial to You. Only the President, Executive Vice
President or the Corporate Secretary may agree to a change in the Policy, and
then only in writing.

Payment of Benefits

All benefits are payable at Our Home Office. We may require submission of the
Policy before We grant Policy Loans, make changes or pay benefits.

26

<PAGE>

Suicide and Incontestability

Suicide Exclusion

In most states, if one or both Insureds die by suicide, while sane or insane,
within 2 years from the Issue Date of this Policy, this Policy will end and We
will pay:

1. the difference between payments made and amounts allocated to the Separate
   Account; plus

2. the Separate Account Value; plus

3. any charges made under this Policy's terms on the Separate Account Value;
   less

4. the sum of:

     (a) the Loan Account Value transferred from the Fixed Account Value; plus

     (b) the interest due on the Loan Account Value; plus

     (c) the value of any Partial Surrenders transferred from the Fixed Account
         Value; plus

     (d) any interest earned on the Loan Account Value transferred to the
         Separate Account Value.

In most states, if one or both Insureds die by suicide while sane or insane,
within 2 years from the Issue Date of any increase in coverage, We will pay only
the Monthly Deductions for the increase in coverage.

In most states, if one or both Insureds die by suicide while sane or insane,
more than 2 years from the Issue Date of this Policy but within 2 years from the
Issue Date of any increase in coverage, We will pay:

1. the Proceeds on death for any coverage in effect more than 2 years from the
   Issue Date of this Policy; plus

2. the Monthly Deductions for the increase in coverage.

All amounts will be calculated as of the date of the suicide.

Incontestability

In most states, with respect to statements made in the initial application or
any Subsequent Application for each Insured: We will not contest this Policy
after it has been in force during the lifetime of each Insured for 2 years from
its Issue Date.

In most states, with respect to statements made in any subsequent application
for one or both Insureds: We will not contest coverage relating to subsequent
applications after coverage has been in force during the lifetime of each
Insured for 2 years from the Issue Date of such coverage or from the effective
date of any reinstatement.

If this Policy is contested, Your rights or the Beneficiary's rights may be
affected.

Protection of Proceeds

To the extent provided by law, the proceeds of the Policy are subject neither to
claims by a beneficiary's creditors nor to any legal process against any
beneficiary.

Nonparticipation

The Policy is not entitled to share in the divisible surplus of the Company. No
dividends are payable.

Changes in Owner and Beneficiary; Assignment

Unless otherwise stated in the Policy, You may change the Policyowner and the
beneficiary, or both, at any time while the Policy is in force. A request for
such change must be made in writing and sent to the Company at the Home Office.
After We have agreed, in writing, to the change, it will take effect as of the
date on which Your Written Request was signed.

The Policy may also be assigned. No assignment of a Policy will be binding on Us
unless made in writing and sent to Us at our Home Office. The Company will use
reasonable procedures to confirm that the assignment is authentic, including
verification of signature. If the Company fails to follow its procedures, it
would be liable for any losses to You directly

                                                                              27

<PAGE>

resulting from the failure. Otherwise, We are not responsible for the validity
of any assignment. The rights of the Policyowner and the interest of the
beneficiary will be subject to the rights of any assignee of record.

Misstatement as to Age and/or Sex

If the age and/or the sex of one or both Insureds is misstated, the amount of
the Death Benefit will be adjusted to reflect the coverage that would have been
purchased by the most recent pre-Maturity Date Monthly Deduction at the correct
age and/or sex.

Performance Reporting and Advertising

From time to time, the Company may report different types of historical
performance for the Variable Options of the Separate Account available under the
Policy. The Company may report the average annualized total returns of the Funds
over various time periods. Such returns will reflect an annual reduction for
investment management fees and fund expenses, but not deductions at the separate
account or policy level for mortality and expense risk charges and policy
expenses, which, if included, would reduce performance. The Company will
accompany the returns of the Funds with at least one of the following: (i)
returns of the variable options for the same periods as shown for the Funds,
which will include, in addition to deduction for investment management fees and
Fund expenses, deductions under the Separate Account for the mortality and
expense risk charge of 0.85% (0.90% guaranteed), but not other charges under the
policy; or (ii) an illustration of Total Account Value and Surrender Values as
of the performance reporting date for hypothetical Insureds of a given age, sex,
underwriting classification, premium level and policy amount. Such illustrations
will assume for each Variable Option that 100% of each Net Premium was allocated
to that option. The illustrations of the Surrender Value will assume that all
Fund charges, the mortality and expense risk charge and all other Policy charges
are deducted, including Premium Loads, Cost of Insurance charges, administrative
charges, Policy fees and Surrender Charges. The illustrations of the Total
Account Value will assume that all such charges except the Surrender Charge are
deducted.

We may also distribute sales literature that compares the percentage change in
the net asset values of the Funds or in Accumulation Unit Values for any of the
Variable Options to established market indices such as the Standard & Poor's 500
Stock Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average or to the percentage change in
values of other mutual funds or variable options that have investment objectives
similar to the Fund or Variable Option being compared.

Illustrations of Death Benefit, Total Account Values and Surrender Values

The following pages provide a hypothetical illustration of how the Death
Benefit, Total Account Values, and Surrender Values of a Policy can change over
time for a Policy issued to two opposite gender 45-year old Insureds if the
investment return on the assets held in each Fund were a uniform, gross, annual
rate of 0%, 6%, and 12%, respectively, and are based upon a number of
assumptions.

   
There are two pages of values. One page illustrates the assumption that the
Guaranteed Maximum Cost of Insurance rates and other charges at guaranteed rates
are charged in all years. The other page illustrates the assumption that the
current scale of Cost of Insurance rates and other charges at current rates are
charged in all years. The Cost of Insurance rates vary by age and sex (where
permitted by state law).

The values shown in these illustrations vary according to assumptions used for
charges and gross rates of investment returns. The actual investment returns
experienced by the Policy and the charges deducted may be higher or lower than
those illustrated. The charges reflected on the first page consist of the
maximum allowable charges under the Policy, including 0.90% for mortality and
expense risks in all Policy Years and 12.35% for Premium Loads; the first page
also reflects 0.72% for expenses of the Funds based on the allocation described
below. The charges reflected on the second page consist of the current charges
imposed under the Policy, including 0.85% for mortality and expense risks in
Policy Years 1 through 20 only and 12.35% for Premium Loads; the second page
also reflects 0.72% for Fund expenses based on the allocation described below.
The charge for Fund expenses reflected in the illustrations assumes that Total
Account Values have been allocated equally among all funds and represent a fixed
average of the investment advisory fees and other expenses charged by each of
the Funds.
    

28

<PAGE>

   
After deduction of these amounts, the illustrated gross annual investment rates
of return of 0%, 6% and 12% correspond to approximate net annual rates of
- -1.57%, 4.43% and 10.43%, respectively, during the first 20 Policy Years, and
- -0.768%, 5.232% and 11.232%, respectively, thereafter on a current basis. On a
guaranteed basis, the illustrated gross annual investment rates of return of 0%,
6% and 12% correspond to approximate net annual rates of -1.62%, 4.38% and
10.38%, respectively.
    

The Death Benefit, Total Account Values, and Surrender Values would be different
from those shown if the gross annual investment rates of return averaged 0%, 6%,
and 12% over a period of years, but fluctuated above and below those averages
for individual Policy Years. The illustrations also assume that premiums are
paid as indicated, no Policy Loans are made, no increases or decreases in
Specified Amount are requested, no Death Benefit Option changes, and no Partial
Surrenders are made.

The hypothetical values shown in the tables do not reflect any Separate Account
charges for federal income taxes, since We are not currently making such
charges. However, such charges may be made in the future, and in that event, the
gross annual investment rate of return would have to exceed 0%, 6%, or 12% by an
amount sufficient to cover the tax charges in order to produce the Death
Benefit, Total Account Values, and Surrender Values illustrated.

Upon request, We will provide a comparable personalized illustration based upon
the age, sex (if necessary), and underwriting classification of the proposed
Insureds, including the Specified Amount and premium requested, the proposed
frequency of premium payments and any available riders requested. A fee of $25
may be charged for each such illustration. The hypothetical gross annual
investment return assumed in such an illustration will not exceed 12%.

                                                                              29

<PAGE>

                FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
 
                         ON THE LIVES OF TWO INSUREDS

               FEMALE AND MALE ISSUE AGE 45 SELECT NONSMOKER RISK

                     $2,688 ANNUAL GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT

                    TO THE YOUNGER INSURED'S AGE 100 PREMIUM

   
                              FACE AMOUNT $250,000

                             DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1

                              GUARANTEED CHARGES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         Death Benefit
                Premiums          Gross Annual Investment
               Accumulated                 Return of
                   at         -------------------------------------
               5% Interest
Year            Per Year      Gross 0%    Gross 6%    Gross 12%
- ------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S>               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 1                  2822      250000      250000      250000
 2                  5786      250000      250000      250000
 3                  8898      250000      250000      250000
 4                 12165      250000      250000      250000
 5                 15596      250000      250000      250000

 6                 19198      250000      250000      250000
 7                 22980      250000      250000      250000
 8                 26951      250000      250000      250000
 9                 31121      250000      250000      250000
10                 35500      250000      250000      250000

15                 60903      250000      250000      250000
20                 93325      250000      250000      273334
25                134705      250000      250000      393004
30                187517      250000      250000      549640

20 (Age 65)        93325      250000      250000      273334

<CAPTION>
                      Total Account Value                 Cash Surrender Value*
                  Annual Investment Return of          Annual Investment Return of
              ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Year           Gross 0%    Gross 6%    Gross 12%    Gross 0%    Gross 6%   Gross 12%
- ------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
<S>              <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>
 1                1346        1456         1566         782         892        1002
 2                3378        3706         4048        2779        3107        3449
 3                5371        6049         6781        2065        2743        3475
 4                7324        8486         9790        3378        4540        5844
 5                9236       11020        13101        5532        7316        9397

 6               11106       13654        16745        7644       10192       13283
 7               12932       16390        20753        9712       13170       17533
 8               14712       19230        25161       11734       16252       22183
 9               16444       22175        30009       13708       19439       27273
10               18124       25225        35337       15630       22731       32843

15               25611       42077        71021       24326       40792       69736
20               30898       61386       128267       30898       61386      128267
25               31770       81846       217996       31770       81846      217996
30               23219      100446       353876       23219      100446      353876

20 (Age 65)      30898       61386       128267       30898       61386      128267
</TABLE>

Assumes no Policy loan has been made. Guaranteed cost of insurance rates
assumed. Maximum mortality and expense risk and administrative expense charges.
    

If premiums are paid more frequently than annually, the Death Benefit could be,
and the Account Values and Surrender Values would be, less than those
illustrated.

These investment results are illustrative only and should not be considered a
representation of past or future investment results.

Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend
on a number of factors including the Policyowner's allocations, and the Fund's
rates of return. The Total Account Value and Surrender 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. No representations can be made that these
rates of return will definitely be achieved for any one year or sustained over a
period of time.

   
*The Cash Surrender Values reflect the application of the maximum Surrender
 Charge under the Contract and allowed in most states. The Surrender Charge may
 be limited to a lower amount in certain states.
    

30

<PAGE>

                FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

                          ON THE LIVES OF TWO INSUREDS

               FEMALE AND MALE ISSUE AGE 45 SELECT NONSMOKER RISK

                     $2,688 ANNUAL GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT

                    TO THE YOUNGER INSURED'S AGE 100 PREMIUM
   
                              FACE AMOUNT $250,000

                             DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1

                                CURRENT CHARGES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Death Benefit
                Premiums          Gross Annual Investment
               Accumulated                 Return of
                   at         -------------------------------------
               5% Interest
Year            Per Year      Gross 0%    Gross 6%    Gross 12%
- ------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S>               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
 1                  2822      250000      250000      250000
 2                  5786      250000      250000      250000
 3                  8898      250000      250000      250000
 4                 12165      250000      250000      250000
 5                 15596      250000      250000      250000

 6                 19198      250000      250000      250000
 7                 22980      250000      250000      250000
 8                 26951      250000      250000      250000
 9                 31121      250000      250000      250000
10                 35500      250000      250000      250000

15                 60903      250000      250000      250000
20                 93325      250000      250000      291366
25                134705      250000      250000      435945
30                187517      250000      250000      633697

20 (Age 65)        93325      250000      250000      291366
<CAPTION>
                      Total Account Value                 Cash Surrender Value*
                  Annual Investment Return of          Annual Investment Return of
              ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Year           Gross 0%    Gross 6%    Gross 12%    Gross 0%    Gross 6%   Gross 12%
- ------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
<S>              <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>
 1                1466        1579         1693         902        1015        1129
 2                3617        3960         4318        3018        3361        3719
 3                5728        6440         7209        2422        3134        3903
 4                7798        9021        10393        3852        5075        6447
 5                9826       11708        13900        6122        8004       10196

 6               11811       14502        17761        8349       11040       14299
 7               13752       17406        22012       10532       14186       18792
 8               15647       20423        26691       12669       17445       23713
 9               17492       23555        31838       14756       20819       29102
10               19284       26802        37501       16790       24308       35007

15               27323       44811        75526       26038       43526       74241
20               33154       65643       136729       33154       65643      136729
25               36265       92008       241815       36265       92008      241815
30               30051      120229       407994       30051      120229      407994

20 (Age 65)      33154       65643       136729       33154       65643      136729

</TABLE>

Assumes no Policy loan has been made. Current cost of insurance rates assumed.
Current mortality and expense risk and administrative expense charges.
    

If premiums are paid more frequently than annually, the Death Benefit could be,
and the Account Values and Surrender Values would be, less than those
illustrated.

These investment results are illustrative only and should not be considered a
representation of past or future investment results.

Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend
on a number of factors including the Policyowner's allocations, and the Fund's
rates of return. The Total Account Value and Surrender 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. No representations can be made that these
rates of return will definitely be achieved for any one year or sustained over a
period of time.
   

*The Cash Surrender Values reflect the application of the maximum Surrender
 Charge under the Contract and allowed in most states. The Surrender Charge may
 be limited to a lower amount in certain states.
    
                                                                              31

<PAGE>

                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                            VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT B

                                     Index

Statement of Assets and Liabilities...................................S-2
Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets....................S-4
Condensed Financial Information.......................................S-6
Notes to Financial Statements.........................................S-7
Independent Auditors' Report..........................................S-11


                                      S-1
<PAGE>

Variable Life Account B

Statement of Assets and Liabilities - December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                   <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at net asset value: (Note 1)
  Aetna Variable Fund; 2,867,163 shares (cost $85,576,983) ..................................................         $  92,871,626
  Aetna Income Shares; 1,044,098 shares (cost $13,369,967) ..................................................            13,179,787
  Aetna Variable Encore Fund; 689,138 shares (cost $8,985,791) ..............................................             9,092,185
  Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.; 1,044,556 shares (cost $14,407,610) .................................            15,791,541
  Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio; 43,217 shares (cost $529,733) ............................................               545,378
  Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio; 10,326 shares (cost $123,882) ........................................               123,692
  Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio; 1,241 shares (cost $13,943) ..............................................                13,963
  Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio; 319,875 shares (cost $12,914,026) ..........................            13,086,083
  Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund:
    Equity-Income Portfolio; 632,915 shares (cost $12,213,929) ..............................................            13,310,213
    Growth Portfolio; 162,252 shares (cost $4,757,662) ......................................................             5,052,529
    Overseas Portfolio; 28,255 shares (cost $494,386) .......................................................               532,327
  Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II:
    Asset Manager Portfolio; 83,295 shares (cost $1,275,209) ................................................             1,410,186
    Contrafund Portfolio; 417,373 shares (cost $6,180,807) ..................................................             6,911,690
 Janus Aspen Series:
    Aggressive Growth Portfolio; 529,766 shares (cost $9,413,853) ...........................................             9,662,927
    Balanced Portfolio; 242,000 shares (cost $3,331,182) ....................................................             3,574,345
    Growth Portfolio; 462,582 shares (cost $6,608,169) ......................................................             7,174,647
    Short-Term Bond Portfolio; 383,937 shares (cost $3,801,075) .............................................             3,827,848
    Worldwide Growth Portfolio; 510,038 shares (cost $9,042,860) ............................................             9,915,136
  Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund -
    International Portfolio; 801,151 shares (cost $9,370,711) ...............................................            10,615,255
  TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth Fund; 633,059 shares (cost $6,629,436) ......................................             6,482,525
                                                                                                                      -------------
NET ASSETS (cost $209,041,214) ..............................................................................         $ 223,173,883
                                                                                                                      =============

Net assets represented by:

Policyholders' account values: (Notes 1 and 5)
 Aetna Variable Fund:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................         $ 92,871,626
 Aetna Income Shares:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................           13,179,787
 Aetna Variable Encore Fund:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................            9,092,185
 Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................           15,791,541
 Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................              545,378
 Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................              123,692
 Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................               13,963
 Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................           13,086,083
 Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund:
   Equity-Income Portfolio:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................           13,310,213
   Growth Portfolio:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................            5,052,529
   Overseas Portfolio:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................              532,327
 Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II:
   Asset Manager Portfolio:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................            1,410,186
   Contrafund Portfolio:
    Policyholders' account values ...........................................................................            6,911,690
</TABLE>


                                      S-2
<PAGE>

Variable Life Account B

Statement of Assets and Liabilities - December 31, 1996 (continued):

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                   <C>
Janus Aspen Series:
  Aggressive Growth Portfolio:
   Policyholders' account values ............................................................................         $  9,662,927
  Balanced Portfolio:
   Policyholders' account values ............................................................................            3,574,345
  Growth Portfolio:
   Policyholders' account values ............................................................................            7,174,647
  Short-Term Bond Portfolio:
   Policyholders' account values ............................................................................            3,827,848
  Worldwide Growth Portfolio:
   Policyholders' account values ............................................................................            9,915,136
Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund - International Portfolio:
   Policyholders' account values ............................................................................           10,615,255
TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth Fund:
   Policyholders' account values ............................................................................            6,482,525
                                                                                                                      -------------

                                                                                                                      $223,173,883
                                                                                                                      =============
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements


                                       S-3
<PAGE>

Variable Life Account B

Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year Ended December 31,
                                                                            1996                  1995
                                                                       -------------         -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>                   <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Income: (Notes 1, 3 and 5)
   Dividends ........................................................  $  13,813,478         $  12,965,237
Expenses: (Notes 2 and 5)
   Valuation Period Deductions ......................................     (1,905,137)           (1,149,801)
                                                                       -------------         -------------
Net investment income ...............................................     11,908,341            11,815,436
                                                                       -------------         -------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
  ON INVESTMENTS:

Net realized gain on sales of investments: (Notes 1, 4 and 5)

  Proceeds from sales ...............................................     29,656,908            28,828,178
  Cost of investments sold ..........................................     26,434,292            25,993,679
                                                                       -------------         -------------
    Net realized gain ...............................................      3,222,616             2,834,499
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments: (Note 5)
  Beginning of year .................................................      4,391,574            (4,407,131)
  End of year .......................................................     14,132,669             4,391,574
                                                                       -------------         -------------
    Net change in unrealized gain ...................................      9,741,095             8,798,705
                                                                       -------------         -------------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments .....................     12,963,711            11,633,204
                                                                       -------------         -------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ................     24,872,052            23,448,640
                                                                       -------------         -------------
FROM UNIT TRANSACTIONS:
Variable life premium payments ......................................    101,416,302            44,310,537
Sales and administrative charges deducted by the Company ............     (3,032,151)           (1,381,985)
Premiums allocated to the fixed account .............................     (3,127,437)           (3,260,098)
                                                                       -------------         -------------
    Net premiums allocated to the variable account ..................     95,256,714            39,668,454
Transfers to the Company for monthly deductions .....................    (15,491,673)          (11,297,188)
Redemptions by contract holders .....................................     (4,154,465)           (3,238,332)
Transfers on account of policy loans ................................     (3,783,533)           (2,076,373)
Other ...............................................................        (40,991)               41,863
                                                                       -------------         -------------
    Net increase in net assets from unit transactions (Note 5) ......     71,786,052            23,098,424
                                                                       -------------         -------------
Change in net assets ................................................     96,658,104            46,547,064
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year ...................................................    126,515,779            79,968,715
                                                                       -------------         -------------
End of year .........................................................  $ 223,173,883         $ 126,515,779
                                                                       =============         =============
</TABLE>


                                       S-4
<PAGE>

Variable Life Account B

Condensed Financial Information - Year Ended December 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Value       Increase(Decrease)        Units
                                                             Per Unit       in Value of          Outstanding          Reserves
                                                      Beginning   End of    Accumulation            at End             At End
                                                       of Year     Year        Unit               of Year             of Year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>          <C>              <C>                 <C>
Aetna Variable Fund:
Aetna Vest                                             $28.351    $34.932      23.21%           1,517,474.5         $53,008,643
Aetna Vest II                                           15.831     19.507      23.21%             794,275.5          15,493,624
Aetna Vest Plus                                         13.301     16.389      23.21%           1,323,444.4          21,689,765
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     11.675      16.75%  (2)         11,748.7             137,170
Corporate Specialty Market                              12.016     14.805      23.21%             171,723.7           2,542,424
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Income Shares:
Aetna Vest                                             $21.305    $21.850      2.56%              279,436.3           6,105,721
Aetna Vest II                                           14.324     14.691      2.56%               67,932.7             997,974
Aetna Vest Plus                                         11.470     11.764      2.56%              132,814.7           1,562,403
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     10.452      4.52%   (2)             17.0                 177
Corporate Specialty Market                              11.071     11.354      2.56%              397,512.3           4,513,512
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Encore Fund:
Aetna Vest                                             $15.891    $16.577      4.32%              165,067.7           2,736,269
Aetna Vest II                                           11.616     12.117      4.32%               17,257.4             209,105
Aetna Vest Plus                                         10.917     11.388      4.32%              277,635.4           3,161,633
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     10.333      3.33%   (2)         55,176.3             570,162
Corporate Specialty Market                              10.444     10.895      4.32%              221,672.3           2,415,016
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.:
Aetna Vest                                             $15.390    $17.547      14.02%             106,202.5           1,863,538
Aetna Vest II                                           15.561     17.742      14.02%             228,951.9           4,062,177
Aetna Vest Plus                                         13.050     14.880      14.02%             393,635.7           5,857,138
Corporate Specialty Market                              11.361     12.954      14.02%             309,462.5           4,008,688
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $10.000    $11.828      18.28%    (2)        3,460.3              40,930
Aetna Vest II                                           10.000     11.828      18.28%    (2)        2,054.0              24,295
Aetna Vest Plus                                         10.000     11.828      18.28%    (2)       40,593.4             480,153
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $10.000    $11.474      14.74%    (2)           99.8               1,145
Aetna Vest Plus                                         10.000     11.474      14.74%    (2)       10,665.0             122,368
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     11.487      14.87%    (2)           15.6                 179
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio:
Aetna Vest Plus                                        $10.000    $11.118      11.18%    (2)        1,255.9              13,963
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $15.562    $16.051       3.14%              77,047.6           1,236,667
Aetna Vest II                                           15.563     16.052       3.14%              52,282.1             839,239
Aetna Vest Plus                                         15.555     16.043       3.14%             381,746.1           6,124,522
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000      9.982      (0.18%)   (2)       21,147.3             211,085
Corporate Specialty Market                              12.799     13.201       3.14%             354,114.8           4,674,570
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund :
 Equity-Income Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $10.000    $10.871      8.71%   (2)          6,532.8              71,015
Aetna Vest II                                           10.000     10.871      8.71%   (2)          2,200.1              23,916
Aetna Vest Plus                                         10.000     10.871      8.71%   (2)        118,798.4           1,291,404
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     10.883      8.83%   (2)         10,991.4             119,619
Corporate Specialty Market                              11.058     12.512     13.14%              943,466.6          11,804,259
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Portfolio:
Corporate Specialty Market                              $9.911    $11.255      13.56%             448,921.8           5,052,529
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overseas Portfolio:
Corporate Specialty Market                             $10.029    $11.241      12.09%              47,354.8             532,327
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance Products Fund II:
 Asset Manager Portfolio:
Corporate Specialty Market                             $10.596    $12.022      13.46%             117,298.4           1,410,186
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contrafund Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $10.000    $11.525      15.25%    (2)       17,996.4             207,415
Aetna Vest II                                           10.000     11.525      15.25%    (2)        3,659.1              42,173
Aetna Vest Plus                                         10.000     11.525      15.25%    (2)       80,966.3             933,168
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     11.538      15.38%    (2)       10,537.3             121,585
Corporate Specialty Market                              10.322     12.396      20.10%             452,333.3           5,607,349
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series:
 Aggressive Growth Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $15.114    $16.153       6.87%              55,921.6             903,288
Aetna Vest II                                           15.114     16.153       6.87%              35,775.8             577,877
Aetna Vest Plus                                         15.114     16.153       6.87%             221,641.2           3,580,130
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000      9.797      (2.03%)   (2)       15,306.0             149,948
Corporate Specialty Market                              11.340     12.120       6.87%             367,315.7           4,451,684
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      S-5
<PAGE>



Variable Life Account B

Condensed Financial Information - Year Ended December 31, 1996 (continued):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                              Value       Increase(Decrease)        Units
                                                             Per Unit       in Value of          Outstanding         Reserves
                                                      Beginning   End of    Accumulation            at End            At End
                                                       of Year     Year        Unit               of Year            of Year
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>          <C>               <C>               <C>
Balanced Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $12.142    $13.966      15.02%              6,502.2         $   90,808
Aetna Vest II                                           12.237     14.075      15.02%              4,206.4             59,204
Aetna Vest Plus                                         12.136     13.960      15.02%            124,211.8          1,733,938
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     11.101      11.01%   (2)        3,134.9             34,800
Corporate Specialty Market                              10.643     12.242      15.02%            135,240.2          1,655,595
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $12.704    $14.898      17.27%             30,969.1            461,370
Aetna Vest II                                           12.692     14.884      17.27%             65,830.7            979,838
Aetna Vest Plus                                         12.674     14.863      17.27%            234,144.3          3,480,132
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     10.857       8.57%   (2)        1,608.1             17,459
Corporate Specialty Market                              10.430     12.232      17.27%            182,790.8          2,235,848
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Bond Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $10.967    $11.289       2.94%                595.3              6,721
Aetna Vest II                                           10.955     11.277       2.94%                751.0              8,469
Aetna Vest Plus                                         10.925     11.247       2.94%             17,621.2            198,177
Corporate Specialty Market                              10.094     10.468       3.71%   (1)      345,277.1          3,614,481
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Growth Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $12.809    $16.364      27.75%             75,637.0          1,237,686
Aetna Vest II                                           12.813     16.368      27.75%             50,270.3            822,823
Aetna Vest Plus                                         12.797     16.348      27.75%            279,744.3          4,573,155
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     11.811      18.11%   (2)       10,429.7            123,180
Corporate Specialty Market                              10.964     13.459      22.76%   (3)      234,655.4          3,158,292
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund -
 International Portfolio:
Aetna Vest                                             $12.798    $14.543      13.63%            164,419.0          2,391,112
Aetna Vest II                                           12.719     14.453      13.63%             48,351.0            698,823
Aetna Vest Plus                                         12.648     14.373      13.63%            360,050.5          5,174,856
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000     10.898       8.98%   (2)        4,363.0             47,548
Corporate Specialty Market                              10.598     12.043      13.63%            191,221.6          2,302,916
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth Fund:
Aetna Vest                                             $13.248    $12.534      (5.39%)            84,078.3          1,053,865
Aetna Vest II                                           13.307     12.590      (5.39%)            29,273.6            368,568
Aetna Vest Plus                                         13.126     12.419      (5.39%)           361,778.0          4,492,803
Aetna Vest Estate Protector                             10.000      9.511      (4.89%)  (2)           29.2                278
Corporate Specialty Market                              12.005     11.358      (5.39%)            49,922.3            567,011
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


Notes to Condensed Financial Information:


(1) - Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
received in this option during February 1996.

(2) - Available for investment less than 1 year, contract commenced operations
during March 1996.

(3) - Reflects less than a full year of performance activity. Funds were first
received in this option during March 1996.


See Notes to Financial Statements

                                      S-6
<PAGE>

Variable Life Account B

Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

   Variable Life Account B ("Account") is a separate account established by
   Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and is registered under the
   Investment Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust. The Account is
   sold exclusively for use with variable life insurance product contracts as
   defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
   accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
   that affect amounts reported therein. Although actual results could differ
   from these estimates, any such differences are expected to be immaterial to
   the net assets of the Account.

   a.  Valuation of Investments

   Investments in the following Funds are stated at the closing net asset value
   per share as determined by each fund on December 31, 1996:

   Aetna Variable Fund                       Janus Aspen Series:
   Aetna Income Shares                       [bullet]Aggressive Growth Portfolio
   Aetna Variable Encore Fund                [bullet]Balanced Portfolio
   Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.      [bullet]Growth Portfolio
   Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio           [bullet]Short-Term Bond Portfolio
   Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio       [bullet]Worldwide Growth Portfolio
   Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio           Scudder Variable Life
   Alger American Small                        Investment Fund -
     Capitalization Portfolio                International Portfolio
   Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance   TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth
      Products Fund:                           Fund
   [bullet]Equity-Income Portfolio
   [bullet]Growth Portfolio
   [bullet]Overseas Portfolio
   Fidelity Investments Variable Insurance
      Products Fund II:
   [bullet]Asset Manager Portfolio
   [bullet]Contrafund Portfolio

   b.  Other

   Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis and dividend
   income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. The cost of investments sold is
   determined by specific identification.

   c.  Federal Income Taxes

   The operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with, the total
   operations of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company ("Company") which is
   taxed as a life insurance company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
   amended.

2. Valuation Period Deductions

   Deductions by the Account for mortality and expense risk charges are made in
   accordance with the terms of the policies and are paid to the Company.

                                      S-7
<PAGE>


Variable Life Account B


Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996 (continued):

3. Dividend Income

   On an annual basis the Funds distribute substantially all of their taxable
   income and realized capital gains to their shareholders. Distributions paid
   to the Account are automatically reinvested in shares of the Funds. The
   Account's proportionate share of each Fund's undistributed net investment
   income (distributions in excess of net investment income) and accumulated net
   realized gain (loss) on investments is included in net unrealized gain (loss)
   on investments in the Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets.

4. Purchases and Sales of Investments

   The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments other than
   short-term investments for the years ended December 31, 1996 and December 31,
   1995 aggregated $113,349,117 and $29,656,908 and $71,231,087 and $28,828,178,
   respectively.

                                      S-8
<PAGE>


Variable Life Account B

Notes to Financial Statements - December 31, 1996 (continued):


5.  Supplemental  Information  to Statements  of  Operations  and Changes in Net
Assets - Year Ended December 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Valuation       Proceeds        Cost of            Net
                                                              Period          from        Investments       Realized
                                            Dividends       Deductions       Sales           Sold          Gain (Loss)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
Aetna Variable Fund:                      $  9,712,578   $   (991,737)   $  5,373,083   $  4,466,494   $    906,589
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Income Shares:                           810,294       (121,325)      1,564,483      1,544,041         20,442
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Encore Fund:                    477,308        (71,555)      9,490,775      9,560,169        (69,394)
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.:        1,201,085       (127,990)      1,717,127      1,435,761        281,366
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio:                18,222         (1,210)        127,981        124,671          3,310
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio:             2,462            (91)          1,317          1,263             54
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio:                   671            (36)            503            486             17
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alger American Small Capitalization
   Portfolio:                                   33,925        (93,143)      2,003,029      1,400,608        602,421
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable
 Insurance Products Fund:
Equity-Income Portfolio:                        19,619        (57,181)        625,427        574,716         50,711
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Portfolio:                               85,627        (30,149)        243,345        245,938         (2,593)
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overseas Portfolio:                             14,172         (4,004)        478,644        450,003         28,641
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable
 Insurance Products Fund II:
Asset Manager Portfolio:                        62,788        (13,383)        981,022        966,124         14,898
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contrafund Portfolio:                           10,199        (36,829)        353,531        314,886         38,645
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series:
Aggressive Growth Portfolio:                    79,809        (68,571)      1,171,119        858,482        312,637
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balanced Portfolio:                             70,301        (23,444)        452,062        367,517         84,545
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Portfolio:                              140,964        (46,593)        808,709        590,651        218,058
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Bond Portfolio:                      84,482        (17,596)        424,360        415,377          8,983
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Growth Portfolio:                    105,214        (49,874)      1,127,422        777,300        350,122
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund -
International Portfolio:                       173,534        (85,922)      1,752,475      1,537,715        214,760
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth Fund:            710,224        (64,504)        960,494        802,090        158,404
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Variable Life Account B             $ 13,813,478   $ (1,905,137)   $ 29,656,908   $ 26,434,292   $  3,222,616
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                      S-9
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Net Unrealized                              Net
                                                 Gain (Loss)               Net        Increase(Decrease)         Net Assets
                                           ---------------------        Change in       In Net Assets    ---------------------------
                                           Beginning        End         Unrealized        from Unit      Beginning            End
                                           of Year        of Year       Gain (Loss)     Transactions      of Year           of Year
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
Aetna Variable Fund:                   $     65,391    $  7,294,643    $  7,229,252    $  5,056,913    $ 70,958,031   $ 92,871,626
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Income Shares:                        189,278        (190,180)       (379,458)      2,798,667      10,051,167     13,179,787
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Variable Encore Fund:                 138,935         106,394         (32,541)      3,268,179       5,520,188      9,092,185
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Investment Advisers Fund, Inc.:     1,031,584       1,383,931         352,347       4,815,033       9,269,700     15,791,541
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Ascent Variable Portfolio:                  0          15,645          15,645         509,411               0        545,378
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Crossroads Variable Portfolio:              0            (191)           (191)        121,458               0        123,692
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aetna Legacy Variable Portfolio:                  0              20              20          13,291               0         13,963
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alger American Small Capitalization
   Portfolio:                               595,950         172,057        (423,893)      7,688,994       5,277,779     13,086,083
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable
 Insurance Products Fund:
Equity-Income Portfolio:                     28,202       1,096,283       1,068,081      11,810,807         418,176     13,310,213
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Portfolio:                           (36,211)        294,867         331,078       3,470,007       1,198,559      5,052,529
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overseas Portfolio:                          21,923          37,941          16,018        (102,302)        579,802        532,327
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Investments Variable
 Insurance Products Fund II:
Asset Manager Portfolio:                     47,435         134,978          87,543         298,650         959,690      1,410,186
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contrafund Portfolio:                        10,253         730,883         720,630       5,090,135       1,088,910      6,911,690
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series:
Aggressive Growth Portfolio:                376,606         249,074        (127,532)      5,949,433       3,517,151      9,662,927
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balanced Portfolio:                          60,589         243,163         182,574       2,648,699         611,670      3,574,345
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Portfolio:                           196,848         566,478         369,630       3,974,072       2,518,516      7,174,647
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Bond Portfolio:                    6,078          26,773          20,695       3,383,696         347,588      3,827,848
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Growth Portfolio:                 227,523         872,277         644,754       7,436,957       1,427,963      9,915,136
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund-
International Portfolio:                    431,463       1,244,544         813,081       2,808,258       6,691,544     10,615,255
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc. - Growth Fund:         999,727        (146,911)     (1,146,638)        745,694       6,079,345      6,482,525
PolicyHolders' account values
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Variable Life Account B          $  4,391,574    $ 14,132,669    $  9,741,095    $ 71,786,052    $126,515,779   $223,173,883
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                      S-10
<PAGE>

                          Independent Auditors' Report


The Board of Directors of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and
  Policyholders of Variable Life Account B:


We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Aetna
Life Insurance and Annuity Company Variable Life Account B (the "Account") as of
December 31, 1996, and the related statements of operations and changes in net
assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and condensed
financial information for the year ended December 31, 1996. These financial
statements and condensed financial information are the responsibility of the
Account's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and condensed financial information 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 and condensed
financial information are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities
owned as of December 31, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian. 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.

In our opinion, the financial statements and condensed financial information
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company Variable Life Account B as
of December 31, 1996, the results of its operations and the changes in its net
assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and condensed
financial information for the year ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

                                              KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
February 14, 1997


                                      S-11
<PAGE>

            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBIDIARIES

                   Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                                                            Page

Independent Auditors' Report                                                 F-2

Consolidated Financial Statements:

   Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended
     December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                                        F-3

   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996
     and 1995                                                                F-4

   Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
     for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                    F-5

   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
     Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                                  F-6

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                F-7



                                      F-1
<PAGE>







                          Independent Auditors' Report

The Shareholder and Board of Directors
Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Aetna Life
Insurance and Annuity Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholder's
equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996. 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.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aetna Life Insurance
and Annuity Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.


                                                       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
February 4, 1997


                                      F-2
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

                    Consolidated Statements of Income
                               (millions)

                                                Years Ended December 31,
                                           --------------------------------
                                              1996        1995       1994
                                              ----        ----       ----

Revenue:
  Premiums                                   $133.6      $212.7     $191.6
  Charges assessed against policyholders      396.5       318.9      279.0
  Net investment income                     1,045.6     1,004.3      917.2
  Net realized capital gains                   19.7        41.3        1.5
  Other income                                 45.4        42.0       10.3
                                            -------     -------    -------
    Total revenue                           1,640.8     1,619.2    1,399.6
                                            -------     -------    -------

Benefits and expenses:
  Current and future benefits                 968.6       997.2      921.5
  Operating expenses                          342.2       310.8      225.7
  Amortization of deferred policy
   acquisition costs                           69.8        48.0       31.5
  Severance and facilities charges             61.3        --         --
                                            -------     -------    -------
    Total benefits and expenses             1,441.9     1,356.0    1,178.7
                                            -------     -------    -------

Income before income taxes                    198.9       263.2      220.9

Income taxes                                   57.8        87.3       75.6
                                            -------     -------    -------
Net income                                   $141.1      $175.9     $145.3
                                            =======     =======    =======




See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



                                      F-3
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

                         Consolidated Balance Sheets
                        (millions, except share data)


                                                         December 31,
                                                    -------------------------
                                                      1996             1995
                                                      ----             ----
Assets
- ------

Investments:
  Debt securities, available for sale:
   (amortized cost: $12,539.1 and $11,923.7)        $12,905.5        $12,720.8
  Equity securities, available for sale:
   Non-redeemable preferred stock
    (cost: $107.6 and $51.3)                            119.0             57.6
   Investment in affiliated mutual funds
    (cost: $77.3 and $173.4)                             81.1            191.8
   Common stock (cost: $0.0 and $6.9)                     0.3              8.2
   Short-term investments                                34.8             15.1
   Mortgage loans                                        13.0             21.2
   Policy loans                                         399.3            338.6
                                                    ---------        ---------
       Total investments                             13,553.0         13,353.3

  Cash and cash equivalents                             459.1            568.8
  Accrued investment income                             159.0            175.5
  Premiums due and other receivables                     26.6             37.3
  Deferred policy acquisition costs                   1,515.3          1,341.3
  Reinsurance loan to affiliate                         628.3            655.5
  Other assets                                           33.7             26.2
  Separate Account assets                            15,318.3         10,987.0
                                                    ---------        ---------
       Total assets                                 $31,693.3        $27,144.9
                                                    =========        =========

Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
- -------------------------------------

Liabilities:
  Future policy benefits                             $3,617.0          $3,594.6
  Unpaid claims and claim expenses                       28.9              27.2
  Policyholders' funds left with the Company         10,663.7          10,500.1
                                                    ---------         ---------
      Total insurance reserve liabilities            14,309.6          14,121.9
  Other liabilities                                     354.7             257.2
  Income taxes:
    Current                                              20.7              26.2
    Deferred                                             80.5             169.6
  Separate Account liabilities                       15,318.3          10,987.0
                                                    ---------         ---------
      Total liabilities                              30,083.8          25,561.9
                                                    ---------         ---------

Shareholder's equity:
  Common stock, par value $50 (100,000 shares
   authorized; 55,000 shares issued and
   outstanding)                                           2.8               2.8
  Paid-in capital                                       418.0             407.6
  Net unrealized capital gains                           60.5             132.5
  Retained earnings                                   1,128.2           1,040.1
                                                    ---------         ---------

      Total shareholder's equity                      1,609.5           1,583.0
                                                    ---------         ---------

       Total liabilities and shareholder's equity   $31,693.3         $27,144.9
                                                    =========         =========


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



                                      F-4
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

          Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
                                 (millions)


                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                  1996       1995      1994
                                                  ----       ----      ----

Shareholder's equity, beginning of year         $1,583.0   $1,088.5   $1,246.7

Capital contributions                               10.4      --         --

Net change in unrealized capital gains (losses)    (72.0)     321.5     (303.5)

Net income                                         141.1      175.9      145.3

Other changes                                      (49.5)     --         --

Common stock dividends declared                     (3.5)      (2.9)     --
                                                --------   --------   --------
Shareholder's equity, end of year               $1,609.5   $1,583.0   $1,088.5
                                                ========   ========   ========



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



                                      F-5
<PAGE>




            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

                   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                 (millions)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                                           -------------------------------------
                                                               1996        1995         1994
                                                               ----        ----         ----
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
  Net income                                                  $141.1       $175.9       $145.3
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
   cash (used for) provided by operating activities:
  Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income              16.5        (33.3)       (17.5)
  Decrease in premiums due and other receivables                 1.6         25.4          1.3
  Increase in policy loans                                     (60.7)       (89.9)       (46.0)
  Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs               (174.0)      (177.0)      (105.9)
  Decrease in reinsurance loan to affiliate                     27.2         34.8         27.8
  Net increase in universal life account balances              243.2        393.4        164.7
  (Decrease) increase in other insurance
   reserve liabilities                                        (211.5)        79.0         75.1
  Net increase in other liabilities and other assets             3.1         13.0         52.5
  Decrease in income taxes                                     (26.7)        (4.5)       (10.3)
  Net accretion of discount on investments                     (68.0)       (66.4)       (77.9)
  Net realized capital gains                                   (19.7)       (41.3)        (1.5)
  Other, net                                                     1.1          --          (1.0)
                                                            --------     --------     --------
    Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities      (126.8)       309.1        206.6
                                                            --------     --------     --------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
  Proceeds from sales of:
   Debt securities available for sale                        5,182.2      4,207.2      3,593.8
   Equity securities                                           190.5        180.8         93.1
   Mortgage loans                                                8.7         10.7         --
   Limited partnership                                          --           26.6         --
  Investment maturities and collections of:
   Debt securities available for sale                          885.2        583.9      1,289.2
   Short-term investments                                       35.0        106.1         30.4
  Cost of investment purchases in:
   Debt securities available for sale                       (6,534.3)    (6,034.0)    (5,621.4)
   Equity securities                                          (118.1)      (170.9)      (162.5)
   Short-term investments                                      (54.7)       (24.7)      (106.1)
   Mortgage loans                                               --          (21.3)        --
   Limited partnership                                          --           --          (25.0)
  Other, net                                                   (17.6)        --           --
                                                            --------     --------     --------
    Net cash used for investing activities                    (423.1)    (1,135.6)      (908.5)
                                                            --------     --------     --------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
  Deposits and interest credited for investment contracts    1,579.5      1,884.5      1,737.8
  Withdrawals of investment contracts                       (1,146.2)    (1,109.6)      (948.7)
  Additional capital contributions                              10.4         --           --
  Dividends paid to shareholder                                 (3.5)        (2.9)        --
                                                            --------     --------     --------
    Net cash provided by financing activities                  440.2        772.0        789.1
                                                            --------     --------     --------

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents          (109.7)       (54.5)        87.2
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                   568.8        623.3        536.1
                                                            --------     --------     --------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                        $459.1       $568.8       $623.3
                                                            ========     ========     ========

Supplemental cash flow information:
  Income taxes paid, net                                       $85.5        $92.8        $85.9
                                                            ========     ========     ========

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>



                                      F-6
<PAGE>








            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries
     (collectively, the "Company") is a provider of financial services and life
     insurance products in the United States. The Company has two business
     segments: financial services and individual life insurance.

     Financial services products include annuity contracts that offer a variety
     of funding and payout options for individual and employer-sponsored
     retirement plans qualified under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401, 403,
     408 and 457, and non-qualified annuity contracts. These contracts may be
     deferred or immediate ("payout annuities"). Financial services also include
     investment advisory services, financial planning and pension plan
     administrative services.

     Individual life insurance products include universal life, variable
     universal life, traditional whole life and term insurance.

     Basis of Presentation

     The consolidated financial statements include Aetna Life Insurance and
     Annuity Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Aetna Insurance Company
     of America and Aetna Private Capital, Inc. Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity
     Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.
     ("HOLDCO"). HOLDCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement
     Services, Inc., whose ultimate parent is Aetna Inc. ("Aetna").

     The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles. Certain reclassifications have
     been made to 1995 and 1994 financial information to conform to the 1996
     presentation.

     Future Application of Accounting Standards

     Financial Accounting Standard ("FAS") No. 125, Accounting for Transfers and
     Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, was
     issued in June 1996. This statement provides accounting and reporting
     standards for transfers of financial assets and extinguishments of
     liabilities. Transactions covered by this statement would include
     securitizations, sales of partial interests in assets, repurchase
     agreements and securities lending. This statement requires that after a
     transfer of financial assets, an entity would recognize any assets it
     controls and liabilities it has incurred. An entity would not recognize
     assets when control has been surrendered or liabilities have been
     satisfied. Portions of this statement are effective for each of 1997 and
     1998 financial statements and early adoption is not permitted. The Company
     does not expect adoption of this statement to have a material effect on its
     financial position or results of operations.



                                      F-7
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

     Use of Estimates

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
     accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
     assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements
     and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from reported results
     using those estimates.

     Cash and Cash Equivalents

     Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market instruments
     and other debt issues with a maturity of 90 days or less when purchased.

     Investments

     All of the Company's debt and equity securities are classified as available
     for sale and carried at fair value. These securities are written down (as
     realized capital losses) for other than temporary declines in value.
     Unrealized capital gains and losses related to available for sale other
     than amounts allocable to experience rated contractholders, are reflected
     in shareholder's equity, net of related taxes.

     Fair values for debt and equity securities are based on quoted market
     prices or dealer quotations. Where quoted market prices or dealer
     quotations are not available, fair values are measured utilizing quoted
     market prices for similar securities or by using discounted cash flow
     methods. Cost for mortgage-backed securities is adjusted for unamortized
     premiums and discounts, which are amortized using the interest method over
     the estimated remaining term of the securities, adjusted for anticipated
     prepayments.

     Purchases and sales of debt and equity securities are recorded on the trade
     date.

     The investment in affiliated mutual funds primarily represents an
     investment in the Aetna Series Fund, Inc., a retail mutual fund which has
     been seeded by the Company, and is carried at fair value.

     Mortgage loans and policy loans are carried at unpaid principal balances,
     net of impairment reserves. Sales of mortgage loans are recorded on the
     closing date.

     Short-term investments, consisting primarily of money market instruments
     and other debt issues purchased with a maturity of 91 days to one year, are
     considered available for sale and are carried at fair value, which
     approximates amortized cost.



                                      F-8
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

     Futures contracts are carried at fair value and require daily cash
     settlement. Changes in the fair value of futures contracts that qualify as
     hedges are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the hedged asset or
     liability. Deferred gains or losses on such futures contracts are amortized
     over the life of the acquired asset or liability as a yield adjustment or
     through net realized capital gains or losses upon disposal of an asset.
     Changes in the fair value of futures contracts that do not qualify as
     hedges are recorded in net realized capital gains or losses. Hedge
     designation requires specific asset or liability identification, a
     probability at inception of high correlation with the position underlying
     the hedge, and that high correlation be maintained throughout the hedge
     period. If a hedging instrument ceases to be highly correlated with the
     position underlying the hedge, hedge accounting ceases at that date and
     excess gains and losses on the hedging instrument are reflected in net
     realized capital gains or losses.

     Swap agreements which are designated as interest rate risk management
     instruments at inception are accounted for using the accrual method.
     Accordingly, the difference between amounts paid and received on such
     agreements is reported in net investment income. There is no recognition in
     the Consolidated Balance Sheets for changes in the fair value of the
     agreement.

     Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

     Certain costs of acquiring insurance business are deferred. These costs,
     all of which vary with and are primarily related to the production of new
     and renewal business, consist principally of commissions, certain expenses
     of underwriting and issuing contracts, and certain agency expenses. For
     fixed ordinary life contracts, such costs are amortized over expected
     premium-paying periods (up to 20 years). For universal life and certain
     annuity contracts, such costs are amortized in proportion to estimated
     gross profits and adjusted to reflect actual gross profits over the life of
     the contracts (up to 20 years).

     Deferred policy acquisition costs are written off to the extent that it is
     determined that future policy premiums and investment income or gross
     profits are not adequate to cover related losses and expenses.

     Insurance Reserve Liabilities

     Future Policy Benefits include reserves for universal life, immediate
     annuities with life contingent payouts and traditional life insurance
     contracts. Reserves for universal life contracts are equal to cumulative
     deposits less charges and withdrawals plus credited interest thereon.
     Reserves for immediate annuities with life contingent payouts and
     traditional life insurance contracts are computed on the basis of assumed
     investment yield, mortality, and expenses, including a margin for adverse
     deviations. Such assumptions generally vary by plan, year of issue and
     policy duration. Reserve interest rates range from 2.25% to 12.00%.
     Investment yield is based on the Company's experience. Mortality and
     withdrawal rate assumptions are based on relevant Aetna experience and are
     periodically reviewed against both industry standards and experience.



                                      F-9
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

     Policyholders' Funds Left With the Company include reserves for deferred
     annuity investment contracts and immediate annuities without life
     contingent payouts. Reserves on such contracts are equal to cumulative
     deposits less charges and withdrawals plus credited interest thereon (rates
     range from 4.00% to 7.00%), net of adjustments for investment experience
     that the Company is entitled to reflect in future credited interest.
     Reserves on contracts subject to experience rating reflect the rights of
     contractholders, plan participants and the Company.

     Unpaid claims for all lines of insurance include benefits for reported
     losses and estimates of benefits for losses incurred but not reported.

     Premiums, Charges Assessed Against Policyholders, Benefits and Expenses

     For universal life and certain annuity contracts, charges assessed against
     policyholders' funds for the cost of insurance, surrender charges,
     actuarial margin and other fees are recorded as revenue in charges assessed
     against policyholders. Other amounts received for these contracts are
     reflected as deposits and are not recorded as revenue. Life insurance
     premiums, other than premiums for universal life and certain annuity
     contracts, are recorded as premium revenue when due. Related policy
     benefits are recorded in relation to the associated premiums or gross
     profit so that profits are recognized over the expected lives of the
     contracts. When annuity payments begin under contracts with life contingent
     payouts that were initially investment contracts, the accumulated balance
     in the account is treated as a single premium for the purchase of an
     annuity, reflected as an offsetting amount in both premiums and current and
     future benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

     Separate Accounts

     Assets held under variable universal life and variable annuity contracts
     are segregated in Separate Accounts and are invested, as designated by the
     contractholder or participant under a contract, in shares of Aetna Variable
     Fund, Aetna Income Shares, Aetna Variable Encore Fund, Aetna Investment
     Advisers Fund, Inc., Aetna GET Fund, the Aetna Series Fund Inc., or the
     Aetna Generation Funds (collectively, "Funds"), which are managed by the
     Company, or other selected mutual funds not managed by the Company.

     Separate Accounts assets and liabilities are carried at fair value except
     for those relating to a guaranteed interest option. Since the Company bears
     the investment risk where the contract is held to maturity, the assets of
     the Separate Account supporting the guaranteed interest option are carried
     at an amortized cost of $515.6 million for 1996 (fair value $523.0 million)
     and $322.2 million for 1995 (fair value $343.9 million). Reserves relating
     to the guaranteed interest option are maintained at fund value and reflect
     interest credited at rates ranging from 4.10% to 8.00% in 1996 and 4.50% to
     8.38% in 1995.



                                      F-10
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

     Separate Accounts assets and liabilities are shown as separate captions in
     the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deposits, investment income and net
     realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the Separate Accounts
     are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income (with the
     exception of realized capital gains and losses on the sale of assets
     supporting the guaranteed interest option). The Consolidated Statements of
     Cash Flows do not reflect investment activity of the Separate Accounts.

     Income Taxes

     The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return of
     Aetna. The Company is taxed at regular corporate rates after adjusting
     income reported for financial statement purposes for certain items.
     Deferred income tax expenses/benefits result from changes during the year
     in cumulative temporary differences between the tax basis and book basis of
     assets and liabilities.



                                      F-11
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments

     Debt securities available for sale as of December 31, 1996 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Gross       Gross
                                            Amortized  Unrealized   Unrealized    Fair
                                              Cost        Gains       Losses     Value
                                              ----        -----       ------     -----
                                                       (millions)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
U.S. government and government
   agencies and authorities                $ 1,072.4   $    20.5   $     4.5   $ 1,088.4

States, municipalities and political
   subdivisions                                  6.0         1.2        --           7.2

U.S. corporate securities:
     Financial                               2,143.4        43.1         9.7     2,176.8
     Food & fiber                              198.2         4.6         1.3       201.5
     Healthcare & consumer products            735.9        20.2         6.3       749.8
     Media & broadcast                         274.9         7.0         2.8       279.1
     Natural resources                         187.7         4.5         0.4       191.8
     Transportation & capital goods            521.9        22.0         1.8       542.1
     Utilities                                 448.8        14.8         2.8       460.8
     Other                                     141.5         3.0        --         144.5
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total U.S. corporate securities           4,652.3       119.2        25.1     4,746.4

Foreign Securities:
     Government                                758.6        36.0         5.7       788.9
     Utilities                                 187.8        16.1        --         203.9
     Other                                     945.5        30.9         6.3       970.1
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total foreign securities                  1,891.9        83.0        12.0     1,962.9

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
     Pass-throughs                             792.2        78.3         3.1       867.4
     Collateralized mortgage obligations     2,227.8        94.9        13.7     2,309.0
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total residential mortgage-
   backed securities                         3,020.0       173.2        16.8     3,176.4

Commercial/Multifamily mortgage-
   backed securities                         1,008.7        24.8         5.6     1,027.9

Other asset-backed securities                  887.8        10.7         2.2       896.3
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------

Total Debt Securities                      $12,539.1   $   432.6   $    66.2   $12,905.5
                                           =========   =========   =========   =========
</TABLE>



                                      F-12
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments (Continued)

     Debt securities available for sale as of December 31, 1995 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Gross       Gross
                                            Amortized  Unrealized   Unrealized    Fair
                                              Cost        Gains       Losses     Value
                                              ----        -----       ------     -----
                                                       (millions)
<S>                                          <C>           <C>           <C>     <C>
U.S. government and government
   agencies and authorities                $   539.5   $    47.5   $    --     $   587.0

States, municipalities and political
   subdivisions                                 41.4        12.4        --          53.8

U.S. Corporate securities:
     Financial                               2,764.4       110.3         2.1     2,872.6
     Food & fiber                              310.8        20.8         0.6       331.0
     Healthcare & consumer products            766.0        59.2         0.2       825.0
     Media & broadcast                         191.7        10.0        --         201.7
     Natural resources                         186.9        12.6         0.2       199.3
     Transportation & capital goods            602.4        46.7         0.2       648.9
     Utilities                                 454.4        27.8         1.0       481.2
     Other                                     119.9        10.2        --         130.1
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total U.S. corporate securities           5,396.5       297.6         4.3     5,689.8

Foreign securities:
     Government                                316.4        26.1         2.0       340.5
     Utilities                                 236.3        32.9                   269.2
     Other                                     749.9        60.5         3.5       806.9
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total foreign securities                  1,302.6       119.5         5.5     1,416.6

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
     Pass-throughs                             556.7        99.2         1.8       654.1
     Collateralized mortgage obligations     2,383.9       167.6         2.2     2,549.3
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total residential mortgage-
   backed securities                         2,940.6       266.8         4.0     3,203.4

Commercial/multifamily mortgage-
   backed securities                           741.9        32.3         0.2       774.0

Other asset-backed securities                  961.2        35.5         0.5       996.2
                                           ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------

Total Debt Securities                      $11,923.7   $   811.6   $    14.5   $12,720.8
                                           =========   =========   =========   =========

</TABLE>


                                      F-13
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments (Continued)

     At December 31, 1996 and 1995, net unrealized appreciation of $366.4
     million and $797.1 million, respectively, on available for sale debt
     securities included $288.5 million and $619.1 million, respectively,
     related to experience rated contracts, which were not reflected in
     shareholder's equity but in Future Policy Benefits and Policyholders' Funds
     Left With the Company.

     The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities for the year ended
     December 31, 1996 are shown below by contractual maturity. Actual
     maturities may differ from contractual maturities because securities may be
     restructured, called, or prepaid.

                                                      Amortized          Fair
                                                         Cost            Value
                                                      ---------          -----
                                                               (millions)
      Due to mature:
        One year or less                              $   424.4        $   425.7
        After one year through five years               2,162.4          2,194.2
        After five years through ten years              2,467.4          2,509.6
        After ten years                                 2,568.4          2,675.4
        Mortgage-backed securities                      4,028.7          4,204.3
        Other asset-backed securities                     887.8            896.3
                                                      ---------        ---------
               Total                                  $12,539.1        $12,905.5
                                                      =========        =========

     The Company engages in securities lending whereby certain securities from
     its portfolio are loaned to other institutions for short periods of time.
     Collateral, primarily cash, which is in excess of the market value of the
     loaned securities, is deposited by the borrower with a lending agent, and
     retained and invested by the lending agent to generate additional income
     for the Company. The market value of the loaned securities is monitored on
     a daily basis with additional collateral obtained or refunded as the market
     value fluctuates. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had loaned
     securities (which are reflected as invested assets) with a market value of
     approximately $444.7 million and $264.5 million, respectively.

     At December 31, 1996 and 1995, debt securities carried at $7.6 million and
     $7.4 million, respectively, were on deposit as required by regulatory
     authorities.

     The carrying value of non-income producing investments was $0.9 million and
     $0.1 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     The Company did not have any investments in a single issuer, other than
     obligations of the U.S. government, with a carrying value in excess of 10%
     of the Company's shareholder's equity at December 31, 1996.



                                      F-14
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments (Continued)

     Included in the Company's total debt securities were residential
     collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") supporting the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         1996                   1995
                                                         ----                   ----
                                                    Fair     Amortized     Fair      Amortized
                                                   Value        Cost      Value         Cost
                                                   -----        ----      -----         ----
                                                                  (millions)
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
     Total residential CMOs (1)                  $2,309.0    $2,227.8    $2,549.4    $2,383.9
                                                 ========    ========    ========    ========
     Percentage of total:
       Supporting experience rated products          84.2%                   85.3%
       Supporting remaining products                 15.8%                   14.7%
                                                 --------                --------
                                                    100.0%                  100.0%
                                                 ========                ========
</TABLE>

     (1)  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, approximately 71% and 81%,
          respectively, of the Company's residential CMO holdings were backed by
          government agencies such as GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC.

     There are various categories of CMOs which are subject to different degrees
     of risk from changes in interest rates and, for nonagency-backed CMOs,
     defaults. The principal risks inherent in holding CMOs are prepayment and
     extension risks related to dramatic decreases and increases in interest
     rates resulting in the repayment of principal from the underlying mortgages
     either earlier or later than originally anticipated.

     At December 31, 1996 and 1995, approximately 68% and 79%, respectively, of
     the Company's CMO holdings were in planned amortization class ("PAC") and
     sequential structure tranches, which are subject to less prepayment and
     extension risk than other types of CMO instruments. At December 31, 1996
     and 1995, approximately 3% of the Company's CMO holdings were in the
     interest-only ("IOs") and principal-only ("POs") tranches, which are
     subject to more prepayment and extension risks than other types of CMO
     instruments. Remaining CMO holdings are in other tranches that have
     prepayment and extension risks which fall between the degree of risk
     associated with PACs and sequentials, and IOs and POs.



                                      F-15
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2.   Investments (Continued)

     Investments in available for sale equity securities were as follows:

                                             Gross         Gross
                              Amortized      Unrealized    Unrealized   Fair
                                 Cost        Gains         Losses       Value
                                 ----        ----------    ----------   -----
                                                  (millions)
       1996
       Equity Securities       $ 184.9       $  16.3       $   0.8      $ 200.4
                               =======       =======       =======      =======
       1995
       Equity Securities       $ 231.6       $  27.2       $   1.2      $ 257.6
                               =======       =======       =======      =======

3.   Financial Instruments

     Estimated Fair Value

     The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company's
     financial instruments at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    1996                    1995
                                             ------------------       -----------------
                                             Carrying     Fair        Carrying    Fair
                                             Value        Value       Value       Value
                                             -----        -----       -----       -----
                                                         (millions)
<S>                                          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
Assets:
    Mortgage loans                           $    13.0    $    13.2   $    21.2   $    21.9
Liabilities:
    Investment contract liabilities:
          With a fixed maturity              $ 1,014.1    $ 1,028.8   $   989.1   $ 1,001.2
          Without a fixed maturity             9,649.6      9,427.6     9,511.0     9,298.4
</TABLE>

     Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on
     available market information and judgments about the financial instrument,
     such as estimates of timing and amount of future cash flows. Such estimates
     do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for
     sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial
     instrument, nor do they consider the tax impact of the realization of
     unrealized gains or losses. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot
     be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the
     disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. In
     evaluating the Company's management of interest rate, price and liquidity
     risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into
     consideration, not only those presented above.



                                      F-16
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

3.   Financial Instruments (Continued)

     The following valuation methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
     estimating the fair value of the above financial instruments:

     Mortgage loans: Fair values are estimated by discounting expected mortgage
     loan cash flows at market rates which reflect the rates at which similar
     loans would be made to similar borrowers. The rates reflect management's
     assessment of the credit quality and the remaining duration of the loans.

     Investment contract liabilities (included in Policyholders' Funds Left With
     the Company):

     With a fixed maturity: Fair value is estimated by discounting cash flows at
     interest rates currently being offered by, or available to, the Company for
     similar contracts.

     Without a fixed maturity: Fair value is estimated as the amount payable to
     the contractholder upon demand. However, the Company has the right under
     such contracts to delay payment of withdrawals which may ultimately result
     in paying an amount different than that determined to be payable on demand.

     Off-Balance-Sheet and Other Financial Instruments (including Derivative
     Financial Instruments)

     The Company uses off-balance-sheet and other financial instruments
     primarily to manage portfolio risks, including interest rate,
     prepayment/call, credit, price, and liquidity risks. In 1996, Treasury
     futures contracts were used to manage interest rate risk in the Company's
     bond portfolio and stock index futures contracts were used to manage price
     risk in the Company's equity portfolio. In 1996 and 1995, interest rate
     swaps and forward commitments to enter into interest rate swaps,
     respectively, were also used to manage interest rate risk in the Company's
     bond portfolio.

     Futures Contracts:

     Futures contracts represent commitments to either purchase or sell
     underlying assets at a specified future date. Futures contracts trade on
     organized exchanges and, therefore, have minimal credit risk. Cash
     settlements are made daily based on changes in the prices of the underlying
     assets. There were no futures contracts open as of December 31, 1996 and
     1995.



                                      F-17
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

3.   Financial Instruments (Continued)

     Interest Rate Swaps:

     Under interest rate swaps, the Company agrees with other parties to
     exchange interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed notional
     principal amount. Generally, no cash is exchanged at the outset of the
     contract and no principal payments are made. A single net payment is
     usually made by one counterparty at each due date or upon termination of
     the contract. The Company would be exposed to credit-related losses in the
     event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial instruments,
     however, the Company controls its exposure to credit risk through credit
     approvals, credit limits and regular monitoring procedures. The credit
     exposure of interest rate swaps is represented by the fair value (market
     value) of contracts with a positive fair value (market value) at the
     reporting date. There were no interest rate swap agreements open as of
     December 31, 1996. At December 31, 1995, the Company had an open forward
     swap agreement with a notional amount of $100.0 million and a fair value of
     $0.1 million.

     During 1995, the Company received $0.4 million for writing call options on
     underlying securities. The Company did not write any call options in 1996.
     As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, there were no option contracts
     outstanding.

     The Company also had investments in certain debt instruments with
     derivative characteristics, including those whose market value is at least
     partially determined by, among other things, levels of or changes in
     domestic and/or foreign interest rates (short or long term), exchange
     rates, prepayment rates, equity markets or credit ratings/spreads. The
     amortized cost and fair value of these securities, included in the debt
     securities portfolio, as of December 31, 1996 was as follows:

                                                          Amortized      Fair
                                                             Cost        Value
                                                             ----        -----
                                                                 (millions)

       Residential collateralized mortgage obligations    $ 2,227.8    $ 2,309.0
            Principal-only strips (included above)             44.5         53.3
            Interest-only strips (included above)              10.3         22.8
       Other structured securities with derivative
            characteristics (1)                               126.3        129.2

     (1)  Represents non-leveraged instruments whose fair values and credit risk
          are based on underlying securities, including fixed income securities
          and interest rate swap agreements.



                                      F-18
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4.   Net Investment Income

     Sources of net investment income were as follows:
                                                1996         1995         1994
                                                ----         ----         ----
                                                          (millions)

     Debt securities                         $  945.3     $  891.5     $  823.9
     Preferred stock                              5.9          4.2          3.9
     Investment in affiliated mutual funds       14.3         14.9          5.2
     Mortgage loans                               2.2          1.4          1.4
     Policy loans                                18.4         13.7         11.5
     Reinsurance loan to affiliate               44.1         46.5         51.5
     Cash equivalents                            29.4         38.9         29.5
     Other                                        2.1          8.4          6.7
                                             --------     --------     --------
     Gross investment income                  1,061.7      1,019.5        933.6
     Less investment expenses                   (16.1)       (15.2)       (16.4)
                                             --------     --------     --------
     Net investment income                   $1,045.6     $1,004.3     $  917.2
                                             ========     ========     ========

     Net investment income includes amounts allocable to experience rated
     contractholders of $787.6 million, $744.2 million and $677.1 million for
     the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Interest
     credited to contractholders is included in Current and Future Benefits.

5.  Dividend Restrictions and Shareholder's Equity

     The Company paid $3.5 million in cash dividends to HOLDCO in 1996. In 1995,
     the Company dividended $2.9 million in the form of two of its subsidiaries,
     Systematized Benefits Administrators, Inc. and Aetna Investment Services,
     Inc., to Aetna Retirement Services, Inc. (the Company's former parent).

     The amount of dividends that may be paid to the shareholder in 1997 without
     prior approval by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Connecticut is
     $71.1 million.

     The Insurance Department of the State of Connecticut (the "Department")
     recognizes as net income and shareholder's capital and surplus those
     amounts determined in conformity with statutory accounting practices
     prescribed or permitted by the Department, which differ in certain respects
     from generally accepted accounting principles. Statutory net income was
     $57.8 million, $70.0 million and $64.9 million for the years ended December
     31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Statutory capital and surplus was
     $713.6 million and $670.7 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
     respectively.

     As of December 31, 1996 the Company does not utilize any statutory
     accounting practices which are not prescribed by state regulatory
     authorities that, individually or in the aggregate, materially affect
     statutory capital and surplus.



                                      F-19
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

6.   Capital Gains and Losses on Investment Operations

     Realized capital gains or losses are the difference between the carrying
     value and sale proceeds of specific investments sold.

     Net realized capital gains on investments were as follows:

                                                  1996        1995        1994
                                                  ----        ----        ----
                                                           (millions)

       Debt securities                         $   11.1     $  32.8     $   1.0
       Equity securities                            8.6         8.3         0.2
       Mortgage loans                               --          0.2         0.3
                                               --------     --------    -------
       Pretax realized capital gains           $   19.7     $  41.3     $   1.5
                                               ========     =======     =======
       After tax realized capital gains        $   13.0     $  25.8     $   1.0
                                               ========     =======     =======

     Net realized capital gains of $53.1 million and $61.1 million for 1996 and
     1995, respectively, and net realized capital losses of $29.1 million for
     1994, allocable to experience rated contracts, were deducted from net
     realized capital gains (losses) and an offsetting amount was reflected in
     policyholder funds' left with the Company. Net unamortized gains were $53.3
     million and $7.3 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     Changes to the mortgage loan valuation reserve and writedowns on debt
     securities for other than temporary declines in value are included in net
     realized capital gains (losses) and amounted to $(3.3) million, $3.1
     million and $1.1 million, of which $(3.2) million, $2.2 million and $0.8
     million were allocable to experience rated contractholders, for the years
     ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. There was no
     valuation reserve for mortgage loans at December 31, 1996 or at December
     31, 1995.

     Proceeds from the sale of available for sale debt securities and the
     related gross gains and losses were as follows:

                                           1996          1995            1994
                                           ----          ----            ----
                                                      (millions)

     Proceeds on Sales                   $5,182.2      $4,207.2       $3,593.8
     Gross gains                             24.3          44.6           26.6
     Gross losses                            13.2          11.8           25.6



                                      F-20
<PAGE>




            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

6.   Capital Gains and Losses on Investment Operations (Continued)

     Changes in shareholder's equity related to changes in unrealized capital
     gains (losses), (excluding those related to experience rated
     contractholders), were as follows:

                                                 1996         1995        1994
                                                 ----         ----        ----
                                                         (millions)

     Debt securities                          $ (100.1)    $  255.9    $ (242.1)
     Equity securities                           (10.5)        27.3       (13.3)
     Limited partnership                           --           1.8        (1.8)
                                              --------     --------    --------
                                                (110.6)       285.0      (257.2)

     Deferred income taxes (See Note 8)          (38.6)       (36.5)       46.3
                                              --------     --------    --------
     Net change in unrealized
        capital gains (losses)                $  (72.0)    $  321.5    $ (303.5)
                                              ========     ========    ========

     Net unrealized capital gains allocable to experience rated contracts of
     $245.2 million and $43.3 million at December 31, 1996 and $515.0 million
     and $104.1 million at December 31, 1995 are reflected on the Consolidated
     Balance Sheets in Policyholders' Funds Left With the Company and Future
     Policy Benefits, respectively, and are not included in shareholder's
     equity.

     Shareholder's equity included the following unrealized capital gains
     (losses), which are net of amounts allocable to experience rated
     contractholders, at December 31:

                                               1996         1995          1994
                                               ----         ----          ----
                                                          (millions)
     Debt securities
       Gross unrealized capital gains         $101.7       $179.3       $  27.4
       Gross unrealized capital losses         (23.8)        (1.3)       (105.2)
                                              ------       ------       --------
                                                77.9        178.0         (77.8)
     Equity securities
       Gross unrealized capital gains           16.3         27.2           6.5
       Gross unrealized capital losses          (0.8)        (1.2)         (7.9)
                                              ------       ------       --------
                                                15.5         26.0          (1.4)
     Limited Partnership                        --           --            --
       Gross unrealized capital gains           --           --            --
       Gross unrealized capital losses          --           --            (1.8)
                                              ------       ------       --------
                                                --           --            (1.8)

     Deferred income taxes (See Note 8)         32.9         71.5         108.0
                                              ------       ------       --------

     Net unrealized capital gains (losses)    $ 60.5       $132.5       $(189.0)
                                              ======       ======       ========



                                      F-21
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

7.   Severance and Facilities Charges

     Severance and facilities charges during 1996, as described below, included
     the following (pretax):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    Vacated
                                          Asset      Leased             Corporate
(Millions)                   Severance  Write-Off   Property     Other  Allocation    Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Financial Services             $ 29.1     $  1.0     $  1.3     $  1.7     $ --       $ 33.1
Individual Life Insurance        12.5        0.4        0.5        0.8       --         14.2
Corporate Allocation             --         --         --         --         14.0       14.0
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Company               $ 41.6     $  1.4     $  1.8     $  2.5     $ 14.0     $ 61.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     In the third quarter of 1996, the Company recorded a $30.7 million after
     tax ($47.3 million pretax) charge principally related to actions taken or
     expected to be taken to improve its cost structure relative to its
     competitors. The severance portion of the charge is based on a plan to
     eliminate 702 positions (primarily customer service, sales and information
     technology support staff). The facilities portion of the charge is based on
     a plan to consolidate sales/service field offices.

     In addition to the above charge, Aetna recorded a facilities and severance
     charge in the second quarter of 1996, primarily as a result of actions
     taken or expected to be taken to reduce the level of corporate expenses and
     other costs previously absorbed by Aetna's property-casualty operations.
     The cost allocated to the Company associated with this charge was $9.1
     million after tax ($14.0 million pretax).

     The activity during 1996 within the severance and facilities reserve
     (pretax, in millions) and the number of positions eliminated related to
     such actions were as follows:

                                                    Reserve            Positions
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Beginning of year                           $   --                 --
       Severance and facilities charges               47.3                702
       Corporate Allocation                           14.0                --
       Actions taken (1)                             (13.4)              (178)
                                                 -------------------------------
          End of year                              $  47.9                524
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (1)  Includes $8.0 million of severance-related actions and $4.1 million of
          corporate allocation-related actions.

     The Company's severance actions are expected to be substantially completed
     by March 31, 1998. The corporate allocation actions and the vacating of the
     leased office space are expected to be substantially completed in 1997.



                                      F-22
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

8.   Income Taxes

     The Company is included in the consolidated federal income tax return and
     combined Connecticut and New York state income tax returns of Aetna. Aetna
     allocates to each member an amount approximating the tax it would have
     incurred were it not a member of the consolidated group, and credits the
     member for the use of its tax saving attributes used in the consolidated
     returns.

     Income taxes for the years ended December 31, consist of:

                                                      1996      1995      1994
                                                      ----      ----      ----
                                                             (millions)
     Current taxes (benefits):
     Income Taxes:
       Federal                                       $ 50.9    $ 82.9    $ 78.7
       State                                            3.7       3.2       4.4
       Net realized capital gains (losses)             25.3      28.5     (33.2)
                                                     ------    ------    ------
                                                       79.9     114.6      49.9
                                                     ------    ------    ------
     Deferred taxes (benefits):
     Income Taxes:
       Federal                                         (3.5)    (14.4)     (8.0)
       Net realized capital gains (losses)            (18.6)    (12.9)     33.7
                                                     ------    ------    ------
                                                      (22.1)    (27.3)     25.7
                                                     ------    ------    ------
          Total                                      $ 57.8    $ 87.3    $ 75.6
                                                     ======    ======    ======


     Income taxes were different from the amount computed by applying the
     federal income tax rate to income before income taxes for the following
     reasons:

                                                      1996      1995      1994
                                                      ----      ----      ----
                                                            (millions)

     Income before income taxes                      $198.9    $263.2    $220.9
     Tax rate                                            35%       35%       35%
                                                     ------    ------    ------
     Application of the tax rate                       69.6      92.1      77.3
                                                     ------    ------    ------
     Tax effect of:
          State income tax, net of federal benefit      2.4       2.1       2.9
          Excludable dividends                         (8.7)     (9.3)     (8.6)
          Other, net                                   (5.5)      2.4       4.0
                                                     ------    ------    ------
            Income taxes                             $ 57.8    $ 87.3    $ 75.6
                                                     ======    ======    ======



                                      F-23
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

8.   Income Taxes (Continued)

     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax
     assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31 are presented below:

                                                            1996          1995
                                                            ----          ----
                                                                (millions)
       Deferred tax assets:
            Insurance reserves                            $ 344.6       $ 290.4
            Unrealized gains allocable to
              experience rated contracts                    100.8         216.7
            Investment losses                                 7.5           7.3
            Postretirement benefits other
              than pensions                                  27.0           7.7
            Deferred compensation                            25.0          18.9
            Pension                                           7.6           5.7
            Other                                            29.3           9.2
                                                          -------       -------
       Total gross assets                                   541.8         555.9

       Deferred tax liabilities:
            Deferred policy acquisition costs               482.1         433.0
            Market discount                                   6.8           4.4
            Net unrealized capital gains                    133.7         288.2
            Other                                            (0.3)         (0.1)
                                                          -------       -------
       Total gross liabilities                              622.3         725.5
                                                          -------       -------
       Net deferred tax liability                         $  80.5       $ 169.6
                                                          =======       =======

     Net unrealized capital gains and losses are presented in shareholder's
     equity net of deferred taxes. Valuation allowances are provided when it is
     not considered more likely than not that deferred tax assets will be
     realized. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, no valuation allowances were
     required for unrealized capital gains and losses.

     The "Policyholders' Surplus Account," which arose under prior tax law, is
     generally that portion of a life insurance company's statutory income that
     has not been subject to taxation. As of December 31, 1983, no further
     additions could be made to the Policyholders' Surplus Account for tax
     return purposes under the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984. The balance in
     such account was approximately $17.2 million at December 31, 1996. This
     amount would be taxed only under certain conditions. No income taxes have
     been provided on this amount since management believes the conditions under
     which such taxes would become payable are remote.



                                      F-24
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

8.   Income Taxes (Continued)

     The Internal Revenue Service ("Service") has completed examinations of the
     consolidated federal income tax returns of Aetna through 1990. Discussions
     are being held with the Service with respect to proposed adjustments.
     Management believes there are adequate defenses against, or sufficient
     reserves to provide for, any such adjustments. The Service has commenced
     its examinations for the years 1991 through 1994.

9.   Benefit Plans

     Employee Pension Plans - The Company, in conjunction with Aetna, has
     noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all
     employees. The plans provide pension benefits based on years of service and
     average annual compensation (measured over 60 consecutive months of highest
     earnings in a 120-month period). Contributions are determined using the
     Projected Unit Credit Method and, for qualified plans subject to ERISA
     requirements, are limited to the amounts that are tax-deductible. As of
     December 31, 1996, Aetna's accrued pension cost has been allocated to its
     subsidiaries, including the Company, under an allocation based on eligible
     salaries. Data on a separate company basis regarding the proportionate
     share of the projected benefit obligation and plan assets is not available.
     The accumulated benefit obligation and plan assets are recorded by Aetna.
     As of the measurement date (i.e., September 30), the accumulated plan
     assets exceeded accumulated plan benefits. Allocated pretax charges to
     operations for the pension plan (based on the Company's total salary cost
     as a percentage of Aetna's total salary cost) were $4.3 million, $6.1
     million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
     1994, respectively.

     Employee Postretirement Benefits - In addition to providing pension
     benefits, Aetna currently provides health care and life insurance benefits,
     subject to certain caps, for retired employees. A comprehensive medical and
     dental plan is offered to all full-time employees retiring at age 50 with
     15 years of service or at age 65 with 10 years of service. Retirees are
     generally required to contribute to the plans based on their years of
     service with Aetna. The costs to the Company associated with the Aetna
     postretirement plans for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $1.8 million, $1.4
     million and $1.0 million, respectively.

     As of December 31, 1996, Aetna transferred to the Company approximately
     $77.7 million of accrued liabilities, primarily related to the pension and
     postretirement benefit plans described above, that had been previously
     recorded by Aetna. The after tax amount of this transfer (approximately
     $50.5 million) is reported as a reduction in retained earnings.

     Agent Pension Plans - The Company, in conjunction with Aetna, has a
     non-qualified pension plan covering certain agents. The plan provides
     pension benefits based on annual commission earnings. As of the measurement
     date (i.e., September 30), the accumulated plan assets exceeded accumulated
     plan benefits.



                                      F-25
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

9.   Benefit Plans (Continued)

     Agent Postretirement Benefits - The Company, in conjunction with Aetna,
     also provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance
     benefits for certain agents. The costs to the Company associated with the
     agents' postretirement plans for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $0.7 million,
     $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

     Incentive Savings Plan - Substantially all employees are eligible to
     participate in a savings plan under which designated contributions, which
     may be invested in common stock of Aetna or certain other investments, are
     matched, up to 5% of compensation, by Aetna. Pretax charges to operations
     for the incentive savings plan were $5.4 million, $4.9 million and $3.3
     million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     Stock Plans - Aetna has a stock incentive plan that provides for stock
     options, deferred contingent common stock or equivalent cash awards or
     restricted stock to certain key employees. Executive and middle management
     employees may be granted options to purchase common stock of Aetna at or
     above the market price on the date of grant. Options generally become 100%
     vested three years after the grant is made, with one-third of the options
     vesting each year. Aetna does not recognize compensation expense for stock
     options granted at or above the market price on the date of grant under its
     stock incentive plans. In addition, executives may be granted incentive
     units which are rights to receive common stock or an equivalent value in
     cash. The incentive units may vest within a range from 0% to 175% at the
     end of a four year period based on the attainment of performance goals. The
     costs to the Company associated with the Aetna stock plans for 1996, 1995
     and 1994, were $8.1 million, $6.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
     As of December 31, 1996, Aetna transferred to the Company approximately
     $1.1 million of deferred tax benefits related to stock options. This amount
     is reported as an increase in retained earnings.

10.  Related Party Transactions

     The Company is compensated by the Separate Accounts for bearing mortality
     and expense risks pertaining to variable life and annuity contracts. Under
     the insurance contracts, the Separate Accounts pay the Company a daily fee
     which, on an annual basis, ranges, depending on the product, from .10% to
     1.90% of their average daily net assets. The Company also receives fees
     from the variable life and annuity mutual funds and The Aetna Series Fund
     for serving as investment adviser. Under the advisory agreements, the Funds
     pay the Company a daily fee which, on an annual basis, ranges, depending on
     the fund, from .25% to .85% of their average daily net assets. The Company
     also receives fees (expressed as a percentage of the average daily net
     assets) from the variable life and annuity mutual funds and The Aetna
     Series Fund for providing administration services, and from The Aetna
     Series Fund for providing shareholder services and promoting sales. The
     amount of compensation and fees received from the Separate Accounts and
     Funds, included in Charges Assessed Against Policyholders, amounted to
     $185.4 million, $128.1 million and $104.6 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively. The Company may waive advisory fees at its discretion.



                                      F-26
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

10.  Related Party Transactions (Continued)

     The Company acts as an investment adviser for its affiliated mutual funds.
     Since August 1996, Aeltus Investment Management, Inc. ("Aeltus"), a wholly
     owned subsidiary of HOLDCO and an affiliate of the Company, has been acting
     as Subadvisor of all affiliated mutual funds and of most of the General
     Account assets. Fees paid by the Company to Aeltus, included in both
     Charges Assessed Against Policyholders and Net Investment Income, on an
     annual basis, range from .06% to .55% of the average daily net assets under
     management. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company paid $16.0
     million in such fees.

     The Company may, from time to time, make reimbursements to a Fund for some
     or all of its operating expenses. Reimbursement arrangements may be
     terminated at any time without notice.

     Since 1981, all domestic individual non-participating life insurance of
     Aetna and its subsidiaries has been issued by the Company. Effective
     December 31, 1988, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with
     Aetna Life Insurance Company ("Aetna Life") in which substantially all of
     the non-participating individual life and annuity business written by Aetna
     Life prior to 1981 was assumed by the Company. A $108.0 million commission,
     paid by the Company to Aetna Life in 1988, was capitalized as deferred
     policy acquisition costs. An additional $6.1 million commission, paid by
     the Company to Aetna Life in 1996, was capitalized as deferred policy
     acquisition costs. The Company maintained insurance reserves of $628.3
     million and $655.5 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
     relating to the business assumed. In consideration for the assumption of
     this business, a loan was established relating to the assets held by Aetna
     Life which support the insurance reserves. The loan is being reduced in
     accordance with the decrease in the reserves. The fair value of this loan
     was $625.3 million and $663.5 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
     respectively, and is based upon the fair value of the underlying assets.
     Premiums of $25.3 million, $28.0 million and $32.8 million and current and
     future benefits of $39.5 million, $43.0 million and $43.8 million were
     assumed in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

     Investment income of $44.1 million, $46.5 million and $51.5 million was
     generated from the reinsurance loan to affiliate in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively. Net income of approximately $8.1 million, $18.4 million and
     $25.1 million resulted from this agreement in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively.

     On December 16, 1988, the Company assumed $25.0 million of premium revenue
     from Aetna Life for the purchase and administration of a life contingent
     single premium variable payout annuity contract. In addition, the Company
     also is responsible for administering fixed annuity payments that are made
     to annuitants receiving variable payments. Reserves of $28.9 million and
     $28.0 million were maintained for this contract as of December 31, 1996 and
     1995, respectively.

     Effective February 1, 1992, the Company increased its retention limit per
     individual life to $2.0 million and entered into a reinsurance agreement
     with Aetna Life to reinsure amounts in excess of this limit, up to a
     maximum of $8.0 million on any new individual life business, on a yearly
     renewable term basis. Premium amounts related to this agreement were $5.2
     million, $3.2 million and $1.3 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively.



                                      F-27
<PAGE>



            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

10.  Related Party Transactions (Continued)

     The Company received a capital contribution of $10.4 million in cash from
     HOLDCO in 1996. The Company received no capital contributions in 1995 or
     1994.

     The Company paid $3.5 million in cash dividends to HOLDCO in 1996. In 1995,
     the Company dividended $2.9 million in the form of two of its subsidiaries,
     Systematized Benefits Administrators, Inc. and Aetna Investment Services,
     Inc., to Aetna Retirement Services, Inc. (the Company's former parent).

     Premiums due and other receivables include $2.8 million and $5.7 million
     due from affiliates in 1996 and 1995, respectively. Other liabilities
     include $10.7 million and $12.4 million due to affiliates for 1996 and
     1995, respectively.

     Substantially all of the administrative and support functions of the
     Company are provided by Aetna and its affiliates. The financial statements
     reflect allocated charges for these services based upon measures
     appropriate for the type and nature of service provided.

11.  Reinsurance

     The Company utilizes indemnity reinsurance agreements to reduce its
     exposure to large losses in all aspects of its insurance business. Such
     reinsurance permits recovery of a portion of losses from reinsurers,
     although it does not discharge the primary liability of the Company as
     direct insurer of the risks reinsured. The Company evaluates the financial
     strength of potential reinsurers and continually monitors the financial
     condition of reinsurers. Only those reinsurance recoverables deemed
     probable of recovery are reflected as assets on the Company's Consolidated
     Balance Sheets.



                                      F-28
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

11.  Reinsurance (Continued)

     The following table includes premium amounts ceded/assumed to/from
     affiliated companies as discussed in Note 10 above.

                                                Ceded to    Assumed
                                        Direct    Other    from Other      Net
                                        Amount  Companies   Companies     Amount
                                        ------  ---------   ---------     ------
                                                    (millions)
     1996
 Premiums:
   Life Insurance                      $  34.6   $  11.2     $  25.3     $  48.7
   Accident and Health Insurance           6.3       6.3        --          --
   Annuities                              84.3      --           0.6        84.9
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
    Total earned premiums              $ 125.2   $  17.5     $  25.9     $ 133.6
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
     1995
 Premiums:
   Life Insurance                      $  28.8   $   8.6     $  28.0     $  48.2
   Accident and Health Insurance           7.5       7.5        --          --
   Annuities                             164.0      --           0.5       164.5
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
    Total earned premiums              $ 200.3   $  16.1     $  28.5     $ 212.7
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
     1994
 Premiums:
   Life Insurance                      $  27.3   $   6.0     $  32.8     $  54.1
   Accident and Health Insurance           9.3       9.3        --          --
   Annuities                             137.3      --           0.2       137.5
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======
    Total earned premiums              $ 173.9   $  15.3     $  33.0     $ 191.6
                                       =======   =======     =======     =======

12.  Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

     Commitments

     Through the normal course of investment operations, the Company commits to
     either purchase or sell securities or money market instruments at a
     specified future date and at a specified price or yield. The inability of
     counterparties to honor these commitments may result in either higher or
     lower replacement cost. Also, there is likely to be a change in the value
     of the securities underlying the commitments. At December 31, 1996, the
     Company had commitments to purchase investments of $17.9 million. The fair
     value of the investments at December 31, 1996 approximated $18.3 million.



                                      F-29
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

12.  Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Continued)

     Litigation

     The Company is involved in numerous lawsuits arising, for the most part, in
     the ordinary course of its business operations. While the ultimate outcome
     of litigation against the Company cannot be determined at this time, after
     consideration of the defenses available to the Company and any related
     reserves established, it is not expected to result in liability for amounts
     material to the financial condition of the Company, although it may
     adversely affect results of operations in future periods.



                                      F-30
<PAGE>





            AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
         (A wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Retirement Holdings, Inc.)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

13.  Segment Information (1)

     The Company's operations are reported through two major business segments:
     Financial Services and Individual Life Insurance.

     Summarized financial information for the Company's principal operations was
     as follows:

    (Millions)                                    1996        1995        1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue:
    Financial Services                         $ 1,195.1   $ 1,211.3   $ 1,013.5
    Individual Life Insurance                      445.7       407.9       386.1
                                               ---------------------------------
      Total revenue                            $ 1,640.8   $ 1,619.2   $ 1,399.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes: (2)
    Financial Services                         $   129.9   $   160.1   $   122.5
    Individual Life Insurance                       83.0       103.1        98.4
                                               ---------------------------------
     Total income before income taxes          $   212.9   $   263.2   $   220.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income: (2)
    Financial Services                         $    94.3   $   113.8   $    85.5
    Individual Life Insurance                       55.9        62.1        59.8
                                               ---------------------------------
Net income                                     $   150.2   $   175.9   $   145.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets under management: (3)
    Financial Services                         $27,268.1   $22,534.4   $18,122.9
    Individual Life Insurance                    2,830.5     2,590.9     2,220.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total assets under management           $30,098.6   $25,125.3   $20,343.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)  The 1996 results include severance and facilities charges of $30.7 million,
     after tax. Of this charge $21.5 million related to the Financial Services
     segment and $9.2 million related to the Individual Life Insurance segment.
(2)  Excludes any effect of the corporate facilities and severance charge
     recorded in 1996 which is not directly allocable to the Financial Services
     and Individual Life Insurance segments. (Refer to Note 7).
(3)  Excludes net unrealized capital gains (losses) of $366.4 million, $797.1
     million and $(386.4) million at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
     respectively.



                                      F-31


<PAGE>

                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


                           UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS


Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic information,
documents and reports as may be prescribed by any rule or regulation of the
Commission heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to authority conferred
in that section.

                        UNDERTAKING PURSUANT TO RULE 484

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

               REPRESENTATIONS, PURSUANT TO SECTION 26(e)(2)(A) OF
                       THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

REGISTRANT MAKES THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTATION:

Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company represents that the fees and charges
deducted under the policies covered 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.

                  CONTENTS OF POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-64277 is
comprised of the following papers and documents:

[bullet]     The facing sheet.

<PAGE>

[bullet]     One Prospectus for the AetnaVest Estate Protector Variable Life
             Insurance Policy prospectus consisting of 85 pages
[bullet]     The undertaking to file reports
[bullet]     The undertaking pursuant to Rule 484
[bullet]     Representations pursuant to Section 26(e)(2)(A) of the Investment
             Company Act of 1940
[bullet]     The signatures
[bullet]     Written consents of the following persons:
               A.   Actuarial Opinion and Consent
               B.   Consent of Independent Auditors
               C.   Consent of Counsel

      The following Exhibits:

         1.   Exhibits required by paragraph A of instructions to exhibits for
              Form N-8B-2:
              (1)        Resolution establishing Variable Life Account B(1)
              (2)        Not Applicable
              (3)(i)     Master General Agent Agreement(1)
              (3)(ii)    Life Insurance General Agent Agreement(1)
              (3)(iii)   Broker Agreement(1)
              (3)(iv)    Life Insurance Broker-Dealer Agreement(1)
              (4)        Not Applicable
              (5)(i)     Form of AetnaVest Estate Protector Policy (70225-95)(2)
              (5)(ii)    Form of Disability Benefit Rider(2)
              (5)(iii)   Form of Four Year Term Rider(2)
              (5)(iv)    Form of Split Option Amendment Rider(2)
              (6)(i)     Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of Aetna Life
                         Insurance and Annuity Company(3)
              (6)(ii)    Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Aetna Life
                         Insurance and Annuity Company(4)
              (7)        Not Applicable
              (8)(i)     Fund Participation Agreement (Amended and Restated)
                         between Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company, Alger
                         American Fund and Fred Alger Management, Inc., dated as
                         of March 31, 1995(5)
              (8)(ii)    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life
                         Insurance and Annuity Company, Variable Insurance
                         Products Fund and Fidelity Distributors Corporation
                         dated February 1, 1994 and amended on December 15,
                         1994, February 1, 1995, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996
                         and March 1, 1996(4)
              (8)(iii)   Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life
                         Insurance and Annuity Company, Variable Insurance
                         Products Fund II and Fidelity Distributors Corporation
                         dated February 1, 1994 and amended on December 15,
                         1994, February 1, 1995, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996
                         and March 1,1996(4)
<PAGE>


              (8)(iv)    Service Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance and
                         Annuity Company and Fidelity Investments Institutional
                         Operations Company dated as of November 1, 1995(6)
              (8)(v)     Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life
                         Insurance and Annuity Company and Janus Aspen Series
                         dated April 19, 1994 and amended March 1, 1996(5)
              (8)(vi)    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life
                         Insurance and Annuity Company and Scudder Variable Life
                         Investment Fund dated April 27, 1992 and amended
                         February 19, 1993 and August 13, 1993(5)
              (8)(vii)   Amendment dated as of February 20, 1996 to Fund
                         Participation Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance
                         and Annuity Company and Scudder Variable Life
                         Investment Fund dated April 27, 1992 as amended
                         February 19, 1993 and August 13, 1993(6)
              (8)(viii)  Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life
                         Insurance and Annuity Company, Investors Research
                         Corporation and TCI Portfolios, Inc., dated July 29,
                         1992 and amended December 22, 1992 and June 1, 1994(5)
              (9)        Not Applicable
              (10)(i)    Form of Application(7)
              (10)(ii)   Supplement to Form of Application(2)
              (11)       Insurance Transfer and Redemption Procedures(8)

         2.      Opinion of Counsel(9)
         3.      Not Applicable
         4.      Not Applicable
         5.      See Item No. (27)
         6.      Copy of Power of Attorney(10)

         (27)    Financial Data Schedule

1.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration
     Statement on Form S-6 (File No. 33-76004), as filed electronically on
     February 16, 1996.
2.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
     Statement on Form S-6 (File No. 33-64277), as filed electronically on
     November 15, 1995.
3.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
     Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-60477), as filed electronically on April
     15, 1996.
4.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to
     Registration Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-75964), as filed
     electronically on February 11, 1997
5.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-75986), as filed electronically on April
     12, 1996.
6.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registration
     Statement on Form N-4 (File No. 33-88720), as filed electronically on June
     28, 1996.
7.   Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to Registration
     Statement on Form S-6 (File No. 33-2339), as filed on April 25, 1995.

<PAGE>

8.   Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
     Statement on Form S-6 (File No. 33-64277), as filed electronically on June
     3, 1996.
9.   Incorporated by reference to Registrant's 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year
     ended December 31, 1996, as filed electronically with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission on February 28, 1997.
10.  Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on form S-2 (File No.
     33-60477), as filed electronically on April 4, 1997. In addition a
     certified copy of the resolution adopted by the Depositor's Board of
     Directors authorizing filings pursuant to a power of attorney as required
     by Rule 478 under the Securities Act of 1933 is incorporated by reference
     to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement on Form N-4
     (File No. 33-75986), as filed electronically on April 12, 1996.



<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
Variable Life Account B of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company, certifies
that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1
to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, and the seal of the Depositor to be hereunto affixed
and attested, all in the City of Hartford, and State of Connecticut, on the 22nd
day of April, 1997.

                                      VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT B OF
                                      AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND
                                      ANNUITY COMPANY
                                         (Registrant)

(SEAL)

ATTEST: /s/ Kirk P. Wickman
        ----------------------------
             Kirk P. Wickman
             Secretary

                                 By:  AETNA LIFE INSURANCE AND
                                      ANNUITY COMPANY
                                         (Depositor)

                                 By:   Daniel P. Kearney*
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       Daniel P. Kearney
                                       Principal Executive Officer


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement No. 33-64277 has been signed below
by the following persons in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated.

Signature               Title                                       Date
- ---------               -----                                       ----
Daniel P. Kearney*      Director and President                )
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)         )
Daniel P. Kearney                                             )
                                                              )
Christopher J. Burns*   Director                              )   April
- ----------------------                                        )
Christopher J. Burns                                          )   22, 1997
                                                              )


<PAGE>



Laura R. Estes*         Director                              )
- ----------------------                                        )
Laura R. Estes                                                )
                                                              )
J. Scott Fox*           Director                              )
- ----------------------                                        )
J. Scott Fox                                                  )
                                                              )
Timothy A. Holt*        Director                              )
- ----------------------                                        )
Timothy A. Holt                                               )
                                                              )
Gail P. Johnson*         Director                             )
- ----------------------                                        )
Gail P. Johnson                                               )
                                                              )
John Y. Kim*             Director                             )
- ----------------------                                        )
John Y. Kim                                                   )
                                                              )
Shaun P. Mathews*        Director                             )
- ----------------------                                        )
Shaun P. Mathews                                              )
                                                              )
Glen Salow*              Director                             )
- ----------------------                                        )
Glen Salow                                                    )
                                                              )
Creed R. Terry*          Director                             )
- ----------------------                                        )
Creed R. Terry                                                )
                                                              )
Deborah Koltenuk*       Vice President and Treasurer,         )
- ----------------------  Corporate Controller                  )
Deborah Koltenuk                                              )


By: /s/ *Julie E. Rockmore
    ------------------------
        *Julie E. Rockmore
         Attorney-in-Fact


<PAGE>


                             VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT B
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.  Exhibit                                                  Page
- -----------  -------                                                  ----

99-1.1       Resolution of the Board of Directors of Aetna              *
             Life Insurance and Annuity Company establishing
             Variable Life Account B

99-1.3(i)    Master General Agent Agreement                             *

99-1.3(ii)   Life Insurance General Agent Agreement                     *

99-1.3(iii)  Broker-Dealer Agreement                                    *

99-1.3(iv)   Life Insurance Broker-Dealer Agreement                     *

99-1.5(i)    Form of AetnaVest Estate Protector Policy                  *
             (70225-95)

99-1.5(ii)   Form of Disability Benefit Rider                           *

99-1.5(iii)  Form of Four Year Term Rider                               *

99-1.5(iv)   Form of Split Option Amendment Rider                       *

99-1.6(i)    Certification of Incorporation and By-Laws of              *
             Depositor

99-1.6(ii)   Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of               *
             Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company

99-1.8(i)    Fund Participation Agreement (Amended and                  *
             Restated) between Aetna Life Insurance and
             Annuity Company, Alger American Fund and Fred
             Alger Management, Inc. dated as of March 31,
             1996

99-1.8(ii)   Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life            *
             Insurance and Annuity Company, Variable
             Insurance Products Fund and Fidelity
             Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994
             and amended on December 15, 1994, February 1,
             1995, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996 and March 1,
             1996

*Incorporated by reference


<PAGE>


Exhibit No.         Exhibit                                             Page
- -----------         -------                                             ----

99-1.8(iii)  Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life              *
             Insurance and Annuity Company, Variable
             Insurance Products Fund II and Fidelity
             Distributors Corporation dated February 1, 1994
             and amended on December 15, 1994, February 1,
             1995, May 1, 1995, January 1, 1996 and March
             1,1996

99-1.8(iv)   Service Agreement between Aetna Life Insurance               *
             and Annuity Company and Fidelity Investments
             Institutional Operations Company dated as of
             November 1, 1995

99-1.8(v)    Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life              *
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Janus Aspen
             Series dated April 19, 1994 and amended March
             1, 1996

99-1.8(vi)   Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life              *
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Scudder
             Variable Life Investment Fund dated April 27,
             1992 and amended February 19, 1993 and August
             13, 1993

99-1.8(vii)  Amendment dated as of February 20, 1996 to Fund              *
             Participation Agreement between Aetna Life
             Insurance and Annuity Company and Scudder
             Variable Life Investment Fund dated April 27,
             1992 as amended February 19, 1993 and August
             13, 1993

99-1.8(viii) Fund Participation Agreement between Aetna Life              *
             Insurance and Annuity Company, Investors
             Research Corporation and TCI Portfolios, Inc.
             dated July 29, 1992 and amended December 22,
             1992 and June 1, 1994

99-1.10(i)   Form of Application                                          *

99-1.10(ii)  Supplement to Form of Application                            *

99-1.11      Insurance Transfer and Redemption Procedures                 *

99-2         Consent of Counsel                                          ____

99-6         Copy of Power of Attorney                                    *

99-27        Financial Data Schedule                                     ____

*Incorporated by reference





[Aetna Letterhead]

[Aetna Logo]

                                                151 Farmington Avenue
                                                Hartford, CT  06156





April 18, 1997                                  Deborah E. Prince, FSA, MAAA
                                                Product Manager
                                                Life Products Group, TN41
                                                (860) 273-4389
                                                Fax:  (860) 273-4438




RE:  AetnaVest Estate Protector (File No. 33-64277)

Dear Sir or Madam:

This opinion is furnished in connection with registration by Aetna Life
Insurance and Annuity Company on Form S-6 of its flexible premium variable
universal life insurance product, (the "Policies") under the Securities Act of
1933. The prospectus included in the Registration Statement was prepared under
my direction, and I am familiar with the Registration Statement, as amended, and
Exhibits thereto.

In my opinion, the illustrations of benefits under the Policies included in the
prospectus under the caption "Illustrations of Death Benefits, Total Account
Values and Surrender Values," based on the assumptions stated in the
illustrations, are consistent with the provisions of the respective forms of the
Policies. Also in my opinion the age selected in the illustrations is
representative of the manner in which the Policies operate.

I hereby consent to use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Deborah E. Prince

Deborah E. Prince
Product Manager







                        Consent of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company
and Policyholders of Aetna Variable Life Account B:

We consent to the use of our reports dated February 4, 1997 and February 14, 
1997 included herein and to the reference to our Firm in the Prospectus.

                                                       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
April 22, 1997




[Aetna Letterhead]

[Aetna Logo]

                                                151 Farmington Avenue
                                                Hartford, CT  06156





April 22, 1997                                  Susan E. Bryant
                                                Counsel
                                                Law Division, RE4A
                                                Investments & Financial Services
                                                (860) 273-7834
                                                Fax:  (860) 273-0356


Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549



Gentlemen:

As Counsel of Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Company (the "Company"), I hereby
consent to the use of my opinion dated February 28, 1997 (incorporated herein
by reference to the Rule 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996 filed on behalf of Variable Life Account B of Aetna Life Insurance and
Annuity Company on February 28, 1997) as an exhibit to this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 (File No. 33-64277
and 811-4536).


Sincerely,


/s/ Susan E. Bryant
    Susan E. Bryant



<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     6
<CIK>                         0000785986
<NAME>                        Aetna Variable Life Account B
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                   DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                      JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                        DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>               209,041,214
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>              223,173,883
<RECEIVABLES>                                 0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                          0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                      223,173,883
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                      0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                     0
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                           0
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                               0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                      0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                         0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                         0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                     0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                        0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                       0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                      0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                      0
<NET-ASSETS>                        223,173,883
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                    13,813,478
<INTEREST-INCOME>                             0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                0
<EXPENSES-NET>                        1,905,137
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>              11,908,341
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>              3,222,616
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>             9,741,095
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                24,872,052
<EQUALIZATION>                                0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                      0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                         0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                       0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                           0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                        0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                       0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                     0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                       0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                    0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                         0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                            0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                               0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                          0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                         0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                               0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                       0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                          0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                     0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                          0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                           0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                        0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                          0
        

</TABLE>


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