HARTFORD LIFE INS CO PUTNAM CAPITAL MGR TR SEPARATE ACCT TWO
497, 1996-12-30
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                                                                       Page 1

HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY --
PUTNAM CAPITAL MANAGER TRUST SEPARATE ACCOUNT
P.O. Box 5085
Hartford, Connecticut  06102-5085
TELEPHONE:  1-800-521-0538
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Prospectus describes the Putnam Capital Manager Plan, a tax deferred 
variable annuity issued by Hartford Life Insurance Company ("Hartford Life"). 
Payments for the Contract will be held in a series of Hartford Life Insurance 
Company - Putnam Capital Manager Trust Separate Account (the "Separate 
Account").  Allocations to and transfers to and from the Fixed Account are not 
permitted in certain states.

There are currently sixteen Sub-Accounts available under the Contract.  The 
underlying investment portfolios ("Funds") of Putnam Variable Trust for the 
Sub-Accounts are Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund,  Putnam VT Diversified 
Income Fund, Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund, Putnam VT Global Growth 
Fund, Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT High Yield Fund, Putnam VT 
International Growth Fund, Putnam VT International Growth & Income Fund, 
Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT Money Market Fund, 
Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT New Value Fund, Putnam VT U.S. 
Government and High Quality Bond Fund, Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income 
Fund, Putnam VT Vista Fund, and Putnam VT Voyager Fund.

This Prospectus sets forth the information concerning the Separate Account and 
the Fixed Account that investors should know before investing.  This 
Prospectus should be kept for future reference.  Additional information about 
the Separate Account and the Fixed Account has been filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission and is available without charge upon request.  To 
obtain the Statement of Additional Information send a written request to 
Hartford Life Insurance Company, Attn:  Annuity Marketing Services, P.O. Box 
5085, Hartford, CT 06102-5085.  The Table of Contents for the Statement of 
Additional Information may be found on page __ of this Prospectus.  The 
Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this 
Prospectus.

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

          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCOMPANIED BY A CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR PUTNAM VARIABLE 
TRUST AND IS VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY A CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR THE TRUST.

          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR 

<PAGE>
                                                                       Page 2

ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY, ANY BANK, NOR ARE THEY FEDERALLY INSURED OR 
OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER 
AGENCY; THEY ARE SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE 
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.

          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Prospectus Dated:     May 1, 1996
                  -------------------
Statement of Additional Information Dated:     May 1, 1996
                                           -------------------
Revised effective:     January 2, 1997
                   -----------------------

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                                                                       Page 3

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                PAGE
                                                                ----
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS                                         6

FEE TABLE                                                         9

SUMMARY                                                          12

ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES                                         14

PERFORMANCE RELATED INFORMATION                                  17

INTRODUCTION                                                     18

THE CONTRACT                                                     18

     Right to Cancel Period                                      20

THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT                                             20

THE FIXED ACCOUNT                                                21

THE COMPANY                                                      22

THE FUNDS                                                        23

OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT/ACCUMULATION PERIOD                    26

     Premium Payments                                            26

     Value of Accumulation Units                                 27

     Value of the Fixed Account                                  28

     Value of the Contract                                       28

     Transfers Among Sub-Accounts                                28

     Transfers Between the Fixed Account and the Sub-Accounts    29

     Redemption/Surrender of a Contract                          29

DEATH BENEFIT                                                    31

CHARGES UNDER THE CONTRACT                                       33

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                                                                       Page 4

     Contingent Deferred Sales Charges                           33

     During the First Seven Contract Years                       33

     After the Seventh Contract Year                             33

     Mortality and Expense Risk Charge                           35

     Administration and Maintenance Fees                         35

     Premium Taxes                                               36

ANNUITY BENEFITS                                                 36

     Annuity Options                                             37
     
     The Annuity Unit and Valuation                              39

     Determination of Payment Amount                             39

FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS                                       41

     General                                                     41

     Taxation of Hartford Life and the Separate Account          41

     Taxation of Annuities -- General Provisions Affecting       42
     Purchasers Other Than Qualified Retirement Plans  

     Federal Income Tax Withholding                              48

     General Provisions Affecting Qualified Retirement Plans     49
     
     Annuity Purchases by Nonresident Aliens and Foreign         49
     Corporations 

GENERAL MATTERS                                                  50

     Assignment                                                  50

     Modification                                                50

     Delay of Payments                                           50

     Voting Rights                                               50

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                                                                       Page 5

     Distribution of the Contracts                               51

     Other Contracts Offered                                     52

     Custodian of Separate Account Assets                        52

     Legal Proceedings                                           52

     Legal Counsel                                               52

     Experts                                                     52

     Additional Information                                      53

APPENDIX I                                                       54

TABLE OF CONTENTS TO STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION         59

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                                                                       Page 6


                            GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS
                                        
ACCUMULATION UNIT:  An accounting unit of measure used to calculate values 
before Annuity payments begin.

ANNUAL WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT:  The amount which can be withdrawn in any Contract 
year prior to incurring surrender charges.   

ANNUITANT:  The person or Participant upon whose life the Contract is issued.

ANNUITY:  A series of payments for life, or for life with a minimum number of 
payments or a determinable sum guaranteed, or for a joint lifetime and 
thereafter during the lifetime of the survivor, or for a designated period.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE:  The date on which Annuity payments are to 
commence. Under a group unallocated Contract, the date for each Participant is 
determined by the Contract Owner in accordance with the terms of the Plan.  

ANNUITY UNIT:  An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the value of 
Annuity payments.

BENEFICIARY:  The person(s) who receive Contract Values in the event of the 
Annuitant's or Contract Owner's death under certain conditions.  Under a group 
unallocated Contract, the person named within the Plan documents/enrollment 
forms by each Participant entitled to receive benefits as per the terms of the 
Contract in case of the death of the Participant.

CODE:  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

COMMISSION:  Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTINGENT ANNUITANT:  The person so designated by the Contract Owner, who 
upon the Annuitant's death, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, becomes 
the Annuitant.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY:  The anniversary of the Contract Date.

CONTRACT OWNER(S):  The owner(s) of the Contract, trustee or other entity, 
sometimes herein referred to as "you".

CONTRACT VALUE:  The aggregate value of any Sub-Account Accumulation Units 
held under the Contract plus the value of the Fixed Account.

CONTRACT YEAR:  A period of 12 months commencing with the Contract Date or any 
anniversary thereof.

DEATH BENEFIT:  The amount payable upon the death of a Contract Owner, 
Annuitant, or

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                                                                       Page 7

Participant, in the case of group Contracts, before annuity payments have 
started.

FIXED ACCOUNT:  Part of the General Account of Hartford Life to which a 
Contract Owner may allocate all or a portion of his Premium Payment or 
Contract Value.

FIXED ANNUITY:  An Annuity providing for guaranteed payments which remain 
fixed in amount throughout the payment period and which do not vary with the 
investment experience of a separate account.

FUNDS:  Currently, the portfolios of Putnam Variable Trust described on page 
__ of this Prospectus.

GENERAL ACCOUNT:  The General Account of  Hartford Life which consists of all 
assets of Hartford Life Insurance Company other than those allocated to the 
separate accounts of the Hartford Life Insurance Company.

HARTFORD LIFE:  Hartford Life Insurance Company.

HOME OFFICE OF THE COMPANY:  Currently located at 200 Hopmeadow Street, 
Simsbury, Connecticut.  All correspondence concerning the Contract should be 
sent to P.O. Box 5085, Hartford, CT 06102-5085, Attn:  Individual Annuity 
Services.

MAXIMUM ANNIVERSARY VALUE - A value used in determining the death benefit.  
It is based on a series of calculations of Contract Values on Contract 
Anniversaries, premium payments and partial surrenders, as described on 
page __.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT:  A Contract which is not classified as a tax-qualified 
retirement plan using pre-tax dollars under the Internal Revenue Code.

PARTICIPANT:  (For Group Unallocated Contracts Only).  Any eligible employee 
of an employer/Contract Owner participating in the Plan.

PLAN:  A voluntary Plan of an Employer which qualifies for special tax 
treatment under a section of the Internal Revenue Code.

PREMIUM PAYMENT:  A payment made to Hartford Life pursuant to the terms of the 
Contract.

PREMIUM TAX:  A tax charged by a state or municipality on Premium Payments or 
Contract Values.

QUALIFIED CONTRACT:  A Contract which qualifies as a tax-qualified retirement 
plan using pre-tax dollars under the Internal Revenue Code, such as an 
employer-sponsored Section 401(k) or an Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA).  

SEPARATE ACCOUNT:  The Hartford Life separate account entitled "Hartford Life 
Insurance Company -- Putnam Capital Manager Trust Separate Account".

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                                                                       Page 8


SUB-ACCOUNT:  Accounts established within the Separate Account with respect to 
a Fund.

TERMINATION VALUE:  The Contract Value upon termination of the Contract prior 
to the Annuity Commencement Date, less any applicable Premium Taxes, the 
Annual Maintenance Fee and any applicable contingent deferred sales charges.

TRUST:  Putnam Variable Trust.

UNALLOCATED CONTRACTS:  Contracts issued to employers or such other entities 
as Contract Owners with no allocation to a specific Participant, as defined 
herein. The Plans will be responsible for the individual allocations.

VALUATION DAY:  Every day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.  
The value of the Separate Account is determined at the close of the New York 
Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on such days.

VALUATION PERIOD:  The period between the close of business on successive 
Valuation Days.

VARIABLE ANNUITY:  An Annuity providing for payments varying in amount in 
accordance with the investment experience of the assets of the Separate 
Account.

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                                                                       Page 9

                                    FEE TABLE
                                     SUMMARY
                                        
                       CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
                               (ALL SUB-ACCOUNTS)
                                        
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of premium payments)    None

Exchange Fee                                                        $0

Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of amounts withdrawn)
     First Year (1)                                                 6%
     Second Year                                                    6%
     Third Year                                                     5%
     Fourth Year                                                    5%
     Fifth Year                                                     4%
     Sixth Year                                                     3%
     Seventh Year                                                   2%
     Eighth Year                                                    0%
Annual Maintenance Fee (2)                                          $30
Annual Expenses-Separate Account
(as percentage of average account value)
     Mortality and Expense Risk                                     1.250%
     Administration Fees                                            0.150%
     Total                                                          1.400%


                          ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
                           (AS PERCENTAGE OF NET ASSETS)
                                                                      
Management
                                                  Other       Operating    Total
Expenses                                          Fees         Expenses    Fund
- --------                                          -----       ---------    ----
Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund (3)            0.80%          0.90%     1.70%
Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund                 0.70%          0.15%     0.85%
Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund            0.70%          0.14%     0.84%
Putnam VT Global Growth Fund                      0.60%          0.15%     0.75%
Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund                  0.52%          0.05%     0.57%
Putnam VT High Yield Fund                         0.70%          0.09%     0.79%
Putnam VT International Growth Fund (4)           0.80%          0.18%     0.98%
Putnam VT International Growth                    0.80%          0.17%     0.97%
     and Income Fund (4)
Putnam VT International New                       1.20%          0.19%     1.39%
     Opportunities Fund (4)
Putnam VT Money Market Fund                       0.45%          0.12%     0.57%
Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund                  0.70%          0.14%     0.84%
Putnam VT New Value Fund (4)                      0.70%          0.13%     0.83%


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                                                                       Page 10

Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality
   Bond Fund                                      0.61%          0.09%     0.70%
Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund (5)    0.70%          0.08%     0.78%
Putnam VT Vista Fund (4)                          0.65%          0.16%     0.81%
Putnam VT Voyager Fund                            0.62%          0.06%     0.68%
- ----------------------
(1)  Length of time from premium payment.

(2)  The Annual Maintenance Fee is a single $30 charge on a Contract.  It is
     deducted proportionally from the investment options in use at the time 
     of the charge.  Pursuant to requirements of the 1940 Act, the Annual 
     Maintenance Fee has been reflected in the Examples by a method intended 
     to show the "average" impact of the Annual Maintenance Fee on an 
     investment in the Separate Account.  The Annual Maintenance Fee is 
     deducted only when the accumulated value is less than $50,000.  In the 
     Example, the Annual Maintenance Fee is approximated as a 0.08% annual 
     asset charge based on the experience of the Contracts.

(3)  The annualized total expenses and management fees shown above for the
     Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund reflect the termination of an expense 
     limitation in effect for the period.  Actual annualized management fees 
     and total expenses would have been 0.33% and 1.22%, respectively.

(4)  Putnam VT International Growth Fund, Putnam VT International Growth and
     Income Fund, Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT 
     New Value Fund, and Putnam VT Vista Fund are new funds; operating 
     expenses are based on annualized estimates of such expenses to be 
     incurred in the current fiscal year.

(5)  On July 11, 1996, shareholders approved an increase in the fees payable to
     Putnam Management under the Management Contract for the Putnam VT 
     Utilities Growth and Income Fund.  The management fees and total 
     expenses shown in the table have been restated to reflect the increase.  
     Actual management fees and total expenses were 0.60% and 0.68%, 
     respectively.

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                                                                       Page 11
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLE

                                          If you surrender your        If you annuitize at the      If you do not surrender
                                          contract at the end of       end of the applicable        your contract: You would
                                          the applicable time          time period: You would       pay the following 
                                          period: You would pay        pay the following            expenses on a $1,000 
                                          the following expenses       expenses on a $1,000         investment, assuming a 
                                          on a $1,000 investment,      investment, assuming a       5% annual return on 
                                          assuming a 5% annual         5% annual return on          assets:
                                          return on assets:            assets:

     SUB-ACCOUNT                          1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS. 10 YRS.  1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS. 10 YRS.  1 YR. 3 YRS. 5 YRS. 10 YRS.
<S>                                       <C>   <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>   <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>   <C>    <C>    <C>
PCM Growth and Income Fund                $81   $115   $151   $240     $20   $64    $110    $239    $21   $65    $111   $240
PCM High Yield Fund                        83    122    163    263      22    71     122     262     23    72     123    263
PCM Global Growth Fund                     83    120    161    259      22    70     120     258     23    70     121    259
PCM Money Market Fund                      81    115    151    240      20    64     110     239     21    65     111    240
PCM Global Asset Allocation Fund           84    123    165    268      23    72     124     267     24    73     125    268
PCM U.S. Government and High
Quality Bond Fund                          82    119    158    253      22    68     117     252     22    69     118    253
PCM Utilities Growth and Income Fund       83    121    162    262      22    71     121     261     23    71     122    262
PCM Voyager Fund                           82    118    157    251      21    67     116     250     22    68     117    251
PCM Diversified Income Fund                84    124    166    269      23    73     125     268     24    74     126    269
PCM New Opportunities Fund                 84    123    175    268      23    72     124     267     24    73     125    268
PCM Asia Pacific Growth Fund               93    149    209    353      32    99     168     352     33    99     169    353
PCM International Growth Fund              85    128    172    282      24    77     132     281     25    78     132    282
PCM International Growth and Income Fund   85    127    172    281      24    76     131     280     25    77     132    281
PCM International New Opportunities Fund   89    140    193    323      29    89     152     322     29    90     153    323
PCM New Value Fund                         84    123    165    267      23    72     124     266     24    73     125    267
PCM Vista Fund                             83    122    164    265      23    71     123     264     23    72     124    265
</TABLE>

The purpose of this table is to assist the Contract Owner in understanding 
various costs and expenses that a Contract Owner will bear directly or 
indirectly.  The table reflects expenses of the Separate Account and 
underlying Funds.  Premium taxes may also be applicable.

This EXAMPLE should not be considered a representation of past or future 
expenses and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.

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                                                                      Page 12

                        ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES

     (For an accumulation unit outstanding throughout the period)

The following information, insofar as it relates to the period ended December 
31, 1995, has been examined by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public 
accountants, whose report thereon is included in the Statement of Additional 
information, which is incorporated by reference to this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1995    1994    1993    1992    1991    1990    1989    1988 
                                                     ----    ----    ----    ----    ----    ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                 <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
PCM VOYAGER FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $23.445 $23.530 $20.102 $18.472 $12.822 $13.272 $10.170 $10.000(a)
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $32.520 $23.445 $23.530 $20.102 $18.472 $12.822 $13.272 $10.170
Number accumulation units outstanding at
end of period (in thousands)                         36,379  29,315  21,915  14,667   8,419   3,714   2,968     762
PCM GROWTH AND INCOME FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $20.178 $20.390 $18.096 $16.720 $14.243 $14.166 $11.848 $10.000(a)
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $27.201 $20.178 $20.390 $18.096 $16.720 $14.243 $14.166 $11.848
Number accumulation units outstanding at
end of period (in thousands)                         76,865  67,016  53,464  32,856  19,420  10,888   7,037   2,187
PCM GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $16.355 $16.988 $14.665 $13.992 $11.922 $12.068 $10.545 $10.000(a)
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $20.087 $16.355 $16.988 $14.665 $13.992 $11.922 $12.068 $10.545
Number accumulation units outstanding at 
end of period (in thousands)                         16,019  16,507  12,914   8,580   5,829   4,300   3,293   2,274
PCM HIGH YIELD FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $17.476 $17.890 $15.173 $12.932 $ 9.055 $10.200 $10.624 $10.000(a)
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $20.390 $17.476 $17.890 $15.173 $12.932 $ 9.055 $10.200 $10.624
Number accumulation units outstanding at 
end of period (in thousands)                         13,646  11,462  11,174   7,076   3,296   2,072   2,680   1,822
PCM U.S. GOVERNMENT AND HIGH QUALITY
FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $15.533 $16.277 $14.833 $13.994 $12.100 $11.414 $10.150 $10.000(a)
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $18.448 $15.533 $16.277 $14.833 $13.994 $12.100 $11.414 $10.150
Number accumulation units outstanding at 
end of period (in thousands)                         30,489  33,516  37,806  27,611  16,368   8,107   5,399   2,786
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                                                                       Page 13

<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
PCM MONEY MARKET  FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $ 1.325 $ 1.294 $ 1.277 $ 1.250 $ 1.197 $ 1.124 $ 1.045 $ 1.000(a)
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $ 1.379 $ 1.325 $ 1.294 $ 1.277 $ 1.250 $ 1.197 $ 1.124 $ 1.045
Number accumulation units outstanding at 
end of period (in thousands)                        107,934 144,950  86,677  80,182  62,638  64,849  21,986  13,212
PCM GLOBAL GROWTH FUND SUB-ACCOUNT                               
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $13.119 $13.432 $10.289 $10.472 $ 9.233 $10.000(b)    -       -
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $14.963 $13.119 $13.432 $10.289 $10.472 $ 9.233       -       -
Number accumulation units outstanding at 
end of period (in thousands)                         29,701  30,285  17,711   7,638   3,800   1,405       0       -
PCM UTILITIES GROWTH AND INCOME FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $10.889 $11.876 $10.618 $10.000(c)    -       -       -       -
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $14.075 $10.889  $11.876 $10.618      -       -       -       -
Number accumulation units outstanding at 
end of (in thousands)                                22,892  23,090  26,176    5,956      -       -       -       -
PCM DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $ 9.622 $10.188 $10.000(d)     -      -       -       -       -
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $11.302 $ 9.622 $10.188        -      -       -       -       -
Number accumulation units outstanding at
end of period (in thousands)                         14,967  13,403   4,428        -      -       -       -       -
PCM NEW OPPORTUNITIES FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $10.718 $10.000(e)    -        -      -       -       -       -
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $15.312 $10.718       -        -      -       -       -       -
Number accumulation units outstanding at
end of period (in thousands)                         15,860   3,681       -        -      -       -       -       -
PCM ASIA PACIFIC GROWTH FUND SUB-ACCOUNT
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period      $10.000(f)
Accumulation unit value at end of period            $10.135
Number accumulation units outstanding at end of 
period (in thousands)                                 1,040
</TABLE>
(a) Inception date February 1, 1988.
(b) Inception date May 1, 1990.
(c) Inception date May 1, 1992.
(d) Inception date September 15, 1993.
(e) Inception date June 20, 1994.
(f) Inception date May 1, 1995.

<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 14

                                     SUMMARY
                                        
WHAT IS THE CONTRACT AND HOW MAY I PURCHASE ONE?

The Contract offered is a tax deferred Variable Annuity Contract (see 
"Taxation of Annuities in General," page __).  Generally, the Contract is 
purchased by completing an application or an order to purchase a Contract and 
submitting it, along with the initial Premium Payments, to Hartford Life for 
its approval.  The minimum initial Premium Payment is $1,000 with a minimum 
allocation to any Fund of $500.  Certain plans may make smaller initial and 
subsequent periodic premium payments.  Subsequent Premium Payments, if made, 
must be a minimum of $500. Generally, a Contract Owner may exercise his right 
to cancel the Contract within 10 days of delivery of the Contract by 
returning the Contract to Hartford Life at its Home Office.  If the Contract 
Owner exercises his right to cancel, Hartford Life will return either the 
Contract Value or the original Premium Payments to the Contract Owner.  The 
duration of the right to cancel period and Hartford Life's obligation to 
either return the Contract Value or the original Premium will depend on state 
law. (see "Right to Cancel Period" page __.)

WHO MAY PURCHASE THE CONTRACT?

Any individual, group or trust may purchase the Contracts, including any 
trustee or custodian for a retirement plan which qualifies for special 
Federal tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code, including individual 
retirement annuities. (See "Federal Tax Considerations" commencing on page __ 
and Appendix I commencing on page __.)

WHAT TYPES OF INVESTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT?

The underlying investments for the Contract are shares of Putnam Variable 
Trust, an open-end series investment company with multiple portfolios ("the 
Funds") as follows:  Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund, Putnam VT 
Diversified Income Fund, Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund, Putnam VT 
Global Growth Fund, Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT High Yield 
Fund, Putnam VT International Growth Fund, Putnam VT International Growth & 
Income Fund, Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT Money 
Market Fund, Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT New Value Fund, 
Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality Bond Fund, Putnam VT Utilities 
Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT Vista Fund, Putnam VT Voyager Fund, and 
such other Funds as shall be offered from time to time, and the Fixed 
Account, or a combination of the Funds and the Fixed Account. (See "The 
Funds" commencing on page __ and "The Fixed Account" commencing on page __.)

<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 15

WHAT ARE THE CHARGES UNDER THE CONTRACTS?

SALES EXPENSES

There is no deduction for sales expenses from Premium Payments when made. 
However, a contingent deferred sales charge may be assessed against Contract 
Values when they are surrendered.  (See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" 
commencing on page __.)

The length of time from receipt of a Premium Payment to the time of surrender 
determines the contingent deferred sales charge.  For this purpose, Premium 
Payments will be deemed to be surrendered in the order in which they are 
received and all surrenders will be first from Premium Payments and then from 
other Contract values.  The charge is a percentage of the amount withdrawn 
(not to exceed the aggregate amount of the Premium Payments made).  The 
charge is as follows:

                                 Length of Time
                     Charge    from Premium Payment
                     ------    --------------------
                                (Number of Years)
                       6%             1
                       6%             2
                       5%             3
                       5%             4
                       4%             5
                       3%             6
                       2%             7
                       0%             8 or more

No contingent deferred sales charge will be assessed in the event of death of 
the Annuitant or Contract Owner, or upon the exercise of the withdrawal 
privilege or if Contract Values are applied to an Annuity option provided for 
under the Contract (except that a surrender out of Annuity Option Four will 
be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge where applicable).  (See 
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" commencing on page __.)


FREE WITHDRAWAL PRIVILEGE

Withdrawals of up to 10% per Contract Year, on a noncumulative basis, of the 
Premium Payments made to a Contract may be made without the imposition of the 
contingent deferred sales charge during the first seven Contract years.  (See 
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" commencing on page __.)  Certain plans or 
programs may have different withdrawal privileges.

<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 16

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISKS

For assuming the mortality and expense risks under the Contract, Hartford Life
will impose a 1.25% per annum charge against all Contract Values held in the
Sub-Accounts, (See "Mortality and Expense Risk Charge," page __.)

ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE FEE

The Contract provides for administration and Contract maintenance charges.  For
administration, the charge is .15% per annum against all Contract Values held in
the Separate Account.  For Contract maintenance, the charge is $30 annually. 
(See "Administration and Maintenance Fees," page __.)  Contracts with a
Contract Value of $50,000 or more at time of Contract Anniversary will not be
assessed this charge.

PREMIUM TAXES

A deduction will be made for Premium Taxes for Contracts sold in certain states.
(See "Premium Taxes," page __.)

CHARGES BY THE FUNDS

The Funds are subject to certain fees, charges and expenses.  (See the
Prospectus for the Trust accompanying this Prospectus.)

CAN I GET MY MONEY IF I NEED IT?

Subject to any applicable charges, the Contract may be surrendered, or portions
of the value of such Contract may be withdrawn, at any time prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date.  However, if less than $500 remains in a Contract as a result
of a withdrawal, Hartford Life may terminate the Contract in its entirety.  (See
"Redemption/Surrender of a Contract," page __.)

DOES THE CONTRACT PAY ANY DEATH BENEFITS?

A Death Benefit is provided in the event of death of the Annuitant or Contract
Owner or Joint Contract Owner before Annuity payments have commenced.  (See
"Death Benefit," page __.)

WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE ANNUITY OPTIONS UNDER THE CONTRACT?

There are five available Annuity options under the Contract which are described
on page __.  The Annuity Commencement Date may not be deferred beyond the
Annuitant's 90th birthday except in certain states where the Annuity
Commencement Date may not be deferred beyond the Annuitant's 85th birthday.  If
a Contract Owner does not elect otherwise, the


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 17


Contract Value less applicable premium taxes will be applied on the Annuity 
Commencement Date under the second option to provide a life annuity with 120 
monthly payments certain.

DOES THE CONTRACT OWNER HAVE ANY VOTING RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT?

Contract Owners will have the right to vote on matters affecting an underlying
Fund to the extent that proxies are solicited by such Fund.  If a Contract Owner
does not vote, Hartford Life shall vote such interests in the same proportion as
shares of the Fund for which instructions have been received by Hartford Life. 
(See "Voting Rights," page __.)



                         PERFORMANCE RELATED INFORMATION
                                        
The Separate Account may advertise certain performance related information
concerning its Sub-Accounts.  Performance information about a Sub-Account is
based on the Sub-Account's past performance only and is no indication of future
performance.

PCM Asia Pacific Growth Fund, PCM Diversified Income Fund, PCM Global Asset
Allocation Fund, PCM Global Growth Fund, PCM Growth and Income Fund, PCM High
Yield Fund, PCM International Growth Fund, PCM International Growth and Income
Fund, PCM International New Opportunities Fund, PCM Money Market Fund, PCM New
Opportunities Fund, PCM New Value Fund, PCM U.S. Government and High Quality
Bond Fund, PCM Utilities Growth and Income Fund, PCM Vista Fund, and PCM Voyager
Fund Sub-Accounts may include total return in advertisements or other sales
material.

When a Sub-Account advertises its total return, it will usually be calculated
for one year, five years, and ten years or some other relevant periods if the
Sub-Account has not been in existence for at least ten years.  Total return is
measured by comparing the value of an investment in the Sub-Account at the
beginning of the relevant period to the value of the investment at the end of
the period (assuming the deduction of any contingent deferred sales charge which
would be payable if the investment were redeemed at the end of the period).

PCM Diversified Income Fund, PCM Growth and Income Fund, PCM International
Growth and Income Fund, PCM High Yield Fund, and PCM U.S. Government and High
Quality Bond Fund Sub-Accounts may advertise yield in addition to total return. 
The yield will be computed in the following manner:  The net investment income
per unit earned during a recent one month period is divided by the unit value on
the last day of the period.  This figure reflects the recurring charges at the
Separate Account level including the Annual Maintenance Fee.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 18

PCM Money Market Fund Sub-Account may advertise yield and effective yield.  The
yield of this Sub-Account is based upon the income earned by the Sub-Account
over a seven-day period and then annualized, i.e. the income earned in the
period is assumed to be earned every seven days over a 52-week period and stated
as a percentage of the investment.  Effective yield is calculated similarly but
when annualized, the income earned by the investment is assumed to be reinvested
in Sub-Account units and thus compounded in the course of a 52-week period. 
Yield reflects the recurring charges at the Separate Account level including the
Annual Maintenance Fee.


Total return at the Separate Account level includes all Contract charges:  sales
charges, mortality and expense risk charges, and the Annual Maintenance Fee, and
is therefore lower than total return at the Fund level, with no comparable
charges.  Likewise, yield at the Separate Account level includes all recurring
charges (except sales charges), and is therefore lower than yield at the Fund
level, with no comparable charges.

Hartford Life may provide information on various topics to Contract Owners and
prospective Contract Owners in advertising, sales literature or other materials.
These topics may include the relationship between sectors of the economy and the
economy as a whole and its effect on various securities markets, investment
strategies and techniques (such as value investing, dollar cost averaging and
asset allocation), the advantages and disadvantages of investing in tax-
advantaged and taxable instruments, customer profiles and hypothetical purchase
scenarios, financial management and tax and retirement planning, and other
investment alternatives, including comparisons between the Contracts and the
characteristics of and market for such alternatives.
                                        
                                  INTRODUCTION
                                        
This Prospectus has been designed to provide you with the necessary information
to make a decision on purchasing a tax deferred Variable Annuity Contract
offered by Hartford Life and funded by the Fixed Account and/or a series of the
Separate Account.  Please read the Glossary of Special Terms on pages __ and __
prior to reading this Prospectus to familiarize yourself with the terms being
used.

                                  THE CONTRACT
                                        
The Putnam Capital Manager Plan is a tax deferred Variable Annuity Contract. 
Payments for the Contract will be held in the Fixed Account and/or a series of
the Separate Account.  Initially there are no deductions from your Premium
Payments (except for Premium Taxes, if applicable) so your entire Premium
Payment is put to work in the investment


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 19


Sub-Account(s) of your choice or the Fixed Account.  Each Sub-Account invests 
in a different underlying Fund with its own distinct investment objectives.  
You pick the Sub-Account(s) with the investment objectives that meet your 
needs.  You may select one or more Sub-Accounts and/or the Fixed Account and 
determine the percentage of your Premium Payment that is put into a 
Sub-Account or the Fixed Account.  You may also transfer assets among the 
Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account so that your investment program meets your 
specific needs over time.  There are minimum requirements for investing in 
each Sub-Account and the Fixed Account which are described later in this 
Prospectus.  In addition, there are certain other limitations on withdrawals 
and transfers of amounts in the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account as 
described in this Prospectus.  See "Charges Under the Contract" for a 
description of the charges for redeeming a Contract and other charges made 
under the Contract.

Generally, the Contract contains the five optional forms of Annuity described
later in this Prospectus.  Options 2, 4 and 5 are available with respect to
Qualified Contracts only if the guaranteed payment period is less than the life
expectancy of the Annuitant at the time the option becomes effective.  Such life
expectancy shall be computed on the basis of the mortality table prescribed by
the IRS, or if none is prescribed, the mortality table then in use by Hartford
Life.

The Contract Owner may select an Annuity Commencement Date and an Annuity option
which may be on a fixed or variable basis, or a combination thereof.  The
Annuity Commencement Date may not be deferred beyond the Annuitant's 90th
birthday except in certain states where the Annuity Commencement Date may not be
deferred beyond the Annuitant's 85th birthday.  

The Annuity Commencement Date and/or the Annuity option may be changed from time
to time, but any such change must be made at least 30 days prior to the date on
which payments are scheduled to begin.  If you do not elect otherwise, payments
will begin at the Annuitant's age 90 under Option 2 with 120 monthly payments
certain (Option 1 for Contracts issued in Texas).

When an Annuity is effected under a Contract, unless otherwise specified,
Contract Values held in the Sub-Accounts will be applied to provide a Variable
Annuity based on the pro rata amount in the various Sub-Accounts.  Fixed Account
Contract Values will be applied to provide a Fixed Annuity.  Variable Annuity
payments will vary in accordance with the investment performance of the
Sub-Accounts you have selected.  The Contract allows the Contract Owner to
change the Sub-Accounts on which variable payments are based after payments have
commenced once every three (3) months.  Any Fixed Annuity allocation may not be
changed.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 20


The Contract offered under this Prospectus may be purchased by any individual
("Non-Qualified Contract") or by an individual, trustee or custodian for a
retirement plan qualified under Sections 401(a) or 403(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code; annuity purchase plans adopted by public school systems and
certain tax-exempt organizations according to Section 403(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code; Individual Retirement Annuities adopted according to Section 408
of the Internal Revenue Code; employee pension plans established for employees
by a state, a political subdivision of a state, or an agency or instrumentality
of either a state or a political subdivision of a state, and certain eligible
deferred compensation plans as defined in Section 457 of the Internal Revenue
Code ("Qualified Contracts").

RIGHT TO CANCEL PERIOD

If you are not satisfied with your purchase you may surrender the Contract by
returning it within ten days (or longer in some states) after you receive it.  A
written request for cancellation must accompany the Contract.  In such event,
Hartford Life will, without deduction for any charges normally assessed
thereunder, pay you an amount equal to the Contract Value on the date of receipt
of the request for cancellation. You bear the investment risk during the period
prior to the Company's receipt of request for cancellation.  Hartford Life will
refund the premium paid only for individual retirement annuities (if returned
within seven days of receipt) and in those states where required by law.
                                        
                              THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                                        
The Separate Account was established on June 22, 1987, in accordance with
authorization by the Board of Directors of Hartford Life.  It is the Separate
Account in which Hartford Life sets aside and invests the assets attributable to
variable annuity Contracts, including the Contracts sold under this Prospectus. 
Although the Separate Account is an integral part of Hartford Life, it is
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. 
This registration does not, however, involve supervision by the Commission of
the management or the investment practices or policies of the Separate Account
or Hartford Life.  The Separate Account meets the definition of "separate
account" under federal securities law.

Under Connecticut law, the assets of the Separate Account attributable to the
Contracts offered under this Prospectus are held for the benefit of the owners
of, and the persons entitled to payments under, those Contracts.  Income, gains,
and losses, whether or not realized, from assets allocated to the Separate
Account, are, in accordance with the Contracts, credited to or charged against
the Separate Account.  Also, the assets in the Separate



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 21

Account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business 
Hartford Life may conduct.  So Contract Values allocated to the Sub-Accounts 
will not be affected by the rate of return of Hartford Life's General 
Account, nor by the investment performance of any of Hartford Life's other 
separate accounts.  However, the obligations arising under the Contracts are 
general obligations of Hartford Life.

Your investment in the Separate Account is allocated to one or more 
Sub-Accounts as per your specifications.  Each Sub-Account is invested 
exclusively in the shares of one underlying Fund.  Net Premium Payments and 
proceeds of transfers between Funds are applied to purchase shares in the 
appropriate Fund at net asset value determined as of the end of the Valuation 
Period during which the payments were received or the transfer made.  All 
distributions from the Funds are reinvested at net asset value.  The value of 
your investment will therefore vary in accordance with the net income and the 
market value of the portfolios of the underlying Fund(s).  During the 
Variable Annuity payout period, both your Annuity payments and reserve values 
will vary in accordance with these factors.

Hartford Life does not guarantee the investment results of the Funds or any of
the underlying investments.  There is no assurance that the value of a Contract
during the years prior to retirement or the aggregate amount of the Variable
Annuity payments will equal the total of Premium Payments made under the
Contract.  Since each underlying Fund has different investment objectives and
policies, each is subject to different risks.  These risks are more fully
described in the accompanying Trust Prospectus.

Hartford Life reserves the right, subject to compliance with the law, to
substitute the shares of any other registered investment company for the shares
of any Fund held by the Separate Account.  Substitution may occur only if shares
of the Fund(s) become unavailable or if there are changes in applicable law or
interpretations of law.  Current law requires notification to you of any such
substitution and approval of the Commission.

The Separate Account may be subject to liabilities arising from a Series of the
Separate Account whose assets are attributable to other variable annuity
Contracts or variable life insurance policies offered by the Separate Account
which are not described in this Prospectus.

                                THE FIXED ACCOUNT
                                        
THAT PORTION OF THE CONTRACT RELATING TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IS NOT REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ("1933 ACT") AND THE FIXED ACCOUNT IS NOT
REGISTERED AS AN INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
("1940 ACT").  ACCORDINGLY, NEITHER THE FIXED ACCOUNT


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 22


NOR ANY INTERESTS THEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OR RESTRICTIONS OF 
THE 1933 ACT OR THE 1940 ACT, AND THE DISCLOSURE REGARDING THE FIXED ACCOUNT 
HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED BY THE STAFF OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. 
 THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURE ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN 
GENERALLY APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS REGARDING THE 
ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF DISCLOSURE.

Premium Payments and Contract Values allocated to the Fixed Account become a
part of the general assets of Hartford Life.  Hartford Life invests the assets
of the General Account in accordance with applicable laws governing investments
of Insurance Company General Accounts.

Currently, Hartford Life guarantees that it will credit interest at a rate of
not less than 3% per year, compounded annually, to amounts allocated to the
Fixed Account under the Contracts.  However, Hartford Life reserves the right to
change the rate according to state insurance law.  Hartford Life may credit
interest at a rate in excess of 3% per year; however, Hartford Life is not
obligated to credit any interest in excess of 3% per year.  There is no specific
formula for the determination of excess interest credits.  Some of the factors
that the Company may consider in determining whether to credit excess interest
to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account and the amount thereof, are general
economic trends, rates of return currently available and anticipated on the
Company's investments, regulatory and tax requirements and competitive factors. 
ANY INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF 3%
PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY.  THE OWNER
ASSUMES THE RISK THAT INTEREST CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT
EXCEED THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE OF 3% FOR ANY GIVEN YEAR.
                                        
                                   THE COMPANY
                                        
Hartford Life Insurance Company ("Hartford Life") was originally incorporated
under the laws of Massachusetts on June 5, 1902.  It was subsequently
redomiciled to Connecticut.  It is a stock life insurance company engaged in the
business of writing health and life insurance, both ordinary and group, in all
states of the United States and the District of Columbia.  The offices of
Hartford Life are located in Simsbury, Connecticut; however, its mailing address
is P.O. Box 2999, Hartford, CT  06102-2999.

Hartford Life is ultimately 100% owned by Hartford Fire Insurance Company, one
of the largest multiple lines insurance carriers in the United States.  On
December 20, 1995, Hartford Fire Insurance Company became an independent,
publicly traded corporation.  

<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 23


Hartford Life is rated A+ (superior) by A.M. Best and Company, Inc., on the
basis of its financial soundness and operating performance.  Hartford Life is
rated AA by Standard & Poor's and AA+ by Duff and Phelps on the basis of its
claims paying ability.  These ratings do not apply to the investment performance
of the Sub-Accounts of the Separate Account.  The ratings apply to Hartford
Life's ability to meet its insurance obligations, including those under the
Contract.

                                    THE FUNDS
                                        
The underlying investments for the Contracts are shares of Putnam Variable
Trust, an open-end series investment company with multiple portfolios ("Funds").
The underlying Funds corresponding to each Sub-Account and their investment
objectives are described below.  Hartford Life reserves the right, subject to
compliance with the law, to offer additional funds with differing investment
objectives.  The Funds may not be available in all states.

PUTNAM VT ASIA PACIFIC GROWTH FUND

Seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in securities of companies
located in Asia and in the Pacific Basin.
 
PUTNAM VT DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND

Seeks high current income consistent with capital preservation by investing in
the following three sectors of the fixed income securities markets:  U.S.
Government Sector, High Yield Sector (which invests primarily in what are
commonly referred to as "junk bonds"), and International Sector.  See the
special considerations for investments in high yield securities described in the
Fund prospectus.

PUTNAM VT GLOBAL ASSET ALLOCATION FUND

Seeks a high level of long-term total return consistent with preservation of
capital by investing in U.S. equities, international equities, U.S. fixed income
securities, and international fixed income securities.

PUTNAM VT GLOBAL GROWTH FUND

Seeks capital appreciation through a globally diversified common stock
portfolio.

PUTNAM VT GROWTH AND INCOME FUND

Seeks capital growth and current income by investing primarily in common stocks
that offer potential for capital growth, current income, or both.

<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 24


PUTNAM VT HIGH YIELD FUND

Seeks high current income by investing primarily in high-yielding, lower-rated
fixed income securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"), constituting a
diversified portfolio which  Putnam Investment Management, Inc. ("Putnam
Management") believes does not involve undue risk to income or principal. 
Capital growth is a secondary objective when consistent with high current
income.  See the special considerations for investments in high yield securities
described in the Fund prospectus.

PUTNAM VT INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND

Seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily equity securities of companies
located in a country other than the United States.

PUTNAM VT INTERNATIONAL GROWTH AND INCOME FUND

Seeks capital growth, with current income as a secondary objective, by investing
primarily in common stocks with potential for capital growth principally traded
on markets outside the United States.

PUTNAM VT INTERNATIONAL NEW OPPORTUNITIES FUND

Seeks long term capital appreciation by investing principally in equity
securities of companies in sectors of economies outside of the United States
which Putnam Management believes possess above-average growth potential.

PUTNAM VT MONEY MARKET FUND

Seeks to achieve as high a level of current income as Putnam Management believes
is consistent with preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity by
investing in high-quality money market instruments.

PUTNAM VT NEW OPPORTUNITIES FUND

Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing principally in common stocks
of companies in sectors of the economy which Putnam Management believes possess
above-average long-term growth potential.


PUTNAM VT NEW VALUE FUND

Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks
that Putnam Management believes are undervalued at the time of purchase and have
the potential for long-term capital appreciation.

<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 25

PUTNAM VT U.S. GOVERNMENT AND HIGH QUALITY BOND FUND

Seeks current income consistent with preservation of capital by investing
primarily in securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the
U.S. Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities and in other debt
obligations rated at least A by Standard & Poor's or Moody's or, if not rated,
determined by Putnam Management to be of comparable quality.

PUTNAM VT UTILITIES GROWTH AND INCOME FUND

Seeks capital growth and current income by concentrating its investments in
securities issued by companies in the public utilities industries.

PUTNAM VT VISTA FUND

Seeks capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of common
stocks which have the potential for above-average capital appreciation.

PUTNAM VT VOYAGER FUND

Aggressively seeks capital appreciation primarily from a portfolio of common
stocks of companies that which Putnam Management believes have potential for
capital appreciation which is significantly greater than that of market
averages.



Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund,  Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund, Putnam
VT Global Growth Fund, Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT High Yield
Fund, Putnam VT International Growth Fund, Putnam VT International Growth and
Income Fund, Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT Money
Market Fund, Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT Utilities Growth and
Income Fund, Putnam VT Vista Fund,  and Putnam VT Voyager Fund are generally
managed in styles similar to other open-end investment companies which are
managed by Putnam Management and whose shares are generally offered to the
public.  These other Putnam funds may, however, employ different investment
practices and may invest in securities different from those in which their
counterpart Funds invest, and consequently will not have identical portfolios or
experience identical investment results.

The Funds are available only to serve as the underlying investment for variable
annuity and variable life Contracts.  A full description of the Funds, their
investment objectives, policies and restrictions, risks, charges and expenses
and other aspects of their operation are contained in the accompanying Trust
Prospectus which should be read in conjunction with this Prospectus before
investing, and in the Trust Statement of Additional Information which may be
ordered without charge from Putnam Investor Services, Inc.


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 26

It is conceivable that in the future it may be disadvantageous for variable
annuity separate accounts and variable life insurance separate accounts to
invest in the Funds simultaneously.  Although Hartford Life and the Funds do not
currently foresee any such disadvantages either to variable annuity Contract
Owners or to variable life insurance Policy Owners, the Trust's Board of
Trustees intends to monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts
between such Contract Owners and Policy Owners and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken in response thereto.  If the Board of Trustees of the Funds
were to conclude that separate funds should be established for variable life and
variable annuity separate accounts, the variable annuity Contract Owners would
not bear any expenses attendant upon establishment of such separate funds.

Putnam Management, One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, serves
as the investment manager for the Funds.  An affiliate, The Putnam Advisory
Company, Inc., manages domestic and foreign institutional accounts and mutual
funds.  Another affiliate , Putnam Fiduciary Trust Company, provides investment 
advice to institutional clients under its banking and fiduciary policies. 
Putnam Management and its affiliates are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Marsh &
McLennan Companies, Inc., a publicly owned holding company whose principal
businesses are international insurance brokerage and employee benefit
consulting.

Subject to the general oversight of the Trustees of the Trust, Putnam Management
manages the Funds' portfolios in accordance with their stated investment
objectives and policies, makes investment decisions for the Funds, places orders
to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Funds, and administers the
affairs of the Funds.  For its services, the Funds pay Putnam Management a
quarterly fee.  See the accompanying Trust Prospectus for a more complete
description of Putnam Management and the respective fees of the Funds.

                  OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT/ACCUMULATION PERIOD

PREMIUM PAYMENTS

The balance of each initial Premium Payment remaining after the deduction of any
applicable Premium Tax is credited to your Contract within two business days of
receipt of a properly completed application or an order to purchase a Contract
and the initial Premium Payment by Hartford Life at its Home Office, P.O. Box
5085, Hartford, CT  06102-5085.  It will be credited to the Sub-Account(s)
and/or the Fixed Account in accordance with your election.  If the application
or other information is incomplete when received, the balance of each initial
Premium Payment, after deduction of any applicable Premium Tax, will be credited
to the Sub-Account(s) or the Fixed Account within five business days of receipt
or the entire Premium Payment will be immediately returned unless you have been
informed of the delay and request that the Premium Payment not be returned.


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 27


Subsequent Premium Payments are priced on the Valuation Day received by Hartford
Life in its Home Office or other designated administrative office.

The number of Accumulation Units in each Sub-Account to be credited to a
Contract will be determined by dividing the portion of the Premium Payment being
credited to each Sub-Account by the value of an Accumulation Unit in that
Sub-Account on that date.

The minimum initial Premium Payment is $1,000.  Subsequent Premium Payments, if
made, must be a minimum of $500.  Certain plans may make smaller initial and
subsequent periodic payments.  Each Premium Payment may be split among the
various Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account subject to minimum amounts then in
effect.

VALUE OF ACCUMULATION UNITS

The Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account will vary to reflect the
investment experience of the applicable Fund and will be determined on each
Valuation Day by multiplying the Accumulation Unit value of the particular
Sub-Account on the preceding Valuation Day by a "Net Investment Factor" for that
Sub-Account for the Valuation Period then ended.  The "Net Investment Factor"
for each of the Sub-Accounts is equal to the net asset value per share of the
corresponding Fund at the end of the Valuation Period (plus the per share amount
of any dividends or capital gains distributed by that Fund if the ex-dividend
date occurs in the Valuation Period then ended) divided by the net asset value
per share of the corresponding Fund at the beginning of the Valuation Period. 
You should refer to the Trust Prospectus which accompanies this Prospectus for a
description of how the assets of each Fund are valued since each determination
has a direct bearing on the Accumulation Unit value of the Sub-Account and
therefore the value of a Contract.  The Accumulation Unit value is affected by
the performance of the underlying Fund(s), expenses and deduction of the charges
described in this Prospectus.

The shares of the Fund are valued at net asset value on each Valuation Day.  A
description of the valuation methods used in valuing Fund shares may be found in
the accompanying Prospectus of the Trust.

<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 28

VALUE OF THE FIXED ACCOUNT

Hartford Life will determine the value of the Fixed Account by crediting
interest to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account.  The minimum Fixed Account
interest rate is 3%, compounded annually.  Hartford Life may credit a lower
minimum interest rate according to state law.  Hartford Life also may credit
interest at rates greater than the minimum Fixed Account interest rate.

VALUE OF THE CONTRACT

The value of the Sub-Account investments under your Contract at any time prior
to the commencement of Annuity payments can be determined by multiplying the
total number of Accumulation Units credited to your Contract in each Sub-Account
by the then current Accumulation Unit values for the applicable Sub-Account. 
The value of the Fixed Account under your Contract will be the amount allocated
to the Fixed Account plus interest credited.  You will be advised at least
semi-annually of the number of Accumulation Units credited to each Sub-Account,
the current Accumulation Unit values, the Fixed Account Value, and the total
value of your Contract.

TRANSFERS AMONG SUB-ACCOUNTS

You may transfer the values of your Sub-Account allocations from one or more
Sub-Accounts to another free of charge.  However, Hartford Life reserves the
right to limit the number of transfers to twelve (12) per Contract Year, with no
two (2) transfers occurring on consecutive Valuation Days.  Transfers by
telephone may be made by calling (800) 521-0538.  Telephone transfers may not be
permitted by some states for their residents who purchase variable annuities. 
 
The policy of Hartford Life and its agents and affiliates is that they will not
be responsible for losses resulting from acting upon telephone requests
reasonably believed to be genuine.  Hartford Life will employ reasonable
procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine;
otherwise, Hartford Life may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions.  The procedures Hartford Life follows for transactions
initiated by telephone include requirements that callers provide certain
information for identification purposes.  All transfer instructions by telephone
are tape recorded.

Hartford Life may permit the Contract Owner to preauthorize transfers among Sub-
Accounts and between the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account under certain
circumstances.  Transfers between the Sub-Accounts may be made both before and
after Annuity payments commence (limited to once a quarter) provided that the
minimum allocation to any Sub-Account may not be less than $500.  No minimum
balance is presently required in any Sub-Account.


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 29
 
The right to reallocate Contract Values between the Sub-Accounts is subject to
modification if Hartford Life determines, in its sole discretion, that the
exercise of that right by one or more Contract Owners is, or would be, to the
disadvantage of other Contract Owners.  Any modification could be applied to
transfers to or from some or all of the Sub-Accounts and could include, but not
be limited to, the requirement of a minimum time period between each transfer,
not accepting transfer requests of an agent acting under a power of attorney on
behalf of more than one Contract Owner, or limiting the dollar amount that may
be transferred between the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account by a Contract
Owner at any one time.  Such restrictions may be applied in any manner
reasonably designed to prevent any use of the transfer right which is considered
by Hartford Life to be to the disadvantage of other Contract Owners.

TRANSFERS BETWEEN THE FIXED ACCOUNT AND THE SUB-ACCOUNTS

Subject to the restrictions set forth above, transfers from the Fixed Account
into a Sub-Account may be made at any time during the Contract Year.  The
maximum amount which may be transferred from the Fixed Account during any
Contract Year is the greater of 30% of the Fixed Account balance as of the last
Contract Anniversary or the greatest amount of any prior transfer from the Fixed
Account.  If Hartford Life permits preauthorized transfers from the Fixed
Account to the Sub-Accounts, this restriction is inapplicable.  However, if any
interest rate is renewed at a rate at least one percentage point less than the
previous rate, the Contract Owner may elect to transfer up to 100% of the funds
receiving the reduced rate within sixty days of notification of the interest
rate decrease.  Generally, transfers may not be made from any Sub-Account into
the Fixed Account for the six-month period following any transfer from the Fixed
Account into one or more of the Sub-Accounts.  Hartford Life reserves the right
to defer transfers from the Fixed Account for up to six months from the date of
request.

REDEMPTION/SURRENDER OF A CONTRACT

At any time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, you have the right, subject
to any IRS provisions applicable thereto, to surrender the value of the Contract
in whole or in part. Under any of the Annuity options excluding Options 4 and 5,
no surrenders are permitted after Annuity payments commence. Only full
surrenders are allowed out of Option 4 and any such surrender will be subject to
contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.  Full or partial withdrawals
may be made from Option 5 at any time and contingent deferred sales charges will
not be applied.

FULL SURRENDERS.  At any time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date (and after
the Annuity Commencement Date with respect to values applied to


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 30

Option 4), the Contract Owner has the right to terminate the Contract.  In 
such event, the Termination Value of the Contract may be taken in the form of 
a lump sum cash settlement.  The Termination Value of the Contract is equal 
to the Contract Value less any applicable Premium Taxes, the Annual 
Maintenance Fee, if applicable, and any applicable contingent deferred sales 
charges.  The Termination Value may be more or less than the amount of the 
Premium Payments made to a Contract.

PARTIAL SURRENDERS.  The Contract Owner may make a partial surrender of Contract
Values at any time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date so long as the amount
surrendered is at least equal to the minimum amount rules then in effect. 
Additionally, if the remaining Contract Value following a surrender is less than
$500 (and, for Texas Contracts, there were no Premium Payments made during the
preceding two Contract Years), Hartford Life may terminate the Contract and pay
the Termination Value.

Certain plans or programs may have different withdrawal privileges.  Hartford
Life may permit the Contract Owner to preauthorize partial surrenders subject to
certain limitations then in effect.  

THERE ARE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON SECTION 403(B) TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES.  AS OF
DECEMBER 31, 1988, ALL SECTION 403(B) ANNUITIES HAVE LIMITS ON FULL AND PARTIAL
SURRENDERS.  CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CONTRACT MADE AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1988 AND ANY
INCREASES IN CASH VALUE AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1988 MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS
THE CONTRACT OWNER/EMPLOYEE HAS A) ATTAINED AGE 59 1/2, B) TERMINATED 
EMPLOYMENT, C) DIED, D) BECOME DISABLED OR E) EXPERIENCED FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.

DISTRIBUTIONS DUE TO FINANCIAL HARDSHIP OR SEPARATION FROM SERVICE MAY STILL BE
SUBJECT TO A PENALTY TAX OF 10%.

HARTFORD LIFE WILL NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN DETERMINING WHETHER A
WITHDRAWAL IS PERMISSIBLE, WITH OR WITHOUT TAX PENALTY, IN ANY PARTICULAR
SITUATION; OR IN MONITORING WITHDRAWAL REQUESTS REGARDING PRE OR POST JANUARY 1,
1989 ACCOUNT VALUES.

ANY SUCH FULL OR PARTIAL SURRENDER DESCRIBED ABOVE MAY RESULT IN ADVERSE TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO THE CONTRACT OWNER.  THE CONTRACT OWNER, THEREFORE, SHOULD
CONSULT WITH HIS TAX ADVISER BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY SUCH SURRENDER.  (SEE
"FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS" COMMENCING ON PAGE __.)


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 31

Payment on any request for a full or partial surrender from the Sub-Accounts
and/or the Fixed Account will be made as soon as possible and in any event no
later than seven days after the written request is received by Hartford Life at
its Home Office, Attn:  Individual Annuity Services, P.O. Box 5085, Hartford, CT
06102-5085.  Hartford Life may defer payment of any amounts from the Fixed
Account for up to six months from the date of the request for surrender.  If
Hartford Life defers payment for more than 30 days, Hartford Life will pay
interest of at least 3% per annum on the amount deferred.  In requesting a
partial withdrawal you should specify the Fixed Account and/or the
Sub-Account(s) from which the partial withdrawal is to be taken.  Otherwise,
such withdrawal and any applicable contingent deferred sales charges will be
effected on a pro rata basis according to the value in the Fixed Account and
each Sub-Account under a Contract.  Within this context, the contingent deferred
sales charges are taken from the Premium Payments in the order in which they
were received:  from the earliest Premium Payments to the latest Premium
Payments.  (See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charges," page __ .)

DEATH BENEFIT

The Contracts provide that in the event the Annuitant dies before the Annuity
Commencement Date, the Contingent Annuitant will become the Annuitant.  If the
Annuitant dies before the Annuity Commencement Date and either (a) there is no
designated Contingent Annuitant, (b) the Contingent Annuitant predeceases the
Annuitant, or (c) if any Contract Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Beneficiary as determined under the Contract Control Provisions, will
receive the Death Benefit as determined on the date of receipt of due proof of
death by Hartford Life in its Home Office.  With regard to Joint Contract
Owners, at the first death of a Joint Contract Owner prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date, the Beneficiary will be the surviving Contract Owner
notwithstanding that the beneficiary designation may be different.

GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT - If the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Commencement
Date and there is no designated Contingent Annuitant surviving, or if the
Contract Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement Date, the Beneficiary will
receive the greatest of (a) the Contract Value determined as of the day written
proof of death of such person is received by Hartford Life, or (b) 100% of the
total Premium Payments made to such Contract, reduced by any prior surrenders,
or (c) the Maximum Anniversary Value immediately preceding the date of death. 
The Maximum Anniversary Value is equal to the greatest Anniversary Value
attained from the following:

As of the date of receipt of due proof of death, the Company will calculate an
Anniversary Value for each Contract Anniversary prior to the deceased's attained
age 81.  The Anniversary Value is equal to the Contract Value on a


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 32

Contract Anniversary, increased by the dollar amount of any premium payments 
made since that anniversary and reduced by the dollar amount of any partial 
surrenders since that anniversary.

If the Annuitant or Contract Owner, as applicable, dies after the Annuity
Commencement Date, then the Death Benefit will equal the present value of any
remaining payments under the elected Annuity Option.

PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFIT -  Death Benefit proceeds will remain invested in the
Separate Account in accordance with the allocation instructions given by the
Contract Owner until the proceeds are paid or Hartford Life receives new
instructions from the Beneficiary.  The Death Benefit may be taken in one sum,
payable within 7 days after the date Due Proof of Death is received, or under
any of the settlement options then being offered by the Company provided,
however, that:  (a) in the event of the death of any Contract Owner prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date, the entire interest in the Contract will be
distributed within 5 years after the death of the Contract Owner, and (b) in the
event of the death of any Contract Owner or Annuitant which occurs on or after
the Annuity Commencement Date, any remaining interest in the Contract will be
paid at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect at the
time of death, or, if the benefit is payable over a period not extending beyond
the life expectancy of the Beneficiary or over the life of the Beneficiary, such
distribution must commence within one year of the date of death. The proceeds
due on the death may be applied to provide variable payments, fixed payments, or
a combination of variable and fixed payments.  However, in the event of the
Contract Owner's death where the sole Beneficiary is the spouse of the Contract
Owner and the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant is living, such spouse may
elect, in lieu of receiving the death benefit, to be treated as the Contract
Owner.  The Contract Value and the Maximum Anniversary Value of the Contract
will be unaffected by treating the spouse as the Contract Owner.

If the Contract is owned by a corporation or other non-individual, the Death
Benefit payable upon the death of the Annuitant prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date will be payable only as one sum or under the same settlement
options and in the same manner as if an individual Contract Owner died on the
date of the Annuitant's death.

There may be postponement in the payment of Death Benefits whenever (a) the New
York Stock Exchange is closed, except for holidays or weekends, or trading on
the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission; (b) the Securities and Exchange Commission permits
postponement and so orders; or (c) the Securities and Exchange Commission
determines that an emergency exists making valuation of the amounts or disposal
of securities not reasonably practicable.


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 33

GROUP UNALLOCATED CONTRACTS - For Group Unallocated Contracts Hartford Life
requires that detailed accounting of cumulative purchase payments, cumulative
gross surrenders, and current Contract Value attached to each Plan Participant
be submitted on an annual basis by the Contract Owner.  Failure to submit
accurate data satisfactory to Hartford Life will give Hartford Life the right to
terminate this extension of benefits.

                           CHARGES UNDER THE CONTRACT
                                        
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES

There is no deduction for sales expenses from Premium Payments when made. 
However, a contingent deferred sales charge may be assessed against Contract
Values when they are surrendered.

The length of time from receipt of a Premium Payment to the time of surrender
determines the contingent deferred sales charge.  Premium payments will be
deemed to be surrendered in the order in which they were received.  

DURING THE FIRST SEVEN CONTRACT YEARS

During the first seven Contract years, all surrenders will be first from Premium
Payments and then from other Contract Values.  If an amount equal to all premium
payments has been surrendered, a contingent deferred sales charge will not be
assessed against the surrender of the remaining Contract Value.

AFTER THE SEVENTH CONTRACT YEAR

After the seventh Contract year, all surrenders will first be from earnings and
then from premium payments.  A contingent deferred sales charge will not be
assessed against the surrender of earnings.  If an amount equal to all earnings
has been surrendered, a contingent deferred sales charge will not be assessed
against premium payments received more than seven years prior to surrender, but
will be assessed against premium payments received less than seven years prior
to surrender.

The charge is a percentage of the amount withdrawn (not to exceed the aggregate
amount of the Premium Payments made) and equals:

      CHARGE                LENGTH OF TIME FROM PREMIUM PAYMENT 
      ------                -----------------------------------
(Number of Years)
       6%                                     1
       6%                                     2
       5%                                     3
       5%                                     4
       4%                                     5
       3%                                     6
       2%                                     7
       0%                                 8 or more 


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 34


The contingent deferred sales charges are used to cover expenses relating to the
sale and distribution of the Contracts, including commissions paid to any
distribution organization and its sales personnel, the cost of preparing sales
literature and other promotional activities.  To the extent that these charges
do not cover such distribution expenses, the expenses will be borne by Hartford
Life from its general assets, including surplus.  The surplus might include
profits resulting from unused mortality and expense risk charges.

During the first seven Contract Years, on a non-cumulative basis, a Contract
Owner may make a partial surrender of Contract Values of up to 10% of the
aggregate Premium Payments made to the Contract (as determined on the date of
the requested withdrawal) without the application of the contingent deferred
sales charge.  After the seventh Contract year, the Contract Owner may make a
partial surrender of 10% of premium payments made during the seven years prior
to the surrender and 100% of the Contract Value less the premium payments made
during the seven years prior to the surrender.  The amounts not subject to sales
charges are known as the Annual Withdrawal Amount.   The Annual Withdrawal
Amount is the amount which can be withdrawn in any Contract Year prior to
incurring surrender charges.  An Extended Withdrawal Privilege rider allows an
Annuitant who attains age 70 1/2 under a Qualified Plan to withdraw an amount in
excess of the Annual Withdrawal Amount to comply with IRS minimum distribution
rules.

The contingent deferred sales charges which cover expenses relating to the sale
and distribution of the Contracts may be reduced for certain sales of the
Contracts under circumstances which may result in savings of such sales and
distribution expenses.  Therefore, the contingent deferred sales charges may be
reduced if the Contracts are sold to certain employee and professional groups. 
In addition, there may be other circumstances of which Hartford Life is not
presently aware which could result in reduced sales or distribution expenses. 
Reductions in these charges will not be unfairly discriminatory against any
Contract Owner.

Hartford Life may offer certain employer sponsored savings plans, in its
discretion reduced fees and charges including, but not limited to, the
contingent deferred sales charges, the mortality and expense risk charge and the
maintenance fee for certain sales under circumstances which may result in
savings of certain costs and expenses.  Reductions in these fees and charges
will not be unfairly discriminatory against any Contract Owner.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 35

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

Although Variable Annuity payments made under the Contracts will vary in
accordance with the investment performance of the underlying Fund shares held in
the Sub-Account(s), the payments will not be affected by (a) Hartford Life's
actual mortality experience among Annuitants before or after the Annuity
Commencement Date or (b) Hartford Life's actual expenses, if greater than the
deductions provided for in the Contracts because of the expense and mortality
undertakings by Hartford Life.  

For assuming these risks under the Contracts, Hartford Life will make a daily
charge at the rate of 1.25% per annum against all Contract Values held in the
Sub-Accounts during the life of the Contract, including the payout period,
(estimated at .90% for mortality and .35% for expense).

The mortality undertaking provided by Hartford Life under the Contracts,
assuming the selection of one of the forms of life Annuities, is to make monthly
Annuity payments (determined in accordance with the 1983a Individual Annuity
Mortality Table and other provisions contained in the Contract) to Annuitants
regardless of how long an Annuitant may live, and regardless of how long all
Annuitants as a group may live.  Hartford Life also assumes the liability for
payment of a minimum Death Benefit under the Contract.

The mortality undertakings are based on Hartford Life's determination of
expected mortality rates among all Annuitants.  If actual experience among
Annuitants during the Annuity payment period deviates from Hartford Life's
actuarial determination of expected mortality rates among Annuitants because, as
a group, their longevity is longer than anticipated, Hartford Life must provide
amounts from its general funds to fulfill its Contract obligations.  Hartford
Life will bear the loss in such a situation.  Also, in the event of the death of
an Annuitant or Contract Owner before the commencement of Annuity payments,
whichever is earlier, Hartford Life can, in periods of declining value,
experience a loss resulting from the assumption of the mortality risk relative
to the minimum Death Benefit.

In providing an expense undertaking, Hartford Life assumes the risk that the
contingent deferred sales charges and the Administration and Maintenance Fees
for maintaining the Contracts prior to the Annuity Commencement Date may be
insufficient to cover the actual cost of providing such items.

ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE FEES

Hartford Life will deduct certain fees from Contract Values to reimburse it for
expenses relating to the administration and maintenance of the Contract and the
Fixed Account.  For Contract maintenance, Hartford Life will deduct an



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 36

Annual Maintenance Fee of $30 on each Contract Anniversary on or before the 
Annuity Commencement Date.  The deduction will be made pro rata according to 
the value in each Sub-Account and the Fixed Account under a Contract.  If 
during a Contract Year the Contract is surrendered for its full value, 
Hartford Life will deduct the Annual Maintenance Fee at the time of such 
surrender.  For administration, Hartford Life makes a daily charge at the 
rate of .15% per annum against all Contract Values held in the Separate 
Account during both the accumulation and annuity phases of the Contract.  
There is not necessarily a relationship between the amount of administrative 
charge imposed on a given Contract and the amount of expenses that may be 
attributable to that Contract; expenses may be more or less than the charge.

The types of expenses incurred by the Separate Account include, but are not
limited to, expenses of issuing the Contract and expenses for confirmations,
Contract quarterly statements, processing of transfers and surrenders,
responding to Contract Owner inquiries, reconciling and depositing cash
receipts, calculation and monitoring daily Sub-Account unit values, Separate
Account reporting, including semiannual and annual reports and mailing and
tabulation of shareholder proxy solicitations.

You should refer to the Trust Prospectus for a description of deductions and
expenses paid out of the assets of the Trust's portfolios.

PREMIUM TAXES

A deduction is also made for Premium Tax, if applicable, imposed by a state or
other governmental entity.  Certain states impose a Premium Tax, currently
ranging up to 3.5%.  Some states assess the tax at the time purchase payments
are made; others assess the tax at the time of annuitization.  Hartford Life
will pay Premium Taxes at the time imposed under applicable law.  At its sole
discretion, Hartford Life may deduct Premium Taxes at the time Hartford Life
pays such taxes to the applicable taxing authorities, at the time the Contract
is surrendered, or at the time the Contract annuitizes.

                                ANNUITY BENEFITS
                                        
You select an Annuity Commencement Date and an Annuity option which may be on a
fixed or variable basis, or a combination thereof.  The Annuity Commencement
Date will not be deferred beyond the Annuitant's 90th birthday except for
certain states where deferral past age 85 is not permitted.  The Annuity
Commencement Date and/or the Annuity option may be changed from time to time,
but any change must be at least 30 days prior to the date on which Annuity
payments are scheduled to begin.  The Contract allows the Contract Owner to
change the Sub-Accounts on which variable payments are based after payments have
commenced once every three (3) months.  Any Fixed Annuity allocation may not be
changed.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 37

ANNUITY OPTIONS

The Contract contains the five optional Annuity forms described below.  Options
2, 4 and 5 are available to Qualified Contracts only if the guaranteed payment
period is less than the life expectancy of the Annuitant at the time the option
becomes effective.  Such life expectancy shall be computed on the basis of the
mortality table prescribed by the IRS, or if none is prescribed, the mortality
table then in use by Hartford Life.  With respect to Non-Qualified Contracts, if
you do not elect otherwise, payments in most states will automatically begin at
the Annuitant's age 90 (with the exception of states that do not allow deferral
past age 85) under Option 2 with 120 monthly payments certain.  For Qualified
Contracts and Contracts issued in Texas, if you do not elect otherwise, payments
will begin automatically at the Annuitant's age 90 under Option 1 to provide a
life Annuity.

Under any of the Annuity options excluding Options 4 and 5, no surrenders are
permitted after Annuity payments commence.  Only full surrenders are allowed out
of Option 4 and any such surrender will be subject to contingent deferred sales
charges, if applicable.  Full or partial withdrawals may be made from Option 5
at any time and contingent deferred sales charges will not be applied.

Option 1:  Life Annuity

A life Annuity is an Annuity payable during the lifetime of the Annuitant and
terminating with the last payment preceding the death of the Annuitant.  This
options offers the largest payment amount of any of the life Annuity options
since there is no guarantee of a minimum number of payments nor a provision for
a death benefit payable to a Beneficiary.

It would be possible under this option for an Annuitant to receive only one
Annuity payment if he died prior to the due date of the second Annuity payment,
two if he died before the date of the third Annuity payment, etc.

Option 2:  Life Annuity with 120, 180 or 240 Monthly Payments Certain

This Annuity option is an Annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of an
Annuitant with the provision that payments will be made for a minimum of 120,
180 or 240 months, as elected.  If, at the death of the Annuitant, payments have
been made for less than the minimum elected number of months, then the present
value as of the date of the Annuitant's death, of any remaining guaranteed
payments will be paid in one sum to the Beneficiary or Beneficiaries designated
unless other provisions have been made and approved by Hartford Life.  


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 38

Option 3:  Joint and Last Survivor Annuity

An Annuity payable monthly during the joint lifetime of the Annuitant and a
designated second person, and thereafter during the remaining lifetime of the
survivor, ceasing with the last payment prior to the death of the survivor. 
Based on the options currently offered by Hartford Life, the Annuitant may elect
that the payment to the survivor be less than the payment made during the joint
lifetime of the Annuitant and a designated second person.

It would be possible under this option for an Annuitant and designated second
person to receive only one payment in the event of the common or simultaneous
death of the parties prior to the due date for the second payment and so on.

Option 4:  Payments for a Designated Period

An amount payable monthly for the number of years selected which may be from 5
to 30 years.  Under this option, you may, at any time, surrender the Contract
and receive, within seven days, the Termination Value of the Contract as
determined by Hartford Life.

In the event of the Annuitant's death prior to the end of the designated period,
the present value as of the date of the Annuitant's death, of any remaining
guaranteed payments will be paid in one sum to the Beneficiary or Beneficiaries
designated unless other provisions have been made and approved by Hartford Life.

Option 4 is an option that does not involve life contingencies and thus no
mortality guarantee.  Charges made for the mortality undertaking under the
Contracts thus provide no real benefit to a Contract Owner.

Option 5:  Death Benefit Remaining with Hartford Life

Proceeds from the Death Benefit may be left with Hartford Life for a period not
to exceed five years from the date of the Contract Owner's death prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date.  These proceeds will remain in the Sub-Account(s) to
which they were allocated at the time of death unless the Beneficiary elects to
reallocate them.  Full or partial withdrawals may be made at any time.  In the
event of withdrawals, the remaining value will equal the Contract Value of the
proceeds left with Hartford Life, minus any withdrawals.

Hartford Life may offer other annuity options from time to time.


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 39


THE ANNUITY UNIT AND VALUATION

The value of the Annuity Unit for each Sub-Account in the Separate Account for
any day is determined by multiplying the value for the preceding day by the
product of (1) the net investment factor (See "Valuation of Accumulation Units,"
commencing on page __) for the day for which the Annuity Unit value is being
calculated and (2) a factor to neutralize the assumed investment rate of 5.00%
per annum discussed below.

DETERMINATION OF PAYMENT AMOUNT

When Annuity payments are to commence, the value of the Contract is determined
as the sum of the value of the Fixed Account no earlier than the close of
business on the fifth Valuation Day preceding the date the first Annuity payment
is due plus the product of the value of the Accumulation Unit of each
Sub-Account on that same day, and the number of Accumulation Units credited to
each Sub-Account as of the date the Annuity is to commence.

The Contract contains tables indicating the minimum dollar amount of the first
monthly payment under the optional forms of Annuity for each $1,000 of value of
a Sub-Account under a Contract.  The first monthly payment varies according to
the form and type of Annuity selected.  The Contract contains Annuity tables
derived from the 1983a Individual Annuity Mortality Table with ages set back one
year and with an assumed investment rate ("A.I.R.") of 3% per annum for the
Fixed Annuity and 5% per annum for the Variable Annuity.  

The total first monthly Variable Annuity payment is determined by multiplying
the value (expressed in thousands of dollars) of a Sub-Account (less any
applicable Premium Taxes) by the amount of the first monthly payment per $1,000
of value obtained from the tables in the Contracts.

Fixed Annuity payments are determined at annuitization by multiplying the values
allocated to the Fixed Account (less applicable Premium Taxes) by a rate to be
determined by Hartford Life which is no less than the rate specified in the
Annuity tables in the Contract.  The Annuity payment will remain level for the
duration of the Annuity.

The amount of the first monthly Variable Annuity payment, determined as
described above, is divided by the value of an Annuity Unit for the appropriate
Sub-Account no earlier than the close of business on the fifth Valuation Day
preceding the day on which the payment is due in order to determine the number
of Annuity Units represented by the first payment.  This number of Annuity Units
remains fixed during the Annuity payment period, and in each subsequent month
the dollar amount of the Variable Annuity payment is determined by multiplying
this fixed number of Annuity Units by the then current Annuity Unit value.




<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 40


THE A.I.R. ASSUMED IN THE MORTALITY TABLES WOULD PRODUCE LEVEL VARIABLE ANNUITY
PAYMENTS IF THE INVESTMENT RATE REMAINED CONSTANT.  IN FACT, PAYMENTS WILL VARY
UP OR DOWN AS THE INVESTMENT RATE VARIES UP OR DOWN FROM THE A.I.R.  

The Annuity Unit value used in calculating the amount of the Variable Annuity
payments will be based on an Annuity Unit value determined as of the close of
business on a day no earlier than the fifth Valuation Day preceding the date of
the Annuity payment.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 41

                           FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

What are some of the Federal tax consequences which affect these Contracts?

A.   GENERAL

SINCE THE TAX LAW IS COMPLEX AND SINCE TAX CONSEQUENCES WILL VARY ACCORDING TO
THE ACTUAL STATUS OF THE CONTRACT OWNER INVOLVED AND THE TYPE OF PLAN UNDER
WHICH THE CONTRACT IS PURCHASED, LEGAL AND TAX ADVICE MAY BE NEEDED BY A PERSON,
TRUSTEE OR OTHER ENTITY CONTEMPLATING THE PURCHASE OF A CONTRACT DESCRIBED
HEREIN.

It should be understood that any detailed description of the Federal income tax
consequences regarding the purchase of these Contracts cannot be made in this
Prospectus and that special tax rules may be applicable with respect to certain
purchase situations not discussed herein.  In addition, no attempt is made here
to consider any applicable state or other tax laws.  For detailed information, a
qualified tax adviser should always be consulted.  The discussion here and in
Appendix I, commencing on page __, is based on Hartford Life's understanding
of current Federal income tax laws as they are currently interpreted.

B.   TAXATION OF HARTFORD LIFE AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT

The Separate Account is taxed as part of Hartford Life which is taxed as a life
insurance company in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). 
Accordingly, the Separate Account will not be taxed as a "regulated investment
company" under subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Code.  Investment income and any
realized capital gains on the assets of the Separate Account are reinvested and
are taken into account in determining the value of the Accumulation and Annuity
Units (See "Value of Accumulation Units" commencing on page __).  As a result,
such investment income and realized capital gains are automatically applied to
increase reserves under the Contract.

No taxes are due on interest, dividends and short-term or long-term capital
gains earned by the Separate Account with respect to Qualified or Non-Qualified
Contracts.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 42

C.   TAXATION OF ANNUITIES -- GENERAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING PURCHASERS OTHER THAN
     QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS

Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code governs the taxation of annuities in
general.  

     1.   NON-NATURAL PERSONS, CORPORATIONS, ETC.  Section 72 contains
          provisions for Contract Owners which are non-natural persons.  Non-
          natural persons include corporations, trusts, and partnerships.  The
          annual net increase in the value of the Contract is currently
          includable in the gross income of a non-natural person unless the non-
          natural person holds the Contract as an agent for a natural person. 
          There is an exception from current inclusion for certain annuities
          held by structured settlement companies, certain annuities held by an
          employer with respect to a terminated qualified retirement plan and
          certain immediate annuities.  A non-natural person which is a tax-
          exempt entity for Federal tax purposes will not be subject to income
          tax as a result of this provision.

          If the Contract Owner is not an individual, the primary Annuitant
          shall be treated as the Contract Owner for purposes of making
          distributions which are required to be made upon the death of the
          Contract Owner.  If there is a change in the primary Annuitant, such
          change shall be treated as the death of the Contract Owner.

     2.   OTHER CONTRACT OWNERS (NATURAL PERSONS).  A Contract Owner is not
          taxed on increases in the value of the Contract until an amount is
          received or deemed received, e.g., in the form of a lump sum payment
          (full or partial value of a Contract) or as Annuity payments under the
          settlement option elected.

          The provisions of Section 72 of the Code concerning distributions are
          summarized briefly below.  Also summarized are special rules affecting
          distributions from Contracts obtained in a tax-free exchange for other
          annuity contracts or life insurance contracts which were purchased
          prior to August 14, 1982.

          a.   DISTRIBUTIONS PRIOR TO THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE.

               i.   Total premium payments less amounts received which were not
                    includable in gross income equal the "investment in the
                    contract" under Section 72 of the Code.

               ii.  To the extent that the value of the Contract (ignoring any
                    surrender charges except on a full surrender) exceeds the
                    "investment in the contract," such excess constitutes the
                    "income on the contract."  


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 43



               iii. Any amount received or deemed received prior to the Annuity
                    Commencement Date (e.g., upon a partial surrender) is deemed
                    to come first from any such "income on the contract" and
                    then from "investment in the contract," and for these
                    purposes such "income on the contract" shall be computed by
                    reference to any aggregation rule in subparagraph 2.c.
                    below.  As a result, any such amount received or deemed
                    received (1) shall be includable in gross income to the
                    extent that such amount does not exceed any such "income on
                    the contract," and (2) shall not be includable in gross
                    income to the extent that such amount does exceed any such
                    "income on the contract."  If at the time that any amount is
                    received or deemed received there is no "income on the
                    contract" (e.g., because the gross value of the Contract
                    does not exceed the "investment in the contract" and no
                    aggregation rule applies), then such amount received or
                    deemed received will not be includable in gross income, and
                    will simply reduce the "investment in the contract."  
     
               iv.  The receipt of any amount as a loan under the Contract or
                    the assignment or pledge of any portion of the value of the
                    Contract shall be treated as an amount received for purposes
                    of this subparagraph a. and the next subparagraph b.

               v.   In general, the transfer of the Contract, without full and
                    adequate consideration, will be treated as an amount
                    received for purposes of this subparagraph a. and the next
                    subparagraph b. This transfer rule does not apply, however,
                    to certain transfers of property between spouses or incident
                    to divorce.

          b.   DISTRIBUTIONS AFTER ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE.  Annuity payments
               made periodically after the Annuity Commencement Date are
               includable in gross income to the extent the payments exceed the
               amount determined by the application of the ratio of the
               "investment in the contract" to the total amount of the payments
               to be made after the Annuity Commencement Date (the "exclusion
               ratio").

               i.   When the total of amounts excluded from income by
                    application of the exclusion ratio is equal to the
                    investment in the contract as of the Annuity Commencement
                    Date, any additional payments (including surrenders) will be
                    entirely includable in gross income.


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 44


               ii.  If the annuity payments cease by reason of the death of the
                    Annuitant and, as of the date of death, the amount of
                    annuity payments excluded from gross income by the exclusion
                    ratio does not exceed the investment in the contract as of
                    the Annuity Commencement Date, then the remaining portion of
                    unrecovered investment shall be allowed as a deduction for
                    the last taxable year of the Annuitant.

               iii. Generally, nonperiodic amounts received or deemed received
                    after the Annuity Commencement Date are not entitled to any
                    exclusion ratio and shall be fully includable in gross
                    income.  However, upon a full surrender after such date,
                    only the excess of the amount received (after any surrender
                    charge) over the remaining "investment in the contract"
                    shall be includable in gross income (except to the extent
                    that the aggregation rule referred to in the next
                    subparagraph c. may apply).
     
          c.   AGGREGATION OF TWO OR MORE ANNUITY CONTRACTS.  Contracts issued
               after October 21, 1988 by the same insurer (or affiliated
               insurer) to the same Contract Owner within the same calendar year
               (other than certain contracts held in connection with a tax-
               qualified retirement arrangement) will be treated as one annuity
               Contract for the purpose of determining the taxation of
               distributions prior to the Annuity Commencement Date.  An annuity
               contract received in a tax-free exchange for another annuity
               contract or life insurance contract may be treated as a new
               Contract for this purpose.   Hartford Life believes that for any
               annuity subject to such aggregation, the values under the
               Contracts and the investment in the contracts will be added
               together to determine the taxation under subparagraph 2.a.,
               above, of amounts received or deemed received prior to the
               Annuity Commencement Date.  Withdrawals will first be treated as
               withdrawals of income until all of the income from all such
               Contracts is withdrawn.  As of the date of this Prospectus, there
               are no regulations interpreting this provision.

          d.   10% PENALTY TAX -- APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN WITHDRAWALS AND ANNUITY
               PAYMENTS.

               i.   If any amount is received or deemed received on the Contract
                    (before or after the Annuity Commencement Date), the Code
                    applies a penalty tax equal to ten percent of the portion of
                    the amount includable in gross income, unless an exception
                    applies.


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 45


               ii.  The 10% penalty tax will not apply to the following
                    distributions (exceptions vary based upon the precise plan
                    involved):

                    1.   Distributions made on or after the date the recipient
                         has attained the age of 59 1/2.

                    2.   Distributions made on or after the death of the holder
                         or where the holder is not an individual, the death of
                         the primary annuitant.

                    3.   Distributions attributable to a recipient's becoming
                         disabled.

                    4.   A distribution that is part of a scheduled series of
                         substantially equal periodic payments for the life (or
                         life expectancy) of the recipient (or the joint lives
                         or life expectancies of the recipient and the
                         recipient's Beneficiary).

                    5.   Distributions of amounts which are allocable to the
                         "investment in the contract" prior to August 14, 1982
                         (see next subparagraph e.).

          e.   SPECIAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING CONTRACTS OBTAINED THROUGH A TAX-
               FREE EXCHANGE OF OTHER ANNUITY OR LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
               PURCHASED PRIOR TO AUGUST 14, 1982.    If the Contract was
               obtained by a tax-free exchange of a life insurance or annuity
               Contract purchased prior to August 14, 1982, then any amount
               received or deemed received prior to the Annuity Commencement
               Date shall be deemed to come (1) first from the amount of the
               "investment in the contract" prior to August 14, 1982 ("pre-
               8/14/82 investment") carried over from the prior Contract, (2)
               then from the portion of the "income on the contract" (carried
               over to, as well as accumulating in, the successor Contract) that
               is attributable to such pre-8/14/82 investment, (3) then from the
               remaining "income on the contract" and (4) last from the
               remaining "investment in the contract."   As a result, to the
               extent that such amount received or deemed received does not
               exceed such pre-8/14/82 investment, such amount is not includable
               in gross income.,  In addition, to the extent that such amount
               received or deemed received does not exceed the sum of (a) such
               pre-8/14/82 investment and (b) the "income on the contract"
               attributable thereto, such amount is not subject to the 10%
               penalty tax.  In all other respects, amounts received or deemed
               received from such post-exchange Contracts are generally subject
               to the rules described in this subparagraph 3.  


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 46


          f.   REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS 

               i.    Death of Contract Owner or Primary Annuitant

                    Subject to the alternative election or spouse beneficiary
                    provisions in ii or iii below:

                    1.   If any Contract Owner dies on or after the Annuity
                         Commencement Date and before the entire interest in the
                         Contract has been distributed, the remaining portion of
                         such interest shall be distributed at least as rapidly
                         as under the method of distribution being used as of
                         the date of such death;

                    2.   If any Contract Owner dies before the Annuity
                         Commencement Date, the entire interest in the Contract
                         will be distributed within 5 years after such death;
                         and

                    3.   If the Contract Owner is not an individual, then for
                         purposes of 1. or 2. above, the primary annuitant under
                         the Contract shall be treated as the Contract Owner,
                         and any change in the primary annuitant shall be
                         treated as the death of the Contract Owner.  The
                         primary annuitant is the individual, the events in the
                         life of whom are of primary importance in affecting the
                         timing or amount of the payout under the Contract.

               ii.  Alternative Election to Satisfy Distribution Requirements

                    If any portion of  the interest of a Contract Owner
                    described in i. above is payable to or for the benefit of a
                    designated beneficiary, such beneficiary may elect to have
                    the portion distributed over a period that does not extend
                    beyond the life or life expectancy of the beneficiary.  The
                    election and payments must begin within a year of the death.

               iii. Spouse Beneficiary

                    If any portion of the interest of a Contract Owner is
                    payable to or for the benefit of his or her spouse, and the
                    Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant is living, such spouse
                    shall be treated as the Contract Owner of such portion for
                    purposes of section i. above.

     3.   DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.  Section 817 of the Code provides that a
          variable annuity contract will not be treated as an annuity contract
          for any period during which the investments made by the




<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 47

          separate account or underlying fund are not adequately diversified in
          accordance with regulations prescribed by the Treasury Department. If
          a Contract is not treated as an annuity contract, the Contract Owner
          will be subject to income tax on the annual increases in cash value.


          The Treasury Department has issued diversification regulations which
          generally require, among other things, that no more than 55% of the
          value of the total assets of the segregated asset account underlying a
          variable contract is represented by any one investment, no more than
          70% is represented by any two investments, no more than 80% is
          represented by any three investments, and no more than 90% is
          represented by any four investments.  In determining whether the
          diversification standards are met, all securities of the same issuer,
          all interests in the same real property project, and all interests in
          the same commodity are each treated as a single investment.  In
          addition, in the case of government securities, each government agency
          or instrumentality shall be treated as a separate issuer.

          A separate account must be in compliance with the diversification
          standards on the last day of each calendar quarter or within 30 days
          after the quarter ends.  If an insurance company inadvertently fails
          to meet the diversification requirements, the company may comply
          within a reasonable period and avoid the taxation of contract income
          on an ongoing basis.  However, either the company or the Contract
          Owner must agree to pay the tax due for the period during which the
          diversification requirements were not met.

          Hartford Life monitors the diversification of investments in the
          separate accounts and tests for diversification as required by the
          Code.  Hartford Life intends to administer all contracts subject to
          the diversification requirements in a manner that will maintain
          adequate diversification.

     4.   OWNERSHIP OF THE ASSETS IN THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT.  In order for a
          variable annuity contract to qualify for tax deferral, assets in the
          segregated asset accounts supporting the variable contract must be
          considered to be owned by the insurance company and not by the
          variable contract owner.  The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has
          issued several rulings which discuss investor control.  The IRS has
          ruled that incidents of ownership by the contract owner, such as the
          ability to select and control investments in a separate account, will
          cause the contract owner to be treated as the owner of the assets for
          tax purposes.


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 48


          Further, in the explanation to the temporary Section 817
          diversification regulations, the Treasury Department noted that the
          temporary regulations "do not provide guidance concerning the
          circumstances in which investor control of the investments of a
          segregated asset account may cause the investor, rather than the
          insurance company, to be treated as the owner of the assets in the
          account." The explanation further indicates that "the temporary
          regulations provide that in appropriate cases a segregated asset
          account may include multiple sub-accounts, but do not specify the
          extent to which policyholders may direct their investments to
          particular sub-accounts without being treated as the owners of the
          underlying assets.  Guidance on this and other issues will be provided
          in regulations or revenue rulings under Section 817(d), relating to
          the definition of variable contract."  The final regulations issued
          under Section 817  did not provide guidance regarding investor
          control, and as of the date of this prospectus, no other such guidance
          has been issued.  Further, Hartford Life does not know if or in what
          form such guidance will be issued.  In addition, although regulations
          are generally issued with prospective effect, it is possible that
          regulations may be issued with retroactive effect.  Due to the lack of
          specific guidance regarding the issue of investor control, there is
          necessarily some uncertainty regarding whether a Contract Owner could
          be considered the owner of the assets for tax purposes.  Hartford Life
          reserves the right to modify the contracts, as necessary, to prevent
          Contract Owners from being considered the owners of the assets in the
          separate accounts.  

D.   FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING

The portion of a distribution which is taxable income to the recipient will be
subject to Federal income tax withholding, pursuant to Section 3405 of the Code.
The application of this provision is summarized below:

     1.   NON-PERIODIC DISTRIBUTIONS.  The portion of a non-periodic
          distribution which constitutes taxable income will be subject to
          Federal income tax withholding unless the recipient elects not to have
          taxes withheld.  If an election not to have taxes withheld is not
          provided, 10% of the taxable distribution will be withheld as Federal
          income tax.  Election forms will be provided at the time distributions
          are requested.  If the necessary election forms are not submitted to
          Hartford Life, Hartford Life will automatically withhold 10% of the
          taxable distribution.

     2.   PERIODIC DISTRIBUTIONS (DISTRIBUTIONS PAYABLE OVER A PERIOD GREATER
          THAN ONE YEAR).  The portion of a periodic distribution which
          constitutes taxable income will be subject to Federal income tax
          withholding as if the recipient were married claiming three
          exemptions.  A recipient may elect not to have income taxes withheld
          or have income taxes withheld at a different rate by providing a
          completed election form.  Election forms will be provided at the time
          distributions are requested.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 49


E.   GENERAL PROVISIONS AFFECTING QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS

The Contract may be used for a number of qualified retirement  plans.  If the
Contract is being purchased with respect to some form of qualified retirement
plan, please refer to Appendix I commencing on page __ for information
relative to the types of plans for which it may be used and the general
explanation of the tax features of such plans.

F.  ANNUITY PURCHASES BY NONRESIDENT ALIENS AND FOREIGN CORPORATIONS

The discussion above provides general information regarding U.S. federal income
tax consequences to annuity purchasers that are U.S. citizens or residents. 
Purchasers that are not U.S. citizens or residents will generally be subject to
U.S. federal income tax and withholding on annuity distributions at a 30% rate,
unless a lower treaty rate applies.  In addition, purchasers may be subject to
state premium tax, other state and/or municipal taxes, and taxes that may be
imposed by the purchaser's country of citizenship or residence.  Prospective
purchasers are advised to consult with a qualified tax advisor regarding U.S.,
state, and foreign taxation with respect to an annuity purchase.




<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 50

GENERAL MATTERS

ASSIGNMENT

Ownership of a Contract described herein is generally assignable.  However, if
the Contracts are issued pursuant to some form of qualified retirement plan, it
is possible that the ownership of the Contracts may not be transferred or
assigned depending on the type of qualified retirement plan involved.  An
assignment of a Non-Qualified Contract may subject the assignment proceeds to
income taxes and certain penalty taxes.  (See "Taxation of Annuities in General
- - Non-Tax Qualified Purchasers," page __.)

MODIFICATION

Hartford Life reserves the right to modify the Contract, but only if such
modification: (i) is necessary to make the Contract or the Separate Account
comply with any law or regulation issued by a governmental agency to which
Hartford Life is subject; or (ii) is necessary to assure continued qualification
of the Contract under the Code or other federal or state laws relating to
retirement annuities or annuity Contracts; or (iii) is necessary to reflect a
change in the operation of the Separate Account or the Sub-Account(s) or (iv)
provides additional Separate Account options or (v) withdraws Separate Account
options.  In the event of any such modification Hartford Life will provide
notice to the Contract Owner or to the payee(s) during the Annuity period. 
Hartford Life may also make appropriate endorsement in the Contract to reflect
such modification.  

DELAY OF PAYMENTS

There may be postponement of a surrender payment or death benefit whenever (a)
the New York Stock Exchange is closed, except for holidays or weekends, or
trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the 
Commission; (b) the Commission permits postponement and so orders; or (c) the
Commission determines that an emergency exists making valuation or disposal of
securities not reasonably practicable.

VOTING RIGHTS

Hartford Life is the legal owner of all Fund shares held in the Separate
Account.  As the owner, Hartford Life has the right to vote at the Funds'
shareholder meetings.  However, to the extent required by federal securities
laws or regulations, Hartford Life will:

1.  Vote all Fund shares attributable to a Contract according to instructions
received from the Contract Owner, and




<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 51

2.  Vote shares attributable to a Contract for which no voting instructions are
received in the same proportion as shares for which instructions are received.

If any federal securities laws or regulations, or their present interpretation
change to permit Hartford Life to vote Fund shares in its own right, Hartford
Life may elect to do so.

Hartford Life will notify you of any Fund shareholders' meeting if the shares
held for your account may be voted at such meetings.  Hartford Life will also
send proxy materials and a form of instruction by means of which you can
instruct Hartford Life with respect to the voting of the Fund shares held for
your account.

In connection with the voting of Fund shares held by it, Hartford Life will
arrange for the handling and tallying of voting instructions received from
Contract Owners.  Hartford Life as such, shall have no right, except as
hereinafter provided, to vote any Fund shares held by it hereunder which may be
registered in its name or the names of its nominees.  Hartford Life will,
however, vote the Fund shares held by it in accordance with the instructions
received from the Contract Owners for whose accounts the Fund shares are held. 
If a Contract Owner desires to attend any meeting at which shares held for the
Contract Owner's benefit may be voted, the Contract Owner may request Hartford
Life to furnish a proxy or otherwise arrange for the exercise of voting rights
with respect to the Fund shares held for such Contract Owner's account.  In the
event that the Contract Owner gives no instructions or leaves the manner of
voting discretionary, Hartford Life will vote such shares of the appropriate
Fund in the same proportion as shares of that Fund for which instructions have
been received.  During the Annuity period under a Contract the number of votes
will decrease as the assets held to Fund Annuity benefits decrease.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS

Hartford Securities Distribution Company, Inc. ("HSD") serves as Principal
Underwriter for the securities issued with respect to the Separate Account.  HSD
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hartford Life.  The principal business address
of HSD is the same as Hartford Life.

The securities will be sold by salespersons of HSD who represent Hartford Life
as insurance and variable annuity agents and who are registered representatives
of Broker-Dealers who have entered into distribution agreements with HSD.

HSD is registered with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
as a Broker-Dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. 



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 52

Commissions will be paid by Hartford Life and will not be more than 6% of
Premium Payments.

From time to time, Hartford Life may pay or permit other promotional incentives,
in cash or credit or other compensation.

OTHER CONTRACTS OFFERED

In addition to the Contracts described in this Prospectus, it is contemplated
that other forms of group or individual Variable Annuities may be sold providing
benefits which vary in accordance with the investment experience of the Separate
Account.

CUSTODIAN OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS

The assets of the Separate Account are held by Hartford Life under a safekeeping
arrangement.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no legal proceedings to which the Separate Account is a party or to
which the assets of the Separate Account are subject.  Hartford Life and Putnam
Management are engaged in various matters of routine litigation which in their
judgments are not of material importance in relation to their respective total
assets.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Counsel with respect to Federal laws and regulations applicable to the issue and
sale of the Contracts and with respect to Connecticut law is Lynda Godkin,
Esquire, General Counsel and Secretary, ITT Hartford Life Insurance Companies,
P.O. Box 2999, Hartford, Connecticut 06104-2999.

EXPERTS

The financial statements and schedules incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their
reports with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance on the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said
report.  Reference is made to said report of Hartford Life Insurance Company
(the depositor), which includes an explanatory paragraph with respect to the
adoption of new account standards changing the methods of accounting for debt
and equity securities. The principal business address of Arthur Andersen LLP is
One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 53

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Inquiries will be answered by calling your representative or by writing: 

    Hartford Life Insurance Company
    Attn:  Individual Annuity Services
    P.O. Box 5085
    Hartford, CT 06102-5085
    Telephone:  (800) 521-0538



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 54

                                   APPENDIX I
                                        
                    INFORMATION REGARDING TAX-QUALIFIED PLANS
                                        

     The tax rules applicable to tax qualified contract owners, including
     restrictions on contributions and distributions, taxation of distributions
     and tax penalties, vary according to the type of plan as well as the terms
     and conditions of the plan itself.  Various tax penalties may apply to
     contributions in excess of specified limits, to distributions in excess of
     specified limits, distributions which do not satisfy certain requirements
     and certain other transactions with respect to qualified plans. 
     Accordingly, this summary provides only general information about the tax
     rules associated with use of the Contract by a qualified plan.  Contract
     owners, plan participants and beneficiaries are cautioned that the rights
     and benefits of any person to benefits are controlled by the terms and
     conditions of the plan regardless of the terms and conditions of the
     Contract.  Some qualified plans are subject to distribution and other
     requirements which are not incorporated into Hartford Life's administrative
     procedures.  Owners, participants and beneficiaries are responsible for
     determining that contributions, distributions and other transactions comply
     with applicable law.  Because of the complexity of these rules, owners,
     participants and beneficiaries are encouraged to consult their own tax
     advisors as to specific tax consequences.

A.   QUALIFIED PENSION PLANS

     Provisions of the Code permit eligible employers to establish pension or
     profit sharing plans (described in Section 401(a) and 401(k), if
     applicable, and exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code), and
     Simplified Employee Pension Plans (described in Section 408(k)).  Such
     plans are subject to limitations on the amount that may be contributed, the
     persons who may be eligible and the time when distributions must commence. 
     Corporate employers intending to use these contracts in connection with
     such plans should seek competent advice.

B.   TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES UNDER SECTION 403(B)

     Section 403(b) of the Code permits public school employees and employees of
     certain types of charitable, educational and scientific organizations
     specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code to purchase annuity contracts,
     and, subject to certain limitations, exclude such contributions from gross
     income.  Generally, such contributions may not exceed the lesser of $9,500
     or 20% of the employees "includable compensation" for his most recent full
     year of employment, subject to other adjustments.  Special provisions may
     allow some employees to elect a different overall limitation.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 55

     Tax-sheltered annuity programs under Section 403(b) are subject to a
     PROHIBITION AGAINST DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE CONTRACT ATTRIBUTABLE TO
     CONTRIBUTIONS MADE PURSUANT TO A SALARY REDUCTION AGREEMENT unless such
     distribution is made:

     (1)  after the participating employee attains age 59 1/2;
     (2)  upon separation from service;
     (3)  upon death or disability, or
     (4)  in the case of hardship.

     The above restrictions apply to distributions of employee contributions
     made after December 31, 1988, earnings on those contributions, and earnings
     on amounts attributable to employee contributions held as of December 31,
     1988.  They do not apply to distributions of any employer or other after-
     tax contributions, employee contributions made on or before December 31,
     1988, and earnings credited to employee contributions before December 31,
     1988.

C.   DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS UNDER SECTION 457

     Employees and independent contractors performing services for such
     employers may contribute on a before tax basis to the Deferred Compensation
     Plan of their employer in accordance with the employer's plan and Section
     457 of the Code.  Section 457 places limitations on contributions to
     Deferred Compensation Plans maintained by a State ("State" means a State, a
     political sub-division of a State, and an agency or instrumentality of a
     State or political sub-division of a State) or other tax-exempt
     organization.  Generally, the limitation is 33 1/3% of includable
     compensation (25% of gross compensation) or $7,500, whichever is less.  The
     plan may also provide for additional "catch-up" deferrals during the three
     taxable years ending before a Participant attains normal retirement age.

     An employee electing to participate in a plan should understand that his
     rights and benefits are governed strictly by the terms of the plan, that
     the employer is legal owner of any contract issued with respect to the plan
     and that deferred amounts will be subject to the claims of the employer's
     creditors.  The employer as owner of the contract(s) retains all voting and
     redemption rights which may accrue to the contract(s) issued with respect
     to the plan.  The participating employee should look to the terms of his
     plan for any charges in regard to participating therein other than those
     disclosed in this Prospectus.



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 56

     Distributions from a Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan are prohibited
     unless made after the participating employee attains the age specified in
     the plan, separates from service, dies, becomes permanently and totally
     disabled or suffers an unforeseeable financial emergency.  Present federal
     tax law does not allow tax-free transfers or rollovers for amounts
     accumulated in a Section 457 plan except for transfers to other Section 457
     plans in limited cases.

D.   INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES UNDER SECTION 408

     Section 408 of the Code permits eligible individuals to establish
     individual retirement programs through the purchase of Individual
     Retirement Annuities ("IRAs").  IRAs are subject to limitations on the
     amount that may be contributed, the contributions that may be deducted from
     taxable income, the persons who may be eligible and the time when
     distributions may commence.  Also, distributions from certain qualified
     plans may be "rolled-over" on a tax-deferred basis into an IRA.


E.   TAX PENALTIES

     Distributions from retirement plans are generally taxed under Section 72 of
     the Code.  Under these rules, a portion of each distribution may be
     excludable from income.  The excludable amount is the portion of the
     distribution which bears the same ratio as the after-tax contributions bear
     to the expected return.

     1.   PREMATURE DISTRIBUTION

          Distributions from a qualified plan before the Participant attains age
          59 1/2 are generally subject to an additional tax equal to 10% of the
          taxable portion of the distribution.  The 10% penalty does not apply
          to distributions made after the employee's death, on account of
          disability and distributions in the form of a life annuity and, except
          in the case of an IRA, certain distributions after separation from
          service at or after age 55 and certain distributions for eligible
          medical expenses.  A life annuity is defined as a scheduled series of
          substantially equal periodic payments for the life or life expectancy
          of the Participant (or the joint lives or life expectancies of the
          Participant and Beneficiary).

     2.   MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION TAX

          If the amount distributed is less than the minimum required
          distribution for the year, the Participant is subject to a 50% tax on
          the amount that was not properly distributed.

          An individual's interest in a retirement plan must generally be
          distributed or begin to be distributed not later than April 1 of the


<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 57

          calendar year in which the individual attains age 70 1/2 ("required
          beginning date").  The required beginning date with respect to certain
          government plans may be further deferred.  The entire interest of the
          Participant must be distributed beginning no later than this required
          beginning date over a period which may not extend beyond a maximum of
          the life expectancy of the Participant and a designated Beneficiary. 
          Each annual distribution must equal or exceed a "minimum distribution
          amount" which is determined by dividing the account balance by the
          applicable life expectancy.  This account balance is generally based
          upon the account value as of the close of business on the last day of
          the previous calendar year.  In addition, minimum distribution
          incidental benefit rules may require a larger annual distribution.

          If an individual dies before reaching his or her required beginning
          date, the individual's entire interest must generally be distributed
          within five years of the individuals' death.  However, this rule will
          be deemed satisfied, if distributions begin before the close of the
          calendar year following the individual's death to a designated
          Beneficiary (or over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy
          of the beneficiary).  If the Beneficiary is the individual's surviving
          spouse, distributions may be delayed until the individual would have
          attained age 70 1/2.

          If an individual dies after reaching his or her required beginning
          date or after distributions have commenced, the individual's interest
          must generally be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method
          of distribution in effect at the time of the individual's death.


     3.   EXCESS DISTRIBUTION TAX

          If the aggregate distributions from all IRAs and certain other
          qualified plans in a calendar year exceed the greater of (i) $150,000,
          or (ii) $112,500 as indexed for inflation ($155,000 as of January 1,
          1996), a penalty tax of 15% is generally imposed on the excess portion
          of the distribution.

     4.   WITHHOLDING

          Periodic distributions from a qualified plan lasting for a period of
          10 or more years are generally subject to voluntary income tax
          withholding.  The recipient of periodic distributions may generally
          elect not to have withholding apply or to have income taxes withheld
          at a different rate by providing a completed election form. 
          Otherwise, the amount withheld on such distributions is determined at
          the rate applicable to wages as if the recipient were married claiming
          three exemptions.


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                                                                      Page 58


          Nonperiodic distributions from an IRA are subject to income tax
          withholding at a flat 10% rate.  The recipient may elect not to have
          withholding apply.

          Nonperiodic distributions from other qualified plans are generally
          subject to mandatory income tax withholding at the flat rate of 20%
          unless such distributions are:

          (a)  the non-taxable portion of the distribution;
          (b)  required minimum distributions;
          (c)  eligible rollover distributions.

          Eligible rollover distributions are direct payments to an IRA or to
          another qualified employer plan.

          Any distribution from plans described in Section 457 of the Code is
          subject to regular wage withholding rules.


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                                                                      Page 59

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                       TO
                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                        
SECTION                                                        PAGE
- -------                                                        ----
INTRODUCTION   

DESCRIPTION OF HARTFORD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY    

SAFEKEEPING OF ASSETS    

INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS     

DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRACTS     

ANNUITY/PAYOUT PERIOD    

     Annuity Payments    

     The Annuity Unit and Valuation     

     Determination of Payment Amount    

CALCULATION OF YIELD AND RETURN    

PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     



<PAGE>
                                                                      Page 60


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

To Obtain a Statement of Additional Information, please complete the form below
and mail to:
     Hartford Life Insurance Company
     Attn:  Individual Annuity Services
     P.O. Box 5085
     Hartford, CT 06102-5085


Please send a Statement of Additional Information for the Putnam Capital Manager
Variable Annuity to me at the following address:


_____________________________________
Name


______________________________________
Address


______________________________________
City/State                    Zip Code

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



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