PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I
485BPOS, 1997-04-30
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<PAGE>
 
    
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 1997     
                                                       Registration No. 33-87276

================================================================================

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

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

                                   FORM S-6

               FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                    OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS
                           REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2

                            -----------------------
    
                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 2     

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

                      Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I
                             (Exact name of trust)

                    THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (Name of depositor)
                               600 Dresher Road
                          Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044
         (Complete address of depositor's principal executive offices)

                            -----------------------
                               Richard F. Plush
                     Vice President, Products and Programs     
                    The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
                               600 Dresher Road
                               Horsham, PA 19044
               (Name and complete address of agent for service)

                            -----------------------
                                   Copy to:
                            Richard W. Grant, Esq.
                               C. Ronald Rubley
                          Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
                          Philadelphia, PA 19103-6993

                            -----------------------
    It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
    
        [X]      Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
        [_]      On (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
        [_]      60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485.
        [_]      On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485.     
    
         Securities Being Offered -- Individual Variable Life Insurance
Contracts. Pursuant to Rule 24f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, the Registrant has registered an indefinite amount of the securities
being offered. Pursuant to Rule 24f-2 the Registrant filed a Rule 24f-2 Notice
on February 11, 1997 to register securities sold during the year ended December
31, 1996.     

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                      PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I
                    THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

               Cross Reference to Items Required by Form N-8B-2

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
N-8B-2 Item                Caption in Prospectus
- -----------                ---------------------
<S>                        <C> 
1                          Cover Page
2                          Cover Page
3                          Not applicable
4                          Sale of the Policies
5                          Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I
6                          Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I
7                          Not applicable
8                          Not applicable
9                          Litigation
10                         Summary and Diagram of the Policy; Premiums and
                           Allocations; Cash Benefits; Other Policy Benefits and
                           Provisions; Substitution of Securities; Voting Rights
11                         The Funds
12                         The Funds
13                         Charges and Deductions
14                         Premiums and Allocations
15                         Crediting Premiums
16                         The Funds
17                         Surrendering the Policy for Net Cash Surrender Value;
                           Partial Surrenders; When Proceeds Are Paid
18                         Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I
19                         Reports to Policy Owners
20                         Changes in the Policy or Benefits
21                         Policy Loans
22                         Not applicable
23                         Not applicable
24                         Not applicable
25                         The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
26                         Charges and Deductions
27                         The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
28                         The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company; Penn Mutual
                           Trustees and Officers
29                         Not applicable
30                         Not applicable
31                         Not applicable
32                         Not applicable
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<S>                        <C> 
33                         Not applicable
34                         Not applicable
35                         The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company; Premiums and
                           Allocations
36                         Not applicable
37                         Not applicable
38                         Sale of the Policies
39                         Sale of the Policies
40                         Sale of the Policies
41                         Not applicable
42                         Not applicable
43                         Not applicable
44                         Determining the Policy Value; The Funds
45                         Not applicable
46                         Determining the Policy Value; The Funds
47                         Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I; The Funds
48                         The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
49                         Not applicable
50                         Not applicable
51                         Premiums and Allocations; Death Benefits and Changes
                           in Specified Amount; Sale of the Policies
52                         Substitution of Securities
53                         Tax Considerations
54                         Not applicable
55                         Illustrations of Policy Values, Net Cash Surrender
                           Values, Death Benefits and Accumulated Premiums
56                         Not applicable
57                         Not applicable
58                         Not applicable
59                         Financial Statements
</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART I

                      Information Required in Prospectus
<PAGE>
 
   
PROSPECTUS -- MAY 1, 1997     
LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19172 . TELEPHONE (215) 956-8000     
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This prospectus describes a last survivor flexible premium adjustable variable
life insurance policy (the "Policy" or "Policies") offered by The Penn Mutual
Life Insurance Company ("Penn Mutual"). The Policy is designed to provide
lifetime insurance protection on two insureds named in the Policy and at the
same time provide flexibility to vary the amount and timing of premiums and to
change the amount of death benefits payable under the Policy on the death of
the last surviving insured. This flexibility allows you to provide for changing
insurance needs under a single insurance policy.
   
  You also have the opportunity to allocate net premiums and Policy Value to
one or more subaccounts of the Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I (the
"Separate Account") and Penn Mutual's general account (the "Fixed Account"),
within limits. The assets of each subaccount are invested in a corresponding
fund (each, a "Fund," and together, the "Funds") of Penn Series Funds, Inc.
("Penn Series"), Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust ("AMT"), American
Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. ("American Century Variable Portfolios"),
Variable Insurance Products Fund ("VIP Fund"), Variable Insurance Products Fund
II ("VIP Fund II") or Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. ("Morgan Stanley").
Each Fund is managed by the investment adviser shown below:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
FUNDS                            MANAGERS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>
PENN SERIES
  Growth Equity Fund             Independence Capital Management, Inc.
                                 (a subsidiary of Penn Mutual)
  Value Equity Fund              OpCap Advisors
  Small Capitalization Fund      OpCap Advisors
  Emerging Growth Fund           Independence Capital Management, Inc./
                                 Robertson Stephens Investment Management, Inc.
  Flexibly Managed Fund          T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
  International Equity Fund      Vontobel USA Inc.
  Quality Bond Fund              Independence Capital Management, Inc.
  High Yield Bond Fund           T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
  Money Market Fund              Independence Capital Management, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMT
  Limited Maturity Bond Portfo-
   lio                           Neuberger & Berman Management, Inc.
  Balanced Portfolio             Neuberger & Berman Management, Inc.
  Partners Portfolio             Neuberger & Berman Management, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORT-
 FOLIOS
  Capital Appreciation Portfolio American Century Investment Management, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIP FUND
  Equity-Income Portfolio        Fidelity Management & Research Company
  Growth Portfolio               Fidelity Management & Research Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIP FUND II
  Asset Manager Portfolio        Fidelity Management & Research Company
  Index 500 Portfolio            Fidelity Management & Research Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS,
 INC.
  Emerging Markets Equity (In-
   ternational) Portfolio        Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
   
  The accompanying prospectuses for the Funds describe the Funds, including the
risks of investing in the Funds, and provide other information on the Funds.
This prospectus generally describes only those features of the Policy related
to the Separate Account. For a brief summary of the Fixed Account, see "The
Fixed Account," page 14.     
  You can select from two death benefit options available under the Policy: a
level death benefit ("Specified Amount" or "Option 1") and an increasing death
benefit ("Specified Amount Plus Policy Value" or "Option 2"). Penn Mutual
guarantees that the death benefit will never be less than the Specified Amount
(less any unrepaid policy loans and past due charges) so long as the Policy is
in force.
  The Policy provides for a net cash surrender value that can be obtained by
surrendering the Policy. Because this value is based on the performance of the
Funds, to the extent of allocations to the Separate Account, there is no
guaranteed net cash surrender value.
  If the net cash surrender value is insufficient to cover the charges due
under the Policy, the Policy will lapse without value. However, Penn Mutual
guarantees to keep the Policy in force during the first five policy years so
long as the No-Lapse Premium requirement and other conditions have been met.
The Policy also provides for policy loans and permits partial surrenders within
limits.
  It may not be advantageous to replace existing insurance with the Policy.
Within certain limits, you may return the Policy or convert it to a life
insurance policy with benefits that do not vary with the investment results of
a separate account.
  THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY THE INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE
DECIDING TO PURCHASE A POLICY. IT SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. THIS
PROSPECTUS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED OR PRECEDED BY A CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR EACH
FUND. THE FUND PROSPECTUSES SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS PROSPECTUS.
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS CONTENTS
<TABLE>   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.......................................................    4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY AND DIAGRAM OF THE POLICY..........................................    5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PENN MUTUAL, THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT AND THE FUNDS..    8
  The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company...................................    8
  Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I......................................    8
  The Funds................................................................    8
  Substitution of Securities...............................................   10
  Voting Rights............................................................   10
PREMIUMS AND ALLOCATIONS...................................................   11
  Applying for a Policy....................................................   11
  Free Look Right to Cancel Policy.........................................   11
  Premiums.................................................................   11
  Premiums to Prevent Lapse................................................   12
  Net Premium Allocations..................................................   12
  Crediting Premiums.......................................................   12
  Transfers................................................................   13
  Dollar Cost Averaging Program............................................   13
  Asset Rebalancing........................................................   14
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIXED ACCOUNT..............................................................   14
  Fixed Account............................................................   14
  Interest Credited on Policy Value in the Fixed Account...................   14
  Calculating Fixed Account Value..........................................   15
  Deductions, Surrenders and Transfers from the Fixed Account..............   15
  Payments from the Fixed Account..........................................   15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS.....................................................   15
  Premium Charge...........................................................   15
  Daily Mortality and Expense Risk Charge..................................   15
  Monthly Deduction........................................................   16
  Transfer Charge..........................................................   17
  Surrender Charge.........................................................   17
  Partial Surrender Charge.................................................   18
  Fund Expenses............................................................   18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW YOUR POLICY VALUES VARY................................................   18
  Determining the Policy Value.............................................   18
  Net Policy Value.........................................................   19
  Cash Surrender Value.....................................................   19
  Net Cash Surrender Value.................................................   19
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEATH BENEFIT AND CHANGES IN SPECIFIED AMOUNT..............................   19
  Amount of Death Benefit..................................................   19
  Basic Death Benefit and Specified Amount Options.........................   19
  Specified Amount.........................................................   20
  Changes in Specified Amount Option.......................................   20
  Changes in Specified Amount..............................................   20
  Selecting and Changing the Beneficiary...................................   20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH BENEFITS..............................................................   20
  Policy Loans.............................................................   20
  Surrendering the Policy for Net Cash Surrender Value.....................   21
  Partial Surrenders.......................................................   21
  Maturity Benefit.........................................................   22
  Payment Options..........................................................   22
</TABLE>    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>
ILLUSTRATIONS OF POLICY VALUES, NET CASH SURRENDER VALUES, DEATH BENEFITS
AND ACCUMULATED PREMIUMS..................................................  22
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER POLICY BENEFITS AND PROVISIONS......................................  25
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Right to Convert to a Fixed Benefit Policy..............................  25
  Dividends...............................................................  25
  Inconstestability.......................................................  25
  Suicide Exclusion.......................................................  25
  Misstatement of Age or Sex..............................................  25
  When Proceeds Are Paid..................................................  25
  Reports to Policy Owners................................................  25
  Assignment..............................................................  26
  Reinstatement...........................................................  26
  Supplemental Benefits...................................................  26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS.........................................  26
  Introduction............................................................  26
  Tax Status of the Policy................................................  27
  Tax Treatment of Policy Benefits........................................  27
  Charge for Penn Mutual's Taxes..........................................  29
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES AND PENN MUTUAL......................  29
  Sale of the Policies....................................................  29
  Penn Mutual Trustees and Officers.......................................  30
  State Regulation........................................................  31
  Additional Information..................................................  31
  Experts.................................................................  32
  Litigation..............................................................  32
  Legal Matters...........................................................  32
  Financial Statements....................................................  32
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDICES
  A--Minimum Initial Annual Premiums...................................... A-1
  B--Administrative Surrender Charges per $1,000 of Initial Specified
    Amount and Sample Charges Premiums for $1,000,000 Specified Amount.... B-1
  C--Illustrative Net Single Premium Factors.............................. C-1
  D--Policies Issued to New York Residents................................ D-1
</TABLE>    
 
  THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT BE LAWFULLY MADE. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUSES OF THE FUNDS OR THEIR
RESPECTIVE STATEMENTS OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
 
  ATTAINED AGE: An Insured's age on the Policy Date, plus the number of full
  years since the Policy Date.
     
  BASIC DEATH BENEFIT: Specified Amount or Specified Amount Plus Policy
  Value, depending on the option selected. See page 19.     
  BENEFICIARY: The person to whom the Death Benefit is paid.
     
  CASH SURRENDER VALUE: Policy Value less any surrender charges that would be
  deducted if the Policy were surrendered. See page 19.     
     
  DEATH BENEFIT: The amount of money payable to the Beneficiary upon the
  death of the last surviving Insured if the Policy is then still in force.
  The calculation of the Death Benefit is described on page 19.     
  FIXED ACCOUNT: An account consisting of assets owned by Penn Mutual with
  respect to the Policies, other than those in the Separate Account.
  INDEBTEDNESS: The total amount owed Penn Mutual as a result of Policy
  loans, including both principal and accrued interest.
  INITIAL SPECIFIED AMOUNT: The Specified Amount on the Policy Date.
  INSURED: A person whose life is covered by the Policy.
     
  ISSUE DATE: The date the Policy is issued. A Policy is issued after
  completion of underwriting. If the initial premium is received at our
  Office and invested before underwriting has been completed, the Issue Date
  will be later than the Policy Date. In that case, once issued, Policy
  coverage is retroactive to the Policy Date. The Issue Date is used to
  measure contestability periods. See page 25.     
  MATURITY DATE: The Policy Anniversary nearest the younger Insured's 100th
  birthday.
  MONTHLY ANNIVERSARY: The same day as the Policy Date for each succeeding
  month, except that, if the Policy Date is the 29th, 30th or 31st of a
  month, the Monthly Anniversary is deemed to be the first of the following
  month. The Monthly Deduction is deducted on each Monthly Anniversary.
     
  NET CASH SURRENDER VALUE: Net Policy Value less any applicable surrender
  charge that would be deducted upon surrender. See page 19.     
  NET POLICY VALUE: Policy Value less any Indebtedness.
     
  NET PREMIUM: A premium minus the premium charge. See page 15.     
     
  NO-LAPSE PREMIUM: An amount used to measure premiums paid during the first
  five Policy Years for purposes of the Five-Year Guarantee. See page 11.
      
  OFFICE: Operations Offices, 600 Dresher Road, Horsham, PA 19044
  OWNER, YOU: The person who purchases a Policy.
  PENN MUTUAL, WE, US: The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.
  POLICY ANNIVERSARY: An anniversary of the Policy Date.
     
  POLICY DATE: The date from which Policy Years and Monthly Anniversaries are
  measured.     
     
  POLICY LOAN ACCOUNT: A portion of the Policy Value held in the Fixed
  Account as collateral for policy loans. See page 20.     
     
  POLICY VALUE: The total amount in the Fixed Account and Subaccounts
  credited to a Policy. Calculation of the Policy Value is described on page
  18.     
  POLICY YEAR: The year commencing with the Policy Date and ending on the day
  before the first Policy Anniversary, or any following year commencing with
  a Policy Anniversary and ending on the day before the next Policy
  Anniversary.
  SEPARATE ACCOUNT: Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I, a separate
  investment account of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.
     
  SPECIFIED AMOUNT: A dollar amount used to determine the death benefit under
  a Policy. See page 19.     
  SUBACCOUNT: A division of the Separate Account established to invest in a
  particular Fund and available for investment under the Policies.
     
  SURRENDER CHARGE PREMIUM: An amount used to determine the sales charge
  deducted on surrender of the Policy. See page 17 and Appendix B.     
  VALUATION DATE: Each day the New York Stock Exchange and our Office are
  open for business.
  VALUATION PERIOD: A period commencing with the close of business on the New
  York Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business on the New York
  Stock Exchange for the next succeeding Valuation Date.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY AND DIAGRAM OF THE POLICY
 
  THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY OF PROSPECTUS INFORMATION AND DIAGRAM OF THE POLICY
SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DETAILED INFORMATION APPEARING ELSEWHERE
IN THIS PROSPECTUS. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE DESCRIPTION OF THE POLICY
IN THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES THAT THE POLICY IS IN FORCE AND THERE IS NO
OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS.
 
  The Policy is similar in many ways to fixed-benefit life insurance. As with
fixed-benefit life insurance, the Owner of a Policy pays premiums for insurance
coverage on the persons insured. Also like fixed-benefit life insurance, the
Policy provides for accumulation of Net Premiums and a Net Cash Surrender Value
which is payable if the Policy is surrendered during an Insured's lifetime. As
with fixed-benefit life insurance, the Net Cash Surrender Value during the
early Policy Years is likely to be substantially lower than the premiums paid.
   
  However, the Policy differs from fixed-benefit life insurance in several
important respects. Unlike fixed-benefit life insurance, the Death Benefit of a
Policy may and Policy Value will increase or decrease to reflect the investment
performance of the Subaccounts to which the Policy Value is allocated. Also,
there is no guaranteed minimum Net Cash Surrender Value. Nonetheless, Penn
Mutual guarantees to keep the Policy in force during the first five Policy
Years so long as the No-Lapse Premium requirement has been met and Indebtedness
is not excessive. See "Five-Year Guarantee," page 12. Otherwise, if the Net
Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to pay charges due, the Policy will lapse
without value after a grace period. See "Premiums to Prevent Lapse," page 12.
    
  The Policy is called "last survivor" because no death benefit is payable
until the death of the second of the two named Insureds (the "last surviving
Insured"). The Policy continues in force without any adjustment after the death
of the first Insured.
  The most important features of the Policy, such as charges, cash benefits,
death benefits, and calculation of Policy values, are summarized in the diagram
on the following pages.
  PURPOSE OF THE POLICY. The Policy is designed to be a long-term investment
providing significant insurance benefits. The Policy should be considered in
conjunction with other insurance policies owned by the Owner. It may not be
advantageous to replace existing insurance with the Policy.
   
  TAX CONSIDERATIONS. Penn Mutual intends for the Policy to satisfy the
definition of a life insurance contract under section 7702 of the Internal
Revenue Code. Under certain circumstances, a Policy could be treated as a
"modified endowment contract." Penn Mutual will monitor Policies and will
attempt to notify an Owner on a timely basis if his or her Policy is in
jeopardy of becoming a modified endowment contract. For further discussion of
the tax status of a Policy and the tax consequences of being treated as a life
insurance contract or a modified endowment contract, see page 26.     
   
  FREE LOOK RIGHT TO CANCEL AND CONVERSION RIGHT. For a limited time after the
Policy is issued, you have the right to cancel your Policy and receive a full
refund of the initial premium paid. See "Free Look Right to Cancel Policy,"
page 11. Until the end of this limited period, Net Premiums paid will be
invested in the Subaccount investing in the Penn Series Money Market Fund. (See
"Net Premium Allocations," page 12.) At any time within the first 24 Policy
Months, you may transfer all funds held in the Separate Account to the Fixed
Account, and thereby convert your Policy to a fixed-benefit (non-variable)
policy. See "Right to Convert to a Fixed Benefit Policy," page 25.     
   
  OWNER INQUIRIES. If you have any questions, you may write to us (The Penn
Mutual Life Insurance Company, Philadelphia, PA 19172) or call us (1-800-523-
0650).     
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                               DIAGRAM OF POLICY
 
 
                                PREMIUM PAYMENTS
                    
                 . You select a payment plan but are not
                   required to pay premiums according to
                   the plan. You can vary the amount and
                   frequency and can skip planned premiums.
                   See page 15 for rules and limits.     
 
                 . Minimum initial premium and planned
                   premium depend on the Insureds' age, sex
                   and underwriting class, Specified Amount
                   selected, and any supplemental riders.
                   See Appendix A for sample minimum
                   initial premiums.
                    
                 . Unplanned premiums may be made, within
                   limits. See page 11.     
                    
                 . Under certain circumstances, extra
                   premiums may be required to prevent
                   lapse. See page 12.     
                                       
                                       .
 
                            DEDUCTIONS FROM PREMIUMS
 
           . For sales load (5.0% of premiums; the Company's
             current intention is to reduce this charge to 3.0%
             of premiums paid after the first 15 Policy Years).
              
           . For state premium tax (2.5% of premiums). See page
             15.     
                                       . 
 
                                  NET PREMIUMS
    
 . You direct the allocation of Net Premiums among 14 Subaccounts of the
   Separate Account and the Fixed Account (the "Accounts"). See page 12 for
   rules and limits on Net Premium allocations.     
    
 . The Subaccounts invest in corresponding portfolios ("Funds") of Penn
   Series Funds, Inc. ("Penn Series"), Neuberger & Berman Advisers
   Management Trust ("AMT"), American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.
   ("American Century Variable Portfolios"), Variable Insurance Products
   Fund ("VIP Fund") , Variable Insurance Products Fund II ("VIP Fund II")
   and Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. ("Morgan Stanley"). See page 8.
   Funds available are:     
 
<TABLE>     
      <S>                                   <C> 
      Penn Series -- Growth Equity Fund     AMT -- Limited Maturity Bond 
      Penn Series -- Value Equity Fund       Portfolio                        
      Penn Series -- Small Capitalization   AMT -- Balanced Portfolio 
       Fund                                 AMT -- Partners Portfolio     
      Penn Series -- Emerging Growth Fund   American Century Variable 
      Penn Series -- Flexibly Managed Fund   Portfolio--Capital Appreciation 
      Penn Series -- International Equity   VIP Fund -- Equity-Income      
       Fund                                  Portfolio                 
      Penn Series -- Quality Bond Fund      VIP Fund -- Growth Portfolio   
      Penn Series -- High Yield Bond Fund   VIP Fund II -- Asset Manager        
      Penn Series -- Money Market Fund       Portfolio                          
                                            VIP Fund II -- Index 500 Portfolio  
                                            Morgan Stanley -- Emerging Markets  
                                             Equity (International) Portfolio
</TABLE>      

                                                    
 . Interest is credited on amounts allocated to the Fixed Account at a
   minimum guaranteed rate of 4%. See page 14 for rules and limits on Fixed
   Account allocations.     
                                            
                             DEDUCTIONS FROM ASSETS
    
 . Monthly Deduction for cost of insurance, administrative expenses, and
   charges for any supplemental benefits. Administrative expenses are
   currently $15.00 per month the first Policy Year, $5.00 per month
   thereafter, plus for the first 12 months after the Policy Date, a charge
   calculated as $.20 for each $1,000 of the Initial Specified Amount. See
   page 16.     
    
 . Daily charge at an annual rate of 0.90% (currently declining to 0.60%
   after the first 15 Policy Years) from the Subaccounts for mortality and
   expense risks. See page 15. This charge is not deducted from Fixed
   Account Value.     
    
 . Investment advisory fees and other fund expenses are deducted from the
   assets of each Fund. See page 18.     
 
                                       .
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                                  POLICY VALUE
    
 . Is the amount in the Subaccounts and the Fixed Account credited to your
   Policy. It is equal to Net Premiums, as adjusted each Valuation Date to
   reflect Subaccount investment experience, interest credited on Fixed
   Account Value, charges deducted and other policy transactions (such as
   transfers and partial surrenders). See pages 17 and 18.     
    
 . Varies from day to day. There is no minimum guaranteed Policy Value. The
   Policy may lapse if the Net Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to
   cover the Monthly Deduction then due. See page 18.     
    
 . Policy Value can be transferred among the Accounts. See page 13 for
   rules and limits. Policy loans reduce the amount available for
   allocations and transfers.     
    
 . Dollar cost averaging and asset rebalancing programs are available. See
   page 13.     
 
 . Policy Value is the starting point for calculating certain values under
   a Policy, such as the Cash Surrender Value, Net Cash Surrender Value,
   Net Policy Value and the Basic Death Benefit used to determine benefits.
 
              .                                             .      
 
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION> 

          CASH BENEFITS                                DEATH BENEFITS
 <S>                                          <C> 
 . Loans may be taken for                     . Available as lump sum or    
  amounts up to 90% of Cash                    under a variety of payment   
  Surrender Value, at a net                    options.                      
  interest rate of 1.0%,                      . Minimum Basic Death Benefit  
  currently declining to 0.25%                 ("Specified Amount") of       
  after the first 10 Policy                    $200,000.
  Years. See page 20 for rules
  and limits.
                                              . Two Specified Amount options  
                                               available: Option 1 (which     
 . Partial surrenders generally                provides a level Basic Death   
  can be made up to four times                 Benefit equal to the           
  a Policy Year provided there                 Specified Amount) and Option   
  is sufficient remaining Net                  2 (which is the Specified      
  Cash Surrender Value. An                     Amount plus Policy Value and   
  administrative charge of the                 thereby provides a             
  lesser of $25 or 2% of the                   potentially increasing Basic   
  surrender amount requested                   Death Benefit). See page 19.   
  will apply. See page 21 for                                                 
  rules and limits.                           
                                              . Income tax free to Beneficiary.
 . The Policy may be  
 surrendered in full at any                   . Flexibility to change  
 time for its Net Cash                         Specified Amount option and   
 Surrender Value. A declining                  decrease Specified Amount.    
 sales load charge of up to                    See page 20 for rules and     
 25% of the Surrender Charge                   limits.
 Premium (an amount calculated  
 separately for each Policy)                  . Supplemental benefits        
 as well as a declining                        available by rider. See page  
 administrative charge will                   26. 
 apply to a full surrender         
 made during the first 16          
 Policy Years. See page 21.        
 See Appendix D for special        
 rules for Policies issued to      
 New York residents. 
        
 . Payment options available.     
  See page 22. 
</TABLE>     
                                              
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PENN MUTUAL, THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT AND THE FUNDS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   
  Penn Mutual is a Pennsylvania mutual life insurance company. We were
chartered in 1847 and have been continuously engaged in the life insurance
business since that date. We are authorized to sell insurance in all 50 states
and the District of Columbia. Our corporate headquarters are located at The
Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19172, and our
operations offices are located at 600 Dresher Road, Horsham, Pennsylvania,
19044.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I
   
  We established Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I (the "Separate Account")
as a separate investment account under Pennsylvania law on January 27, 1987. It
is used to support the Policies as well as other variable life insurance
policies, and for other purposes permitted by law. The Separate Account is
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as a unit
investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and
qualifies as a "separate account" within the meaning of the federal securities
laws. We have established other separate investment accounts, of which Penn
Mutual Variable Life Account I is registered with the SEC.     
   
  We own the assets in the Separate Account. The Separate Account is divided
into Subaccounts. The Subaccounts available under the Policies invest in shares
of a specific Fund of Penn Series Funds, Inc. ("Penn Series"), Neuberger &
Berman Advisers Management Trust ("AMT"), American Century Variable Portfolios,
Inc. ("American Century Variable Portfolios") (formerly TCI Portfolios, Inc.),
Variable Insurance Products Fund ("VIP Fund"), Variable Insurance Products Fund
II ("VIP Fund II") and Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. ("Morgan Stanley").
The Separate Account includes other Subaccounts which are not available under
the Policy and are not otherwise discussed in this prospectus.     
  Income, gains and losses, realized or unrealized, of a Subaccount are
credited to or charged against the Subaccount without regard to any other
income, gains or losses of Penn Mutual. Assets equal to the reserves and other
contract liabilities with respect to each Subaccount are not chargeable with
liabilities arising out of any other business or account of Penn Mutual. If the
assets exceed the required reserves and other liabilities, we may transfer the
excess to our general account. We are obligated to pay all benefits provided
under the Policies.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUNDS
   
  Penn Series, AMT, American Century Variable Portfolios, VIP Fund, VIP Fund II
and Morgan Stanley are each registered with the SEC as a diversified open-end
management investment company under the 1940 Act. Each is a series-type mutual
fund made up of different series or funds ("Funds").     
  The investment objectives of each of the Funds in which Subaccounts invest is
set forth below. There is, of course, no assurance that these objectives will
be met.
  PENN SERIES - GROWTH EQUITY FUND - seeks long-term growth of capital and
increase of future income by investing primarily in common stocks of well-
established growth companies.
  PENN SERIES - VALUE EQUITY FUND - seeks to maximize total return (capital
appreciation and income) primarily by investing in equity securities of
companies believed to be undervalued considering such factors as assets,
earnings, growth potential and cash flows.
  PENN SERIES - SMALL CAPITALIZATION FUND - seeks capital appreciation through
investment in a diversified portfolio of securities consisting primarily of
equity securities of companies with market capitalization of under $1 billion.
   
  PENN SERIES - EMERGING GROWTH FUND - seeks capital appreciation by investing
primarily in common stocks of emerging growth companies with above-average
growth prospects.     
  PENN SERIES - FLEXIBLY MANAGED FUND - seeks to maximize total return (capital
appreciation and income) by investing in common stocks, other equity
securities, corporate debt securities, and/or short-term reserves, in
proportions considered appropriate in light of the availability of attractively
valued individual securities and current and expected economic and market
conditions.
  PENN SERIES - INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND - seeks to maximize capital
appreciation by investing in a carefully selected diversified portfolio
consisting primarily of equity securities. The investments will consist
principally of equity securities of European and Pacific Basin countries.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  PENN SERIES - QUALITY BOND FUND - seeks the highest income over the long term
consistent with the preservation of principal by investing primarily in
marketable investment-grade debt securities.
  PENN SERIES - HIGH YIELD BOND FUND - seeks high current income by investing
primarily in a diversified portfolio of long term high-yield fixed income
securities in the medium to lower quality ranges; capital appreciation is a
secondary objective; such securities, which are commonly referred to as "junk"
bonds, generally involve greater risks of loss of income and principal than
higher rated securities.
  PENN SERIES - MONEY MARKET FUND - seeks to preserve capital, maintain
liquidity and achieve the highest possible level of current income consistent
therewith, by investing in high quality money market instruments; an investment
in the Fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government and there
can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to maintain a stable net asset
value of $1.00 per share.
  AMT - LIMITED MATURITY BOND PORTFOLIO - seeks the highest current income
consistent with low risk to principal and liquidity; as a secondary objective,
seeks to enhance its total return through capital appreciation when market
factors, such as falling interest rates and rising bond prices, indicate that
capital appreciation may be available without significant risk to principal;
investments are made by investing net investable assets in a series of Advisers
Managers Trust (a diversified open-end management investment company) with
identical investment objective, policies and limitations; the underlying series
pursues objectives primarily by investing in a diversified portfolio of limited
maturity debt securities.
  AMT - BALANCED PORTFOLIO - seeks long-term capital growth and reasonable
current income without undue risk to principal through investment in common
stocks and debt securities; investments are made by investing net investable
assets in a series of Advisers Managers Trust (a diversified open-end
management investment company) with identical investment objective, policies
and limitations; as to the underlying series, it is anticipated that normally
60% of total assets will be invested in common stocks and remaining assets will
be invested in debt securities; at least 25% of the Series' assets will be
invested in fixed income senior securities.
   
  AMT - PARTNERS PORTFOLIO - seeks capital growth by investing primarily in
common stocks of established companies, using the value oriented investment
approach. Neuberger & Berman reserves the right to make changes in the
investment objectives, but will notify shareholders thirty days in advance of
any proposed material change.     
   
  AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS - CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
(FORMERLY GROWTH PORTFOLIO) - seeks capital growth 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 management, have better than average
potential for appreciation; the Fund intends to stay fully invested in such
securities.     
  VIP 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; the Fund's
goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the securities
comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index.
  VIP FUND - GROWTH PORTFOLIO - seeks to achieve capital appreciation; the Fund
normally purchases common stocks, although its investments are not restricted
to any one type of security; capital appreciation may also be found in other
types of securities, including bonds and preferred stocks.
  VIP FUND II - ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO - seeks high total return with reduced
risk over the long-term by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign
stocks, bonds and short-term fixed-income instruments.
   
  VIP FUND II - INDEX 500 PORTFOLIO - seeks to match the total return of the
S&P 500 while keeping expenses low. The S&P 500 is an index of 500 common
stocks, most of which trade on the New York Stock Exchange.     
   
  MORGAN STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC. - EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY
(INTERNATIONAL) PORTFOLIO - seeks long term capital appreciation by investing
primarily in equity securities of emerging market countries issuers. The
Portfolio will focus on economies which are developing strongly and in which
the markets are becoming more sophisticated.     
  Each Fund sells and redeems its shares at net asset value without any sales
charge. Any dividend from net investment income or distribution from realized
gains from security transactions of a Fund is reinvested at net asset value in
shares of the same Fund.
   
  INDEPENDENCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. ("Independence Capital Management"), of
Horsham, Pennsylvania, serves as investment adviser to the Penn Series Growth
Equity, Emerging Growth, Quality Bond and Money Market Funds.     
  T. ROWE PRICE ASSOCIATES, INC. ("Price Associates"), of Baltimore, Maryland,
serves as investment adviser to the Penn Series Flexibly Managed Fund and Penn
Series High Yield Bond Fund.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  OPCAP ADVISORS ("OpCap") (formerly Quest for Value Advisors), of New York,
New York, serves as investment adviser to the Penn Series Value Equity Fund and
the Penn Series Small Capitalization Fund.
  VONTOBEL USA INC. ("Vontobel"), of New York, New York, is the investment
adviser to the Penn Series International Equity Fund.
   
  ROBERTSON STEPHENS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC., San Francisco, California, is
investment sub-adviser to the Penn Series Emerging Growth Fund.     
   
  NEUBERGER & BERMAN MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED ("N&B Management"), of New York,
New York, is the investment adviser to each series of Advisers Managers Trust
underlying the AMT Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio, the AMT Balanced Portfolio
and the AMT Partner Portfolio.     
   
  AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. ("American Century"), of Kansas
City, Missouri, is the investment adviser to American Century Variable 
Portfolios Capital Appreciation Portfolio.
       
  FIDELITY MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH CORPORATION ("FMR"), of Boston, Massachusetts,
is the investment adviser to VIP Fund's Equity Income Portfolio and Growth
Portfolio and VIP Fund II's Asset Manager Portfolio and Index 500 Portfolio.
FMR utilizes the services of two subsidiaries on a sub-advisory basis for
foreign securities investments for the Asset Manager Portfolio. These
subsidiaries are Fidelity Management & Research (U.K.) Inc. and Fidelity
Management & Research (Far East) Inc.     
   
  MORGAN STANLEY ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. ("Morgan Stanley"), of New York, New
York, is the investment adviser to Morgan Stanley Universal Funds' Emerging
Markets Equity (International) Portfolio.     
  Further information about the Funds is contained in the accompanying
prospectuses, which you should read in conjunction with this prospectus.
          
  We have entered into agreements with Penn Series, AMT, American Century
Variable Portfolios, VIP Fund, VIP Fund II and Morgan Stanley governing the
Separate Account's investment in those Funds. Under the agreement with American
Century Variable Portfolios, the adviser to the American Century Variable
Portfolios compensates Penn Mutual for certain administrative services provided
by Penn Mutual.     
   
  The shares of Penn Series, AMT, American Century Variable Portfolios, VIP
Fund, VIP Fund II and Morgan Stanley are sold not only to the Separate Account,
but to other separate accounts of Penn Mutual that fund benefits under variable
annuity policies. The shares of AMT, American Century Variable Portfolios, VIP
Fund, VIP Fund II and Morgan Stanley are also sold to separate accounts of
other insurance companies and, in the case of AMT, also directly to qualified
pension and retirement plans. It is conceivable that in the future it may
become disadvantageous for both variable life and variable annuity policy
separate accounts (and also qualified pension and retirement plans with respect
to AMT) to invest in the same underlying mutual fund. Although neither we nor
Penn Series, AMT, American Century Variable Portfolios, VIP Fund, VIP Fund II
or Morgan Stanley currently perceives or anticipates any such disadvantage, the
Boards of Directors of Penn Series, American Century Variable Portfolios and
Morgan Stanley, respectively, and the Boards of Trustees of AMT, VIP Fund and
VIP Fund II, respectively, will monitor events to determine whether any
material conflict between variable annuity policyowners and variable life
policyowners (and also qualified pension and retirement plans with respect to
AMT) arises.     
   
  Material conflicts could result from such things as: (1) changes in state
insurance laws; (2) changes in federal income tax law; (3) changes in the
investment management of any Fund or of Penn Series, AMT, American Century
Variable Portfolios, VIP Fund or VIP Fund II, respectively; or (4) differences
between voting instructions given by variable annuity policyowners and those
given by variable life policyowners. In the event of a material irreconcilable
conflict, we will take the steps necessary to protect our variable annuity and
variable life policyowners. This could include discontinuance of investment in
a Fund.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES
 
  If investment in a Subaccount should no longer be possible or, if in our
judgment, becomes inappropriate to the purposes of the Policies, or, if in our
judgment, investment in another subaccount or insurance company separate
account is in the interest of Owners, we may substitute another subaccount or
insurance company separate account. No substitution may take place without
notice to Owners and prior approval of the SEC and insurance regulatory
authorities, to the extent required by the 1940 Act and applicable law.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VOTING RIGHTS
 
  We are the legal owner of shares held by the Subaccounts and as such have the
right to vote on all matters submitted to shareholders of the Funds. However,
as required by law, we will vote shares held in the Subaccounts at regular and
special meetings of shareholders of the Funds in accordance with instructions
received from Owners with Policy Value in the Subaccounts. Should the
applicable federal securities laws, regulations or interpretations thereof
change so as to permit us to vote shares of the Funds in our own right, we may
elect to do so.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
  To obtain voting instructions from Owners, before a meeting we will send
Owners voting instruction material, a voting instruction form and any other
related material. The number of shares held by each Subaccount for which an
Owner may give voting instructions is currently determined by dividing the
portion of the Owner's Policy Value in the Subaccount by the net asset value of
one share of the applicable Fund. Fractional votes will be counted. The number
of votes for which an Owner may give instructions will be determined as of a
date chosen by Penn Mutual but not more than 90 days prior to the meeting of
shareholders. Shares held by a Subaccount for which no timely instructions are
received will be voted by Penn Mutual in the same proportion as those shares
for which voting instructions are received.
  We may, if required by state insurance officials, disregard Owner voting
instructions if such instructions would require shares to be voted so as to
cause a change in sub-classification or investment objectives of one or more of
the Funds, or to approve or disapprove an investment advisory agreement. In
addition, we may under certain circumstances disregard voting instructions that
would require changes in the investment policy or investment adviser of one or
more of the Funds, provided that we reasonably disapprove of such changes in
accordance with applicable federal regulations. If we ever disregard voting
instructions, we will advise Owners of that action and of our reasons for such
action in the next semiannual report. Finally, we reserve the right to modify
the manner in which we calculate the weight to be given to pass-through voting
instructions where such a change is necessary to comply with current federal
regulations or the current interpretation thereof.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIUMS AND ALLOCATIONS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLYING FOR A POLICY
 
  If you want to purchase a Policy, you must complete an application and submit
it to one of our authorized agents. You also must pay an initial premium at
least equal to the minimum required. See "Premiums," below. Policy coverage
will not become effective until the initial premium in good order is received
at our Office.
  We require satisfactory evidence of the insurability of both Insureds, which
may include a medical examination of each or one of the Insureds. Generally, we
will issue a Policy covering two proposed Insureds if neither is less than 20
years old nor more than 80 years old, and if there is no more than 30 years
difference in their ages, provided that evidence of insurability satisfies our
underwriting rules. Acceptance of an application depends on our underwriting
rules, and we reserve the right to reject an application for any reason.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FREE LOOK RIGHT TO CANCEL POLICY
 
  You may cancel your Policy for a refund of premium during your "free-look"
period. This period expires 10 days after you receive your Policy, 45 days
after your application is signed, or 10 days after we mail or deliver a Notice
of Right of Withdrawal, whichever is latest. If you decide to cancel the
Policy, you must return it by mail or delivery to us or to our authorized agent
who sold it. Immediately after mailing or delivery, the Policy will be deemed
void from the beginning. We will refund premiums paid within seven days after
we receive the Policy.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIUMS
   
  The minimum initial premium required depends on a number of factors, such as
the ages, sexes and rate classes of the proposed Insureds, the desired
Specified Amount, any supplemental benefits and the planned premiums you
propose to make. The initial premium must be at least equal to two No-Lapse
Premiums. See "Planned Premiums," below. Sample minimum initial premiums are
shown in Appendix A.     
   
  Additional premiums may be paid in any amount and at any time, subject to the
following limits. First, a premium must be at least $25 and must be sent to our
Office. We may require satisfactory evidence of insurability before accepting
any premium which results in an increase in the net amount at risk (defined on
page 16).     
   
  Second, we reserve the right to limit total premiums paid in a Policy Year to
the planned premiums selected (see "Planned Premiums," below). We will refund
any portion of any premium which is determined to be in excess of the premium
limit established by law to qualify a Policy as a policy for life insurance.
(The amount refunded will be the excess premium plus any gain attributable to
the excess premium.) In addition, we will monitor Policies and will attempt to
notify the Owner on a timely basis if his or her Policy is in jeopardy of
becoming a modified endowment contract under the Internal Revenue Code. See
"Tax Considerations," page 26.     
  Lastly, no premium will be accepted after the Maturity Date.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
  PLANNED PREMIUMS. When applying for a Policy, you select a plan for paying
level premiums at specified intervals, e.g., monthly, semi-annually or
annually, until the Maturity Date. You are not required to pay premiums in
accordance with this plan; rather, you can pay more or less than planned or
skip a planned premium entirely. You can change the amount and frequency of
planned premiums whenever you want by sending written notice to our Office.
However, we reserve the right to limit the amount of a premium or the total
premiums paid, as discussed above. We will send you reminder notices for
planned premiums, unless you have arranged to pay planned premiums by pre-
authorized check.
   
  FIVE-YEAR GUARANTEE. We guarantee that a Policy will remain in force during
the first five Policy Years, regardless of the sufficiency of the Net Cash
Surrender Value, if the total premiums paid less any partial surrenders is
greater than or equal to the amount determined by multiplying the No-Lapse
Premium for the Policy by the number of months the Policy has been in force.
The No-Lapse Premium is a benchmark monthly premium calculated for each Policy
based on the ages, sexes and rate class of the Insureds, the requested
Specified Amount and any supplemental benefits. The No-Lapse Premium for your
Policy generally will be less than the monthly amount of planned premiums you
select to pay. The Five-Year guarantee will not apply if the Net Cash Surrender
Value becomes insufficient because of excessive Indebtedness. See "Loan
Repayment; Effect if Not Repaid," page 21.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIUMS TO PREVENT LAPSE
   
  Failure to pay planned premiums will not necessarily cause a Policy to lapse.
Conversely, paying all planned premiums will not necessarily guarantee that a
Policy will not lapse (except when the Five-Year Guarantee is in effect).
Rather, whether a Policy lapses depends on whether its Net Cash Surrender Value
is insufficient to cover the Monthly Deduction (see page 16) when due.     
  If the Net Cash Surrender Value on a Monthly Anniversary is less than the
amount of the Monthly Deduction to be deducted on that date and the Five-Year
Guarantee is not in effect, the Policy will be in default and a grace period
will begin. This could happen if investment experience has been sufficiently
unfavorable that it has resulted in a decrease in the Net Cash Surrender Value
or the Net Cash Surrender Value has decreased because insufficient premiums
have been paid to offset the Monthly Deduction.
   
  GRACE PERIOD. If your Policy goes into default, you will be allowed a 61-day
grace period to pay a premium sufficient to cover the Monthly Deduction. We
will send notice of the amount required to be paid during the grace period
("grace period premium") to your last known address and to any assignee of
record. The grace period will begin when the notice is sent. Your Policy will
remain in effect during the grace period. If the last surviving Insured (or
both Insureds) should die during the grace period before the grace period
premium is paid, the Death Benefit will still be payable to the Beneficiary,
although the amount paid will reflect a reduction for the Monthly Deductions
due on or before the date of the last surviving Insured's death. See "Amount of
Death Benefit," page 19. If the grace period premium has not been paid before
the grace period ends, your Policy will lapse. It will have no value and no
benefits will be payable. See "Reinstatement," page 26.     
   
  A grace period also may begin if Indebtedness becomes excessive. See "Loan
Repayment; Effect if not Repaid," page 21.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET PREMIUM ALLOCATIONS
   
  In the application, you specify the percentage of a Net Premium to be
allocated to each Subaccount and the Fixed Account. The sum of your allocations
must equal 100% and each allocation percentage must be a whole number. However,
until the free look period expires, all Net Premiums received are invested in
the Subaccount investing in the Penn Series Money Market Fund (the "Money
Market Subaccount"). At the end of this period (which for this purpose is
assumed to begin 3 days after we issue your Policy), the Policy Value in the
Money Market Subaccount is transferred to and allocated to the Accounts based
on the premium allocation percentages in the application. See "Determining the
Policy Value," page 18.     
  The Net Premium allocation percentages specified in the application will
apply to subsequent premiums until you change them. You can change the
allocation percentages at any time, provided they equal 100% and each is a
whole number, by sending written notice to our Office. The change will apply to
all premiums received with or after our receipt of your notice.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDITING PREMIUMS
   
  The initial Net Premium will be credited to the Policy as of the Policy Date,
or as of the Valuation Date the first premium is received at our office if
later. A planned premium or unplanned premium not requiring additional
underwriting will be credited to the Policy and the resulting Net Premium will
be invested as requested on the Valuation Date the premium was     
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
received by our Office. However, any premium requiring additional underwriting
will be allocated to the Money Market Subaccount until underwriting has been
completed and the premium has been accepted. When accepted, the Policy Value in
the Money Market Subaccount attributable to the resulting Net Premium will be
credited to the Policy and allocated to the Subaccounts and Fixed Account as
requested. If an additional premium is rejected, we will return the premium,
without any adjustment for investment experience.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFERS
 
  You may transfer Policy Value among the Subaccounts and Fixed Account subject
to the following rules, some of which depend on whether Policy Value is to be
transferred from a Subaccount or the Fixed Account. You may request transfers
by calling our Office if you have applied for telephone transfer authorization.
Otherwise, transfer requests must be in writing. The Company will not be liable
for following transfer instructions communicated by telephone that we
reasonably believe to be genuine. We require certain identifying information to
process a telephone transfer.
   
  Transfers may not be requested until the end of the free-look period (see
page 11). A transfer will take effect on the date the request is received at
our Office. We may, however, defer transfers under the same conditions that we
may delay payment of proceeds. See "When Proceeds are Paid," page 25. There is
no limit on the number of transfers that may be made. However, after 12
transfers have been made during a Policy Year, we reserve the right to impose a
$10 transfer charge on subsequent transfers. No transfer charge will be made if
the Specified Amount exceeds $4,999,999. See "Transfer Charge," page 17.     
    SUBACCOUNT TRANSFER RULES. Transfers among Subaccounts and from
  Subaccounts to the Fixed Account may be made at any time. The minimum
  amount of Policy Value that may be transferred from a Subaccount is $250
  or, if less, the full amount held in the Subaccount. If less than the full
  amount of Policy Value in a Subaccount is being transferred from the
  Subaccount, the amount remaining must be at least $250.
     
    FIXED ACCOUNT TRANSFER RULES. Policy Value held in the Fixed Account may
  be transferred to a Subaccount or Subaccounts only during the 30-day period
  following the end of each Policy Year. The amount transferred must be at
  least $250, or if less, the Policy Value held in the Fixed Account. If the
  amount transferred is less than the Policy Value then held in the Fixed
  Account, at least $250 must remain in the Fixed Account. See "Deductions,
  Surrenders and Transfers from the Fixed Account," page 15, for additional
  rules and limits for the Fixed Account.     
  The transfer rules described above do not apply to transfers made under a
dollar cost averaging or asset rebalancing program.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING PROGRAM
 
  You may elect a dollar cost averaging program for the allocation of your
Policy Value among the Subaccounts and the Fixed Account ("accounts"). A dollar
cost averaging program allows you to authorize in advance monthly transfers of
set dollar amounts from the Money Market Subaccount to one or more other
accounts.
  The main objective of dollar cost averaging is to shield investments from
short term price fluctuations. Since the same dollar amount is transferred to
selected accounts each month, more accumulation units are purchased in a
Subaccount when their value is low, and fewer accumulation units are purchased
when their value is high. As a result, a lower than average cost of purchasing
accumulation units may be achieved over the long term. This plan of investing
allows Owners to take advantage of investment fluctuations, but does not assure
a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets.
  SELECTING DOLLAR COST AVERAGING. You may select a dollar cost averaging
program when you apply for the Policy or at a later date by contacting our Home
Office. You specify the accounts to which amounts will be transferred and the
percentage to be allocated to each Account. To begin a program, the planned
premium for that year must be $600 and the amount to be transferred each month
must be at least $50.
  OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM. Transfers will be made on the 15th of each month.
Transfers will continue until the earliest of the following:
  . We receive a written or telephone request to stop making transfers.
  . There no longer is sufficient Policy Value in the Money Market Subaccount
    to make the specified transfer.
  . The Policy is in a grace period.
  . We receive notice that the last surviving Insured has died.
  Transfers under a dollar cost averaging program are not counted for purposes
of the transfer rules discussed above.
 
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSET REBALANCING
 
  You may elect an asset rebalancing program for your Policy Value. Policy
Value allocated to the accounts can be expected to increase or decrease at
different rates. An asset rebalancing program automatically reallocates your
Policy Value among the accounts each quarter to return the allocation to the
original allocation percentages you specify. Asset rebalancing is intended to
transfer Policy Value from those accounts that have increased in value to those
that have declined, or not increased as much, in value. Over time, this method
of investing may help an Owner "buy low and sell high," although there can be
no assurance that this objective will be achieved. Asset rebalancing does not
guarantee profits, nor does it assure that an Owner will not have losses.
  SELECTING ASSET REBALANCING. You may select an asset rebalancing program when
you apply for the Policy or at a later date by contacting our Home Office. You
specify the accounts to be included in the program, and the percentage of
Policy Value to be allocated to each specified account. Each allocation
percentage must be a whole number. You can elect to have your entire Policy
Value rebalanced among the specified accounts each quarter, or limit the
program to the Policy Value in specified accounts on each rebalancing date
(e.g., to restore a 60/40 ratio for Policy Value in the Value Equity Subaccount
and Quality Bond Subaccount on each rebalancing date). The minimum Policy Value
to start an asset rebalancing program is $1,000. If a dollar cost averaging
program is in effect, Policy Value in the Money Market Subaccount may not be
included in an asset rebalancing program.
  OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM. Effective on the last day of each calendar quarter,
we will transfer Policy Value among the accounts to the extent necessary to
return the allocation to your specifications. Asset rebalancing will continue
until we receive a written or telephone request at our Home Office to
terminate.
  Transfers made under an asset rebalancing program are not counted for
purposes of the transfer rules described above.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIXED ACCOUNT
 
BECAUSE OF EXEMPTIVE AND EXCLUSIONARY PROVISIONS, INTERESTS IN THE FIXED
ACCOUNT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 NOR HAS THE
FIXED ACCOUNT BEEN REGISTERED AS AN INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INVESTMENT
COMPANY ACT OF 1940. ACCORDINGLY, NEITHER THE FIXED ACCOUNT NOR ANY INTERESTS
THEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THESE ACTS AND, AS A RESULT, THE STAFF
OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT REVIEWED THE DISCLOSURE IN
THIS PROSPECTUS RELATING TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT. THE DISCLOSURE REGARDING THE
FIXED ACCOUNT MAY, HOWEVER, BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN GENERALLY APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS RELATING TO THE ACCURACY AND
COMPLETENESS OF STATEMENTS MADE IN PROSPECTUSES.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIXED ACCOUNT
 
  The Fixed Account consists of assets owned by Penn Mutual with respect to the
Policies, other than those held in the Separate Account. It is part of our
general account assets. Our general account assets are used to support our
insurance and annuity obligations other than those funded by separate accounts.
Subject to applicable law, we have sole discretion over the investment of the
assets of the Fixed Account. The Policy Loan Account is part of the Fixed
Account.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST CREDITED ON POLICY VALUE IN THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
  Net Premiums allocated to the Fixed Account and Policy Value transferred from
the Subaccounts to the Fixed Account are credited to the Fixed Account Value.
The Fixed Account Value also includes the portion of Policy Value transferred
to the Policy Loan Account as collateral for policy loans. We will credit
interest on these amounts at rates we determine in our sole discretion, but in
no event will interest credited on these amounts be less than an effective rate
of at least 4% per year, compounded annually.
   
  However, if at the time of an allocation or transfer to the Fixed Account, we
are crediting a rate of interest higher than 4%, the higher rate will apply to
the amount from the date of its allocation or transfer to the Fixed Account
through to the end of the twelve-month period beginning on the first day of the
calendar month in which the allocation or transfer was made. If a higher rate
of interest is credited, different rates of interest may apply to amounts
allocated or transferred at different times, and different rates of interest
may apply to amounts held in a Policy Loan Account than to the remaining
portion of Policy Value     
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
held in the Fixed Account. ANY INTEREST CREDITED ON POLICY VALUE IN THE FIXED
ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF THE GUARANTEED MINIMUM RATE OF 4% PER YEAR WILL BE
DETERMINED IN OUR SOLE DISCRETION.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALCULATING FIXED ACCOUNT VALUE
   
  The Fixed Account Value is calculated daily. See "Fixed Account Value," page
18.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEDUCTIONS, SURRENDERS AND TRANSFERS FROM THE FIXED ACCOUNT
   
  Amounts allocated to the Fixed Account at different times, whether from Net
Premiums or transfers, may be credited with different rates of interest.
Whenever a charge is deducted from Policy Value in the Fixed Account, or an
amount is withdrawn from the Policy Value in the Fixed Account to satisfy a
partial surrender, transfer or policy loan request, the charge or withdrawal
will be taken first from the amount most recently allocated to the Fixed
Account, then the amount next most recently allocated, and so forth. See page
13 for limits and restrictions on transfers of Policy Value from the Fixed
Account.     
   
  If there is any Policy Value in the Policy Loan Account, it is not available
for transfers, partial surrenders or policy loans, nor are any charges deducted
from this portion of Policy Value. Amounts are transferred to or from the
Policy Loan Account only when policy loans are taken or repayments made. If an
amount is transferred from the Policy Loan Account to the remaining portion of
the Fixed Account Value, it will be treated as a new allocation to the Fixed
Account and will be credited with interest at the rate then in effect for Fixed
Account allocations. See "Policy Loan Account," page 21.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAYMENTS FROM THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
  We may defer payment of proceeds from the Fixed Account for a partial
surrender, full surrender or policy loan request for up to six months from the
date we receive the written request. However, we will not defer payment of a
partial surrender or policy loan requested to pay a premium due on a Penn
Mutual policy. If a payment from the Fixed Account is deferred for 30 days or
more, it will bear interest at a rate of 3% per year compounded annually while
it is deferred.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREMIUM CHARGE
   
  We deduct a charge from each premium. This charge is 7.5% of premiums and is
deducted from a premium before allocating the resulting Net Premium to the
Policy Value. It consists of a 2.5% charge for premium taxes, with the
remaining 5.0% a sales charge. An additional sales charge is deducted on
surrender of a Policy during the first 16 Policy Years. See "Surrender Charge,"
page 17.     
  The 2.5% premium tax charge reimburses us for state premium taxes associated
with the Policies. We expect to pay state premium taxes at an average rate for
all states of approximately 2.5% of premiums.
  The 5.0% sales charge partially compensates us for the expenses of selling
and distributing the Policies, including paying sales commissions, printing
prospectuses, preparing sales literature and paying for other promotional
activities. We may reduce the sales charge portion of the premium charge, and
currently, the sales charge is reduced to 3.0% (corresponding to a total
premium charge of 5.5%) of premiums received after the first 15 Policy Years.
We will notify you before your fifteenth Policy Year if the sales charge on
your Policy will remain at 5.0% after your fifteenth Policy Year.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAILY MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
 
  We deduct a daily charge from assets in the Subaccounts attributable to the
Policies. This charge does not apply to Fixed Account Value. The charge is at
an annual rate of 0.90% of assets. Currently, we reduce the charge to 0.60%
after the fifteenth Policy Year. We will notify you if we change our intention
to reduce the charge after the fifteenth Policy Year. We may realize a profit
from this charge.
  The mortality risk we assume is that the Insureds on the Policies may die
sooner than anticipated and that therefore Penn Mutual will pay an aggregate
amount of death benefits greater than anticipated. The expense risk we assume
is that expenses
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
incurred in issuing and administering the Policies and the Separate Account
will exceed the amounts realized from the administrative charges assessed
against the Policies.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTHLY DEDUCTION
   
  On the Issue Date and each Monthly Anniversary, we deduct the Monthly
Deduction from the Policy Value. The amount deducted on the Issue Date is for
the number of policy months that have elapsed since the Policy Date. The
Monthly Deduction consists of (1) insurance charges ("Cost of Insurance
Charge"), (2) administrative charges (the "Monthly Expense Charge"), and (3)
any charges for additional benefits added by supplemental agreement to a Policy
("Supplemental Benefit Charges"), as described below. The Monthly Deduction is
deducted from the Subaccounts and the Fixed Account pro rata on the basis of
the portion of Policy Value in each account. See "Deductions, Surrenders and
Transfers from the Fixed Account," page 15, for applicable rules.     
  COST OF INSURANCE CHARGE. This charge compensates us for providing insurance
coverage. The charge depends on a number of variables and therefore will vary
from Policy to Policy and from Monthly Anniversary to Monthly Anniversary. For
any Policy the cost of insurance on a Monthly Anniversary is calculated by
multiplying (a) the base cost of insurance rate for the Insureds by (b) the net
amount at risk under the Policy for that Monthly Anniversary.
  The net amount at risk for a Monthly Anniversary is the difference between
the Basic Death Benefit (see page 19) for a Policy (as adjusted to take into
account assumed monthly earnings at an annual rate of 4%) and the Policy Value,
as calculated on that Monthly Anniversary before the Monthly Deduction is
taken.
  The base cost of insurance rate for a Policy is based on the Policy Year and
on the Attained Ages, sexes and rate class of the Insureds, and therefore
varies from time to time. We place the Insureds in a rate class when we issue
the Policy, based on our underwriting of the application. We currently place
Insureds in the following rate classes, based on our underwriting: a smoker or
nonsmoker standard rate class, a preferred underwriting class, or a rate class
involving a higher mortality risk (a "substandard class").
  We guarantee that the cost of insurance rates used to calculate the monthly
cost of insurance charge will not exceed the maximum cost of insurance rates
set forth in the Policies. The guaranteed rates for standard classes are based
on the 1980 Commissioner's Standard Ordinary Mortality Tables, Age Nearest
Birthday ("1980 CSO Tables"). The guaranteed rates for substandard classes are
based on multiples or additives of the 1980 CSO Tables. Our current cost of
insurance rates may be less than the guaranteed rates. Our current cost of
insurance rates will be determined based on our expectations as to future
mortality, investment, expense and persistency experience, and may change from
time to time. Cost of insurance rates (whether guaranteed or current) for
Insureds in a nonsmoker standard class are lower than guaranteed rates for
Insureds of the same age and sex in a smoker standard class. Cost of insurance
rates (whether guaranteed or current) for Insureds in a nonsmoker or smoker
standard class are generally lower than guaranteed rates for Insureds of the
same age and sex and smoking status in a substandard class.
  LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO SEX-DISTINCT PREMIUMS AND BENEFITS.
Mortality tables for the Policies generally distinguish between males and
females. Thus, premiums and benefits under Policies covering males and females
of the same age will generally differ. We do, however, also offer Policies
based on unisex mortality tables if required by state law. Employers and
employee organizations considering purchase of a Policy should consult their
legal advisors to determine whether purchase of a Policy based on sex-distinct
actuarial tables is consistent with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
or other applicable law. Upon request, we may offer Policies with unisex
mortality tables to such prospective purchasers.
  MONTHLY EXPENSE CHARGE. This charge compensates us for administrative
expenses associated with the Policies and the Separate Account. These expenses
relate to premium billing and collection, recordkeeping, processing of death
benefit claims, Policy loans and Policy changes, reporting and overhead costs,
processing applications and establishing Policy records. The Monthly Expense
Charge is the aggregate of the following:
  .  a flat charge of $15.00 per month (currently only $5.00 per month after
     the first Policy Year; we will notify you before it is increased); and
  .  for the first 12 policy months after the Policy Date, a charge based on
     the Initial Specified Amount ($0.20 per $1,000 of Initial Specified
     Amount per month).
  Except for the monthly charge (which is reduced after the first Policy Year
but may be later increased to $15.00), these charges are guaranteed not to
increase over the life of the Policy. We do not anticipate making any profit on
the Monthly Expense Charge.
   
  SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFIT CHARGES. See "Supplemental Benefits," page 26.     
 
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFER CHARGE
   
  We reserve the right to impose a $10 transfer charge on any transfer of
Policy Value among the Subaccounts and/or Fixed Account in excess of the 12
free transfers permitted each Policy Year. We will notify you before imposing
the charge. No transfer charge will be made if the Specified Amount exceeds
$4,999,999. If the charge is imposed, it will be deducted from the amount
requested to be transferred before allocation to the new account(s). If an
amount is being transferred from more than one account, the transfer charge
will be deducted proportionately from the amount being transferred from each
account. This charge, if imposed, will reimburse us for administrative expenses
incurred in effecting transfers. We do not anticipate making any profit on this
charge.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SURRENDER CHARGE
 
  If the Policy is surrendered during the first 16 Policy Years, we will deduct
a surrender charge in calculating the surrender proceeds payable. The surrender
charge consists of a sales charge component and administrative charge
component. The surrender charge is determined by the following formula:
               the sum of (a) plus (b), multiplied by (c) where:
  (a) = 25% of premiums paid on the Policy, up to the Surrender Charge
        Premium (described below);
  (b) = an administrative charge based on the Initial Specified Amount and
        the younger Insured's Attained Age on the Policy Date (ranging from
        $6 at Attained Age 20 to $14 at Attained Age 60 and over, per $1,000
        of Initial Specified Amount--see Appendix B); and
  (c) = the applicable surrender factor for the Policy Year during which the
        surrender is made (see table below).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         SURRENDER FACTOR
           SURRENDER DURING POLICY YEAR              APPLIED TO (C) IN FORMULA
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>                                       <C>
                 1st through 7th                               1.00
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       8th                                      .90
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       9th                                      .80
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       10th                                     .70
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       11th                                     .60
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       12th                                     .50
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       13th                                     .40
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       14th                                     .30
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       15th                                     .20
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       16th                                     .10
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  17th and later                                  0
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
  Under this formula, the surrender charge declines by 10% each Policy Year
after the seventh, to $0 by the 17th Policy Year so that, after the 16th Policy
Year, there is no surrender charge. For Policies issued to New York residents,
see Appendix D. The Surrender Charge Premium is calculated separately for each
Policy. Sample surrender charge premiums are set forth in Appendix B.
   
  The surrender charge consists of a sales charge component and an
administrative charge component. The sales charge component is to reimburse us
for some of the expenses incurred in the distribution of the Policies. We also
deduct a sales charge from each premium. See "Premium Charge," page 15. The
sales charge component of the surrender charge, together with the sales charge
included in the premium charge, may be insufficient to recover distribution
expenses related to the sale of the Policies. Unrecovered expenses are borne by
our general assets which may include profits, if any, from the mortality and
expense risk charge. See "Daily Mortality and Expense Risk Charge," page 15.
    
  The administrative charge component of the surrender charge is designed to
cover the administrative expenses associated with underwriting and issuing the
Policy, including the costs of processing applications, conducting medical
exams, determining insurability and the Insureds' rate class, and establishing
Policy records, as well as the administrative costs of processing surrender
requests. We do not anticipate making any profit on the administrative charge
component of the surrender charge.
 
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARTIAL SURRENDER CHARGE
   
  We will deduct an administrative charge upon a partial surrender. This charge
is the lesser of 2% of the amount surrendered or $25. This charge will be
deducted from the Policy Value in addition to the amount requested to be
surrendered and will be considered to be part of the partial surrender amount.
See page 12 for rules for allocating the deduction. We do not anticipate making
a profit on this charge.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND EXPENSES
   
  The value of the net assets of the Separate Account reflect the investment
advisory fees and other expenses incurred by the Funds. See the prospectuses
for Penn Series, AMT, American Century Variable Portfolios, VIP Fund, VIP Fund
II and Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW YOUR POLICY VALUES VARY
   
  There is no guaranteed minimum Policy Value or Net Cash Surrender Value.
These values will vary with the investment experience of the Subaccounts and/or
the daily crediting of interest in the Fixed Account, and will depend on the
allocation of Policy Value. If the Net Cash Surrender Value on a Monthly
Anniversary is less than the amount of the Monthly Deduction to be deducted on
that date (see page 15) and the Five-Year Guarantee is not then in effect, the
Policy will be in default and a grace period will begin. See "Five-Year
Guarantee," page 12, and "Grace Period," page 12.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETERMINING THE POLICY VALUE
 
  On the Policy Date the Policy Value is equal to the initial Net Premium. If
the Policy Date and the Issue Date are the same day, the Policy Value is equal
to the initial Net Premium, less the Monthly Deduction. On each Valuation Date
thereafter, the Policy Value is the aggregate of the Variable Accumulation
Values in the Subaccounts and the Fixed Account Value credited to the Policy.
The Policy Value will vary to reflect the performance of the Subaccounts to
which amounts have been allocated, interest credited on amounts allocated to
the Fixed Account, charges, transfers, withdrawals, policy loans and policy
loan repayments.
  VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUES. When you allocate an amount to a Subaccount,
either by Net Premium allocation or transfer of Policy Value, your Policy is
credited with accumulation units in that Subaccount. The number of accumulation
units is determined by dividing the amount allocated to the Subaccount by the
Subaccount's accumulation unit value for the Valuation Date when the allocation
is effected.
  The number of Subaccount accumulation units credited to your Policy will
increase when Net Premiums are allocated to the Subaccount, amounts are
transferred to the Subaccount and loan repayments are credited to the
Subaccount. The number of Subaccount accumulation units credited to a Policy
will decrease when the allocated portion of the Monthly Deduction is taken from
the Subaccount, a policy loan is taken from the Subaccount, an amount is
transferred from the Subaccount, or a partial surrender, including the partial
surrender charge, is taken from the Subaccount.
  ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES. A Subaccount's accumulation unit value varies to
reflect the investment experience of the underlying Fund, and may increase or
decrease from one Valuation Date to the next. The accumulation unit value for
each Subaccount was arbitrarily set at $10 when the Subaccount was established.
For each Valuation Period after the date of establishment, the accumulation
unit value is determined by multiplying the value of an accumulation unit for a
Subaccount for the prior valuation period by the net investment factor for the
Subaccount for the current valuation period.
   
  NET INVESTMENT FACTOR. The net investment factor is an index used to measure
the investment performance of a Subaccount from one Valuation Period to the
next. It is based on the change in net asset value of the Fund shares held by
the Subaccount, and reflects any dividend or capital gain distributions on Fund
shares and the deduction of the daily mortality and expense risk charge (see
page 15).     
  FIXED ACCOUNT VALUE. On any Valuation Date, the Fixed Account Value of a
Policy is the total of all Net Premiums allocated to the Fixed Account, plus
any amounts transferred to the Fixed Account, plus interest credited on such
Net Premiums and transferred amounts, less the amount of any transfers from the
Fixed Account, less the amount of any partial surrenders, including the partial
surrender charges, taken from the Fixed Account, and less the pro rata portion
of the Monthly Deduction
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
deducted from the Fixed Account. If there have been any policy loans, the Fixed
Account Value is further adjusted to reflect the amount in the Policy Loan
Account held in the Fixed Account, including transfers to and from the Policy
Loan Account as loans are taken and repayments are made, and interest credited
on the Policy Loan Account.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET POLICY VALUE
 
  The Net Policy Value on a Valuation Date is the Policy Value less
Indebtedness on that date.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH SURRENDER VALUE
   
  The Cash Surrender Value on a Valuation Date is the Policy Value reduced by
any surrender charge that would be assessed if the Policy were surrendered on
that date. The Cash Surrender Value is used to calculate the Loan Value and to
determine whether Indebtedness is excessive (see page 21). The Loan Value is
90% of the Cash Surrender Value.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH SURRENDER VALUE
 
  The Net Cash Surrender Value on a Valuation Date is equal to the Net Policy
Value reduced by any surrender charge that would be imposed if the Policy were
surrendered on that date. The Net Cash Surrender Value is used to calculate the
amount available for partial surrenders. It is the amount received upon a full
surrender of the Policy.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEATH BENEFIT AND CHANGES IN SPECIFIED AMOUNT
   
  As long as the Policy remains in force, we will pay the Death Benefit upon
receipt at our Office of satisfactory proof of the deaths of both Insureds. The
Death Benefit will be paid in a lump sum generally within seven days after
receipt of such proof (see "When Proceeds Are Paid," page 25) or, if elected,
under a payment option (see "Payment Options," page 22). The Death Benefit will
be paid to the Beneficiary. See "Selecting and Changing the Beneficiary," page
20.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT OF DEATH BENEFIT
   
  The Death Benefit is equal to the sum of the Basic Death Benefit on the date
of the last surviving Insured's death, plus any dividend payable on that date
(see "Dividends," page 25), plus any supplemental benefits provided by rider,
minus any Indebtedness on that date and, if the date of death occurred during a
grace period, minus the past due Monthly Deductions. Under certain
circumstances, the amount of the Death Benefit may be further adjusted. See
"Incontestability," "Suicide Exclusion" and "Misstatement of Age or Sex," page
25.     
  If part or all of the Death Benefit is paid in one sum, Penn Mutual will pay
interest on this sum from the date of the last surviving Insured's death to the
date of payment. We determine the interest rate, but it will not be less than a
rate of 3% per year compounded annually.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC DEATH BENEFIT AND SPECIFIED AMOUNT OPTIONS
 
  The Owner may choose one of two Specified Amount Options, which will
determine the Basic Death Benefit. Under Option 1, the Basic Death Benefit is
the greater of (a) the Specified Amount or (b) the Policy Value on the date of
the last surviving Insured's death, multiplied by the applicable net single
premium factor (described below). Under Option 2, the Basic Death Benefit is
the greater of (a) the Specified Amount plus the Policy Value on the date of
the last surviving Insured's death, or (b) the Policy Value on that date
multiplied by the applicable net single premium factor.
   
  If investment performance is favorable the amount of the Basic Death Benefit
may increase. However, under Option 1, the Basic Death Benefit ordinarily will
not change for several years to reflect any favorable investment performance
and may not change at all, whereas under Option 2, the Basic Death Benefit will
vary directly with the investment performance of the Policy Value. To see how
and when investment performance may begin to affect the Basic Death Benefit,
please see the illustrations beginning on page 22.     
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
  Net single premium factors are based on the Insureds' sexes and rate classes
and the attained ages on the date of calculation. The factor decreases each
Policy Anniversary as the Insureds' ages increase. A table of net single
premium factors as of each Policy Anniversary is included in the Policy. A
table showing illustrative net single premium factors is included in Appendix
C.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIFIED AMOUNT
 
  The Initial Specified Amount is set at the time the Policy is issued. You may
decrease the Initial Specified Amount from time to time, as discussed below.
You also may change the Specified Amount Option, as discussed below.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPECIFIED AMOUNT OPTION
 
  You may change the Specified Amount Option on your Policy subject to the
following rules. After any change, the Specified Amount must be at least
$200,000. No more than one change in the Specified Amount Option may be made in
any Policy Year and no change may be made during the first Policy Year. The
effective date of the change will be the Monthly Anniversary that coincides
with or next follows the Valuation Date when we receive the request for the
change. If you request a change from Option 1 to Option 2, we may require
satisfactory evidence of insurability. If the evidence of insurability
indicates a different rate class for the Insureds, the requested change will
not be allowed.
  When a change from Option 1 to Option 2 is made, the Specified Amount after
the change is effected will be equal to the Specified Amount before the change
less the Policy Value on the effective date of the change. When a change from
Option 2 to Option 1 is made, the Specified Amount after the change will be
equal to the Specified Amount before the change is effected plus the Policy
Value on the effective date of the change.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPECIFIED AMOUNT
 
  After the first Policy Year, you may request a decrease in the Specified
Amount, subject to the following conditions. No change will be permitted that
would result in your Policy's Death Benefit not being excludable from gross
income due to not satisfying the requirements of Section 7702 of the Internal
Revenue Code.
  Any decrease in the Specified Amount must be at least $10,000, and the
Specified Amount after the decrease must be at least $200,000. A decrease in
Specified Amount will become effective on the Monthly Anniversary that
coincides with or next follows our receipt of a request at our Office.
  The Specified Amount may increase as a result of a change in Specified Amount
Option. See "Change in Specified Amount Option," above for applicable rules.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTING AND CHANGING THE BENEFICIARY
 
  You select a Beneficiary in your application. You may later change the
Beneficiary in accordance with the terms of the Policy. If there is no
surviving Beneficiary when a death benefit is payable, the Owner (or the
Owner's estate) will be the Beneficiary.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH BENEFITS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICY LOANS
   
  You may borrow up to the Loan Value of your Policy at any time by submitting
a written request to our Office. Policy loans will be processed as of the date
your written request is received and loan proceeds generally will be sent to
you within seven days. See "When Proceeds Are Paid," page 25, and "Payments
from the Fixed Account," page 15. The Loan Value is 90% of your Cash Surrender
Value. Outstanding policy loans reduce the amount of the Loan Value available
for new loans. Loans under a Policy classified as a modified endowment contract
may be subject to adverse tax consequences, including a 10% penalty. See
"Distributions from Policies Classified as Modified Endowment Contracts," page
28.     
   
  INTEREST. We will charge interest daily on any outstanding policy loan at an
annual rate of 5.0%. Interest is due and payable at the end of each Policy Year
while a policy loan is outstanding. If interest is not paid when due, the
amount of the interest is added to the loan and becomes part of the outstanding
policy loan.     
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
   
YY   INDEBTEDNESS. Unrepaid policy loans (including unpaid interest added to
the loan) plus accrued interest not yet due equals the Indebtedness.     
  LOAN REPAYMENT; EFFECT IF NOT REPAID. You may repay all or part of your
Indebtedness at any time while an Insured is living and the Policy is in force.
Loan repayments must be sent to our Office and will be credited as of the date
received. If the Death Benefit becomes payable while a policy loan is
outstanding, the Indebtedness will be deducted in calculating the Death
Benefit. If the Indebtedness exceeds the Cash Surrender Value on any Valuation
Date, the Policy will be in default. We will send you, and any assignee of
record, notice of the default. You will have a 61-day grace period to submit a
sufficient payment to avoid termination. The notice will specify the amount
that must be repaid to prevent termination. If your Policy terminates because
of excessive Indebtedness, it cannot be reinstated.
  POLICY LOAN ACCOUNT. When a policy loan is made, an amount equal to the loan
proceeds is withdrawn from the Policy Value in the Subaccounts and Fixed
Account (other than in the Policy Loan Account). This withdrawal is made pro
rata on the basis of Policy Value in each account unless you direct a different
allocation when requesting the loan. The amount withdrawn is then transferred
to the Policy Loan Account in the Fixed Account and will become part of the
Fixed Account Value. Conversely, when a loan is repaid, an amount equal to the
repayment will be transferred from the Policy Loan Account and allocated to the
Subaccounts and Fixed Account as you direct when submitting the repayment. If
you provide no direction, the amount will be allocated in accordance with your
then effective Net Premium allocation percentages. Thus, a loan or loan
repayment will have no immediate effect on the Policy Value, but other Policy
Values, such as the Net Policy Value and Net Cash Surrender Value, will be
reduced or increased immediately by the amount transferred to or from the
Policy Loan Account.
  The amount in the Policy Loan Account will be credited with interest at a
minimum guaranteed annual rate of 4.0%. We may in our discretion credit
interest on this amount at a rate greater than 4%. Thus, the maximum net cost
of a loan is 1.0% per year (the difference between the rate of interest we
charge on Policy loans and the amount we credit on the equivalent amount held
in the Policy Loan Account). We currently intend to credit 4.0% on the amount
held in the Policy Loan Account during the first 10 Policy Years (a net loan
cost of 1.0%), and 4.75% after the first 10 Policy Years (a net loan cost of
0.25%).
   
  EFFECT OF POLICY LOAN. A policy loan, whether or not repaid, will have a
permanent effect on the Death Benefit and Policy values because the investment
results of the Subaccounts of the Separate Account and current interest rates
credited on Policy Value in the Fixed Account will apply only to the non-loaned
portion of the Policy Value. The longer the loan is outstanding, the greater
the effect is likely to be. Depending on the investment results of the
Subaccounts or credited interest rates for the Fixed Account while the policy
loan is outstanding, the effect could be favorable or unfavorable. Policy loans
may increase the potential for lapse if investment results of the Subaccounts
are less than anticipated. Also, policy loans could, particularly if not
repaid, make it more likely than otherwise for a Policy to terminate. See "Tax
Considerations," page 26, for a discussion of adverse tax consequences if a
Policy lapses with policy loans outstanding.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR NET CASH SURRENDER VALUE
   
  You may surrender your Policy at any time for its Net Cash Surrender Value by
submitting a written request to our Office. We may require return of the
Policy. A surrender charge may apply. See "Surrender Charge," page 17. A
surrender request will be processed as of the date your written request and all
required documents are received and generally will be paid within seven days.
See "When Proceeds are Paid," page 25 and "Payment from the Fixed Account, page
15. The Net Cash Surrender Value may be taken in one sum or it may be applied
to a payment option. See "Payment Options," page 22. Your Policy will terminate
and cease to be in force if it is surrendered for one sum. It cannot later be
reinstated.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARTIAL SURRENDERS
   
  You may make partial surrenders under your Policy subject to the following
conditions. You must submit a written request to our Office. The Net Cash
Surrender Value must exceed $1,000 after the partial surrender is deducted from
the Policy Value. No more than four partial surrenders may be made during a
Policy Year, and each partial surrender must be at least $250. During the first
five Policy Years, no partial surrender may be made that would reduce the
Specified Amount to less than $200,000. An administrative charge will be
assessed on a partial surrender. See "Partial Surrender Charge," page 18. This
charge will be deducted from your Policy Value along with the amount requested
to be withdrawn and will be considered part of the partial surrender (together,
the "partial surrender amount"). Policy values will be reduced by the partial
surrender amount.     
  When you request a partial surrender, you can direct how the partial
surrender amount will be deducted from your Policy Value in the Subaccounts and
the Fixed Account, provided that the minimum amount remaining in an account as
a result of the
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
   
deduction is $250. If you provide no directions, the partial surrender amount
will be deducted from your Policy Value in the accounts on a pro rata basis.
See "Deductions, Surrenders and Transfers from the Fixed Account," page 15. If
Specified Amount Option 1 is in effect, the Specified Amount will also be
reduced by the partial surrender amount.     
   
  Partial surrender requests will be processed as of the date your written
request is received, and generally will be paid within seven days. See "When
Proceeds Are Paid," page 25, and "Payments from the Fixed Account," page 15.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MATURITY BENEFIT
   
  The Maturity Date is the Policy Anniversary nearest the younger Insured's
100th birthday. If the Policy is still in force on the Maturity Date, the
Maturity Benefit will be paid to you. The Maturity Benefit is equal to the Net
Policy Value on the Maturity Date. Upon the written request of the Owner, this
policy will continue in force beyond the Maturity Date. Thereafter, the Death
Benefit will be the Net Policy Value.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAYMENT OPTIONS
 
  The Policy offers a wide variety of optional ways of receiving proceeds
payable under the Policy, such as on surrender, death or maturity, other than
in a lump sum. Any agent authorized to sell this Policy can explain these
options upon request. None of these options vary with the investment
performance of a separate account because they are all forms of fixed-benefit
annuities.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ILLUSTRATIONS OF POLICY VALUES, NET CASH SURRENDER VALUES, DEATH BENEFITS AND
ACCUMULATED PREMIUMS
 
The following tables have been prepared to show how certain values under a
hypothetical Policy change with investment performance over an extended period
of time. The tables illustrate how Policy Values, Net Cash Surrender Values and
Death Benefits under a Policy covering two Insureds of given ages on the Issue
Date, would vary over time if planned premiums were paid annually and the
return on the assets in the selected Funds were a uniform gross annual rate of
0%, 6% and 12%. The values would be different from those shown if the returns
averaged 0%, 6% or 12% but fluctuated over and under those averages throughout
the years shown. The tables also show planned premiums accumulated at 5%
interest. The hypothetical investment rates of return are illustrative only and
should not be deemed a representation of past or future investment rates of
return. Actual rates of return for a particular Policy may be more or less than
the hypothetical investment rates of return and will depend on a number of
factors including the investment allocations made by an Owner, prevailing rates
and rates of inflation.
   
  The tables reflect the fact that the net investment return on the assets held
in the Subaccounts is lower than the gross after tax return of the selected
Funds. The tables assume an average annual expense ratio of 0.88% of the
average daily net assets of the Funds available under the Policies. This
average annual expense ratio is based on the expense ratios of each of the
Funds for the last fiscal year. For information on Fund expenses, see the
prospectuses for the Funds accompanying this prospectus.     
   
  In addition, the tables also reflect the daily charge against Separate
Account assets attributable to the Policies for Penn Mutual's assumption of
mortality and expense risks, which is equivalent to an effective annual charge
of 0.90% of assets and currently is reduced to 0.60% of assets after the
fifteenth Policy Year. After deduction of Fund expenses and the mortality and
expense risk charge, the illustrated gross annual investment rates of return of
0%, 6% and 12% would correspond to approximate net annual rates of -1.78%,
4.22% and 10.22%, respectively, and -1.48%, 4.52% and 10.52%, respectively, at
current rates after the fifteenth Policy Year.     
  The tables also reflect the deduction of the Monthly Expense Charge and the
Monthly Cost of Insurance Charge for the hypothetical Insureds. Our current
cost of insurance charges and the higher guaranteed maximum cost of insurance
charges we have the contractual right to charge are reflected in separate
tables on each of the following pages. All the tables reflect the fact that no
charges for Federal or state income taxes are currently made against the
Separate Account and assume no Indebtedness or charges for supplemental
benefits.
   
  The illustrations are based on our sex distinct rates for standard
nonsmokers. Upon request, we will furnish a comparable illustration based upon
the proposed Insureds' individual circumstances. Such illustrations may assume
different hypothetical rates of return than those illustrated in the following
tables.     
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
ILLUSTRATION OF POLICY VALUES     
   
PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY     
   
MALE ISSUE AGE: 56______________________________________________NON-SMOKER     
   
FEMALE ISSUE AGE: 53____________________________________________NON-SMOKER     
                             
                          $4,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM     
                           
                        $300,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT     
                             
                          DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1     
                    
                 USING GUARANTEED COST OF INSURANCE RATES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                        0% HYPOTHETICAL           6% HYPOTHETICAL         12% HYPOTHETICAL
         PREMIUMS   GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN  GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN   GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN
        ACCUMULATED ------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
END OF      AT             NET CASH                 NET CASH                  NET CASH
POLICY  5% INTEREST POLICY SURRENDER  DEATH  POLICY SURRENDER  DEATH  POLICY  SURRENDER  DEATH
 YEAR    PER YEAR   VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT  VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT
- ------  ----------- ------ --------- ------- ------ --------- ------- ------  --------- -------
<S>     <C>         <C>    <C>       <C>     <C>    <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>
   1        4,200    2,730       0   300,000  2,922       0   300,000   3,115        0  300,000
   2        8,610    6,093   1,499   300,000  6,672   2,078   300,000   7,275    2,681  300,000
   3       13,241    9,359   4,765   300,000 10,542   5,948   300,000  11,821    7,227  300,000
   4       18,103   12,522   7,928   300,000 14,530   9,936   300,000  16,785   12,191  300,000
   5       23,208   15,576  10,982   300,000 18,631  14,037   300,000  22,202   17,607  300,000
   6       28,568   18,512  13,918   300,000 22,843  18,249   300,000  28,109   23,514  300,000
   7       34,196   21,323  16,728   300,000 27,158  22,564   300,000  34,547   29,952  300,000
   8       40,106   23,994  19,859   300,000 31,568  27,434   300,000  41,558   37,424  300,000
   9       46,312   26,511  22,835   300,000 36,061  32,385   300,000  49,189   45,514  300,000
  10       52,827   28,852  25,636   300,000 40,617  37,401   300,000  57,485   54,269  300,000
  15       90,630   36,917  35,998   300,000 63,463  62,544   300,000 110,951  110,032  300,000
  20      138,877   34,821  34,821   300,000 82,809  82,809   300,000 192,896  192,896  313,358
  25      200,454    9,307   9,307   300,000 87,516  87,516   300,000 314,840  314,840  447,810
  30      279,043        0       0         0 49,778  49,778   300,000 484,808  484,808  621,663
</TABLE>    
    
 (1) Assumes that no policy loans have been made.     
    
 (2) Guaranteed values reflect guaranteed cost of insurance rates, a monthly
     administrative charge of $15.00 per month, and a mortality and expense
     risk charge of 0.90% of assets.     
    
 (3) Net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross
     investment returns less all charges and deductions shown in the
     prospectus.     
    
 (4) Assumes that the premium is paid at the beginning of each policy year.
     Values would be different if the premiums are paid with a different
     frequency or in different amounts.     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
ILLUSTRATION OF POLICY VALUES     
   
PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY     
   
MALE ISSUE AGE: 61______________________________________________NON-SMOKER     
   
FEMALE ISSUE AGE: 57____________________________________________NON-SMOKER     
                             
                          $7,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM     
                           
                        $300,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT     
                             
                          DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1     
                    
                 USING GUARANTEED COST OF INSURANCE RATES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                        0% HYPOTHETICAL           6% HYPOTHETICAL           12% HYPOTHETICAL
         PREMIUMS   GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN   GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN    GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN
        ACCUMULATED ------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------------------
END OF      AT             NET CASH                  NET CASH                  NET CASH
POLICY  5% INTEREST POLICY SURRENDER  DEATH  POLICY  SURRENDER  DEATH  POLICY  SURRENDER   DEATH
 YEAR    PER YEAR   VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT  VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT  VALUE    VALUE    BENEFIT
- ------  ----------- ------ --------- ------- ------  --------- ------- ------  ---------  -------
<S>     <C>         <C>    <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>
   1        7,350    5,440     594   300,000   5,799      952  300,000   6,158    1,311    300,000
   2       15,068   11,432   6,586   300,000  12,512    7,666  300,000  13,636    8,790    300,000
   3       23,171   17,243  12,397   300,000  19,433   14,587  300,000  21,801   16,955    300,000
   4       31,679   22,862  18,015   300,000  26,556   21,709  300,000  30,709   25,863    300,000
   5       40,613   28,274  23,428   300,000  33,873   29,027  300,000  40,424   35,578    300,000
   6       49,994   33,464  28,618   300,000  41,375   36,529  300,000  51,011   46,165    300,000
   7       59,844   38,409  33,562   300,000  49,047   44,200  300,000  62,542   57,696    300,000
   8       70,186   43,082  38,720   300,000  56,869   52,507  300,000  75,098   70,737    300,000
   9       81,045   47,455  43,578   300,000  64,824   60,947  300,000  88,772   84,895    300,000
  10       92,448   51,496  48,104   300,000  72,891   69,498  300,000 103,671  100,279    300,000
  15      158,602   65,272  64,303   300,000 114,088  113,118  300,000 201,734  200,765    336,257
  20      243,035   60,914  60,914   300,000 153,427  153,427  300,000 347,909  347,909    505,056
  25      350,794   16,504  16,504   300,000 185,854  185,854  300,000 553,240  553,240    720,963
  30      488,326        0       0         0 205,201  205,201  300,000 831,871  831,871  1,001,943
</TABLE>    
    
 (1) Assumes that no policy loans have been made.     
    
 (2) Guaranteed values reflect guaranteed cost of insurance rates, a monthly
     administrative charge of $15.00 per month, and a mortality and expense
     risk charge of 0.90% of assets.     
    
 (3) Net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross
     investment returns less all charges and deductions shown in the
     prospectus.     
    
 (4) Assumes that the premium is paid at the beginning of each policy year.
     Values would be different if the premiums are paid with a different
     frequency or in different amounts.     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE
OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT
FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY THE COMPANY OR THE
FUND THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR
OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.     
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
ILLUSTRATION OF POLICY VALUES     
   
PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY     
   
MALE ISSUE AGE: 61______________________________________________NON-SMOKER     
   
FEMALE ISSUE AGE: 57____________________________________________NON-SMOKER     
                             
                          $7,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM     
                           
                        $300,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT     
                             
                          DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1     
                     
                  USING CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE RATES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                        0% HYPOTHETICAL           6% HYPOTHETICAL            12% HYPOTHETICAL
         PREMIUMS   GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN   GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN     GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN
        ACCUMULATED ------------------------ ------------------------- -----------------------------
END OF      AT             NET CASH                  NET CASH                    NET CASH
POLICY  5% INTEREST POLICY SURRENDER  DEATH  POLICY  SURRENDER  DEATH   POLICY   SURRENDER   DEATH
 YEAR    PER YEAR   VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT  VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT   VALUE     VALUE    BENEFIT
- ------  ----------- ------ --------- ------- ------  --------- -------  ------   ---------  -------
<S>     <C>         <C>    <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>
   1        7,350    5,444     598   300,000   5,803      957  300,000     6,162     1,316   300,000
   2       15,068   11,571   6,724   300,000  12,655    7,809  300,000    13,784     8,938   300,000
   3       23,171   17,528  12,681   300,000  19,735   14,889  300,000    22,122    17,275   300,000
   4       31,679   23,310  18,464   300,000  27,045   22,198  300,000    31,242    26,395   300,000
   5       40,613   28,911  24,065   300,000  34,584   29,738  300,000    41,216    36,370   300,000
   6       49,994   34,320  29,474   300,000  42,352   37,505  300,000    52,124    47,277   300,000
   7       59,844   39,527  34,680   300,000  50,345   45,499  300,000    64,052    59,205   300,000
   8       70,186   44,523  40,162   300,000  58,567   54,205  300,000    77,103    72,741   300,000
   9       81,045   49,301  45,424   300,000  67,019   63,142  300,000    91,395    87,518   300,000
  10       92,448   53,850  50,457   300,000  75,704   72,312  300,000   107,057   103,665   300,000
  15      158,602   73,565  72,595   300,000 123,567  122,598  300,000   212,372   211,403   353,989
  20      243,035   89,376  89,376   300,000 183,820  183,820  300,000   385,237   385,237   559,245
  25      350,794   93,335  93,335   300,000 256,878  256,878  334,754   655,860   655,860   854,695
  30      488,326   68,702  68,702   300,000 339,341  339,341  408,717 1,066,268 1,066,268 1,284,261
</TABLE>    
    
 (1) Assumes that no policy loans have been made.     
    
 (2) Current values reflect current cost of insurance rates, a monthly
     administrative charge of $15.00 in year 1 and $5.00 thereafter, and a
     mortality and expense risk charge of 0.90% of assets in years 1-15 and
     0.60% thereafter.     
    
 (3) Net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross
     investment returns less all charges and deductions shown in the
     prospectus.     
    
 (4) Assumes that the premium is paid at the beginning of each policy year.
     Values would be different if the premiums are paid with a different
     frequency or in different amounts.     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
ILLUSTRATION OF POLICY VALUES     
   
PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY     
   
MALE ISSUE AGE: 56______________________________________________NON-SMOKER     
   
FEMALE ISSUE AGE: 53_____________________________________________NON-SMOKER    
                             
                          $4,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM     
                           
                        $300,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT     
                             
                          DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1     
                     
                  USING CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE RATES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                        0% HYPOTHETICAL           6% HYPOTHETICAL          12% HYPOTHETICAL
         PREMIUMS   GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN   GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN   GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN
        ACCUMULATED ------------------------ ------------------------- -------------------------
END OF      AT             NET CASH                  NET CASH                  NET CASH
POLICY  5% INTEREST POLICY SURRENDER  DEATH  POLICY  SURRENDER  DEATH  POLICY  SURRENDER  DEATH
 YEAR    PER YEAR   VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT  VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT  VALUE    VALUE   BENEFIT
- ------  ----------- ------ --------- ------- ------- --------- ------- ------- --------- -------
<S>     <C>         <C>    <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>
   1        4,200    2,731       0   300,000   2,924        0  300,000   3,117        0  300,000
   2        8,610    6,220   1,626   300,000   6,804    2,209  300,000   7,411    2,817  300,000
   3       13,241    9,617   5,022   300,000  10,816    6,222  300,000  12,112    7,518  300,000
   4       18,103   12,916   8,322   300,000  14,960   10,366  300,000  17,255   12,661  300,000
   5       23,208   16,113  11,519   300,000  19,235   14,641  300,000  22,879   18,285  300,000
   6       28,568   19,203  14,608   300,000  23,640   19,045  300,000  29,027   24,433  300,000
   7       34,196   22,179  17,585   300,000  28,172   23,578  300,000  35,747   31,153  300,000
   8       40,106   25,037  20,902   300,000  32,832   28,697  300,000  43,092   38,957  300,000
   9       46,312   27,768  24,093   300,000  37,614   33,939  300,000  51,119   47,444  300,000
  10       52,827   30,362  27,146   300,000  42,514   39,298  300,000  59,891   56,675  300,000
  15       90,630   40,814  39,895   300,000  68,506   67,588  300,000 117,672  116,753  300,000
  20      138,877   47,852  47,852   300,000  99,140   99,140  300,000 213,556  213,556  346,921
  25      200,454   49,021  49,021   300,000 133,966  133,966  300,000 367,836  367,836  523,189
  30      279,043   34,330  34,330   300,000 169,723  169,723  300,000 608,792  608,792  780,646
</TABLE>    
    
 (1) Assumes that no policy loans have been made.     
    
 (2) Current values reflect current cost of insurance rates, a monthly
     administrative charge of $15.00 in year 1 and $5.00 thereafter, and a
     mortality and expense risk charge of 0.90% of assets in years 1-15 and
     0.60% thereafter.     
    
 (3) Net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross
     investment returns less all charges and deductions shown in the
     prospectus.     
    
 (4) Assumes that the premium is paid at the beginning of each policy year.
     Values would be different if the premiums are paid with a different
     frequency or in different amounts.     
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE
OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT
FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY THE COMPANY OR THE
FUND THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR
OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.     
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER POLICY BENEFITS AND PROVISIONS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIGHT TO CONVERT TO A FIXED BENEFIT POLICY
 
  At any time within the first 24 policy months, you may transfer Policy Value
in the Subaccounts to the Fixed Account and thereby convert your Policy to a
last survivor flexible premium adjustable non-variable life insurance policy.
Thereafter the benefits for your Policy will not vary with the investment
experience of a separate account. Premiums paid thereafter will be allocated
automatically to the Fixed Account. The conversion must be elected within 24
months from the Policy Date. No evidence of insurability will be required. The
Policy will provide the same amount of death benefit or the same net amount at
risk, whichever you elect, as was in effect immediately prior to the
conversion. All Indebtedness must be paid prior to the conversion.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS
 
  The Policies are participating policies in that they are eligible to
participate in Penn Mutual's surplus. However, we do not anticipate that any
dividends will be paid on the Policies. If dividends are paid, you will have
the option of having them added to your Policy Value or paid to you in cash.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCONTESTABILITY
 
  We will not contest the Policy with respect to each Insured after it has been
in force during that Insured's lifetime for two years from the Issue Date. Any
increase in the Death Benefit will be incontestable with respect to statements
made in the evidence of insurability for that change in Specified Amount Option
after the increase has been in force during the life of an Insured for two
years after the effective date of the increase.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUICIDE EXCLUSION
 
  If either Insured dies by suicide within two years after the Issue Date,
while sane or insane, the Death Benefit will be limited to the premiums paid
less any Indebtedness and any partial surrenders.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX
 
  If either Insured's age or sex has been misstated in the Policy, the Death
Benefit under the Policy will be the amount which would have been provided by
the most recent Cost of Insurance Charge at the correct ages and sexes.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEN PROCEEDS ARE PAID
   
  We will ordinarily pay any Death Benefit, loan proceeds or partial or full
surrender proceeds within seven days after receipt at our Office of all the
documents required for such a payment. Other than the Death Benefit, which is
determined as of the date of death, the amount will be determined as of the
date of receipt of required documents. However, we may delay making a payment
or processing a transfer request if (1) the disposal or valuation of the
Separate Account's assets is not reasonably practicable because the New York
Stock Exchange is closed for other than a regular holiday or weekend, trading
is restricted by the SEC, or the SEC declares that an emergency exists; or (2)
the SEC by order permits postponement of payment to protect Penn Mutual's
policy owners. See also "Payments from the Fixed Account," page 15.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS
 
  Each year you will be sent a report showing the current Policy values,
premiums paid and deductions made since the last report, any outstanding policy
loans, and any additional premiums permitted under your Policy. You will also
be sent an annual and a semi-annual report for the Separate Account and for
each Fund underlying a Subaccount to which you have allocated Policy Value, as
required by the 1940 Act. In addition, when you pay premiums (other than by
pre-authorized check), or if you
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
take out a policy loan, transfer amounts among the Accounts or make partial
surrenders, you will receive a written confirmation of these transactions.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSIGNMENT
 
  The Policy may be assigned in accordance with its terms on a form provided by
us. We will not be deemed to know of an assignment unless we receive a copy of
it at our Office. We assume no responsibility for the validity or sufficiency
of any assignment.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REINSTATEMENT
 
  The Policy may be reinstated within five years after lapse, subject to
compliance with certain conditions, including the payment of a necessary
premium and submission of satisfactory evidence of insurability. See your
Policy for further information.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS
   
  The following supplemental benefits are available and may be added to your
Policy. There are monthly charges for these benefits that are in addition to
the Cost of Insurance and Monthly Expense Charges described above. (See
"Monthly Deduction," page 16). If any of these benefits are added to your
Policy, monthly charges for the supplemental benefits will be deducted from
your Policy Value as part of the Monthly Deduction.     
  FLEXIBLE PERIOD SINGLE LIFE TERM RIDER -- provides term insurance covering
  the named insured for the designated period.
  POLICY SPLIT OPTION -- permits the policy to be split into two fixed
  benefit (nonvariable) policies upon the issuance of a final divorce decree
  relating to the two Insureds or a change in federal estate tax law that
  results in the inability to defer estate taxes until the death of the last
  surviving Insured.
  ESTATE GROWTH BENEFIT -- provides for automatic annual increase of 3% or 6%
  of the Initial Specified Amount.
  CHANGE OF INSURED -- permits a change in one insured so long as the new
  insured has the same insurable relationship to the remaining insured as did
  the insured being replaced.
  SUPPLEMENTAL TERM INSURANCE -- provides additional death benefit payable on
  the death of the last surviving Insured if the death occurs during the term
  of the Policy.
  GUARANTEED CONTINUATION OF POLICY -- guarantees that the Policy will remain
  in force and a death benefit will be payable regardless of the sufficiency
  of the net Cash Surrender Value.
  Additional rules and limits apply to these supplemental benefits. All
supplemental benefits may not be available in your state. Please ask your
authorized Penn Mutual agent for further information or contact our Office.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
 
  The following summary provides a general description of the Federal income
tax considerations associated with the Policy and does not purport to be
complete or to cover all situations. This discussion is not intended as tax
advice. Counsel or other competent tax advisors should be consulted for more
complete information. This discussion is based on Penn Mutual's understanding
of the present Federal income tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"). No representation is made as to the
likelihood of continuation of the present Federal income tax laws or of the
current interpretations by the IRS.
 
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX STATUS OF THE POLICY
 
  In order to qualify as a life insurance contract for federal tax purposes,
the Policy must meet the definition of a life insurance contract which is set
forth in Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). The manner in which Section 7702 should be applied to certain features
of the Policy offered in this Prospectus is not directly addressed by Section
7702 or any guidance issued to date under Section 7702. Nevertheless, Penn
Mutual believes it is reasonable to conclude that the Policy will meet the
Section 7702 definition of a life insurance contract. In the absence of final
regulations or other pertinent interpretations of Section 7702, however, there
is necessarily some uncertainty as to whether a Policy will meet the statutory
life insurance contract definition, particularly if it insures a substandard
risk. If a Contract were determined not to be a life insurance contract for
purposes of Section 7702, such contract would not provide most of the tax
advantages normally provided by a life insurance contract.
  If it is subsequently determined that a Policy does not satisfy Section 7702,
Penn Mutual may take whatever steps are appropriate and reasonable to attempt
to cause such a Policy to comply with Section 7702. For these reasons, Penn
Mutual reserves the right to restrict Policy transactions as necessary to
attempt to qualify it as a life insurance contract under Section 7702.
  Section 817(h) of the Code requires that the investments of each Subaccount
of the Separate Account must be "adequately diversified" in accordance with
Treasury regulations in order for the Policy to qualify as a life insurance
contract under Section 7702 of the Code (discussed above). The Separate
Account, through the Funds, intends to comply with the diversification
requirements prescribed in Treas. Reg. (S) 1.817-5, which affect how the Funds'
assets are to be invested. Penn Mutual believes that the Separate Account will
thus meet the diversification requirement, and Penn Mutual will monitor
continued compliance with this requirement.
  The IRS has stated in published rulings that a variable contract owner will
be considered the owner of separate account assets if the contract owner
possesses incidents of ownership in those assets, such as the ability to
exercise investment control over the assets. In circumstances where the
variable contract owner is considered the owner of separate account assets,
income and gain from the assets would be includable in the variable contract
owner's gross income. In connection with the issuance of regulations on the
phrase "adequate diversification," the Treasury Department announced that
guidance would be given, by way of regulation or ruling, on the "extent to
which policyholders may direct their investments to particular subaccounts
without being treated as owners of underlying assets." As of the date of this
prospectus, no such guidance had been issued.
  The following discussion assumes that the Policy will qualify as a life
insurance contract for Federal income tax purposes.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX TREATMENT OF POLICY BENEFITS
 
  IN GENERAL. Penn Mutual believes that the proceeds and cash value increases
of a Policy should be treated in a manner consistent with a fixed-benefit life
insurance policy for Federal income tax purposes. Thus, the Death Benefit under
the Policy should be excludable from the gross income of the Beneficiary under
Section 101(a)(1) of the Code.
  Depending on the circumstances, the exchange of a Policy, the receipt of a
Policy in an exchange, a change in the Policy's Death Benefit Option, a Policy
loan, a partial withdrawal, a surrender, a change in ownership, a change of
insured, an adjustment of face amount, or an assignment of the Policy may have
Federal income tax consequences. A person considering any such transaction
should consult a tax adviser before effecting the transaction. In addition,
Federal, state and local transfer, and other tax consequences of ownership or
receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the circumstances of each Owner or
Beneficiary.
  Generally, the Owner will not be deemed to be in constructive receipt of the
Policy Value, including increments thereof, until there is a distribution. The
tax consequences of distributions from, and loans taken from or secured by, a
Policy depend on whether the Policy is classified as a "Modified Endowment
Contract." Upon a complete surrender or lapse of a Policy or when benefits are
paid at a Policy's maturity date, whether a Policy is or is not a Modified
Endowment Contract, if the amount received plus the amount of indebtedness
exceeds the total investment in the Policy, the excess will generally be
treated as ordinary income subject to tax.
  MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS. The Internal Revenue Code establishes a class
of life insurance contracts designated as "Modified Endowment Contracts," which
applies to Policies entered into or materially changed after June 20, 1988.
  Due to the Policy's flexibility, classification as a Modified Endowment
Contract will depend on the individual circumstances of each Policy. In
general, a Policy will be a Modified Endowment Contract if the accumulated
premiums paid at
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
any time during the first seven Policy Years exceeds the sum of the net level
premiums which would have been paid on or before such time if the Policy
provided for paid-up future benefits after the payment of seven level annual
premiums. The determination of whether a Policy will be a Modified Endowment
Contact after a material change generally depends upon the relationship of the
Death Benefit and Policy Value at the time of such change and the additional
premiums paid in the seven years following the material change. At the time a
premium is credited which would cause the Policy to become a Modified Endowment
Contract, Penn Mutual will notify the Owner that unless a refund of the excess
premium (with interest) is requested by the Owner, the Policy will become a
Modified Endowment Contract. The Owner will have 30 days after receiving such
notification to request the refund.
  The rules relating to whether a Policy will be treated as a Modified
Endowment Contract are extremely complex and cannot be adequately described in
the limited confines of this summary. Therefore, a current or prospective Owner
should consult with a competent advisor to determine whether a policy
transaction will cause the Policy to be treated as a Modified Endowment
Contract.
   
  DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS.
Policies classified as Modified Endowment Contract will be subject to the
following tax rules: First, all distributions, including distributions upon
surrender and partial withdrawals from such a Policy are treated as ordinary
income subject to tax up to the amount equal to the excess (if any) of the
Policy Value immediately before the distribution over the investment in the
Policy (described below) at such time. Second, loans taken from or secured by,
such a Policy are treated as distributions from such a Policy and taxed
accordingly. Past due loan interest that is added to the loan amount will be
treated as a loan. Third, a 10 percent additional income tax is imposed on the
portion of any distribution from, or loan taken from or secured by, such a
Policy that is included in income except where the distribution or loan is made
on or after the Owner attains age 59 1/2, is attributable to the Owner's
becoming totally and permanently disabled, or is part of a series of
substantially equal periodic payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the
Owner or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the Owner and the
Owner's Beneficiary.     
  DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES NOT CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS.
Distributions from a Policy that is not a Modified Endowment Contract, are
generally treated as first recovering the investment in the Policy (described
below) and then, only after the return of all such investment in the Policy, as
distributing taxable income. An exception to this general rule occurs in the
case of a decrease in the Policy's Death Benefit or any other change that
reduces benefits under the Policy in the first 15 years after the Policy is
issued and that results in a cash distribution to the Owner in order for the
Policy to continue complying with the Section 7702 definitional limits. Such a
cash distribution will be taxed in whole or in part as ordinary income (to the
extent of any gain in the Policy) under rules prescribed in Section 7702.
  Loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a Modified Endowment Contract
are not treated as distributions. Instead, such loans are treated as
indebtedness of the Owner.
  Finally, neither distributions (including distributions upon surrender) nor
loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a Modified Endowment Contract
are subject to the 10 percent additional tax.
  POLICY LOAN INTEREST. Generally, personal interest paid on a loan under a
Policy which is owned by an individual is not deductible. In addition, interest
on any loan under a Policy owned by a taxpayer and covering the life of any
individual who is an officer or employee of or is financially interested in the
business carried on by that taxpayer will not be tax deductible to the extent
the aggregate amount of such loans with respect to contracts covering such
individual exceeds $50,000. The deduction of interest on Policy loans may also
be subject to the restrictions of Section 264 of the Code. An Owner should
consult a tax adviser before deducting any interest paid in respect of a policy
loan.
  INVESTMENT IN THE POLICY. Investment in the Policy means: (i) the aggregate
amount of any premiums or other consideration paid for a Policy, minus (ii) the
aggregate amount received under the Policy which is excluded from gross income
of the Owner (except that the amount of any loan from, or secured by, a Policy
that is a Modified Endowment Contract, to the extent such amount is excluded
from gross income, will be disregarded), plus (iii) the amount of any loan
from, or secured by, a Policy that is a Modified Endowment Contract to the
extent that such amount is included in the gross income of the Owner.
  MULTIPLE POLICIES. All Modified Endowment Contracts that are issued by Penn
Mutual (or its affiliates) to the same Owner during any calendar year are
treated as one Modified Endowment Contract for purposes of determining the
amount
includable in the gross income under Section 72(e) of the Code.
  TAXATION OF POLICY SPLIT. The Policy Split Option Rider permits a Policy to
be split into two other life policies upon the occurrence of a divorce of the
joint insureds or certain changes in federal estate tax law. A policy split
could have adverse tax consequences; for example, it is not clear whether a
policy split will be treated as a nontaxable exchange under Section 1031
through 1043 of the Code. If a policy split is not treated as a nontaxable
exchange, a split could result in the recognition of taxable income in an
amount up to any gain in the Policy at the time of the split. In addition, it
is not clear whether, in all circumstances, the individual contracts that
result from a policy split would be treated as life insurance contracts for
federal
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
income tax purpose and, if so treated, whether the individual contracts would
be classified as modified endowment contracts. Before you exercise rights
provided by the policy split option, it is important that you consult with a
competent tax advisor regarding the possible consequences of a policy split.
  OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS. The transfer of the Policy or the designation of a
Beneficiary may have federal, state, and/or local transfer and inheritance tax
consequences, including the imposition of gift, estate and generation-skipping
transfer taxes. For example, the transfer of the Policy to, or the designation
as beneficiary of, or the payment of proceeds to, a person who is assigned to a
generation which is two or more generations below the generation of the Owner,
may have generation skipping transfer tax considerations under Section 2601 of
the Code.
  The individual situation of each Owner or Beneficiary will determine the
extent, if any, to which federal, state and local transfer taxes may be
imposed. Consult with your tax adviser for specific information in connection
with these taxes.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARGE FOR PENN MUTUAL'S TAXES
 
  At the present time, Penn Mutual makes no charge for any federal, state or
local taxes (other than premium taxes) that it incurs that may be attributable
to the Separate Account or Fixed Account or to the Policies. Penn Mutual,
however, reserves the right to impose a charge in the future for any such tax
or other economic burden resulting from the application of tax laws that it
determines to be properly attributable to the Accounts or to the Policies.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES AND PENN MUTUAL
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALE OF THE POLICIES
   
  Hornor, Townsend & Kent, Inc. ("HTK"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penn
Mutual, acts as a principal underwriter of the Policies. HTK also acts as
principal underwriter for Penn Mutual Variable Annuity Account III, a separate
account also established by Penn Mutual and for PIA Variable Annuity Account I,
a separate account established by The Penn Insurance and Annuity Company, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Penn Mutual. HTK is a registered broker-dealer under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Regulatory approvals are being sought so that the
Policy can be offered in all states. The Policy is sold by certain registered
representatives of HTK who are also appointed and licensed as insurance agents.
The Policy may also be offered through insurance and securities brokers who
have lawfully qualified to sell the Policies. Registered representatives may be
paid commissions on a Policy they sell based on premiums paid in amounts up to
50% of first year premiums, 2% on premiums paid during the second through
fifteenth Policy Years, and 1.2% on premiums paid after the first fifteen
Policy Years. Registered representatives may also be paid commissions of up to
0.25% of Policy Value. Other allowances and overrides also may be paid.
Registered representatives who meet certain productivity and profitability
standards may be eligible for additional compensation.     
   
  For 1996 and 1995, Penn Mutual received premium payments on the Policy in the
approximate amount of $4,580,000 and $477,000, respectively, and compensated
HTK in the approximate amount of $34,139 and $3,100, respectively, for its
services as principal underwriter.     
 
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
 
  Penn Mutual is managed by a board of trustees. The following table sets forth
the name, address and principal occupations during the past five years of each
of Penn Mutual's trustees.
 
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                          POSITION WITH       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
 NAME AND ADDRESS         PENN MUTUAL         DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                      <C>                 <S>
 Robert E. Chappell       Chairman of the     Chairman of the Board and Chief
 The Penn Mutual Life     Board and Chief     Executive Officer (since
 Insurance Company        Executive Officer   December 1996), President and
 Philadelphia, PA 19172                       Chief Executive Officer (April
                                              1995-December 1996), President
                                              and Chief Operating Officer, The
                                              Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                                              Company (January 1994 to April
                                              1995); Executive Vice President,
                                              PNC Bank Corp. (January 1992 to
                                              December 1993); Chairman of the
                                              Board (June 1991 to January
                                              1992) and Chairman, President
                                              and Chief Executive Officer,
                                              Provident National Bank (prior
                                              thereto).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Daniel J. Toran          President and Chief President and Chief Operating
 The Penn Mutual Life     Operating Officer   Officer (since January 1997),
 Insurance Company                            Executive Vice President, The
 Philadelphia, PA 19172                       Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                                              Company (May 1996-January 1997),
                                              Executive Vice President, The
                                              New England Mutual Life
                                              Insurance Company (prior
                                              thereto).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 James A. Hagen           Trustee             Retired (since May 1996),
 2001 Market Street                           Chairman of the Board, Conrail,
 P.O. Box 41417                               Inc. (prior thereto).
 Philadelphia, PA 19101-
 1417
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Philip E. Lippincott     Trustee             Retired (since April 1994),
 3578 Oakwood Drive                           Chairman and Chief Executive
 Park City, UT 84060                          Officer, Scott Paper Company
                                              (prior thereto).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 John F. McCaughan        Trustee             Retired (since April 1996),
 Betz Dearborn Foundation                     President, Betz Dearborn
 200 Witmer Road                              Foundation (since March 1996),
 Horsham, PA 19044                            Chairman of the Board, Betz
                                              Laboratories, Inc. (prior
                                              thereto).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Alan B. Miller           Trustee             Chairman and President,
 367 S. Gulph Road                            Universal Health Services, Inc.
 King of Prussia, PA
 19406
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Norman T. Wilde, Jr.     Trustee             President and Chief Executive
 1801 Market Street                           Officer, Janney Montgomery Scott
 Philadelphia, PA 19103                       Inc. (a securities broker/dealer
                                              and subsidiary of The Penn
                                              Mutual Life Insurance Company).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Wesley S. Williams, Jr., Trustee             Partner, Covington & Burling
 Esq.                                         (law firm).
 1201 Pennsylvania Ave.,
 N.W. P.O. Box 7566
 Washington, D.C. 20004
</TABLE>    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
  The following table sets forth the names, addresses and principal occupations
during the past five years of the senior officers of Penn Mutual (other than
officers who are members of Penn Mutual's Board of Trustees).
 
SENIOR OFFICERS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 NAME                   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                    <S>
 John M. Albanese       Vice President, Systems and Service (since July 1995),
 The Penn Mutual Life   Vice President, Information Systems Application (August
 Insurance Company      1992 to July 1995); Manager Price Waterhouse (prior
 Philadelphia, PA 19172 thereto).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Michael A. Biondolillo Vice President, Human Resources, The Penn Mutual Life
 The Penn Mutual Life   Insurance Company (since October 1996); Corporate Vice
 Insurance Company      President and General Manager, Human Resources and
 Philadelphia, PA 19172 Quality MG Industries, America (prior thereto).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Nancy S. Brodie        Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 The Penn Mutual Life   (since December 1995), Senior Vice President and Chief
 Insurance Company      Financial Officer (January 1994 to December 1995), Vice
 Philadelphia, PA 19172 President and Controller (November 1991 to January
                        1994), General Auditor (October 1989 to November 1991),
                        Assistant Vice President, Taxation, The Penn Mutual
                        Life Insurance Company (prior thereto).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 L. Stockton Illoway    Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales Support
 The Penn Mutual Life   (since June 1996), Senior Vice President, Annuity and
 Insurance Company      Pension Business (December 1993 to June 1996), Senior
 Philadelphia, PA 19172 Vice President, Individual Retirement Investment
                        Services (September 1993 to December 1993), Regional
                        Vice President, The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
                        (prior thereto).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Richard J. Liburdi     Senior Vice President, Career Agency System (since June
 The Penn Mutual Life   1996), Senior Vice President, Insurance and Life Sales
 Insurance Company      (January 1991 to June 1996), Vice President and Product
 Philadelphia, PA 19172 Manager (November 1988 to January 1991), Assistant Vice
                        President and Product Manager, The Penn Mutual Life
                        Insurance Company (prior thereto).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Nina M. Mulrooney      General Auditor (since November 1991), Assistant Vice
 The Penn Mutual Life   President, Corporate Accounting and Controls (December
 Insurance Company      1988 to November 1991), Director, Cost Accounting and
 Philadelphia, PA 19172 Budget, The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (prior
                        thereto).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Harold E. Maude, Jr.   Senior Vice President, Independence Financial Network
 The Penn Mutual Life   (since July 1996), Vice President, Independence
 Insurance Company      Financial Network (1991 to July 1996), Regional
 Philadelphia, PA 19172 Director (1989 to 1991).
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Peter M. Sherman       Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
 The Penn Mutual Life   (since May 1996), Vice President, Investments (January
 Insurance Company      1996 to April 1996), Vice President, Fixed Income
 Philadelphia, PA 19172 Portfolio Management, The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                        Company (prior thereto); President, Independence
                        Capital Management, Inc. (an investment advisory
                        organization and subsidiary of Penn Mutual).
</TABLE>    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE REGULATION
 
  Penn Mutual is subject to regulation by the Department of Insurance of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which periodically examines our financial
condition and operations. We are also subject to the insurance laws and
regulations of all jurisdictions where we do business. The Policy described in
this prospectus has been filed with and, where required, approved by, insurance
officials in those jurisdictions where it is sold.
   
  We are required to submit annual statements of our operations, including
financial statements, to the insurance departments of the various jurisdictions
where we do business to determine solvency and compliance with applicable
insurance laws and regulations.     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     
   
  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 the information set forth in the registration statement.
The omitted information may be obtained at the SEC's principal office in
Washington, D.C. by paying the SEC's prescribed fees.     
 
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
EXPERTS     
   
  The statement of assets and liabilities of Penn Mutual Variable Life Account
I--Cornerstone VUL II/Variable EstateMax as of December 31, 1996, and the
related statement of operations for the year then ended and the statements of
changes in net assets for the year then ended and for the period May 1, 1995
(commencement of operations) to December 31, 1995, and the statutory statements
of financial condition of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company as of December
31, 1996 and 1995 and the related statutory statements of operations, surplus 
and cash flows for the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996,
included in this prospectus, have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent accountants. The reports and the financial statements have been
included upon authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.     
  Actuarial matters included in this prospectus have been examined by Peter R.
Schaefer, F.S.A., M.A.A.A., Actuary of Penn Mutual, whose opinion is filed as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LITIGATION
 
  No litigation is pending that would have a material effect upon the Separate
Account or Penn Series.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has provided
advice on certain matters relating to the federal securities laws and the
offering of the Policies.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  The financial statements of the Subaccounts and of Penn Mutual appear on the
following pages. The financial statements of Penn Mutual should be
distinguished from any financial statements of the Subaccounts and should be
considered only as bearing upon Penn Mutual's ability to meet its obligations
under the Policies.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND CONTRACT OWNERS
OF PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I--CORNERSTONE VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX:
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Penn
Mutual Variable Life Account I--Cornerstone VUL II/Variable Estate Max (VUL
II/VMAX) [comprising, respectively, Money Market Fund, Quality Bond Fund, High
Yield Bond Fund, Growth Equity Fund, Value Equity Fund, Flexibly Managed Fund,
Small Capitalization Fund, International Equity Fund, Balanced Portfolio,
Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio, Capital Appreciation Portfolio (formerly TCI
Growth Portfolio), Equity Income Portfolio, Growth Portfolio, and Asset Manager
Portfolio] as of December 31, 1996, and the related statement of operations for
the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets for the year
then ended and the period from May 1, 1995 (commencement of operations) to
December 31, 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
management of VUL II/VMAX. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
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. Our
procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 1996 by
correspondence with the transfer agents. 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 referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Penn Mutual Variable Life
Account I--Cornerstone VUL II/Variable Estate Max as of December 31, 1996, the
results of its operations for the year then ended and its changes in net assets
for the year then ended and the period from May 1, 1995 (commencement of
operations) to December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 7, 1997
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I - VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                      MONEY MARKET MONEY MARKET QUALITY BOND HIGH YIELD BOND
                             TOTAL      FUND+(a)     FUND+(b)      FUND+          FUND+
                          ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------------
<S>                       <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INVESTMENT IN COMMON
 STOCK:
 Number of shares.......                2,721,787     866,474       54,620        56,501
 Identified cost........  $32,739,350  $2,721,787    $866,474     $572,212      $510,015
ASSETS:
 Investments at value...  $33,510,725  $2,721,787    $866,474     $546,197      $503,423
 Dividends receivable...       14,523      11,104       3,419            0             0
LIABILITIES:
 Due to (from) The Penn
  Mutual Life Insurance
  Company...............       91,057      82,348       3,892          122           105
                          -----------  ----------    --------     --------      --------
NET ASSETS..............  $33,434,191  $2,650,543    $866,001     $546,075      $503,318
                          ===========  ==========    ========     ========      ========
Variable life accumula-
 tion units.............                  247,647      80,811       47,590        41,747
Accumulation unit val-
 ues....................               $    10.70    $  10.72     $  11.47      $  12.06
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I - VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                      MONEY MARKET MONEY MARKET QUALITY BOND HIGH YIELD BOND
                             TOTAL      FUND+(A)     FUND+(B)      FUND+          FUND+
                          ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------------
<S>                       <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
 Dividends..............  $   612,816  $   96,731    $ 21,290     $ 34,073      $ 36,843
EXPENSE:
 Mortality and expense
  risk charges..........      154,468      18,162       3,982        1,812         2,276
                          -----------  ----------    --------     --------      --------
 Net investment income..      458,348      78,569      17,308       32,261        34,567
                          -----------  ----------    --------     --------      --------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
 GAINS (LOSSES) ON
 INVESTMENTS:
 Realized gains (losses)
  from redemption of
  shares of Penn Series
  Funds, Inc............        2,709           0           0           94           360
 Capital gains distribu-
  tions.................      917,424           0           0            0             0
                          -----------  ----------    --------     --------      --------
 Net realized gains
  (losses)..............      920,133           0           0           94           360
 Net change in
  unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation) of
  investments...........      785,327           0           0      (24,231)       (2,192)
                          -----------  ----------    --------     --------      --------
 Net realized and
  unrealized gains
  (losses) on
  investments...........    1,705,460           0           0      (24,137)       (1,832)
                          -----------  ----------    --------     --------      --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)
 IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
 FROM OPERATIONS........  $ 2,163,808  $   78,569    $ 17,308     $  8,124      $ 32,735
                          ===========  ==========    ========     ========      ========
</TABLE>
- -----------------------
+  Investment in Penn Series Funds, Inc.
++ Investment in Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust.
   
+++ Investment in American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Growth
    Portfolio changed to Capital Appreciation Portfolio as of May 1, 1997).
        
++++ Investment in Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Funds I
     and II.
(a) Represents only the Cornerstone VUL II product.
(b) Represents only the Variable Estate Max product.
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             FLEXIBLY      SMALL      INTERNATIONAL                LIMITED
 GROWTH EQUITY VALUE EQUITY  MANAGED   CAPITALIZATION    EQUITY      BALANCED   MATURITY BOND
     FUND+        FUND+       FUND+        FUND+          FUND+     PORTFOLIO++  PORTFOLIO++
 ------------- ------------ ---------- -------------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S>            <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>
     17,523        247,116     430,952      103,024       162,866      32,980       15,640
   $383,627     $4,510,103  $8,050,766   $1,230,184    $2,521,631    $522,217     $217,956
   $376,047     $4,774,282  $8,076,040   $1,290,887    $2,542,333    $525,047     $219,743
          0              0           0            0             0           0            0
         83          1,035       1,792       (1,489)          552         131           49
   --------     ----------  ----------   ----------    ----------    --------     --------
   $375,964     $4,773,247  $8,074,248   $1,292,376    $2,541,781    $524,916     $219,694
   ========     ==========  ==========   ==========    ==========    ========     ========
     27,281        319,544     621,124       97,253       193,714      43,651       20,059
   $  13.78     $    14.94  $    13.00   $    13.29    $    13.12    $  12.03     $  10.95
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                             FLEXIBLY      SMALL      INTERNATIONAL                LIMITED
 GROWTH EQUITY VALUE EQUITY  MANAGED   CAPITALIZATION    EQUITY      BALANCED   MATURITY BOND
     FUND+        FUND+       FUND+        FUND+          FUND+     PORTFOLIO++  PORTFOLIO++
 ------------- ------------ ---------- -------------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S>            <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>
   $  1,635     $   51,995  $  259,738   $    6,965    $   83,272    $  3,556     $  4,961
      1,669         19,807      37,310        5,420        10,480       2,798        1,062
   --------     ----------  ----------   ----------    ----------    --------     --------
        (34)        32,188     222,428        1,545        72,792         758        3,899
   --------     ----------  ----------   ----------    ----------    --------     --------
        (39)         1,827       1,306        1,590          (805)        926          (33)
     36,293        194,155     338,828       47,534       110,931      19,775            0
   --------     ----------  ----------   ----------    ----------    --------     --------
     36,254        195,982     340,134       49,124       110,126      20,701          (33)
     (2,111)       264,271      61,997       62,662        13,930       2,836          898
   --------     ----------  ----------   ----------    ----------    --------     --------
     34,143        460,253     402,131      111,786       124,056      23,537          865
   --------     ----------  ----------   ----------    ----------    --------     --------
   $ 34,109     $  492,441  $  624,559   $  113,331    $  196,848    $ 24,295     $  4,764
   ========     ==========  ==========   ==========    ==========    ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I - VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D.)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            CAPITAL
                          APPRECIATION EQUITY INCOME    GROWTH     ASSET MANAGER
                          PORTFOLIO+++ PORTFOLIO++++ PORTFOLIO++++ PORTFOLIO++++
                          ------------ ------------- ------------- -------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
INVESTMENT IN COMMON
 STOCK:
 Number of shares.......      155,575      172,796       164,733       42,038
 Identified cost........   $1,728,534   $3,347,783    $4,904,041     $652,020
ASSETS:
 Investments at value...    1,593,085    3,633,895     5,129,774      711,711
 Dividends receivable...            0            0             0            0
LIABILITIES:
 Due to (from) The Penn
  Mutual Life Insurance
  Company...............          401          799         1,076          161
                           ----------   ----------    ----------     --------
NET ASSETS..............   $1,592,684   $3,633,096    $5,128,698     $711,550
                           ==========   ==========    ==========     ========
Variable life accumula-
 tion units.............      139,698      268,476       364,202       56,043
Accumulation unit val-
 ues....................   $    11.40   $    13.53    $    14.08     $  12.70
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I - VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D.)
<CAPTION>
                            CAPITAL
                          APPRECIATION EQUITY INCOME    GROWTH     ASSET MANAGER
                          PORTFOLIO+++ PORTFOLIO++++ PORTFOLIO++++ PORTFOLIO++++
                          ------------ ------------- ------------- -------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
 Dividends..............   $        0   $    2,337    $    2,539     $  6,881
EXPENSE:
 Mortality and expense
  risk charges .........        8,636       16,925        23,494          635
                           ----------   ----------    ----------     --------
 Net investment income..       (8,636)     (14,588)      (20,955)       6,246
                           ----------   ----------    ----------     --------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
 GAINS (LOSSES) ON
 INVESTMENTS:
 Realized gains (losses)
  from redemption of
  shares
  of Penn Series Funds,
  Inc. .................         (378)      (1,148)       (1,555)         564
 Capital gains distribu-
  tions.................       68,944       31,190        64,100        5,674
                           ----------   ----------    ----------     --------
 Net realized gains
  (losses)..............       68,566       30,042        62,545        6,238
 Net change in
  unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation) of
  investments...........     (135,169)     253,509       235,591       53,336
                           ----------   ----------    ----------     --------
 Net realized and
  unrealized gains
  (losses) on
  investments...........      (66,603)     283,551       298,136       59,574
                           ----------   ----------    ----------     --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)
 IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
 FROM OPERATIONS........   $  (75,239)  $  268,963    $  277,181     $ 65,820
                           ==========   ==========    ==========     ========
</TABLE>
- -----------------------
+  Investment in Penn Series Funds, Inc.
++ Investment in Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust.
   
+++ Investment in American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Growth
    Portfolio changed to Capital Appreciation Portfolio as of May 1, 1997).
        
++++ Investment in Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Funds I
     and II.
(a) Represents only the Cornerstone VUL II product.
(b) Represents only the Variable Estate Max product.
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I - VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, AND
THE PERIOD MAY 1, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            MONEY                MONEY MARKET
                                  TOTAL                MARKET FUND+(a)             FUND+(b)
                          -----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------
                             1996         1995        1996         1995         1996        1995
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                       <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATIONS:
 Net investment income
  (loss)................  $   458,348  $   82,891  $    78,569  $    15,227  $    17,308  $     719
 Net realized gain
  (loss) from investment
  transactions..........      920,133     107,693            0            0            0          0
 Net change in
  unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation) of
  investments...........      785,327     (13,949)           0            0            0          0
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase (decrease)
 in net assets resulting
 from operations........    2,163,808     176,635       78,569       15,227       17,308        719
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
VARIABLE LIFE
 ACTIVITIES:
 Purchase payments under
  variable life
  contracts.............   29,546,396   5,759,715   15,559,938    4,084,747    2,858,896    440,146
 Surrender benefits.....     (253,954)        (34)     (13,953)           0            0          0
 Net transfers..........     (350,840)    471,816  (13,489,878)  (2,833,877)  (2,006,542)  (364,402)
 Contract administration
  charges...............   (1,438,914)   (141,962)    (205,795)     (45,854)     (50,964)    (7,862)
 Cost of insurance......   (2,256,403)   (242,072)    (408,772)     (89,809)     (17,733)    (3,565)
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase in net
 assets resulting from
 variable life
 activities.............   25,246,285   5,847,463    1,441,540    1,115,207      783,657     64,317
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Total increase in net
 assets.................   27,410,093   6,024,098    1,520,109    1,130,434      800,965     65,036
NET ASSETS:
 Beginning of period....    6,024,098           0    1,130,434            0       65,036          0
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
 END OF PERIOD..........  $33,434,191  $6,024,098  $ 2,650,543  $ 1,130,434  $   866,001  $  65,036
                          ===========  ==========  ===========  ===========  ===========  =========
<CAPTION>
                                 QUALITY                 HIGH YIELD                 GROWTH
                                BOND FUND+               BOND FUND+              EQUITY FUND+
                          -----------------------  ------------------------  ----------------------
                             1996         1995        1996         1995         1996        1995
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
<S>                       <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATIONS:
 Net investment income
  (loss)................  $    32,261  $    4,811  $    34,567  $     7,715  $       (34) $      74
 Net realized gain
  (loss) from investment
  transactions..........           94         122          360            2       36,254      6,719
 Net change in
  unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation) of
  investments...........      (24,231)     (1,784)      (2,192)      (4,400)      (2,111)    (5,469)
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase (decrease)
 in net assets resulting
 from operations........        8,124       3,149       32,735        3,317       34,109      1,324
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
VARIABLE LIFE
 ACTIVITIES:
 Purchase payments under
  variable life
  contracts.............      154,180      31,077      165,686       10,712      152,803     16,993
 Surrender benefits.....       (2,649)          0       (2,074)           0         (842)         0
 Net transfers..........      336,072      56,550      262,002       81,913      181,764     36,960
 Contract administration
  charges...............      (13,801)     (1,442)     (18,004)      (1,270)     (16,807)    (1,346)
 Cost of insurance......      (22,987)     (2,198)     (29,457)      (2,242)     (26,209)    (2,785)
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase in net
 assets resulting from
 variable life
 activities.............      450,815      83,987      378,153       89,113      290,709     49,822
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Total increase in net
 assets.................      458,939      87,136      410,888       92,430      324,818     51,146
NET ASSETS:
 Beginning of period....       87,136           0       92,430            0       51,146          0
                          -----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
 END OF PERIOD..........  $   546,075  $   87,136  $   503,318  $    92,430  $   375,964  $  51,146
                          ===========  ==========  ===========  ===========  ===========  =========
</TABLE>    
- -----------------------
+  Investment in Penn Series Funds, Inc.
++ Investment in Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
   
+++ Investment in American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Growth
    Portfolio changed to Capital Appreciation Portfolio as of May 1, 1997).
        
++++ Investment in Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Funds I
     and II.
(a) Represents only the Cornerstone VUL II product
(b) Represents only the Variable Estate Max product
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I - VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, AND
THE PERIOD MAY 1, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995
(CONT'D.)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 VALUE                FLEXIBLY          SMALL CAPITALIZATION
                             EQUITY FUND+           MANAGED FUND+               FUND+
                          --------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------
                             1996       1995       1996        1995        1996        1995
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
<S>                       <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
OPERATIONS:
 Net investment income
  (loss)................  $   32,188  $ 10,368  $  222,428  $   37,212  $     1,545  $     799
 Net realized gain
  (loss) from investment
  transactions..........     195,982    49,190     340,134      48,262       49,124      3,427
 Net change in
  unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation) of
  investments...........     264,271       (91)     61,997     (36,724)      62,662     (1,959)
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase (decrease)
 in net assets resulting
 from operations........     492,441    59,467     624,559      48,750      113,331      2,267
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
VARIABLE LIFE
 ACTIVITIES:
 Purchase payments under
  variable life
  contracts.............   1,360,144   136,674   2,664,444     361,651      498,674     66,532
 Surrender benefits.....     (32,419)        0     (74,122)        (14)     (13,130)       (10)
 Net transfers..........   2,385,789   772,784   4,216,930   1,057,640      660,016    106,381
 Contract administration
  charges...............    (141,826)  (11,403)   (285,785)    (26,150)     (52,877)    (4,603)
 Cost of insurance......    (226,508)  (21,896)   (469,401)    (44,254)     (78,480)    (5,725)
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase in net
 assets resulting from
 variable life
 activities.............   3,345,180   876,159   6,052,066   1,348,873    1,014,203    162,575
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
Total increase in net
 assets.................   3,837,621   935,626   6,676,625   1,397,623    1,127,534    164,842
NET ASSETS:
 Beginning of period....     935,626         0   1,397,623           0      164,842          0
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
 END OF PERIOD..........  $4,773,247  $935,626  $8,074,248  $1,397,623  $ 1,292,376  $ 164,842
                          ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ===========  =========
<CAPTION>
                             INTERNATIONAL            BALANCED            LIMITED MATURITY
                             EQUITY FUND+            PORTFOLIO++          BOND PORTFOLIO++
                          --------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------
                             1996       1995       1996        1995        1996        1995
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
<S>                       <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
OPERATIONS:
 Net investment income
  (loss)................  $   72,792  $  5,449  $      758  $     (169) $     3,899  $     (76)
 Net realized gain
  (loss) from investment
  transactions..........     110,126        25      20,701          28          (33)         4
 Net change in
  unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation) of
  investments...........      13,930     6,773       2,836          (6)         898        889
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase (decrease)
 in net assets resulting
 from operations........     196,848    12,247      24,295        (147)       4,764        817
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
VARIABLE LIFE
 ACTIVITIES:
 Purchase payments under
  variable life
  contracts.............     861,883   124,822     360,163      20,792       89,190      6,858
 Surrender benefits.....     (17,014)        0      (6,240)          0         (135)         0
 Net transfers..........   1,483,081   143,874     120,901      86,515      103,331     32,606
 Contract administration
  charges...............    (102,391)   (6,540)    (28,971)     (1,898)      (5,179)      (503)
 Cost of insurance......    (144,055)  (10,974)    (46,800)     (3,694)     (11,238)      (817)
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase in net
 assets resulting from
 variable life
 activities.............   2,081,504   251,182     399,053     101,715      175,969     38,144
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
Total increase in net
 assets.................   2,278,352   263,429     423,348     101,568      180,733     38,961
NET ASSETS:
 Beginning of period....     263,429         0     101,568           0       38,961          0
                          ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  -----------  ---------
 END OF PERIOD..........  $2,541,781  $263,429  $  524,916  $  101,568  $   219,694  $  38,961
                          ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ===========  =========
</TABLE>
- -----------------------
+  Investment in Penn Series Funds, Inc.
++ Investment in Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
   
+++ Investment in American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Growth
    Portfolio changed to Capital Appreciation Portfolio as of May 1, 1997).
        
++++ Investment in Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Funds I
     and II.
(a) Represents only the Cornerstone VUL II product
(b) Represents only the Variable Estate Max product
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I - VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS - FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, AND
THE PERIOD MAY 1, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO DECEMBER 31, 1995
(CONT'D.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          CAPITAL APPRECIATION       EQUITY INCOME            GROWTH            ASSET MANAGER
                              PORTFOLIO+++           PORTFOLIO++++         PORTFOLIO++++        PORTFOLIO++++
                          ----------------------- --------------------  --------------------  ------------------
                             1996        1995        1996       1995       1996       1995      1996      1995
                          -----------  ---------- ----------  --------  ----------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                       <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>
OPERATIONS:
 Net investment income
  (loss)................  $    (8,636) $    (476) $  (14,588) $  2,557  $  (20,955) $   (946) $  6,246  $   (373)
 Net realized gain
  (loss) from investment
  transactions..........       68,566        469      30,042      (243)     62,545      (309)    6,238        (3)
 Net change in
  unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation) of
  investments...........    (135,169)       (280)    253,509    32,603     235,591    (9,857)   53,336     6,356
                          -----------  ---------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  --------  --------
Net increase (decrease)
 in net assets resulting
 from operations........      (75,239)      (287)    268,963    34,917     277,181   (11,112)   65,820     5,980
                          -----------  ---------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  --------  --------
VARIABLE LIFE
 ACTIVITIES:
 Purchase payments under
  variable life
  contracts.............      840,551     89,544   1,456,967   119,945   2,213,494   219,332   309,383    29,890
 Surrender benefits.....      (20,881)         0     (31,547)        0     (34,941)      (10)   (4,007)        0
 Net transfers..........      798,967    213,357   1,764,383   411,297   2,566,211   537,988   266,133   132,230
 Contract administration
  charges...............      (98,540)    (6,609)   (144,237)   (9,829)   (246,323)  (14,116)  (27,414)   (2,537)
 Cost of insurance......     (137,884)   (10,295)   (222,108)  (15,655)   (356,315)  (22,691)  (58,456)   (5,472)
                          -----------  ---------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  --------  --------
Net increase in net
 assets resulting from
 variable life
 activities.............    1,382,213    285,997   2,823,458   505,758   4,142,126   720,503   485,639   154,111
                          -----------  ---------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  --------  --------
Total increase in net
 assets.................    1,306,974    285,710   3,092,421   540,675   4,419,307   709,391   551,459   160,091
NET ASSETS:
 Beginning of period....      285,710          0     540,675         0     709,391         0   160,091         0
                          -----------  ---------  ----------  --------  ----------  --------  --------  --------
 END OF PERIOD..........  $ 1,592,684  $ 285,710  $3,633,096  $540,675  $5,128,698  $709,391  $711,550  $160,091
                          ===========  =========  ==========  ========  ==========  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
- -----------------------
+  Investment in Penn Series Funds, Inc.
++ Investment in Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
   
+++ Investment in American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Growth
    Portfolio changed to Capital Appreciation Portfolio as of May 1, 1997).
        
++++ Investment in Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Funds I
     and II.
(a) Represents only the Cornerstone VUL II product
(b) Represents only the Variable Estate Max product
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I - CORNERSTONE VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1.
 
  The significant accounting policies of Penn Mutual Variable Life Account
  I--Cornerstone VUL II/Variable Estate Max sub-accounts (Cornerstone
  II/Estate Max) are as follows:
 
  For presentation purposes the Cornerstone VUL II and Variable Estate Max
  products are presented in one financial statement.
 
  GENERAL - Cornerstone II/Estate Max were established by The Penn Mutual
  Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual) under the provisions of the
  Pennsylvania Insurance Law. Penn Mutual has structured Cornerstone
  II/Estate Max as a unit investment trust registered under the Investment
  Company Act of 1940. Cornerstone II/Estate Max offers units to variable
  life contract owners to provide for the accumulation of value and for the
  payment of benefits. Contract owners may borrow up to a specific amount
  depending on policy value at any time by submitting a written request for a
  policy loan. The preparation of the accompanying financial statements
  requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
  reported values of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 1996 and the
  reported amounts from operations and contract transactions during 1996 and
  1995. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  INVESTMENTS - Assets of Cornerstone II/Estate Max are invested in shares of
  Penn Series Funds, Inc. (Penn Series): Money Market, Quality Bond, High
  Yield Bond, Growth Equity, Value Equity, Flexibly Managed, International
  Equity Fund and Small Capitalization Funds; Neuberger and Berman Advisers
  Management Trust (AMT): Limited Maturity Bond and Balanced Portfolios
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 2.
 
  For the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period May 1, 1995
  (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1995 transactions in
  Cornerstone II/Estate Max were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                               MONEY MARKET          QUALITY BOND         HIGH YIELD         GROWTH EQUITY
                                  FUND+                  FUND+            BOND FUND+            FUND +
                          -----------------------  ------------------  -----------------  --------------------
                             1996         1995       1996      1995      1996     1995       1996       1995
                          -----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------  -------  ----------  --------
<S>                       <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>
Shares purchased........   12,518,440   3,348,369    56,687     9,741    60,481   10,274      17,079     2,786
Shares received from re-
 investment of:
 Net investment income..      118,022      19,306     3,407       486     4,135      952          76        10
 Capital gains distribu-
  tion..................            0           0         0         0         0                1,691       337
                          -----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------  -------  ----------  --------
Total shares acquired...   12,636,462   3,367,675    60,094    10,227    64,616   11,226      18,846     3,133
Shares redeemed.........  (10,154,039) (2,261,837)  (13,985)   (1,716)  (19,068)    (273)     (3,881)     (575)
                          -----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------  -------  ----------  --------
Net increase in shares
 owned..................    2,482,423   1,105,838    46,109     8,511    45,548   10,953      14,965     2,558
Shares owned beginning
 of period..............    1,105,838           0     8,511         0    10,953        0       2,558         0
                          -----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------  -------  ----------  --------
Shares owned end of pe-
 riod...................    3,588,261   1,105,838    54,620     8,511    56,501   10,953      17,523     2,558
                          ===========  ==========  ========  ========  ========  =======  ==========  ========
Cost of shares acquired.  $12,636,462  $3,367,675  $626,412  $106,815  $585,899  $99,320  $  413,350  $ 69,532
Proceeds from shares re-
 deemed.................  $10,154,039  $2,261,837  $143,226  $ 18,005  $173,086  $ 2,480  $   86,303  $ 12,868
<CAPTION>
                                                                           LIMITED              CAPITAL
                              INTERNATIONAL            BALANCED         MATURITY BOND        APPRECIATION
                               EQUITY FUND+           PORTFOLIO++        PORTFOLIO++         PORTFOLIO+++
                          -----------------------  ------------------  -----------------  --------------------
                             1996         1995       1996      1995      1996     1995       1996       1995
                          -----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------  -------  ----------  --------
<S>                       <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>
Shares purchased........      171,806      18,851    35,598     6,311    23,930    2,748     133,027    28,845
Shares received from re-
 investment of:
 Net investment income..        5,335         413       233         0       368        0           0         0
 Capital gains distribu-
  tion..................        7,106           0     1,296         0         0        0       6,448         0
                          -----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------  -------  ----------  --------
Total shares acquired...      184,247      19,264    37,127     6,311    24,298    2,748     139,475    28,845
Shares redeemed.........      (39,588)     (1,057)   (9,945)     (513)  (11,307)     (99)     (7,594)   (5,151)
                          -----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------  -------  ----------  --------
Net increase in shares
 owned..................      144,659      18,207    27,182     5,798    12,991    2,649     131,881    23,694
Shares owned beginning
 of period..............       18,207           0     5,798         0     2,649        0      23,694         0
                          -----------  ----------  --------  --------  --------  -------  ----------  --------
Shares owned end of pe-
 riod...................      162,866      18,207    32,980     5,798    15,640    2,649     155,575    23,694
                          ===========  ==========  ========  ========  ========  =======  ==========  ========
Cost of shares acquired.  $ 2,884,014  $  271,701  $582,671  $110,500  $337,832  $39,519  $1,523,998  $347,755
Proceeds from shares re-
 deemed.................  $   618,269  $   15,037  $162,966  $  8,942  $157,920  $ 1,446  $   81,197  $ 62,319
</TABLE>
The cost of shares redeemed is determined on a last-in, first-out basis.
- -----------------------
+  Investment in Penn Series Funds, Inc.
++ Investment in Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
   
+++ Investment in American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Growth
    Portfolio changed to Capital Appreciation Portfolio as of May 1, 1997).
        
++++ Investment in Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance Products Funds I
     and II.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1., CONT'D.
 
  American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (American Century): Capital
  Appreciation Portfolio; and Fidelity Investments' Variable Insurance
  Products (Fidelity): Equity Income, Growth, and Asset Manager Portfolios.
  Penn Series, AMT, American Century, and Fidelity are open-end diversified
  investment companies. The shares are carried at market value as determined
  by the underlying net asset value of the respective Funds or Portfolios.
  Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Investment
  transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis.
 
  FEDERAL INCOME TAXES - Penn Mutual is taxed under federal law as a life
  insurance company. Cornerstone II/Estate Max is part of Penn Mutual's total
  operations and is not taxed separately. Under existing federal law, no
  taxes are payable on investment income and realized gains of Cornerstone
  II/Estate Max.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SMALL
    VALUE EQUITY                                        CAPITALIZATION
       FUND+             FLEXIBLY MANAGED FUND+             FUND+
- ---------------------    -------------------------   -----------------------
   1996        1995         1996          1995          1996         1995
- ----------   --------    ----------    ----------    ----------    --------
<S>          <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
   192,908     57,004       342,661        81,492       114,111      16,139
     2,691        810        13,860         2,328           556         116
    10,049      2,944        18,080         2,750         3,801         305
- ----------   --------    ----------    ----------    ----------    --------
   205,648     60,758       374,601        86,570       118,468      16,560
   (16,010)    (3,280)      (23,982)       (6,237)      (30,486)     (1,518)
- ----------   --------    ----------    ----------    ----------    --------
   189,638     57,478       350,619        80,333        87,982      15,042
    57,478          0        80,333             0        15,042           0
- ----------   --------    ----------    ----------    ----------    --------
   247,116     57,478       430,952        80,333       103,024      15,042
==========   ========    ==========    ==========    ==========    ========
$3,863,030   $991,706    $7,070,311    $1,547,895    $1,430,164    $183,496
$  290,587   $ 57,139    $  455,369    $  113,783    $  368,391    $ 16,757
<CAPTION>
                                                            ASSET
   EQUITY INCOME                 GROWTH                    MANAGER
   PORTFOLIO++++             PORTFOLIO++++              PORTFOLIO++++
- ---------------------    -------------------------   -----------------------
   1996        1995         1996          1995          1996         1995
- ----------   --------    ----------    ----------    ----------    --------
<S>          <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
   167,613     30,938       145,505        27,337        37,160      10,425
        56        204            92             0           456           0
     1,654          0         2,307             0           376           0
- ----------   --------    ----------    ----------    ----------    --------
   169,323     31,142       147,904        27,337        37,992      10,425
   (24,588)    (3,081)       (7,468)       (3,040)       (6,094)       (285)
- ----------   --------    ----------    ----------    ----------    --------
   144,735     28,061       140,436        24,297        31,898      10,140
    28,061          0        24,297             0        10,140           0
- ----------   --------    ----------    ----------    ----------    --------
   172,796     28,061       164,733        24,297        42,038      10,140
==========   ========    ==========    ==========    ==========    ========
$3,317,836   $566,137    $4,408,108    $  810,160    $  596,147    $158,075
$  477,046   $ 57,753    $  221,841    $   90,521    $   98,446    $  4,317
</TABLE>
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT I - CORNERSTONE VUL II/VARIABLE ESTATE MAX
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - DECEMBER 31, 1996 (CONT'D)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 3.
 
  Operations are charged for mortality and expense risks assumed by Penn
  Mutual as determined daily at a current annual rate guaranteed never to
  exceed 0.90% of the average value of Cornerstone II/Estate Max.
 
  On the date of issue and on each monthly anniversary a monthly deduction is
  made from the policy value. The monthly deduction consists of (1) insurance
  charges (2) administrative charges and (3) any charges for additional
  benefits added by supplemental agreements to a policy. See original policy
  documents for specific charges assessed.
 
  If a policy is surrendered within the first 11 years in Cornerstone VUL II
  or the first 13 years for Variable Estate Max, a contingent deferred sales
  charge and/or contingent deferred administrative charge will be assessed.
  These charges will be deducted before any surrender proceeds are paid. See
  original policy document for specific charges assessed.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
 
We have audited the accompanying statutory statements of financial condition of
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related statutory statements of operations, surplus and cash flows for the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These statutory financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
As described more fully in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company
prepared these financial statements using accounting practices prescribed or
permitted by the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
(SAP), which practices differ from generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP). The effects on the financial statements of the variances between SAP
and GAAP are described in Note 1 to the financial statements.
 
In our report dated January 26, 1996, we expressed our opinion that the 1995
and 1994 financial statements, prepared using SAP, presented fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company as of December 31, 1995, and the results of its operations, and its
cash flows for the two years then ended in conformity with GAAP. As described
in Note 1 to the financial statements, financial statements of mutual life
insurance enterprises issued or reissued after 1996, which are prepared in
accordance with SAP, are no longer considered to be presented in conformity
with GAAP. Accordingly, our present opinion on the 1995 and 1994 financial
statements as presented herein is different from that expressed in our previous
report.
 
In our opinion, because of the effects of the matter discussed in the second
preceding paragraph, the financial statements referred to above do not present
fairly, in conformity with GAAP, the financial position of The Penn Mutual Life
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, or the results of its
operations or its cash flows for the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996.
 
In our opinion, the statutory financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition of The Penn Mutual
Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996, on the basis of accounting described in Note 1.
 
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, during 1995, the Company
changed its accounting method for certain components of the federal income tax
expense. Also as discussed in Note 2, in 1996 and 1995, the Company changed the
reserve valuation basis for disability income and certain annuity contracts,
respectively.
 
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P
 
2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 28, 1997
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,                                                  1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>
(in thousands of dollars)
ASSETS
Bonds....................................................  $4,541,972 $3,695,516
Stocks
 Preferred...............................................      13,042     15,049
 Common--affiliated......................................     205,574    171,193
- --unaffiliated...........................................         160      8,182
Mortgage loans...........................................     117,046    960,692
Real estate..............................................      99,575    138,329
Policy loans.............................................     409,344    422,865
Cash and short-term investments..........................      14,532     75,962
Other invested assets....................................      76,500     59,561
                                                           ---------- ----------
 TOTAL CASH AND INVESTED ASSETS..........................   5,477,745  5,547,349
Investment income due and accrued........................      83,573     94,350
Premiums due and deferred................................      25,297     26,926
Other assets.............................................      36,479     41,082
Separate account assets..................................   1,225,038    911,683
                                                           ---------- ----------
 TOTAL ASSETS............................................  $6,848,132 $6,621,390
                                                           ========== ==========
LIABILITIES
Reserves and funds for payment of future life and annuity
 benefits................................................  $4,948,254 $5,064,298
Dividends to policyholders payable in the following year.      69,445     72,653
Policy claims in process.................................      25,626     27,241
Interest maintenance reserve.............................      18,716     36,084
Asset valuation reserve..................................      77,408     83,157
Other liabilities........................................     103,871     77,063
Separate account liabilities.............................   1,225,038    905,960
                                                           ---------- ----------
 TOTAL LIABILITIES.......................................   6,468,358  6,266,456
                                                           ---------- ----------
SURPLUS
Special surplus funds....................................       1,629      1,576
Unassigned surplus.......................................     378,145    353,358
                                                           ---------- ----------
 TOTAL...................................................     379,774    354,934
                                                           ---------- ----------
  TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS..........................  $6,848,132 $6,621,390
                                                           ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND SURPLUS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 1996        1995        1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of dollars)
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
INCOME
Premium and annuity considerations..........  $  641,183  $  710,442  $  771,547
Net investment income.......................     455,278     456,108     446,354
Other income................................       3,340      (5,632)     10,497
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
 TOTAL INCOME...............................   1,099,801   1,160,918   1,228,398
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Benefits paid to policyholders and benefi-
 ciaries....................................     816,583     859,798     766,598
Increase (decrease) in reserves and funds
 for payment of future life and annuity
 benefits...................................    (135,705)    (50,775)     54,380
Commissions.................................      37,487      38,044      45,579
Operating expenses..........................     110,194     116,673     124,920
Net transfers to separate accounts..........     125,532      86,944     128,773
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
 TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES................     954,091   1,050,684   1,120,250
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE DIVIDENDS AND
  FEDERAL INCOME TAXES......................     145,710     110,234     108,148
Dividends to policyholders..................      65,996      70,057      69,098
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE FEDERAL IN-
  COME TAXES................................      79,714      40,177      39,050
Federal income tax expense (benefit)........      13,073     (52,442)        197
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS.....................      66,641      92,619      38,853
Net realized capital losses, net of taxes...      40,736      91,890      37,399
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
 NET INCOME.................................      25,905         729       1,454
SURPLUS
Change in asset valuation reserve...........       5,749      28,728      29,060
Change in net unrealized capital gains and
 losses.....................................       5,433       2,395      (3,376)
Changes in accounting methods, net of taxes.     (14,773)      7,984          --
Other.......................................       2,526        (223)      8,618
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
 TOTAL CONTRIBUTION TO SURPLUS..............      24,840      39,613      35,756
 Surplus, Beginning of Year.................     354,934     315,321     279,565
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
 SURPLUS, END OF YEAR.......................  $  379,774  $  354,934  $  315,321
                                              ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 1996        1995        1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of dollars)
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH PROVIDED
Net cash from operations:
 Premium and annuity considerations.......... $  642,997  $  708,301  $  767,017
 Net investment income.......................    429,532     439,508     420,917
 Other income................................     76,756      (2,511)     15,704
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                               1,149,285   1,145,298   1,203,638
 Benefits to policyholders...................    816,297     871,983     750,019
 Commissions.................................     37,456      38,139      45,540
 Operating expenses and taxes................    107,115     152,907      96,050
 Net transfers to separate accounts..........    165,495      86,944     129,858
 Dividends to policyholders..................     69,204      69,804      70,246
 Net decrease in policy loans................    (12,884)    (15,202)    (22,361)
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
  NET CASH FROM OPERATIONS...................    (33,398)    (59,277)    134,286
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Investments sold, matured or repaid:
 Bonds.......................................  1,079,993   1,410,126   1,038,593
 Stocks......................................     27,131      95,347     197,503
 Mortgage loans..............................    819,237     102,394      45,255
 Real estate and other invested assets.......     36,968      10,837      12,701
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total investments sold, matured or repaid..  1,963,329   1,618,704   1,294,052
Taxes on realized investment gains...........     (3,694)      3,253     (17,722)
Other cash provided..........................      5,852       4,275      10,035
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                               1,965,487   1,626,232   1,286,365
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
  TOTAL CASH PROVIDED........................  1,932,089   1,566,955   1,420,651
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
CASH APPLIED
Cost of investments acquired:
 Bonds.......................................  1,916,791   1,357,008   1,218,880
 Stocks......................................     15,035      26,114     131,248
 Mortgage loans..............................     38,768     100,466      71,427
 Real estate and other invested assets.......     17,456       8,970      14,909
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
  Total cost of investments acquired.........  1,988,050   1,492,558   1,436,464
Other cash applied...........................      5,469       6,231      24,452
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
  TOTAL CASH APPLIED.........................  1,993,519   1,498,789   1,460,916
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Net change in cash and short-term invest-
 ments.......................................    (61,430)     68,166     (40,265)
Cash and short-term investments:
 Beginning of year...........................     75,962       7,796      48,061
                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
 END OF YEAR................................. $   14,532  $   75,962  $    7,796
                                              ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (the "Company"), is a mutual life
insurance company which concentrates primarily in the sale of individual life
insurance and annuity products. The primary products that the Company currently
markets are traditional whole life, yearly renewable term, universal life,
variable life, immediate annuities and deferred annuities, both fixed and
variable. The Company markets its products through a network of career agents,
independent agents, and independent marketing organizations. The Company sells
its products in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with
accounting principles prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (SAP). Prescribed SAP include state laws,
regulations, and general administrative rules, as well as a variety of
publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Permitted SAP encompass all accounting practices that are not prescribed. These
principles were considered to be in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP) prior to the issuance of Financial Accounting
Standards Board Interpretation No. 40, "Applicability of Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles to Mutual Life Insurance and other Enterprises," (FIN No.
40) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 120, "Accounting
and Reporting by Mutual Life Insurance Enterprises and by Insurance Enterprises
for Certain Long-Duration Participating Contracts". Effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1995, in accordance with FIN No. 40, the financial
statements of mutual life insurance companies which are prepared on the basis
of SAP can no longer be described as prepared in conformity GAAP. Therefore, as
required by generally accepted auditing standards, the opinion expressed by our
independent accountants on the 1995 and 1994 financial statements is different
from that expressed in their previous report.
 
In financial statements prepared in conformity with SAP, the accounting
treatment of certain items is different than for financial statements issued in
conformity with GAAP. Significant differences include:
 
 . Policy acquisition costs, such as commissions and other costs incurred in
  connection with acquiring new and renewal business, are expensed when
  incurred; under GAAP, such costs are deferred and amortized over the expected
  premium paying period.
 
 . Premiums for universal life and investment-type products are recognized as
  revenue when due; under GAAP, they are accounted for as deposits and excluded
  from revenue.
 
 . Policy reserves are based on statutory mortality and interest requirements
  and without consideration of withdrawals and are reported net of reinsurance
  reserve credits; under GAAP, the reserves are based on expected investment
  yield, mortality and withdrawals and are reported gross of reinsurance
  reserve credits. Changes in reserves on account of change in valuation basis
  during the year are charged directly to surplus rather than reflected in the
  net gain from operations, as is the case under GAAP.
 
 . No provision is made for deferred income taxes; under GAAP, deferred taxes
  result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and
  liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements.
 
 . An asset valuation reserve (AVR) is established as a liability to offset
  potential investment losses and changes in the AVR are charged or credited to
  surplus; under GAAP, reserves are established for invested assets based on
  evaluation of impairment and are recorded through realized gains/(losses).
 
 . An interest maintenance reserve (IMR) is established as a liability to
  capture gains and losses, net of tax, on the sale of fixed maturities
  resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates; no such
  reserve is required under GAAP.
 
 . Investments in bonds and preferred stocks are generally carried at amortized
  cost; under GAAP, investments in bonds and preferred stocks, other than those
  classified as held to maturity, are carried at fair value.
 
 . Certain assets, designated as nonadmitted, are excluded from assets by a
  direct charge to surplus; under GAAP, such assets are carried on the
  statement of financial condition with appropriate valuation allowances.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
 . Pension expense for the qualified noncontributory pension plan (Plan) is
  recognized when pension contributions are deductible for federal income tax
  purposes, rather than incurred over the service lives of employees
  participating in the Plan, as is the case under GAAP.
 
 . Postretirement benefits are recognized for vested employees and current
  retirees, rather than accruing an obligation over the service period for all
  eligible employees, as is the case under GAAP.
 
 .In accordance with Pennsylvania Insurance Laws and Regulations, the Company's
subsidiaries are not consolidated for statutory filing purposes; under GAAP,
majority-owned subsidiaries are consolidated.
 
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period.
 
VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS
 
Bonds and stocks are carried in the accompanying Statements of Financial
Condition at values prescribed by the NAIC. In general, bonds are stated at
amortized cost, preferred stocks at cost and unaffiliated common stocks at
market value. The Company's subsidiaries are carried on the equity basis with
the net income from subsidiaries recorded in net investment income. Real estate
is carried at cost less encumbrances and accumulated depreciation. Real estate
acquired through foreclosure is recorded at the lower of cost or market value
at the time of foreclosure. Real estate is depreciated using the straight-line
method. Mortgage loans are carried at the unpaid principal amount, less any
unamortized discount. Policy loans are stated at the unpaid principal balance
less amounts unsecured by cash surrender and dividend accumulation values. Cash
and short-term investments include cash on deposit and securities purchased
with a maturity date of less than one year. Short-term investments are valued
at cost, which approximates market. Other invested assets include joint venture
real estate partnerships, which are valued on the equity basis, and venture
capital limited partnerships, which are carried at market value. Certain assets
which are considered to be non-admitted for statutory purposes have been
excluded from the Statement of Financial Condition by a direct charge to
surplus.
 
Financial instruments utilized to hedge the Company's assets are recorded using
a valuation method consistent with the valuation method of the assets hedged.
Gains and losses on financial futures contracts used as hedges against interest
rate fluctuations are deferred and recognized in the Statements of Operations
over the remaining life of the hedged securities. Changes in the market value
of financial futures contracts used as hedges against market fluctuations of
equity securities are reported as unrealized gains or losses. They are
recognized as realized gains or losses when the hedged securities are sold.
 
Statutory accounting principles require insurance companies to hold an Asset
Valuation Reserve (AVR) and an Interest Maintenance Reserve (IMR). The purpose
of the AVR is to maintain consistent and prescribed valuation reserves for
invested assets. Changes in the AVR are recorded directly to surplus. The
purpose of the IMR is to defer recognition of realized gains and losses which
result from interest rate movements and to amortize these gains and losses into
income over the original expected life of the investment sold. Amortization of
gains and losses included in the IMR are reflected as a component of net
investment income.
 
Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method
and presented in the Statements of Operations net of taxes and excluding net
gains and losses transferred to the IMR. Unrealized gains and losses are
accounted for as direct increases or decreases to surplus.
 
RESERVES AND FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT OF FUTURE LIFE AND ANNUITY BENEFITS
 
Reserves and funds for the payment of future life and annuity benefits are
developed using actuarial methods based on statutory mortality and interest
requirements. Reserves for life insurance are computed principally on the net
level, modified preliminary term or CRVM methods using the 1941, 1958 and 1980
Commissioners' Standard Ordinary Mortality and American Experience Tables and
assumed interest rates ranging from 2.25% to 4.5%. Reserves for annuity
contracts are based principally on the 1949, 1971 and 1983 Individual Annuity
Mortality Tables for individual annuities and the 1971 and 1983 Group Annuity
Mortality Tables for group annuities and assumed interest rates ranging from
2.25% to 13.25%. Policy claims in process include provisions for payments to be
made on reported claims and claims incurred but not reported. Any adjustments
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
that are made to the reserve balances are reflected in the Statements of
Operations in the year in which such adjustments are made, with the exception
of changes in valuation bases which are accounted for as a charge or credit to
surplus.
 
REVENUE AND RELATED EXPENSE RECOGNITION
 
Premiums are recognized as income over the premium payment period of the
related policies. Annuity considerations are recognized as income as they are
received. Premium and annuity considerations are recorded net of reinsurance
premiums. Benefits are reported net of the amounts received from reinsurers.
Commissions and other expenses related to the acquisition of new policies are
charged to operations as incurred.
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its insurance
and non-insurance subsidiaries. Each subsidiary's tax liability or refund is
accrued on a separate company basis. The Company reimburses subsidiaries for
losses utilized in the consolidated return based on inter-company tax
allocation agreements. In accordance with statutory accounting practices, no
deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between pre-tax
accounting income and taxable income.
 
POLICYHOLDER DIVIDENDS
 
All insurance policies are participating. A liability for the dividends to be
paid or credited to policyholders during the following calendar year is
established at each year end. The amount of dividends to be paid is approved
annually by the Board of Trustees.
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
 
Separate Account assets and liabilities represent segregated funds administered
and invested by the Company primarily for the benefit of variable life
insurance policyholders and annuity and pension contractholders, including
certain of the Company's benefit plans. The value of the assets in the Separate
Accounts reflects the actual investment performance of the respective accounts
and is not guaranteed by the Company. The carrying value for Separate Account
assets and liabilities approximates the estimated fair value of the underlying
assets.
 
RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 1996
presentation.
 
NOTE 2 - ACCOUNTING CHANGES:
 
During 1996, the Company changed its valuation basis for disability income and
certain other contracts. The increase in reserves of $14,773, net of taxes, was
taken as a direct charge to surplus.
 
The sections of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) applicable to mutual life
insurance companies require that mutual, but not stock, life insurance
companies include the Differential Earnings Amount (DEA) in each year's taxable
income. This amount is computed by multiplying the Company's average taxable
equity base by a rate that represents the difference between stock and mutual
companies' earnings rates. Under the IRC, the enacted DEA rate for the current
year is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimate and is recomputed in the
following year to reflect the actual industry results.
 
Prior to 1995, the Company recorded its federal income tax expense for the DEA
based on the enacted IRS rates for the current year along with any adjustment
to the DEA related to the recomputation of the prior year's estimate. The
portion of the Company's federal income tax expense associated with the DEA was
recorded directly to surplus.
 
In 1995, the Company changed its method of accounting for the DEA to record the
tax based on management's best estimate of the final DEA rates. The impact of
this accounting change resulted in a $16,723 direct charge to surplus in 1995.
In addition, in 1995 the Company began recording the portion of its federal
income tax expense associated with the DEA in the Statement of Operations.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
During 1995, the Company changed the reserve valuation bases for certain of its
annuity products. These changes resulted in the release of $24,707 of
policyholder reserves and a corresponding credit directly to surplus.
 
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS:
 
DEBT SECURITIES
 
The following summarizes the statement value and estimated fair value of the
Company's investment in debt securities, including redeemable preferred stocks,
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                  GROSS      GROSS    ESTIMATED
                                     STATEMENT  UNREALIZED UNREALIZED    FAIR
                                       VALUE      GAINS      LOSSES     VALUE
                                     ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>                                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
United States Government...........  $   15,541  $    549   $    --   $   16,090
Other governmental units...........      34,451     1,601        --       36,052
Public utility.....................     415,874    28,379     2,020      442,233
Industrial and other...............   2,102,134   100,466     8,138    2,194,462
Mortgage and other asset-backed se-
 curities..........................   1,973,972    24,969    15,587    1,983,354
                                     ----------  --------   -------   ----------
                                      4,541,972   155,964    25,745    4,672,191
Redeemable preferred stocks........       3,575        --       266        3,309
                                     ----------  --------   -------   ----------
 TOTAL.............................  $4,545,547  $155,964   $26,011   $4,675,500
                                     ==========  ========   =======   ==========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                  GROSS      GROSS    ESTIMATED
                                     STATEMENT  UNREALIZED UNREALIZED    FAIR
                                       VALUE      GAINS      LOSSES     VALUE
                                     ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>                                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
United States Government...........  $   63,477  $  1,875   $    --   $   65,352
Other governmental units...........     103,090     2,893        --      105,983
Public utility.....................     509,120    51,946       347      560,719
Industrial and other...............   2,184,414   197,075    13,208    2,368,281
Mortgage and other asset-backed se-
 curities..........................     835,415    32,504     3,951      863,968
                                     ----------  --------   -------   ----------
                                      3,695,516   286,293    17,506    3,964,303
Redeemable preferred stocks........       3,964       --        237        3,727
                                     ----------  --------   -------   ----------
 TOTAL.............................  $3,699,480  $286,293   $17,743   $3,968,030
                                     ==========  ========   =======   ==========
</TABLE>    
 
The following summarizes the statement value and estimated fair value of debt
securities as of December 31, 1996 by contractual maturity.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     ESTIMATED
                                                          STATEMENT     FAIR
                                                            VALUE      VALUE
                                                          ---------- ----------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Maturity:
 Within one year......................................... $  211,786 $  211,591
 After one year through five years.......................    621,748    631,662
 After five years through ten years......................    296,615    307,622
 After ten years through twenty years....................    435,475    478,638
 After twenty years......................................  1,002,376  1,059,324
 Mortgage and other asset-backed securities..............  1,973,972  1,983,354
                                                          ---------- ----------
                                                           4,541,972  4,672,191
Redeemable preferred stocks..............................      3,575      3,309
                                                          ---------- ----------
 TOTAL................................................... $4,545,547 $4,675,500
                                                          ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain
borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or
prepayment penalties. Mortgage and other asset-backed securities consist of
commercial and residential mortgage pass-through holdings and securities backed
by credit card receivables, auto loans and home equity and manufactured housing
loans. These securities follow a structured principal repayment schedule and
are of high credit quality. These securities are rated investment grade, other
than $60,547 in commercial mortgage-backed securities retained from the
securitization of the Company's commercial mortgage loan portfolio. The
mortgage and other asset-backed securities portfolio is presented separately in
the maturity schedule due to the potential for prepayment. The weighted average
life of this portfolio is 7.6 years.
 
During 1996, 1995 and 1994, proceeds from dispositions of investments in debt
securities amounted to $1,079,993, $1,410,126, and $1,038,593, respectively.
The gross gains realized on those dispositions were $13,794, $57,295 and
$5,876, and the gross losses realized on those dispositions were $6,535,
$10,069 and $27,348 during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Total net
realized losses, net of taxes, transferred to the IMR in 1996 were $16,208.
Total net realized gains, net of taxes, transferred to the IMR in 1995 were
$32,211. Total net realized losses, net of taxes, transferred to the IMR, in
1994 were $14,089. Amortization of the IMR included in net investment income
amounted to $1,160, $1,482 and $1,056 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
The Company's investment portfolio of debt securities is comprised
predominantly of investment grade securities. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
debt securities totaling $168,313 and $100,013, respectively, were classified
by the NAIC as less than investment grade. The Company did not hold any debt
securities which were non-income producing for the preceding twelve months as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
MORTGAGE LOANS
 
On August 29, 1996, the Company securitized the majority of its mortgage loan
portfolio, by transferring mortgage loans with a principal value of $715,712
and a book value of $715,121 to a trust which qualifies as a REMIC (Real Estate
Mortgage Investment Conduit) under the Internal Revenue Code. The trust issued
sixteen classes of Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates with a total
par value of $715,912. The certificates evidence the entire beneficial
ownership interest in the trust. The cash flow from the mortgages will be used
to repay the certificates over an average life of 4.28 years. The actual date
on which the principal amount of the notes may be paid in full could be
substantially earlier or later based on performance of the mortgages. The cash
flows of the assets of the trust will be the sole source of payments on the
notes. The Company has not guaranteed these certificates or the mortgage loans
held by the trust. As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a
loss of $23,029 upon the transfer of the mortgages to the trust, representing
the difference between the fair market value of the certificates and the book
value of the mortgage loans transferred to the trust. This loss was deferred
through the Interest Maintenance Reserve (IMR), net of related taxes, and will
be amortized into income over the remaining life of the mortgages sold.
 
Included in the Company's bond portfolio are the highest quality classes of
certificates with a par value of $655,055 and a fair market value of $672,643
at the time of the securitization, which the Company retained. The Company sold
the lowest rated classes of certificates with a par value of $60,857 and a fair
market value of $22,752.
 
The mortgage loans which were not included in the securitization were retained
by the Company and had a book value of $152,480 and an estimated fair value of
$140,691 on the date of the securitization. Loans which the Company intends to
dispose of within a period of 6 to 24 months were written down to their
estimated net realizable value. These loans had a book value of $83,428 and an
estimated net realizable value of $67,642, which resulted in a credit-related
realized loss of $15,786. The Company intends to hold mortgage loans with a
book value of $69,052 on the date of the securitization, through their
remaining terms. The Company has discontinued the origination of commercial
mortgage loans.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
The following summarizes the statement value of mortgage loans, by property
type and geographic concentration, as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996     1995
                                                               -------- --------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>
Property Type
Office buildings.............................................. $ 40,243 $296,976
Retail........................................................   39,090  230,902
Dwellings.....................................................   33,539  223,192
Other.........................................................    4,174  209,622
                                                               -------- --------
 Total........................................................ $117,046 $960,692
                                                               ======== ========
Geographic Concentration
Northeast..................................................... $ 43,552 $328,397
Midwest.......................................................   17,539  358,203
South.........................................................   20,715  132,382
West..........................................................   35,240  139,979
Canada........................................................       --    1,731
                                                               -------- --------
 Total........................................................ $117,046 $960,692
                                                               ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
The Company's investments at December 31, 1996 included $12,983 of mortgage
loans delinquent over 60 days and no mortgage loans which were non-income
producing for the preceding twelve months as of December 31, 1996. The
Company's investments at December 31, 1995 included $27,295 of mortgage loans
delinquent over 60 days, including $8,033 of mortgage loans which were non-
income producing for the preceding twelve months as of December 31, 1995. The
mortgage loan portfolio includes $7,110 and $19,928 of restructured mortgage
loans as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Restructured mortgage
loans include commercial loans for which the basic terms, such as interest
rate, amortization, maturity date, or collateral have been changed as a result
of actual or anticipated delinquency. Restructures do not include mortgages
refinanced prior to or upon maturity at or above current market terms.
 
REAL ESTATE
 
As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, accumulated depreciation on real estate
amounted to $32,592 and $43,069, respectively. Depreciation expense on real
estate totaled $5,769, $10,019 and $8,445 for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The Company's investments include $14,330
and $27,944 of foreclosed real estate as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The statement value of the Company's largest real estate
investment amounted to $49,923 and $54,858 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. During 1996, the Company wrote down the statement value of this
property by $16,000 to its current estimated fair value based on changes in
future valuation assumptions. During 1995, the Company wrote down the statement
value of this property by $76,500 to its estimated fair value at that date.
This write down reflected the Company's determination that the value of the
property was permanently impaired due in part to the notification by the major
tenant that it did not intend to exercise lease extension options. In addition,
as of 1995, the Company no longer intended to hold this property as a long-term
investment.
 
NOTE 4 - RESERVES AND FUNDS FOR PAYMENT OF FUTURE LIFE AND ANNUITY BENEFITS:
 
The following summarizes the withdrawal characteristics of the Company's
reserve and deposit funds as of December 31, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    STATEMENT
                                                                      VALUE
                                                                   -----------
<S>                                                                <C>
Total policyholders' reserves and funds, including separate ac-
 count liabilities................................................ $ 6,173,292
Amounts not subject to discretionary withdrawal...................  (1,207,000)
                                                                   -----------
 Amounts subject to discretionary withdrawal...................... $ 4,966,292
                                                                   ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
Of the total reserves and deposit funds which are subject to discretionary
withdrawal, $1,958,656, which is net of applicable policy loans, may be
withdrawn without the policyholder incurring surrender charges or market value
adjustments to those funds.
 
NOTE 5 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK:
 
The following table summarizes the statement value and estimated fair value of
the Company's financial instruments as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1996                  1995
                                    --------------------- ---------------------
                                    STATEMENT  ESTIMATED  STATEMENT  ESTIMATED
                                      VALUE    FAIR VALUE   VALUE    FAIR VALUE
                                    ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
FINANCIAL ASSETS:
Debt securities
 Bonds............................. $4,541,972 $4,672,192 $3,695,516 $3,964,303
 Redeemable preferred stocks.......      3,575      3,309      3,964      3,727
Equity securities
 Common stock--unaffiliated........        160        160      8,182      8,182
 Non-redeemable preferred stocks...      9,467     12,112     11,085     13,607
Mortgage loans
 Commercial........................    117,046    120,281    958,079  1,000,003
 Residential.......................         --         --      2,613      2,930
Policy loans.......................    409,344    387,562    422,865    405,721
Venture capital limited partner-
 ships.............................     37,792     37,792     30,325     30,325
Separate account assets............  1,225,038  1,225,038    911,683    911,683
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Investment-type contracts
 Individual annuities..............  1,216,161  1,246,695 $1,248,138 $1,287,644
 Guaranteed investment contracts...    111,276    112,300    222,991    226,255
 Other group annuities.............    188,565    189,853    216,686    219,857
Dividends to policyholders payable
 in the following year.............     69,445     69,445     72,653     72,653
Separate account liabilities.......  1,225,038  1,225,038    905,960    905,960
</TABLE>
 
The estimated fair values for the Company's investments in debt and equity
securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. In situations
where market prices are not readily available, primarily private placements,
fair values are estimated using a formula pricing method based on fair values
of securities with similar characteristics. The fair value of currently
performing mortgage loans is estimated by discounting the cash flows associated
with the investments, using an interest rate currently offered for similar
loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar credit
quality, characteristics and time to maturity are aggregated for purposes of
estimating fair value. Assumptions regarding credit risk, cash flows and
discount rates are determined using the available market and borrower-specific
information. The estimated fair value for non-performing loans is based on the
estimated fair value of the underlying real estate, which is based on recent
appraisals or other estimation techniques. The estimated fair value of policy
loans is calculated by discounting estimated future cash flows using interest
rates currently being offered for similar loans. Loans with similar
characteristics are aggregated for purposes of estimating fair value. The
statement values of cash and short-term investments and separate account assets
approximate their fair values. The estimated fair value for venture capital
limited partnerships is based on values determined by the partnerships'
managing general partners. The resulting estimated fair values may not be
indicative of the value negotiated in an actual sale.
 
The fair values of the Company's liabilities for individual annuities,
guaranteed investment contracts and other group annuities are estimated by
discounting the cash flows associated with the contracts, using an interest
rate currently offered for similar contracts with maturities similar to those
remaining for the contracts being valued. The statement value for certain of
the other group annuities, totaling $34,803 and $43,490 as of December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively, approximates the fair value due
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
to the nature of the contracts. The statement values of dividends to
policyholders payable in the following year and separate account liabilities
approximate their fair values.
 
Currently, disclosure of estimated fair values is not required for all of the
Company's assets and liabilities. Therefore, presentation of the estimated fair
value of a significant portion of assets without a corresponding valuation of
liabilities associated with insurance contracts can be misinterpreted. The
continuing management of the relationship between the maturities of the
Company's investments and the amounts due under insurance contracts reduces the
Company's exposure to changing interest rates.
 
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its interest sensitive
products. The Company's investment strategy is designed to minimize interest
risk by managing the duration of both assets and liabilities and anticipated
cash flows of the Company's assets and liabilities.
 
To minimize exposure and reduce risk from exchange and interest rate
fluctuations in the normal course of business, the Company is party to
financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk. As of December 31, 1996 and
1995, the Company had interest rate swaps with aggregate notional amounts equal
to $115,000, with average unexpired terms of 29 and 39 months, respectively.
Interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange of fixed and floating rate
interest payment obligations without an exchange of the underlying notional
principal amounts. During the term of the swap, the net settlement amount is
accrued as an adjustment to interest income. If the counterparty defaults, the
Company is exposed only to the loss of the interest rate differential. If the
positions were closed as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company would have
recognized gains of $7,605 and $12,880, respectively. The fair values for
interest rate swaps and futures contracts are based on dealers' quotes and
represent the estimated amount the Company would receive to terminate the
contracts taking into account current interest rates and the creditworthiness
of the counterparties, where appropriate.
 
In the normal course of business, the Company loans securities under
arrangements in which collateral is obtained in amounts greater than the
current market value of loaned securities. This collateral is held in the form
of cash, cash equivalents or securities issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government. The Company is at risk to the extent the value of loaned
securities exceeds the value of the collateral obtained. The Company controls
this risk by requiring collateral of the highest quality and requiring that
additional collateral be deposited when the market value of loaned securities
increases in relation to the collateral held or the value of the collateral
decreases in relation to the value of the loaned securities. The Company had no
loaned securities outstanding as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
NOTE 6 - BENEFIT PLANS:
 
The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit plans as
well as qualified defined contribution plans covering substantially all of its
employees and full-time agents. The total pension expense related to these
plans, including amounts allocated to the Company's subsidiaries, amounted to
$8,310, $8,848 and $7,757 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS
 
The Company's expense and funding policy for the qualified defined benefit plan
is to contribute an amount between the minimum required contribution and the
maximum deductible amount in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code. The
benefits for the plan are based on years of service and the employee's
compensation prior to termination of employment.
 
The following summarizes the accumulated plan benefits, calculated using the
projected unit credit method and plan net assets for the Company's qualified
defined benefit plan as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996    1995
                                                                ------- -------
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
Actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits:
 Vested........................................................ $32,572 $29,744
 Non-vested....................................................     935     763
                                                                ------- -------
  TOTAL........................................................ $33,507 $30,507
                                                                ======= =======
Net assets available for plan benefits......................... $37,938 $34,067
                                                                ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
The actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits was determined using a
7.5% and a 7.0% assumed discount rate for December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
The Company also sponsors defined benefit plans for certain employees in excess
of limits for qualified retirement plans. Pension assets are maintained in the
Company's general account. As of December 31, 1996, the plans' total
accumulated benefit obligation, determined in accordance with SFAS No. 87 and
based on a 7.5% assumed discount rate amounted to $16,439. As of December 31,
1995, the plans' total accumulated benefit obligation, determined in accordance
with SFAS No. 87 and based on an 7.0% assumed discount rate amounted to
$17,609. The additional obligation for future salary increases was $1,899 and
$2,539 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS
 
Defined contribution plan benefits are based on the participant's account
balance. Designated contributions of up to 8% of each employee's annual
compensation are eligible to be matched by the Company. As of December 31, 1996
and 1995, the estimated fair value of the defined contribution plans' assets
was $134,778 and $126,378, respectively.
 
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
The Company also provides certain health care and life insurance benefits
(postretirement benefits) for retired employees. Substantially all employees
become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age eligibility
while working for the Company.
 
The Company accounts for the costs of postretirement benefits using an accrual
method and is amortizing a transition obligation of $33,744 over 20 years. As
of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the unamortized transition obligation was
$26,996 and $28,683, respectively.
 
Postretirement benefit expense for the year ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994 was $3,778, $4,426, and $4,346 respectively, which includes the expected
cost of postretirement benefits for vested employees, interest cost, service
cost, and amortization of the transition obligation and the unrecognized
gains/(losses) on the obligation. The interest cost, service cost and
amortization of the unrecognized gain on the obligation were $1,948, $590 and
$447, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1996. The interest cost and
service cost were $2,471 and $268, respectively, for the year ended December
31, 1995. The interest cost and service cost were $2,366 and $293,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1994. There was no unrecognized
gain/(losses) on the obligation in 1995 and 1994. The Company made
contributions to the plans of $2,107, $2,629 and $2,438 in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively, as claims were incurred.
 
As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the unfunded postretirement benefit
obligation for retirees and other fully eligible or vested plan participants
was $25,960 and $36,150, respectively. For December 31, 1996 the discount rate
used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 7.5%,
and the health care cost trend rate was 8.5%, graded to 5% over 8 years. For
December 31, 1995, the discount rate used in determining the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 7.0%, and the health care cost trend rate
was 9.0%, graded to 5.0% over 9 years.
 
The health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the
amount reported. To illustrate, increasing the assumed health care cost trend
rate by one percentage point in each year would increase the postretirement
benefit obligation as of January 1, 1996 by $1,833 and the estimated
eligibility cost and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement
benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 1996 by $135.
 
NOTE 7 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES:
 
The provision for federal income taxes is computed in accordance with the
sections of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to mutual life insurance
companies.
 
The taxable income reflected in the Company's federal tax return differs from
statutory income as reflected in the accompanying Statements of Operations.
Significant differences relate to the DEA, treatment of policy acquisition
costs, differences in policy reserve valuation methods, and settled tax issues.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
The IRS has examined the Company's income tax returns through the year 1990 and
is currently examining years 1991 through 1994. Management believes that an
adequate provision has been made for potential assessments.
 
In 1995, the Company settled various tax issues with the IRS, including an
issue with the tax treatment of certain traditional life insurance policy
updates. As a result of these settlements, the 1995 federal income tax expense
was decreased in the Statement of Operations by approximately $57,000.
 
NOTE 8 - REINSURANCE:
 
The Company has assumed and ceded reinsurance on certain life and annuity
contracts under various agreements. The Company remains primarily liable as the
direct insurer on all risks reinsured, and performs due diligence to ensure
that amounts due from reinsurers are collectable. The table below includes the
reinsurance amounts recorded in the accompanying financial statements, which
are presented net of reinsurance activity.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                ASSUMED    CEDED TO
                                      GROSS    FROM OTHER   OTHER        NET
                                     AMOUNT    COMPANIES  COMPANIES    AMOUNT
                                   ----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S>                                <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1996:
Life Insurance in-force..........  $26,822,820 $7,829,755 $5,517,369 $29,135,206
Premium and annuity considera-
 tions...........................      656,437     17,831     33,085     641,183
Reserves and funds for payment of
 future life and annuity bene-
 fits............................    5,942,388      3,945    320,167   5,626,166
DECEMBER 31, 1995:
Life Insurance in-force..........  $26,290,414 $7,668,076 $4,982,235 $28,976,255
Premium and annuity considera-
 tions...........................      724,188     19,762     33,508     710,442
Reserves and funds for payment of
 future life and annuity bene-
 fits............................    5,364,721      3,937    304,360   5,064,298
</TABLE>
 
During 1994, the Company had gross premiums of $772,461, assumed premiums of
$40,418 and ceded premiums of $41,332.
 
Under reinsurance agreements with The Penn Insurance and Annuity Company (PIA),
a wholly-owned subsidiary, the Company has assumed and ceded certain risks. As
a result of these reinsurance agreements with PIA, net life insurance in-force
ceded to PIA totaled $327,897 and $342,694 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The Company reduced its reserves by $243,426 and $242,691 as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Net premium and annuity
considerations ceded to PIA were $11,620 and $11,056, which include an
experience refund paid of $4,461 and $2,257 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. Net
premium and annuity considerations assumed from PIA in 1994 were $10,069.
 
During 1995, PIA recaptured its single premium immediate annuity business which
it had previously ceded entirely to the Company. The transaction resulted in
the transfer of approximately $31,000 of invested assets and policyholder
liabilities from the Company to PIA.
 
During 1995, the Company recaptured the portion of its disability income
business that was previously reinsured under a quota share and excess
reinsurance agreement with the Monarch Life Insurance Company ("Monarch"). As a
result of this recapture, approximately $21,200 of cash and policyholder
reserves were transferred to the Company from Monarch.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTIES:
 
The following summarizes the statement value of the Company's unconsolidated
subsidiaries and affiliates as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996     1995
                                                              -------- --------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
Independence Square Properties, Inc. ........................ $108,817 $ 88,607
PIA..........................................................   82,102   65,601
Other affiliates.............................................   14,655   16,985
                                                              -------- --------
 TOTAL....................................................... $205,574 $171,193
                                                              ======== ========
</TABLE>    
 
The Company's unconsolidated subsidiaries had combined assets of $1,545,888 and
$1,373,745, and combined liabilities of $1,340,314 and $1,202,552 as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company records earnings from
these subsidiaries through investment income. The majority of the earnings of
$37,981, $23,642 and $24,311 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively, relate to broker/dealer subsidiaries.
 
As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, bonds include notes receivable from
subsidiaries of $27,304 and $31,130, respectively. Investment income on notes
receivable from subsidiaries amounted to $1,989, $3,118 and $2,527 for 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are respondents in a number of proceedings,
some of which involve extra-contractual damage in addition to other damages. In
addition, insurance companies are subject to assessments, up to statutory
limits, by state guaranty funds for losses of policyholders of insolvent
insurance companies. In the opinion of management, the outcome of the
proceedings and assessments are not likely to have a material adverse effect on
the financial position of the Company.
 
The Company has undertaken to its wholly-owned subsidiary, PIA, to provide
sufficient financial support so that PIA will have adequate capital and surplus
as required by applicable laws to meet its obligations to its policyholders
under the terms of PIA's policies and contracts.
 
The Company, in the ordinary course of business, extends commitments relating
to its investment activities. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had
outstanding commitments totaling $13,079 relating to these investment
activities. The fair value of these commitments approximates the face amount.
 
As of December 31, 1996, unused lines of credit available to the Company
amounted to $40,000.
 
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
APPENDIX A     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
MINIMUM INITIAL ANNUAL PREMIUMS     
   
  The following table shows for Insureds of varying ages, the minimum initial
annual premium for a Policy with a Basic Death Benefit of $1,000,000. The table
assumes the Insureds will be placed in a nonsmoker class and that no
supplemental benefits will be added to the base Policy.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
      AGE OF MALE          AGE OF FEMALE               MINIMUM INITIAL ANNUAL PREMIUM
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      <S>                  <C>                         <C>
           35                    35                                $2,802
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           40                    45                                $3,224
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           45                    45                                $3,296
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           50                    45                                $3,376
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           55                    45                                $3,462
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           55                    55                                $4,248
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           60                    58                                $4,687
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           65                    70                                $7,146
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           70                    62                                $6,391
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
APPENDIX B     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
ADMINISTRATIVE SURRENDER CHARGES PER $1,000 OF INITIAL SPECIFIED AMOUNT     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
           ATTAINED AGE OF YOUNGER                   CHARGE PER EACH $1,000 OF
           INSURED ON POLICY DATE                    INITIAL SPECIFIED AMOUNT
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>                                       <C>
                    20-29                                     $ 6.00
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    30-39                                     $ 8.00
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    40-49                                     $10.00
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    50-59                                     $12.00
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   60-over                                    $14.00
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
   
SAMPLE SURRENDER CHARGE PREMIUMS FOR $1,000,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT     
   
(NS = NONSMOKER; S = SMOKER)     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
     AGE OF        SMOKING           AGE OF           SMOKING           MAXIMUM SURRENDER
      MALE         STATUS            FEMALE           STATUS             CHARGE PREMIUM
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     <S>           <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
       50            NS                45               NS                   $ 9,254
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       65            NS                65               NS                   $29,399
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       55             S                55                S                   $16,280
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       55             S                45               NS                   $10,392
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       45            NS                45                S                   $ 9,040
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       35            NS                35               NS                   $ 5,364
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       70            NS                62                S                   $25,370
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       40             S                45                S                   $ 9,044
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       65             S                70               NS                   $31,204
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       60            NS                58               NS                   $16,885
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
APPENDIX C       
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
ILLUSTRATIVE NET SINGLE PREMIUM FACTORS      
    
  For a Policy Issued to a Male Nonsmoker, age 65, standard underwriting class
and Female, Nonsmoker, age 65, standard underwriting class.      
 
<TABLE>     
        <S>          <C>                    <C>         <C> 
         65          2.2464                 83          1.2787
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         66          2.1200                 84          1.2557
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         67          2.0406                 85          1.2348
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         68          1.9656                 86          1.2159
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         69          1.8949                 87          1.1987
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         70          1.8283                 88          1.1831
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         71          1.7657                 89          1.1686
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         72          1.7068                 90          1.1550
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         73          1.6517                 91          1.1421
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         74          1.6002                 92          1.1295
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         75          1.5523                 93          1.1171
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         76          1.5080                 94          1.1044
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         77          1.4670                 95          1.0913
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         78          1.4290                 96          1.0778
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         79          1.3940                 97          1.0643
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         80          1.3615                 98          1.0520
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         81          1.3316                 99          1.0321 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         82          1.3040                            
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>      

 
                                      C-1
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
APPENDIX D     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
POLICIES ISSUED TO NEW YORK RESIDENTS     
   
  For Policies issued to New York residents, the surrender charge declines
during the 6th through the 14th Policy Years so that no surrender charge is
deductible during the 15th and later Policy Years. The surrender factors used
to calculate the surrender charge for such Policies are as follows:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                             SURRENDER FACTOR
           SURRENDER DURING                                  APPLIED TO (C) IN
             POLICY YEAR                                      FORMULA ON PAGE
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
           <S>                                               <C>
           1st through 5th                                         1.00
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 6th                                                .90
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 7th                                                .80
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 8th                                                .70
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 9th                                                .60
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 10th                                               .50
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 11th                                               .40
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 12th                                               .30
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 13th                                               .20
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 14th                                               .10
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 15th                                                 0
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                      D-1
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
<PAGE>
 
                          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.

                             RULE 484 UNDERTAKING

         Section 6.2 of the By-laws of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
("Penn Mutual" or the "Company") provides that, in accordance with the
provisions of the Section, the Company shall indemnify trustees and officers
against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, excise taxes and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with
actions, suits and proceedings, to the extent such indemnification is not
prohibited by law, and may provide other indemnification to the extent not
prohibited by law. The By-laws are filed as Exhibit 6(b) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 12 to the Form N-4 Registration Statement of Penn Mutual Variable
Annuity Account III filed in April 1990 (File No. 2-77283).

         Pennsylvania law (15 Pa. C.S.A. (S)(S) 1741-1750) authorizes
Pennsylvania corporations to provide indemnification to directors, officers and
other persons.

         Penn Mutual owns a directors and officers liability insurance policy
covering liabilities that trustees and officers of Penn Mutual and its
subsidiaries may incur in acting as trustees and officers.

         Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 (the "Act") 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 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.


                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
                   REPRESENTATIONS PURSUANT TO RULE 6e-3(T)

         This filing is made pursuant to Rule 6e-3(T) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.

         Registrant elects to be governed by Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(i)(A) under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the policies described in the
Prospectus.

         Registrant makes the following representations:

                  (1) Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(iii)(F) has been relied upon.

                  (2) The level of the mortality and expense risk charge is
         within the range of industry practice for comparable flexible or
         scheduled contracts.

                  (3) Registrant has concluded that there is a reasonable
         likelihood that the distribution financing arrangement of the Separate
         Account will benefit the Separate Account and policyowners and will
         keep and make available to the Commission on request a memorandum
         setting forth the basis for this representation.

                  (4) The Separate Account will invest only in management
         investment companies which have undertaken to have a board of
         directors, a majority of whom are not interested persons of the
         company, formulate and approve any plan under Rule 12b- 1 to finance
         distribution expenses.

         The methodology used to support the representation made in paragraph
(2) above is based on an analysis of the mortality and expense risk charge
contained in other variable life insurance contracts. Registrant undertakes to
keep and make available to the Commission on request the documents used to
support the representation in paragraph (2) above.

                      CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents:

         The facing sheet.
    
         The prospectus consisting of 57 pages. Undertaking to file 
          reports.     
         Rule 484 undertaking.
         Representations pursuant to Rule 6e-3(T).
         The signatures.

                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
         Written consents of the following persons:
    
         (a)   Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.     
    
The following exhibits:     

1.       Copies of all exhibits which would be required by paragraph A of the
         instructions as to exhibits in Form N-8B-2 if a Registration Statement
         on that Form were currently being filed.

<TABLE>     
                  <S>   <C>        
                  A(1)  (a)    Resolution of the Board of Trustees of The Penn
                               Mutual Life Insurance Company establishing the
                               Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I./a/
                  A(2)  Not Applicable.
                  A(3)  (a)(1) Distribution Agreement between The Penn Mutual
                               Life Insurance Company and Hornor, Townsend &
                               Kent, Inc./b/
                        (a)(2) Sales Support Agreement between The Penn Mutual
                               Life Insurance Company and Hornor, Townsend &
                               Kent, Inc./b/
                        (b)(1) Agent's Agreement./b/
                        (b)(2) Broker-Dealer Selling Agreement/b/
                        (b)(3) Companion Broker-Dealer Selling Agreement and
                               Corporate Insurance Agent Selling Agreement./b/
                        (c)    Schedule of Sales Commissions.*
                  A(4)  Not Applicable.
                  A(5)  (a)(1) Specimen Last Survivor Flexible Premium
                               Adjustable Variable Life Insurance Policy (Sex
                               Distinct)./b/
                        (a)(2) Specimen Last Survivor Flexible Premium
                               Adjustable Variable Life Insurance Policy
                               (Unisex)./b/
                        (a)(3) Specimen Last Survivor Flexible Premium
                               Adjustable Variable Life Insurance Policy (New
                               York)./b/
                        (b)(1) Flexible Period Single Life Supplemental Term
                               Insurance Agreement (Sex Distinct)./b/
                        (b)(2) Flexible Period Single Life Supplemental Term
                               Insurance Agreement (Unisex)./b/
                        (b)(3) Flexible Period Single Life Supplemental Term
                               Insurance Agreement (New York)./b/
                        (c)(1) Policy Split Option Agreement./b/
                        (c)(2) Policy Split Option Agreement (New York)./b/
                        (d)    Estate Growth Benefit Agreement./b/
                        (e)(1) Supplemental Exchange Agreement./b/
                        (e)(2) Supplemental Exchange Agreement (New York)./b/
                        (f)(1) Supplemental Term Insurance Agreement (Sex
                               Distinct)./b/
                        (f)(2) Supplemental Term Insurance Agreement
                               (Unisex)./b/
</TABLE>      


                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>     
                  <S>   <C>   
                        (f)(3) Supplemental Term Insurance Agreement (New
                               York)./b/
                        (g)(1) Guaranteed Continuation of Policy Agreement (Sex
                               Distinct)./b/
                        (g)(2) Guaranteed Continuation of Policy Agreement
                               (Unisex)./b/
                  A(6)  (a)    Charter of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                               Company./c/
                        (b)    By-Laws of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                               Company./d/
                  A(7)  Not Applicable.
                  A(8)  (a)    Agreement between The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                               Company and Penn Series Funds, Inc./b/
                        (b)(1) Agreement between The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                               Company and Neuberger & Berman Advisers
                               Management Trust./e/
                        (b)(2) Assignment and Modification Agreement between
                               Neuberger & Berman Management Incorporated,
                               Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust and
                               The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company./f/
                        (b)(3) Amendment to Agreement between The Penn Mutual
                               Life Insurance Company and Neuberger & Berman
                               Advisers Management Trust is incorporated herein
                               by reference to Form S-6 Registration Statement
                               (File No. 33-54662) for Penn Mutual Variable Life
                               Account I Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed on
                               April 25, 1997.
                        (c)    Agreement between The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                               Company and TCI Portfolios, Inc. (renamed
                               American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.
                               effective May 1, 1997)/e/
                        (d)    Agreement between The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                               Company and Variable Insurance Products Fund./b/
                        (e)    Agreement between The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                               Company and Variable Insurance Products Fund
                               II./b/
                        (f)    Agreement between The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
                               Company and Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, 
                               Inc./g/
                  A(9)  Not applicable.
                  A(10) (a)    Application form for Last Survivor Flexible
                               Premium Adjustable Variable Life Insurance./e/
                        (b)    Supplemental application form for Last Survivor
                               Flexible Premium Adjustable Variable Life
                               Insurance./b/
                  A(11) Memorandum describing issuance, transfer and redemption
                        procedures./b/
</TABLE>      
2.   Opinion and consent of C. Ronald Rubley, Esq., as to the legality of the
     securities being registered./b/
    
3.   Opinion and Consent of Peter R. Schaefer, F.S.A., M.A.A.A., as to actuarial
     matters pertaining to the securities being registered./f/    

                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
    
4.   (a)   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P./*/     
     (b)   Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP./*/      
     (c)   Consent of Peter R. Schaefer, F.S.A., M.A.A.A./*/      
    
5.   Powers of Attorney for Trustees./*/     

    
*     Filed herewith.     
/a/   Filed as exhibit and incorporated herein by reference to the Form S-6
      Registration Statement (File No. 33-11883) for Penn Mutual Variable Life
      Account I filed on February 10, 1987.
    
/b/   Filed as an exhibit and incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective
      Amendment No. 1 to this Form S-6 Registration Statement filed on April 13,
      1995.     
/c/   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6(a) to Post-Effective
      Amendment No. 10 to Form N-4 Registration Statement (File No. 2-77283) for
      Penn Mutual Variable Annuity Account III filed in April 1988.
/d/   Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the
      Form N-4 Registration Statement (File No. 2-77283) of Penn Mutual Variable
      Annuity Account III filed on April 30, 1990.
/e/   Incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
      Form S-6 Registration Statement (File No. 33-54662) for Penn Mutual
      Variable Life Account I filed on March 22, 1993.
    
/f/   Filed as an exhibit and incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
      Amendment No. 1 to this Form S-6 Registration Statement filed on April 29,
      1996.    
    
/g/   Filed as an exhibit and incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
      Amendment No. 22 to Form N-4 Registration Statement (File No. 2-77283) for
      Penn Mutual Variable Annuity Account III filed on April 29, 1997.    

                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
    
         On its behalf and on behalf of Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I,
pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, The Penn Mutual Life
Insurance Company certifies that it meets the requirements of Securities Act
Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this Registration Statement and has duly caused
this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, and its seal to be
hereunto affixed and attested, all in the Township of Horsham and the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the 28th day of April, 1997.     

[SEAL]                               The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                     on its behalf and on behalf of Penn
                                     Mutual Variable Life Account I


Attest:                                    By: /s/ Robert E. Chappell
        --------------                         ----------------------
                                           Robert E. Chappell
                                               
                                           Chairman of the Board of Trustees    
                                           and Chief Executive Officer

    
         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-
Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by
the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 28th day of April,
1997.     

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 

Signature                        Title
- ---------                        -----               
<S>                              <C> 
/s/ Robert E. Chappell           Chairman of the Board 
- --------------------------       of Trustees and
Robert E. Chappell               Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Nancy S. Brodie              Executive Vice President
- --------------------------       and Chief
Nancy S. Brodie                  Financial Officer

*JAMES A. HAGEN                  Trustee

*PHILIP E. LIPPINCOTT            Trustee

*JOHN F. McCAUGHAN               Trustee

*ALAN B. MILLER                  Trustee

*DANIEL J. TORAN                 Trustee

*NORMAN T. WILDE, JR.            Trustee

*WESLEY S. WILLIAMS, JR.         Trustee

*By /s/ Robert E. Chappell
   -----------------------
    Robert E. Chappell, 
     attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>      


                                     II-6
<PAGE>
 
                              Exhibit Index List
                              ------------------

<TABLE>     
<S>               <C> 
EX-99.BA(3)(c)    Schedule of Sales Commissions.

EX-99.B(4)(a)     Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

EX-99.B(4)(b)     Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.

EX-99.B(4)(c)     Consent of Peter R. Schaefer, F.S.A., M.A.A.A.

EX-99.B(5)        Power of Attorney for Trustees.
</TABLE>      

                                     II-7

<PAGE>
 


                    THE PENN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                            Schedule of Commissions
                            -----------------------

                                      for
                                      ---

         Flexible premium Adjustable Variable Life Insurance Policies
         ------------------------------------------------------------


I.   Soliciting Agents
     -----------------

     A.  Up to 50% of premiums paid in the first policy year and up to 4% of
         premiums paid in subsequent years.

     B.  Up to 0.25% of Policy Value.


II.  General Agents, Managers and regional Directors
     -----------------------------------------------

     A.  15% of premiums paid in the first policy year and up to 5% of premiums
         paid in the second and third policy years and up to 1.5% of premiums
         paid in the fourth and subsequent policy years. The actual rate is
         determined by the issue age of the insured, the sales distribution
         system and other policy specific information.


     Note: No commissions will be paid on transfers to flexible premium
     adjustable variable life insurance policies, in any form, from other
     policies issued by the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or, its
     subsidiary, The Penn Insurance and Annuity Company.

<PAGE>
 
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We hereby consent to the following with respect to Post-Effective Amendment No.
2 and Amendment Number 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 (File No. 33-
87276), filed on behalf of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and Penn
Mutual Variable Life Account I under the Securities Act of 1933:


     1. The inclusion of our report dated January 28, 1997 on our audits of the
        statutory financial statements of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
        as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the three years in the period
        ended December 31, 1996.

     2. The inclusion of our report dated April 7, 1997 on our audit of the
        financial statements of Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I -
        Cornerstone VUL II/Variable Estate Max as of December 31, 1996 and for
        the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period from May 1, 1995
        (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1995.

     3. The reference to our Firm under the heading of "Experts" in the
        Registration Statement.





COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 28, 1997

<PAGE>
                                                                   Exhibit 7(b)

[LETTERHEAD OF MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP]

    
April 28, 1997     

Board of Trustees
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
Philadelphia, PA 19172


Re:      Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I
         SEC Registration No. 33-87276
         -----------------------------------

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

We hereby consent to the reference to our name under the caption "Legal Matters"
in the Prospectus filed as part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2. In
giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933.


Very truly yours,

/s/ Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

<PAGE>

 
[Letterhead of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company Appears Here]






    
April 28, 1997     





Board of Trustees
The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
Philadelphia, PA 19172


Re:      Penn Mutual Variable Life Account I
         SEC Registration No. 33-87276
         -----------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I hereby consent to the use of my name relating to actuarial matters under the
heading "Experts" in the prospectus included in the above-referenced
Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Peter R. Schaefer

Peter R. Schaefer, FSA, MAAA
Actuary



<PAGE>
 
                     The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                               -----------------



     Robert E. Chappell, whose signature appears below, does hereby constitute
and appoint Robert E. Chappell and Daniel J. Toran, and each of them severally,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agents, and each of them, may deem necessary
or advisable or which may be required to enable The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with the filing and effectiveness of the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-6 (SEC Registration No. 33-87276) pursuant to such Acts,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of the undersigned as
a trustee and/or officer of the Company such Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Acts, and any other instruments or
documents related thereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm
all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.



Date:   April  15, 1997                          /s/ Robert E. Chappell
                                                 ----------------------
                                                 Robert E. Chappell
<PAGE>
 
                     The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                               -----------------



     Nancy S. Brodie, whose signature appears below, does hereby constitute and
appoint Robert E. Chappell and Daniel J. Toran, and each of them severally, his
true and lawful attorneys and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agents, and each of them, may deem necessary
or advisable or which may be required to enable The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with the filing and effectiveness of the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-6 (SEC Registration No. 33-87276) pursuant to such Acts,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of the undersigned as
a trustee and/or officer of the Company such Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Acts, and any other instruments or
documents related thereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm
all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.



Date:   April 15, 1997                           /s/ Nancy S. Brodie
                                                 -------------------
                                                  Nancy S. Brodie
<PAGE>
 
                     The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                               -----------------



     James A. Hagen, whose signature appears below, does hereby constitute and
appoint Robert E. Chappell and Daniel J. Toran, and each of them severally, his
true and lawful attorneys and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agents, and each of them, may deem necessary
or advisable or which may be required to enable The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with the filing and effectiveness of the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-6 (SEC Registration No. 33-87276) pursuant to such Acts,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of the undersigned as
a trustee and/or officer of the Company such Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Acts, and any other instruments or
documents related thereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm
all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.



Date:   April 15, 1997                           /s/ James A. Hagen
                                                 ------------------
                                                 James A. Hagen
<PAGE>
 
                     The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                               -----------------



     Philip E. Lippincott, whose signature appears below, does hereby constitute
and appoint Robert E. Chappell and Daniel J. Toran, and each of them severally,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agents, and each of them, may deem necessary
or advisable or which may be required to enable The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with the filing and effectiveness of the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-6 (SEC Registration No. 33-87276) pursuant to such Acts,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of the undersigned as
a trustee and/or officer of the Company such Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Acts, and any other instruments or
documents related thereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm
all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.



Date:   April 15, 1997                           /s/ Philip E. Lippincott
                                                 ------------------------
                                                 Philip E. Lippincott
<PAGE>
 
                     The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                               -----------------



     Alan B. Miller, whose signature appears below, does hereby constitute and
appoint Robert E. Chappell and Daniel J. Toran, and each of them severally, his
true and lawful attorneys and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agents, and each of them, may deem necessary
or advisable or which may be required to enable The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with the filing and effectiveness of the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-6 (SEC Registration No. 33-87276) pursuant to such Acts,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of the undersigned as
a trustee and/or officer of the Company such Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Acts, and any other instruments or
documents related thereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm
all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.



Date:   April 15, 1997                           /s/   Alan B. Miller
                                                 --------------------
                                                  Alan B. Miller
<PAGE>
 
                     The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                               -----------------



     Daniel J. Toran, whose signature appears below, does hereby constitute and
appoint Robert E. Chappell and Daniel J. Toran, and each of them severally, his
true and lawful attorneys and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agents, and each of them, may deem necessary
or advisable or which may be required to enable The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with the filing and effectiveness of the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-6 (SEC Registration No. 33-87276) pursuant to such Acts,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of the undersigned as
a trustee and/or officer of the Company such Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Acts, and any other instruments or
documents related thereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm
all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.



Date:   April 15, 1997                           /s/   Daniel J. Toran
                                                 ---------------------
                                                       Daniel J. Toran
<PAGE>
 
                     The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                               -----------------



     Norman T. Wilde, Jr., whose signature appears below, does hereby constitute
and appoint Robert E. Chappell and Daniel J. Toran, and each of them severally,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agents, and each of them, may deem necessary
or advisable or which may be required to enable The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with the filing and effectiveness of the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-6 (SEC Registration No. 33-87276) pursuant to such Acts,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of the undersigned as
a trustee and/or officer of the Company such Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Acts, and any other instruments or
documents related thereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm
all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.



Date:   April 15, 1997                           /s/ Norman T. Wilde, Jr.
                                                 -------------------------
                                                 Norman T. Wilde, Jr.
<PAGE>
 
                     The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                               -----------------



     Wesley S. Williams, Jr., whose signature appears below, does hereby
constitute and appoint Robert E. Chappell and Daniel J. Toran, and each of them
severally, his true and lawful attorneys and agents, with power of substitution
and resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agents, and each of them, may deem necessary
or advisable or which may be required to enable The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with the filing and effectiveness of the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-6 (SEC Registration No. 33-87276) pursuant to such Acts,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of the undersigned as
a trustee and/or officer of the Company such Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Acts, and any other instruments or
documents related thereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm
all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.



Date:   April 15, 1997                           /s/ Wesley S. Williams, Jr.
                                                 ---------------------------
                                                 Wesley S. Williams, Jr.
<PAGE>
  
                     The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                               -----------------



     John F. McCaughan, whose signature appears below, does hereby constitute
and appoint Robert E. Chappell and Daniel J. Toran, and each of them severally,
his true and lawful attorneys and agents, with power of substitution and
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agents, and each of them, may deem necessary
or advisable or which may be required to enable The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with the filing and effectiveness of the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-6 (SEC Registration No. 33-87276) pursuant to such Acts,
including specifically, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of the undersigned as
a trustee and/or officer of the Company such Registration Statement and any and
all amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Acts, and any other instruments or
documents related thereto, and the undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm
all that said attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.



Date:   April 15, 1997                                     /s/ John F. McCaughan
                                                           ---------------------
                                                           John F. McCaughan


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