HANCOCK JOHN VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
S-6EL24/A, 1997-04-23
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<PAGE>
    
   As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 1997      

                                                   Registration No. 333-15075
 ____________________________________________________________________________


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

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

                                   FORM S-6
                            Pre-Effective Amendment
                                       
                                   No. 2 to     
                         Registration Statement Under
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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

                     JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
                             (Exact name of trust)

                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (Name of depositor)

                              JOHN HANCOCK PLACE
                          BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02117
         (Complete address of depositor's principal executive offices)

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

                            SANDRA M. DADALT, ESQ.
                  JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                       JOHN HANCOCK PLACE, BOSTON, 02117
               (Name and complete address of agent for service)

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

                                   Copy to:
                           THOMAS C. LAUERMAN, ESQ.
                        Freedman, Levy, Kroll & Simonds
                         1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
                            Washington, D.C.  20036

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


Approximate date of proposed public offering: as soon as practicable after the
effective date of this Registration Statement.

An indefinite amount of the Registrant's securities has been registered pursuant
to a declaration under Rule 24f-2, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, set
out in a previously filed Form S-6 Registration Statement of Registrant and
Registrant's Depositor (File No. 33-64366).  Registrant filed its Rule 24f-2
Notice for the December 31, 1996 fiscal year on February 26, 1997.

Title and amount of securities being registered: interests under flexible
premium variable life policies.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
<PAGE>
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

Form N-8B-2 Item                   Caption in Prospectus                 
- - ----------------                   ---------------------                 
                                                                         
1, 2                               Cover, The Account and The Series     
                                   Funds, JHVLICO and John Hancock       
                                                                         
3                                  Inapplicable                          
                                                                         
4                                  Cover, Distribution of Policies       
                                                                         
5, 6                               The Account and The Series Funds      
                                                                         
7, 8, 9                            Inapplicable                    
                                                                         
10(a),(b),(c),(d),(e)              Policy Provisions and Benefits        
                                                                         
10(f)                              Voting Privileges                     
                                                                         
10(g),(h)                          Changes that JHVLICO                  
                                   Can Make                              
                                                                         
10(i)                              Appendix--Other Policy                
                                   Provisions, The Account and           
                                   The Series Funds                      
                                                                         
11, 12                             Summary, The Account and The Series   
                                   Funds, Distribution of Policies       
                                                                         
13                                 Summary, Charges and Expenses,        
                                   Appendix--Illustration of Death       
                                   Benefits, Surrender Values            
                                   and Accumulated Premiums              
                                                                         
14, 15                             Summary, Distribution of              
                                   Policies, Premiums                    
                                                                         
16                                 The Account and The Series Funds      
                                                                         
17                                 Summary, Policy                       
                                   Provisions and Benefits               
                                                                         
18                                 The Account and The Series Funds,     
                                   Tax Considerations                    
                                                                         
19                                 Reports                               
                                                                         
20                                 Changes that JHVLICO Can Make         
                                                                         
21                                 Policy Provisions and Benefits        
                                                                         
22                                 Policy Provisions and Benefits         
<PAGE>
 
23                                 Distribution of Policies               
                                                                          
24                                 Not Applicable                         
                                                                          
25                                 JHVLICO and John Hancock               
                                                                          
26                                 Not Applicable                         
                                                                          
27,28,29,30                        JHVLICO and John Hancock, Board        
                                   of Directors and Executive             
                                   Officers of JHVLICO                    
                                                                          
31,32,33,34                        Not Applicable                         
                                                                          
35                                 JHVLICO and John Hancock               
                                                                          
37                                 Not Applicable                         
                                                                          
38,39,40,41(a)                     Distribution of Policies,              
                                   JHVLICO and John Hancock,              
                                   Charges and Expenses                   
                                                                          
42, 43                             Not Applicable                         
                                                                          
44                                 The Account and The Series Funds,      
                                   Policy Provisionsand Benefits          
                                   Appendix--Illustration of Death        
                                   Benefits, Surrender Values             
                                   and Accumulated Premiums               
                                                                          
45                                 Not Applicable                         
                                                                          
46                                 The Account and The Series Funds,      
                                   Policy Provisions and Benefits,        
                                   Appendix--Illustration of Death        
                                   Benefits, Surrender Values             
                                   and Accumulated Values                 
                                                                          
47, 48, 49, 50                     Not Applicable                         
                                                                          
51                                 Policy Provisions and Benefits,        
                                   Appendix--Other Policy Provisions      
                                                                          
52                                 The Account and The Series Funds,      
                                   Changes that JHVLICO                   
                                   Can Make                               
                                                                          
53,54,55                           Not Applicable                         
                                                                          
56,57,58                           Not Applicable                         
                                                                          
59                                 Financial Statements                    
<PAGE>
 
 
                                                     John Hancock Variable Life
                                              Insurance Company
                                                              (JHVLICO)
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK MAJESTIC VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE APPEARS HERE]
 
                      JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNTS
 
                              John Hancock Place
                          Boston, Massachusetts 02117
                         
                      JOHN HANCOCK SERVICING OFFICE:     
                                  
                               P.O. Box 111     
        
                          
                       Boston, Massachusetts 02117     
 
                  TELEPHONE 1-800-REAL LIFE (1-800-732-5543)
                               FAX 617-572-5410
 
                           PROSPECTUS APRIL  , 1997
 
  The flexible premium variable life policy ("Policy") described in this
Prospectus can be funded, at the discretion of the Owner, by any of the
variable subaccounts of John Hancock Variable Life Account S (the "Account"),
by a fixed subaccount (the "Fixed Account"), or by any combination of the
Fixed Account and the variable subaccounts (collectively, the "Subaccounts").
The assets of each variable Subaccount will be invested in a corresponding
investment portfolio ("Portfolio") of John Hancock Variable Series Trust I, a
"series" type mutual fund advised by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company ("John Hancock") or of M Fund, Inc., a "series" type mutual fund
advised by M Financial Investment Advisers, Inc. (collectively the "Funds").
The assets of the Fixed Account will be invested in the general account of
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company ("JHVLICO").
 
  The Prospectuses for the Funds, which are attached to this Prospectus,
describe the investment objectives, policies and risks of investing in the
Portfolios of the Funds: Growth & Income, Large Cap Growth, Sovereign Bond,
Money Market, Managed, Real Estate Equity, International Equities, Short-Term
U.S. Government, Special Opportunities, Small Cap Growth, Small Cap Value, Mid
Cap Growth, Mid Cap Value, International Balanced, International
Opportunities, Large Cap Value, Strategic Bond and Equity Index and in the
Portfolios of M Funds, Inc.: Edinburgh Overseas Equity, Turner Core Growth,
Frontier Capital Appreciation,and Enhanced U.S. Equity. (The Enhanced U.S.
Equity Portfolio is not currently available to Owners, but is expected to be
made available later in 1997.) Other variable Subaccounts and Portfolios may
be added in the future.
 
  Replacing existing insurance with a Policy described in this Prospectus may
not be to your advantage.
 
       THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
    IT IS NOT VALID UNLESS ATTACHED TO CURRENT PROSPECTUSES FOR THE FUNDS.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
<S>                                                                         <C>
SUMMARY...................................................................    1
JHVLICO and JOHN HANCOCK..................................................    7
THE ACCOUNT AND THE SERIES FUNDS..........................................    7
  The Account.............................................................    7
  The Series Funds........................................................    7
THE FIXED ACCOUNT.........................................................   10
POLICY PROVISIONS AND BENEFITS............................................   11
  Requirements for Issuance of Policy.....................................   11
  Premiums................................................................   11
  Account Value and Surrender Value.......................................   14
  Death Benefits..........................................................   15
  Transfers Among Subaccounts.............................................   17
  Loan Provisions and Indebtedness........................................   18
  Default.................................................................   19
  Exchange Privilege......................................................   20
CHARGES AND EXPENSES......................................................   20
  Charges Deducted from Premiums..........................................   20
  Sales Charge............................................................   20
  Reduced Charges for Eligible Groups.....................................   21
  Charges Deducted from Account Value or Assets...........................   21
  Guarantee of Certain Charges............................................   23
DISTRIBUTION OF POLICIES..................................................   24
TAX CONSIDERATIONS........................................................   25
  Policy Proceeds.........................................................   25
  Charge for JHVLICO's Taxes..............................................   26
  Corporate and H.R. 10 Plans.............................................   26
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF JHVLICO......................   27
REPORTS...................................................................   27
VOTING PRIVILEGES.........................................................   28
CHANGES THAT JHVLICO CAN MAKE.............................................   28
STATE REGULATION..........................................................   29
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................   29
REGISTRATION STATEMENT....................................................   29
EXPERTS...................................................................   29
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS......................................................   29
APPENDIX--OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS.........................................  A-1
  Settlement Provisions...................................................  A-1
  Additional Insurance Benefits...........................................  A-1
  General Provisions......................................................  A-1
APPENDIX--ILLUSTRATION OF DEATH BENEFITS, SURRENDER VALUES AND ACCUMULATED
 PREMIUMS.................................................................  A-3
</TABLE>
 
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.
<PAGE>
 
                      INDEX OF DEFINED WORDS AND PHRASES
 
  Below are listed certain words and phrases used in this Prospectus, together
with identification of the page on which each is defined or explained:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Page
     <S>                                                                   <C>
     Account..............................................................   7
     Account Value........................................................   1
     Additional Sum Insured...............................................  15
     Age.................................................................. A-2
     Basic Sum Insured....................................................   1
     DAC Tax..............................................................  19
     Death Benefit........................................................  14
     Fixed Account........................................................  10
     Funds......................................................... Front Cover
     Grace Period.........................................................  18
     Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit.....................................  15
     Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Premium.............................  11
     Indebtedness.........................................................  17
     Investment Rule......................................................  12
     Loan Assets..........................................................  17
     Minimum First Premium................................................  18
     Optional Extra Death Benefit.........................................  14
     Planned Premium......................................................  11
     Policy Anniversary................................................... A-2
     Portfolio..................................................... Front Cover
     Servicing Office.....................................................   6
     Subaccount.................................................... Front Cover
     Surrender Value......................................................  13
     Target Premium.......................................................  20
     Total Sum Insured....................................................  15
     Valuation Date.......................................................  10
     Valuation Period.....................................................  10
     Variable Subaccounts.................................................   2
     7-Pay Limit..........................................................  12
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
WHAT IS THE VARIABLE LIFE POLICY BEING OFFERED?
 
  JHVLICO issues variable life insurance policies. The Policies described in
this Prospectus provide life insurance coverage when the insured dies. The
Policies also provide for premium flexibility. JHVLICO issues other variable
life insurance policies. These other policies are offered by means of other
Prospectuses.
 
  As explained below, the death benefit and Surrender Value under the Policy
may increase or decrease daily. The Policies differ from ordinary fixed-
benefit life insurance in the way they work. However, the Policies are like
fixed-benefit life insurance in providing lifetime protection against economic
loss resulting from the death of the insured. The Policies are primarily
insurance and not investments.
 
  The Policies work generally as follows: A premium payment is periodically
made to JHVLICO. JHVLICO takes from each premium an amount for processing
expenses, taxes, and sales expenses. JHVLICO then places the rest of the
premium into the Subaccounts as directed by the owner of the Policy (the
"Owner"). The assets allocated to each variable Subaccount are invested in
shares of the corresponding Portfolio of the Funds. The currently available
Portfolios are identified on the cover of this Prospectus. The assets
allocated to the Fixed Account are invested in the general account of JHVLICO.
During the year, JHVLICO takes charges from each Subaccount and credits or
charges each Subaccount with its respective investment performance. The
insurance charge, which is deducted from the invested assets attributable to
each Policy ("Account Value"), varies monthly with the then attained age of
the insured and with the amount of insurance provided at the start of each
month.
 
  The Policy provides for payment of death benefit proceeds when the insured
dies. The death benefit proceeds will equal the death benefit, plus any
additional benefit included by rider and then due, minus any Indebtedness. The
death benefit under Option A equals the Total Sum Insured less any withdrawals
that the Owner has made. The death benefit under Option B equals the Total Sum
Insured plus the Policy Account Value on the date of death of the insured. The
death benefit under Option M equals the Total Sum Insured, less any
withdrawals by the Owner, plus any optional Extra Death Benefit. The Policy
also increases the death benefit if necessary to ensure that the Policy will
continue to qualify as life insurance under the Federal tax laws.
 
  Within limits prescribed by JHVLICO, the Owner may also elect whether to
purchase the coverage as part of the "Basic Sum Insured" or as an "Additional
Sum Insured". The Basic Sum Insured will not lapse during the first ten Policy
years, so long as specified Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Premiums have
been paid. The Owner may elect for this Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
feature to extend beyond ten years. The Additional Sum Insured is subject to
lapse, but has certain cost and other advantages. The Total Sum Insured equals
the sum of the Basic Sum Insured plus the amount of any Additional Sum
Insured.
 
  The initial Account Value is the amount of the premium that JHVLICO credits
to the Policy, after deduction of the initial charges. The Account Value
increases or decreases daily depending on the investment experience of the
Subaccounts to which the amounts are allocated at the direction of the Owner.
JHVLICO does not guarantee a minimum amount of Account Value. The Owner bears
the investment risk for that portion of the Account Value allocated to the
variable Subaccounts. The Owner may surrender a Policy at any time while the
insured is living. The Surrender Value is the Account Value less any
Indebtedness. At issue, the Owner may elect to purchase an Enhanced Cash Value
Rider which will provide a benefit payable in addition to the Surrender Value
if the Policy is surrendered in the first nine Policy years. The Owner may
also make partial withdrawals from a Policy, subject to certain restrictions
and an administrative charge.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
If the Owner surrenders in the early Policy years, the amount of Surrender
Value would be low (as compared with other investments without sales charges)
and, consequently, the insurance protection provided prior to surrender would
be costly.
 
  The minimum Total Sum Insured that may be bought at issue is $500,000. All
persons insured must meet specified age limits and certain health and other
criteria called "underwriting standards." The smoking status of the insured is
generally reflected in the insurance charges made. Policies issued under
certain circumstances will not directly reflect the sex of the insured in
either the premium rates or the charges and values under the Policy.
 
WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF THE PREMIUMS?
 
  Premiums are flexible, and the Owner may choose the amount and frequency of
premium payments, so long as each premium payment is at least $100 and meets
certain other requirements.
 
  The minimum amount of premium required at the time of Policy issue is
determined by JHVLICO based on the characteristics of the insured, the
Policy's Basic Sum Insured at issue, and the Policy options selected by the
Owner. Unless the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is in effect, if the Policy
Account Value at the beginning of any Policy month is insufficient to pay the
monthly Policy charges then due, JHVLICO will estimate the amount of
additional premiums necessary to keep the Policy in force for three months.
The Owner will have a 61 day grace period to pay at least that amount or the
Policy will lapse.
 
  At the time of Policy issue, the Owner may designate the amount and
frequency of Planned Premium payments. The Owner may pay premiums other than
the Planned Premium payments, subject to certain limitations.
 
  The Policy has a Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit provision which guarantees
that the Basic Sum Insured will not lapse during the first ten Policy years if
prescribed amounts of premiums have been paid, based on the characteristics of
the insured and the amount of the Basic Sum Insured at issue. The Owner may at
the time of application for the Policy elect that this feature be extended
beyond the first ten Policy years at an additional charge.
 
WHAT IS JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S?
 
  The Account is a separate investment account of JHVLICO, operated as a unit
investment trust, which supports benefits payable under the Policies. The
Account is subdivided into a number of variable Subaccounts, each of which
corresponds to one of the Portfolios of the Funds. The assets of each variable
Subaccount are invested in the corresponding Portfolio of the Funds. The
Portfolios of the Funds which are currently available are Growth & Income,
Large Cap Growth, Sovereign Bond, Money Market, Managed, Real Estate Equity,
International Equities, Short-Term U.S. Government, Special Opportunities,
Small Cap Growth, Small Cap Value, Mid Cap Growth, Mid Cap Value,
International Balanced, International Opportunities, Large Cap Value,
Strategic Bond, Equity Index, Edinburgh Overseas Equity, Turner Core Growth,
Frontier Capital Appreciation, and Enhanced U.S. Equity.
          
  John Hancock Variable Series Trust I pays John Hancock a fee for providing
investment management services to each of the Portfolios. The Fund also pays
for certain non-advisory Fund expenses. The figures in the following chart are
expressed as a percentage of each Portfolio's average daily net assets. The
figures reflect the investment management fees currently payable and the 1996
non-advisory expenses that would have been allocated to the Fund under the
allocation rules currently in effect.     
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                          Other   Total Fund   Other Fund
                            Investment     Fund   Operating  Expenses Absent
       Portfolio          Management Fee Expenses  Expenses  Reimbursement*
       ---------          -------------- -------- ---------- ---------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>      <C>        <C>
Managed.................      0.34%       0.03%     0.37%          N/A
Growth & Income.........      0.25%       0.03%     0.28%          N/A
Equity Index............      0.20%       0.25%     0.45%         1.61%
Large Cap Value.........      0.75%       0.25%     1.00%         1.89%
Large Cap Growth........      0.40%       0.05%     0.45%          N/A
Mid Cap Value...........      0.80%       0.25%     1.05%         2.15%
Mid Cap Growth..........      0.85%       0.25%     1.10%         2.34%
Special Opportunities...      0.75%       0.12%     0.87%          N/A
Real Estate Equity......      0.60%       0.11%     0.71%          N/A
Small Cap Value.........      0.80%       0.25%     1.05%         2.06%
Small Cap Growth........      0.75%       0.25%     1.00%         1.55%
International Balanced..      0.85%       0.25%     1.10%         1.44%
International Equities..      0.60%       0.18%     0.78%          N/A
International Opportuni-
 ties...................      1.00%       0.25%     1.25%         2.76%
Short-Term U.S. Govern-
 ment...................      0.30%       0.25%     0.55%         0.79%
Sovereign Bond..........      0.25%       0.06%     0.31%          N/A
Strategic Bond..........      0.75%       0.25%     1.00%         1.57%
Money Market............      0.25%       0.07%     0.32%          N/A
</TABLE>    
- - --------
* John Hancock reimburses a Portfolio when the Portfolio's Other Expenses
  exceed 0.25% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets.
       
   
  M Fund, Inc. pays M Financial Investment Advisers, Inc. ("M Financial") a
fee for providing investment management services to each of the Portfolios.
The Fund also pays for certain non-advisory Fund expenses. The figures in the
following chart are expressed as a percentage of each Portfolio's average
daily net assets. The figures reflect the investment management fees currently
payable and the 1996 non-advisory expenses that would have been allocated to
the Fund under the allocation rules currently in effect.     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Other   Total Fund   Other Fund
                               Investment     Fund   Operating  Expenses Absent
         Portfolio           Management Fee Expenses  Expenses  Reimbursement*
         ---------           -------------- -------- ---------- ---------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>      <C>        <C>
Edinburgh Overseas Equity...     1.05%       0.25%     1.30%         6.29%
Turner Core Growth**........     0.45%       0.25%     0.70%         8.06%
Frontier Capital Apprecia-
 tion**.....................     0.90%       0.25%     1.15%         7.29%
Enhanced U.S. Equity........     0.55%       0.25%     0.80%        11.90%
</TABLE>
- - --------
*  M Financial reimburses a Portfolio when the Portfolio's Other Expenses
   exceed 0.25% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets.
** Figures do not reflect interest expense, which is 0.08% for the Turner Core
   Growth Portfolio and 0.05% for the Frontier Capital Appreciation Portfolio.
 
  For a full description of the Funds, see the Prospectuses for the Funds
attached to this Prospectus.

WHAT ARE THE CHARGES MADE BY JHVLICO?
 
 
  Premium Processing Charge. A 1.25% charge deducted from each premium
payment.
 
  State Premium Tax Charge and Federal DAC Tax Charge. Charges deducted from
each premium payment, currently 2.35% for state premium taxes and 1.25% as a
Federal deferred acquisition cost or "DAC Tax" charge.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  Sales Charge. A charge deducted from each premium payment in the amount of
30% of premiums paid in the first Policy year up to the "target premium" and
3.5% of premiums paid during the first Policy year in excess of that target.
The sales charge in subsequent Policy years on premiums up to the target
premium is 10% of such premiums in each of years 2 through 10; and 4% of such
premiums thereafter. The sales charge for premiums paid in excess of the
target premium is 3.5% of such excess premiums paid in all Policy years. These
sales charges are guaranteed not to increase above these amounts.
 
  Issue Charge. A charge deducted monthly from Account Value for the first 10
Policy years in an amount set forth in the Policy per $1,000 of the Basic Sum
Insured at issue. Such amount varies by age at issue. For example, this
additional monthly amount for a 45 year old is 10c per $1,000 of Basic Sum
Insured at issue. This charge is guaranteed not to exceed $200 per month and
will be at least $5 per month.
 
  Administrative Charge. A charge deducted monthly from Account Value
currently in an amount equal to $5 for all Policy years. This charge is
guaranteed not to exceed $10 per month.
 
  Insurance Charge. A charge based upon the amount for which JHVLICO is at
risk, considering the attained age and risk classification of the insured and
JHVLICO's then current monthly insurance rates (never to exceed rates set
forth in the Policy) deducted monthly from Account Value.
 
  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Charge. If the Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit option is elected beyond the first 10 Policy years, a maximum charge,
starting at the beginning of the eleventh Policy year, not to exceed 3c per
$1,000 (currently 1c per $1,000) of the Basic Sum Insured at issue, deducted
monthly from Account Value.
 
  Charge for Mortality and Expense Risks. A charge deducted daily from the
variable Subaccounts at a maximum effective annual rate of .60% of the assets
of each variable Subaccount. The current charge is .35%.
 
  Charge for Extra Mortality Risks. An additional charge, depending upon the
age of the insured and the degree of additional mortality risk, required if
the insured does not qualify for the standard underwriting class. This
additional charge is deducted monthly from Account Value.
 
  Charge for Optional Enhanced Cash Value Rider. A charge equal to 2% of the
premium payment will be deducted from each premium payment received in the
first Policy year up to the annual target premium. This charge is assessed in
the first Policy year only.
 
  Charge for Other Optional Rider Benefits. An additional charge required if
the Owner elects to purchase any optional insurance benefits by rider (other
than the Enhanced Cash Value Rider). Any such additional charge is deducted
monthly from Account Value.
 
  Charge for Partial Withdrawal. A charge of $20 deducted from Account Value
at the time of withdrawal.
 
  See "Charges and Expenses" for a full description of the charges under the
Policy.
 
IS THERE A CHARGE AGAINST THE ACCOUNT FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX?
 
  Currently no charge is made against any Subaccount for Federal income taxes;
but if JHVLICO incurs, or expects to incur, income taxes attributable to any
Subaccount or this class of Policies in future years, it reserves the right to
make a charge. JHVLICO expects that it will continue to be taxed as a life
insurance company. See "Charge for JHVLICO's Taxes".
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PREMIUM AND THE AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO THE
SUBACCOUNTS?
 
  The initial net premium is allocated by JHVLICO from its general account to
the Money Market Subaccount on the date of issue of the Policy. The initial
net premium is the gross Minimum First Premium, plus any additional amount of
premium that has been paid prior to the date of issue, less the premium
processing charge, and less the charges deducted for sales expenses, state
premium taxes and the Federal DAC Tax. These charges also apply to subsequent
premium payments. Twenty days after the date of issue, the amount in the Money
Market Subaccount is reallocated among the Subaccounts in accordance with the
Owner's election. Net premiums derived from payments received after this
reallocation date are allocated, generally on the date of receipt, to one or
more of the Subaccounts as elected by the Owner.
 
HOW ARE AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO EACH SUBACCOUNT?
 
  At issue and subsequently thereafter, the Owner will provide us with the
rule ("Investment Rule") we will follow to invest net premiums or other
amounts in any of the Subaccounts. The Owner may change the Investment Rule
under which JHVLICO will allocate amounts to Subaccounts. See "Premiums--
Billing, Allocation of Premium Payments (Investment Rule)".
 
WHAT COMMISSIONS ARE PAID TO AGENTS?
 
  The Policies are sold through agents who are licensed by state authorities
to sell JHVLICO's insurance policies. Commissions payable to agents are
described under "Distribution of Policies". Sales expenses in any year are not
equal to the deduction for sales expenses in that year. Rather, total sales
expenses under the Policies are intended to be recovered over the lifetimes of
the insureds covered by the Policies.
 
WHAT IS THE DEATH BENEFIT?
 
  The death benefit proceeds will equal the death benefit of the Policy, plus
any additional rider benefits included and then due, minus any Indebtedness.
The death benefit payable depends on the Policy's Total Sum Insured (the Total
Sum Insured is the Basic Sum Insured plus the amount of any Additional Sum
Insured) and the death benefit option selected by the Owner at the time the
Policy is issued, as follows:
 
    OPTION A: The death benefit equals the Policy's current Total Sum Insured
  less any withdrawals of Account Value that the Owner has made.
 
    OPTION B: The death benefit is the Policy's current Total Sum Insured
  plus the Policy Account Value on the date of death of the insured, and
  varies in amount based on investment results.
 
    OPTION M: The death benefit equals the Policy's current Total Sum Insured
  less any withdrawals of Account Value that the Owner has made plus any
  Optional Extra Death Benefit.
 
  The death benefit of the Policy under Options A, B, or M will be increased
if necessary to ensure that the Policy will continue to qualify as life
insurance under the Federal tax law. See "Death Benefits" and "Tax
Considerations".
 
  Under the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit provision, the Policy is
guaranteed not to lapse during the first 10 Policy years, provided the amount
of premiums paid, accumulated at 4% interest, minus any withdrawals, also
accumulated at 4% interest, is at least equal to the Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit Premiums, accumulated at 4% interest. For an additional charge, the
Owner may elect this benefit to continue beyond the tenth Policy year. The
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit feature applies only to the Basic Sum Insured
and not to any amount of Additional Sum Insured.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
HOW DOES THE ACCOUNT VALUE OF A POLICY VARY IN RELATION TO THE SUBACCOUNTS'
INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE?
 
  In general, the Account Value for any day equals the Account Value for the
previous day, increased by any net premium placed in the Subaccounts for the
Policy, decreased by any charges made against the Account Value and by any
partial withdrawal, and increased or decreased by the investment experience of
the Subaccounts. No minimum Account Value for the Policy is guaranteed.
 
WHAT IS THE LOAN PROVISION AND HOW DOES A LOAN AFFECT THE DEATH BENEFIT,
ACCOUNT VALUE AND SURRENDER VALUE?
 
  The Loan Value will be equal to (a) minus (b) minus (c) where: (a) is the
Account Value, (b) is twelve times the sum of all monthly charges deducted
from the Account Value for the Policy month in which the loan is obtained, and
(c) is (a) above minus (b) above multiplied by .75% in Policy years 1-20 and
 .25% thereafter. Interest charged on any loan will accrue and compound daily
at an effective annual rate of 4.75% in the first 20 Policy years and 4.25%
thereafter. A loan plus accrued interest ("Indebtedness") may be repaid at the
discretion of the Owner in whole or in part in accordance with the terms of
the Policy. The Owner may obtain a Policy loan in the maximum amount of the
Loan Value less any existing Indebtedness.
 
  While a loan is outstanding, the rate of interest credited to the Account
Value because of the loan will usually be different than the net investment
experience of the Subaccounts. Therefore, the Account Value, the Surrender
Value and any death benefit above the current Total Sum Insured are
permanently affected by any loan.
 
IS THERE A SHORT-TERM CANCELLATION RIGHT?
 
  The Owner may surrender a Policy, for any reason, by delivering or mailing
it, within 10 days after receipt of the Policy by the Owner, to JHVLICO's
Servicing Office, or to the agent or agency office through which it was
delivered. Coverage under the Policy will be cancelled immediately as of the
date of such mailing or delivery. Any premium paid on it will be refunded. If
required by state law, the refund will equal the Account Value at the end of
the Valuation Period in which the Policy is received plus all charges or
deductions made against premiums plus an amount reflecting charges against the
Subaccounts and the investment management fee of the Funds.
 
WHAT INVESTMENT TRANSFERS ARE ALLOWED AN OWNER?
 
  The Owner may transfer the Account Value among the variable Subaccounts or
into the Fixed Account at any time. Transfers out of the Fixed Account,
however, are subject to restrictions.
 
ARE THE BENEFITS UNDER A POLICY SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX?
 
  The benefits under Policies described in this Prospectus are expected to
receive the same tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as
benefits under traditional fixed-benefit life insurance policies. Thus, death
benefits payable under the Policies will not be included in the beneficiary's
gross income. Also, the Owner is not taxed on interest and gains under the
Policy unless and until values are actually received through withdrawal,
surrender, or other distributions.
 
  Under Federal tax law, distributions from Policies on which premiums greater
than a "7-pay" premium limit (as defined in the law) have been paid, will be
subject to special taxation. See "Premiums--7-Pay Premium
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Limit" and "Policy Proceeds" for a discussion of how the "7-pay" premium limit
may be exceeded under a Policy. A distribution on such a Policy (called a
"modified endowment") will be taxed to the extent there is any income (gain)
to the Owner and an additional penalty tax may be imposed on the taxable
amount.
 
                           JHVLICO AND JOHN HANCOCK
 
  JHVLICO, a stock life insurance company chartered in 1979 under
Massachusetts law, is authorized to transact a life insurance and annuity
business in Massachusetts and all other states, except New York. JHVLICO began
selling variable life insurance policies in 1980.
 
  JHVLICO is a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock, a company chartered in
Massachusetts in 1862. Its Home Office is at John Hancock Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02117. John Hancock's assets are approximately $59 billion and
it has invested over $380 million in JHVLICO in connection with JHVLICO's
organization and operations. It is anticipated that John Hancock will from
time to time make additional capital contributions to JHVLICO to enable it to
meet its reserve requirements and expenses in connection with its business,
and John Hancock is committed to make additional capital contributions if
necessary to ensure that JHVLICO maintains a positive net worth.
 
                       THE ACCOUNT AND THE SERIES FUNDS
 
THE ACCOUNT
 
  The Account, a separate account established under Massachusetts law, meets
the definition of "separate account" under the Federal securities laws and is
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act").
 
  The Account's assets are the property of JHVLICO. Each Policy provides that
the portion of the Account's assets equal to the reserves and other
liabilities under the Policy shall not be chargeable with liabilities arising
out of any other business JHVLICO may conduct. In addition to the assets
attributable to variable life policies, the Account's assets include assets
derived from charges made by JHVLICO. From time to time these additional
assets may be transferred in cash by JHVLICO to its general account. Before
making any such transfer, JHVLICO will consider any possible adverse impact
the transfer might have on any Subaccount. Additional premiums are charged for
Policies where the insured is classified as a substandard risk and a portion
of these premiums is allocated to the Account.
 
  The Account is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the 1940 Act. Such registration does not involve
supervision by the Commission of the management or policies of the Account,
JHVLICO or John Hancock.
 
  The assets in each variable Subaccount are invested in the corresponding
Portfolio of the Funds, but the assets of one variable Subaccount are not
necessarily legally insulated from liabilities associated with another
variable Subaccount. New variable Subaccounts may be added or existing
variable Subaccounts may be deleted as new Portfolios are added to or deleted
from the Funds and made available to Owners.
 
THE SERIES FUNDS
 
  Each Fund is a "series" type of mutual fund registered with the Commission
under the 1940 Act as an open-end diversified management investment company.
Each Fund serves as the investment medium for the
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Account and other unit investment trust separate accounts established for
other variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts. (See
the attached Fund Prospectuses for a description of a need to monitor for
possible conflicts and other consequences.) A very brief summary of the
investment objectives of each Portfolio is set forth below.
 
  Growth & Income Portfolio. The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
achieve intermediate and long-term growth of capital, with income as a
secondary consideration. This objective will be pursued by investments
principally in common stocks (and securities convertible into or with rights
to purchase common stocks) of companies believed by management to offer growth
potential over both the intermediate and long-term.
 
  Large Cap Growth Portfolio. The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
achieve above-average capital appreciation through the ownership of common
stocks (and securities convertible into or with rights to purchase common
stocks) of companies believed to offer above-average capital appreciation
opportunities. Current income is not an objective of the Portfolio.
 
  Sovereign Bond Portfolio. The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
provide as high a level of long-term total rate of return as is consistent
with prudent investment risk, through investment primarily in a diversified
portfolio of freely marketable debt securities. Total rate of return consists
of current income, including interest and discount accruals, and capital
appreciation.
 
  Money Market Portfolio. The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
provide maximum current income consistent with capital preservation and
liquidity. It seeks to achieve this objective by investing in a managed
portfolio of high quality money market instruments.
 
  Managed Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio is to achieve
maximum long-term total return consistent with prudent investment risk.
Investments will be made in common stocks, convertibles and other equity
investments, in bonds and other fixed income securities and in money market
instruments.
 
  Real Estate Equity Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio is
to provide above-average income and long-term growth of capital by investment
principally in equity securities of companies in the real estate and related
industries.
 
  International Equities Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio
is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in foreign
equity securities.
 
  Special Opportunities Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio
is to achieve long-term capital appreciation by emphasizing investments in
equity securities of issuers in various economic sectors.
 
  Short-Term U.S. Government Portfolio: The investment objective of this
Portfolio is to provide a high level of current income consistent with the
maintenance of principal, through investment in a portfolio of short-term U.S.
Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency securities.
 
  Equity Index Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
provide investment results that correspond to the total return of the U.S.
market as represented by the S&P 500 utilizing common stocks that are publicly
traded in the United States.
 
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  Large Cap Value Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
provide substantial dividend income, as well as long-term capital
appreciation, through investments in the common stocks of established
companies believed to offer favorable prospects for increasing dividends and
capital appreciation.
 
  Mid Cap Growth Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
provide long-term growth of capital through a non-diversified portfolio
investing largely in common stocks of medium capitalization companies.
 
  Mid Cap Value Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
provide long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in the common
stocks of medium capitalization companies believed to sell at a discount to
their intrinsic value.
 
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
provide long-term growth of capital through a diversified portfolio investing
primarily in common stocks of small capitalization emerging growth companies.
 
  Small Cap Value Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
provide long-term growth of capital by investing in a well diversified
portfolio of equity securities of small capitalization companies exhibiting
value characteristics.
 
  Strategic Bond Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
provide a high total return consistent with moderate risk of capital and
maintenance of liquidity, from a portfolio of domestic and international fixed
income securities.
 
  International Opportunities Portfolio: The investment objective of this
Portfolio is to provide capital appreciation through investment in common
stocks of primarily well-established, non-United States companies.
 
  International Balanced Portfolio: The investment objective of this Portfolio
is to maximize total U.S. dollar return, consisting of capital appreciation
and current income, through investment in non-U.S. equity and fixed income
securities.
 
  John Hancock acts as the investment manager for the above Portfolios, and
John Hancock's indirectly owned subsidiary, Independence Investment
Associates, Inc., with its principal place of business at 53 State Street,
Boston, MA 02109, provides sub-investment advice with respect to the Growth &
Income, Large Cap Stock, Managed, Real Estate Equity and Short-Term U.S.
Government Portfolios. Another indirectly owned subsidiary, John Hancock
Advisers, Inc., located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199, and its
subsidiary, John Hancock Advisers International, Limited, located at 34 Dover
Street, London, England, provide sub-investment advice with respect to the
International Equities Portfolio, and John Hancock Advisers, Inc. does
likewise with respect to the Sovereign Bond, Small Cap Growth and Special
Opportunities Portfolios.
 
  T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., located at 100 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD
21202, provides sub-investment advice with respect to the Large Cap Value
Portfolio and its subsidiary, Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc., also
located at 100 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202, provides sub-investment
advice with respect to the International Opportunities Portfolio.
 
  State Street Bank & Trust, N.A., at Two International Place, Boston, MA
02110, is the sub-investment adviser to the Equity Index Portfolio. INVESCO
Management & Research located at 101 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110, is the
sub-investment adviser to the Small Cap Value Portfolio. Janus Capital
Corporation, with its
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
principal place of business at 100 Filmore Street, Denver, CO 80206, is the
sub-investment adviser to the Mid Cap Growth Portfolio. Neuberger & Berman,
LLC of 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158, provides sub-investment advice to
the Mid Cap Value Portfolio. J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., located
at 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036, provides sub-investment advice with
respect to the Strategic Bond Portfolio and Brinson Partners, Inc., of 209 S.
LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604, does likewise with respect to the
International Balanced Portfolio.
 
  Edinburgh Overseas Equity Portfolio. The investment objective of this
Portfolio is long-term capital appreciation with reasonable investment risk
through active management and investment in common stock and common stock
equivalents of foreign issuers. Current income, if any, is incidental.
 
  Turner Core Growth Portfolio. The investment objective of this Portfolio is
to seek long-term capital appreciation through a diversified portfolio of
common stocks that show strong earnings potential with reasonable market
prices.
 
  Frontier Capital Appreciation Portfolio. The investment objective of this
Portfolio is to maximum capital appreciation through investment in common
stock of companies of all sizes, with emphasis on stocks of small- to-medium-
capitalization companies. Importance is placed on growth and price
appreciation, rather than income.
 
  Enhanced U.S. Equity Portfolio. The investment objective of this Portfolio
is to provide above market total return through investment in common stock of
companies perceived to provide a return higher than that of the S&P 500 at
approximately the same level of investment risk as the S&P 500.
 
  M Financial Investment Advisers, Inc., acts as the investment manager for
the three Portfolios described above. Edinburgh Fund Managers PLC, North
America provides sub-investment advice to the Edinburgh Overseas Equity
Portfolio; Turner Investment Partners, Inc., provides sub-investment advice to
the Turner Core Growth Portfolio; Frontier Capital Management Company, Inc.,
provides sub-investment advice to the Frontier Capital Appreciation Portfolio;
and Franklin Portfolio Associates Trust provides sub-investment advice to the
Enhanced U.S. Equity Portfolio.
 
  JHVLICO will purchase and redeem Fund shares for the Account at their net
asset value without any sales or redemption charges. Shares of the Fund
represent an interest in one of the Portfolios which corresponds to a variable
Subaccount of the Account. Any dividend or capital gains distributions
received by the Account will be reinvested in Fund shares at their net asset
value as of the dates paid.
 
  On each Valuation Date, shares of each Portfolio are purchased or redeemed
by JHVLICO for each variable Subaccount based on, among other things, the
amount of net premiums allocated to the variable Subaccount, distributions
reinvested, transfers to, from and among variable Subaccounts, all to be
effected as of that date. Such purchases and redemptions are effected at the
net asset value per Fund share for each Portfolio determined on that same
Valuation Date. A Valuation Date is any date on which the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading and on which the Fund values its shares. A
Valuation Period is that period of time from the beginning of the day
following a Valuation Date to the end of the next following Valuation Date.
 
  A full description of each Fund, its investment objectives, policies and
restrictions, its charges, expenses and all other aspects of its operation is
contained in the attached Prospectuses and the statement of additional
information referred to therein, which should be read together with this
Prospectus.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
                               THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
  An Owner may allocate premiums to the Fixed Account or transfer all or a
part of the Account Value under a Policy to the Fixed Account. The amount so
allocated or transferred will become a part of JHVLICO's general account
assets. JHVLICO's general account consists of assets owned by JHVLICO other
than those in the Account and in other separate accounts that have been or may
be established by JHVLICO. Subject to applicable law, JHVLICO has sole
discretion over the investment of assets of the general account, and Owners do
not share in the investment experience of those assets. Instead, JHVLICO
guarantees that the Account Value allocated to the Fixed Account will accrue
interest daily at an effective annual rate of at least 4% without regard to
the actual investment experience of the general account. Transfers from the
Fixed Account are subject to certain limitations. See "Transfers Among
Subaccounts".
 
  The Account Value in the Fixed Account is equal to the portion of the net
premiums allocated to it, plus any amounts transferred to it and interest
credited to it, minus any charges deducted from it or partial withdrawals or
amounts transferred from it. JHVLICO guarantees that interest credited to the
Account Value in the Fixed Account will not be less than an effective annual
rate of 4%. JHVLICO may, in its sole discretion, credit higher rates although
it is not obligated to do so. The Owner assumes the risk that interest
credited will not exceed 4% per year. Upon request and in the annual
statement, JHVLICO will inform Owners of the then-applicable rates. The rate
of interest declared with respect to any amount in the Fixed Account may
depend on when that amount was first allocated to the Fixed Account.
 
  Because of exemptive and exclusionary provisions, interests in JHVLICO's
general account have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and
the general account has not been registered as an investment company under the
1940 Act. Accordingly, neither the general account nor any interests therein
are subject to the provisions of these Acts, and JHVLICO has been advised that
the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has not reviewed the
disclosure in this Prospectus relating to the Fixed Account. Disclosure
regarding the Fixed Account may, however, be subject to certain generally-
applicable provisions of the Federal securities laws relating to accuracy and
completeness of statements made in prospectuses.
 
                        POLICY PROVISIONS AND BENEFITS
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF POLICY
 
  The Policy is generally available with a minimum Total Sum Insured at issue
of $500,000 and a minimum Basic Sum Insured of $100,000. At the time of issue,
the insured must be age 20 through 85. All persons insured must meet certain
health and other criteria called "underwriting standards". The smoking status
of the insured is reflected in the insurance charges made. Amounts of coverage
that JHVLICO will accept under the Policies may be limited by JHVLICO's
underwriting and reinsurance procedures as in effect from time to time.
   
  Policies issued in certain jurisdictions or in connection with certain
employee benefit plans will not directly reflect the sex of the insured in
either the premium rates or the charges or values under the Policy. The
illustrations set forth in this Prospectus are sex distinct and, therefore, do
not reflect the sex-neutral rates, charges or values that would apply to such
Policies.     
 
PREMIUMS
 
  Payment Flexibility. Premiums are flexible. The Owner may choose the amount
and frequency of premium payments, so long as each premium payment is at least
$100 and meets the other requirements described below.
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
  Minimum First Premium. The amount of premium required at the time of issue
is determined by JHVLICO, and depends on the age, sex, smoking status, and
underwriting class of the insured at issue, the Policy's Basic Sum Insured at
issue, and any additional benefits selected. The Minimum First Premium must be
received by JHVLICO at its Servicing Office in order for the Policy to be in
full force and effect. See "Death Benefits". There is no grace period for the
payment of the Minimum First Premium.
 
  Minimum Premiums. If the Policy's Surrender Value at the beginning of any
Policy month is insufficient to pay the monthly Policy charges then due,
JHVLICO will notify the Owner and the Policy will enter a grace period, unless
the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is in effect. If premiums sufficient to
pay at least three months' estimated charges are not paid by the end of the
grace period, the Policy will lapse. See "Default".
 
  Planned Premium Schedule. At the time of issue, the Owner may designate a
Planned Premium schedule for the amount and frequency of premium payments.
JHVLICO will send billing statements for the amount chosen at the frequency
chosen. The Owner may change the Planned Premium after issue. The Owner may
also pay a premium in excess of the Planned Premium, subject to the
limitations described below. At the time of Policy issuance, JHVLICO will
determine whether the Planned Premium schedule will exceed the 7-Pay limit
discussed below. If so, JHVLICO's standard procedures prohibit issuance of the
Policy unless the Owner signs a form acknowledging that fact.
 
  Other Premium Limitations. Federal tax law requires a minimum death benefit
in relation to Account Value. See "Death Benefits--Definition of Life
Insurance". The death benefit of the Policy will be increased if necessary to
ensure that the Policy will continue to satisfy this requirement. Also, as
described under "Death Benefits--Optional Extra Death Benefit Feature," the
Optional Extra Death Benefit feature may result in a death benefit under
Option M that is higher than the Total Sum Insured. If the payment of a given
premium will cause the Policy Account Value to increase to such an extent that
an increase in death benefit is necessary either to satisfy federal tax law
requirements or because of the way the Optional Extra Death Benefit feature
operates, JHVLICO has the right to not accept the excess portion of that
premium payment or to require evidence of insurability before that portion is
accepted. In no event, however, will JHVLICO refuse to accept any premium
necessary to maintain the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit in effect under a
Policy.
 
  Whether or not the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is in effect, JHVLICO
also reserves the right to limit premium payments above the amount of the
cumulative Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Premiums. JHVLICO will not,
however, refuse to accept any premium payment that is required to keep the
Policy from lapsing.
 
  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Premiums. A Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit feature may apply during the first ten Policy years and, if the Owner
has elected, thereafter. See "Death Benefits". The Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit Premiums required to maintain this benefit in force depend on the
issue age, sex, smoking status, and underwriting class of the insured at issue
and the Basic Sum Insured at issue. If there is no Additional Sum insured at
issue, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Premium will be equal to the
Policy's target premium (discussed under "Sales Charge"). If there is an
Additional Sum Insured at issue, such Premium will be equal to the greater of
(i) the target premium for the Policy and (ii) 50% of what the target premium
would have been if the Additional Sum Insured at issue had been purchased as
the Basic Sum Insured. To keep the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit in effect,
the amount of actual premiums paid, accumulated at 4% interest, minus any
withdrawals, also accumulated at 4% interest, must on each Policy anniversary
be at least equal to the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Premiums due to date
accumulated at 4% interest. If this test is not satisfied on any Policy
anniversary, a 61-day grace period will commence as of that anniversary and
JHVLICO will notify the Owner of the shortfall. This notice will be mailed to
the Owner's last-known address
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
at least 31 days prior to the end of the grace period. If JHVLICO does not
receive payment for the amount of the deficiency by the end of the grace
period, the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit feature will lapse unless and
until restored as described under "Default--Reinstatement".
 
  Billing, Allocation of Premium Payments (Investment Rule). The Owner may at
any time elect to be billed by JHVLICO for an amount of premium other than the
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Premium. The Owner may also elect to be
billed for premiums on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis. All
premiums are payable at JHVLICO's Servicing Office.
 
  Any premium payment will be processed by JHVLICO as of the end of the
Valuation Period in which it is received, unless one of the three exceptions
noted below is applicable. Each premium payment will be reduced by the premium
processing charge, the state premium tax charge, any applicable sales charge,
and the Federal DAC Tax charge. See "Charges and Expenses". The remainder is
the net premium.
 
  The Owner at the time of application must elect an Investment Rule which
will allocate net premiums and any credits to any of the Subaccounts. The
Owner must select allocation percentages in whole numbers, and the total
allocated must equal 100%. The Owner may thereafter change the Investment Rule
prospectively at any time. The change will be effective as to any net premiums
and credits applied after receipt at JHVLICO's Servicing Office of notice
satisfactory to JHVLICO. Notwithstanding the Investment Rule, any net premium
(or portion thereof) credited to Account Value as of a date prior to the end
of the Valuation Period that includes the 20th day following the date of issue
will automatically be allocated to the Money Market Subaccount. At the end of
that Valuation Period (or of the premium's date of receipt, if later), the
Policy's Account Value will be reallocated automatically among the Subaccounts
in accordance with the Investment Rule chosen by the Owner.
 
  There are three exceptions to the normal practice of processing a premium
payment as of the end of the Valuation Period in which it is received:
 
    (1) A payment received prior to a Policy's date of issue will be
        processed as if received on the Valuation Date immediately
        preceding the date of issue.
 
    (2) If the Minimum First Premium is not received prior to the date of
        issue, each payment received thereafter will be processed as if
        received on the Valuation Date immediately preceding the date of
        issue until all of the Minimum First Premium is received.
 
    (3) That portion of any premium that we delay accepting as described
        under "Other Premium Limitations" above, or "7-Pay Premium Limit"
        below, will be processed as of the end of the Valuation Period in
        which we accept that amount.
 
  7-Pay Premium Limit. Federal tax law modifies the tax treatment of certain
Policy distributions such as loans, surrenders, partial surrenders, and
withdrawals. The application of this modified treatment to any Owner depends
upon whether premiums have been paid at any time during the first 7 Policy
years that exceed a "7-pay" premium limit as defined in the law. The "7-pay"
premium is greater than the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Premium . The 7-
pay limit is the total of net level premiums that would have been payable at
any time for the Policy to be fully paid-up after the payment of 7 level
annual premiums. If the total premiums paid exceed the 7-pay limit, the Policy
will be treated as a "modified endowment", which means that the Owner will be
subject to tax to the extent of any income (gain) on any distributions made
from the Policy. A material change in the Policy will result in a new 7-pay
limit and test period. A reduction in the Policy's benefits within the 7-year
period following issuance of, or a material change in, the Policy may also
result in the application of the modified endowment treatment. See "Policy
Proceeds" under "Tax Considerations". If JHVLICO receives any premium payment
that will cause a Policy to become a modified endowment, the excess portion of
that premium payment will not be accepted unless the Owner signs an
acknowledgment of that fact. [When it identifies such an excess
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
premium, JHVLICO sends the Owner immediate notice and refunds the excess
premium if it has not received notice of the acknowledgment by the time the
premium payment has had a reasonable time to clear the banking system, but in
no case longer than two weeks.]
 
ACCOUNT VALUE AND SURRENDER VALUE
 
  Amount of Account Value. The Account Value increases or decreases depending
upon a number of factors, such as the applicable Subaccount's investment
experience, the proportion of the Account Value invested in each Subaccount
and the interest credited to any Loan Account established upon the making of a
Policy loan. In general the Account Value for any day equals the Account Value
for the previous day, decreased by charges against the Account Value,
increased or decreased by the investment experience of the Subaccounts,
increased by net premiums received, and decreased by any partial withdrawal.
No minimum amount of Account Value is guaranteed.
 
  A Policy loan will not affect the total amount of Account Value at the time
the loan is made but will result in a different rate of return being credited
to the Loan Account portion of the Account Value.
 
  Amount of Surrender Value. The Surrender Value will be the Account Value
less any Indebtedness.
 
  When Policy May Be Surrendered. A Policy may be surrendered for its
Surrender Value at any time while the insured is living and the Policy is not
in a grace period. Surrender takes effect and the Surrender Value is
determined as of the end of the Valuation Period in which occurs the later of
receipt at JHVLICO's Servicing Office of a signed request or the surrendered
Policy.
 
  Partial Withdrawal of Surrender Value. The Owner may request withdrawal of
part of the Surrender Value in accordance with JHVLICO's rules then in effect.
Any withdrawal must be at least $1,000 and is subject to an administrative
charge of $20.
 
  An Owner may request a partial withdrawal of Surrender Value at any time
while the insured is living, provided that the Policy is not in a grace
period. This privilege, which reduces the Account Value by the amount of the
withdrawal and the associated charge, may not be used to reduce the Account
Value below the amount JHVLICO estimates will be required to pay three months'
charges under the Policy as they fall due. The withdrawal will be effective as
of the end of the Valuation Period in which JHVLICO receives written notice
satisfactory to it at its Servicing Office.
 
  A withdrawal will reduce any Option A or Option M Total Sum Insured by the
amount withdrawn. JHVLICO reserves the right to refuse any withdrawal request
that would cause the Policy's Total Sum Insured to fall below $500,000.
 
  An amount equal to the Account Value withdrawn will be removed from each
Subaccount in the same proportion as the Account Value is then allocated among
the Subaccounts. A withdrawal is not a loan and, once made, cannot be repaid.
 
  A surrender or withdrawal may have significant tax consequences. See "Tax
Considerations".
 
  Optional Enhanced Cash Value Rider. The Owner may elect an Enhanced Cash
Value Rider to be attached to the Policy. This rider allows for the Owner to
receive an Enhanced Cash Value benefit (in addition to the Surrender Value) if
the Policy is surrendered within the first nine policy years. The Enhanced
Cash Value benefit is set forth in the specification pages of the Policy.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
  There is a charge for the rider equal to 2% of premium paid in the first
Policy year up to the annual target premium. This charge is assessed in the
first Policy year only.
 
  The Enhanced Cash Value benefit is included in the Account Value when
calculating the death benefit and insurance charges associated with the
Policy. The amount available for Withdrawal and the Loan Value of the policy
is based on the Surrender Value, and neither will in any way be increased due
to the Enhanced Cash Value Rider.
 
DEATH BENEFITS
 
  The death benefit proceeds are payable when the insured dies while the
Policy is in effect. The death benefit proceeds will equal the death benefit
of the Policy, plus any additional rider benefits then due, minus any
Indebtedness. If the insured dies during a grace period, JHVLICO will also
deduct any overdue monthly deductions.
 
  The death benefit payable depends on the current Total Sum Insured and the
death benefit option selected by the Owner at the time the Policy is issued,
as follows:
 
    OPTION A: The death benefit equals the current Total Sum Insured, plus
  any increases in the death benefit described below under "Definition of
  Life Insurance", and minus the amount of any partial withdrawals that have
  been made over the life of the Policy.
 
    OPTION B: The death benefit is the current Total Sum Insured, plus the
  Policy Account Value at the end of the Valuation Period in which the
  insured dies. This death benefit is a varying amount and fluctuates with
  the amount of the Account Value. This death benefit is also subject to any
  increase described below under "Definition of Life Insurance".
 
    OPTION M: The death benefit is the current Total Sum Insured, plus any
  increases in the death benefit described below under "Optional Extra Death
  Benefit Feature" and "Definition of Life Insurance" and minus the amount of
  any partial withdrawals that have been made over the life of the Policy.
 
  The Total Sum Insured is the Basic Sum Insured plus the amount of any
Additional Sum Insured (discussed below).
 
  Owners who prefer to have favorable investment experience reflected in
increased insurance coverage should choose Option B or M. As between the two,
the anticipated increase in insurance coverage is likely to occur later under
Option M. Owners who prefer to have insurance coverage that generally does not
vary in amount and lower cost of insurance charges should choose Option A.
 
  Optional Extra Death Benefit Feature. Pursuant to this feature the death
benefit under Option M will be no less than the amount of the Policy Account
Value multiplied by a factor specified in the Policy. The factor is based on
the insured's age. The Optional Extra Death Benefit feature may result in an
Option M death benefit that is higher than the minimum death benefit required
under Federal tax law, as described below under "Definition of Life
Insurance." Although there is no special charge for the Optional Extra Death
Benefit feature, the monthly cost of insurance deductions will be based on the
amount of death benefit then in effect, including any additional death benefit
pursuant to this option. An election of this option must be made at the time
of application for the Policy.
 
  Definition of Life Insurance. Federal tax law requires a minimum death
benefit in relation to cash value for a policy to qualify as life insurance.
The death benefit of the Policy will be increased if necessary to ensure that
the Policy will continue to qualify as life insurance. One of two tests under
current Federal tax law can be used
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
to determine if a policy complies with the definition of life insurance in
Section 7702 of the Code. The test which will apply to the Policy is chosen in
the application for the Policy.
 
  The "guideline premium and cash value corridor" test limits the amount of
premiums payable under a policy to a certain amount for an insured of a
particular age and sex. The test also applies a prescribed "Corridor Factor"
to determine a minimum ratio of death benefit to Account Value. A complete
list of Corridor Factors is set forth in the Policy under the heading of
Required Additional Death Benefit Factors. The "guideline premium and cash
value corridor" test can be used with Option A and Option B policies.
 
  The "cash value accumulation test" also limits the amount of premiums
payable under a policy to a prescribed amount, using a minimum ratio of death
benefit to a policy's Account Value, employing a standard "net single premium"
computed in compliance with the Code. If the Account Value under a policy is
at any time greater than the net single premium at the insured's age and sex
for the proposed death benefit, the death benefit will be increased
automatically by multiplying the Account Value by a "Death Benefit Factor"
computed in compliance with the Code. A complete list of Death Benefit Factors
is set forth in the Policy under the heading of Required Additional Death
Benefit Factors. The "cash value accumulation test" can be used with Option A,
Option B and Option M policies.
 
  If the Account Value is reduced (e.g. by withdrawals, charges, or adverse
investment performance) at a time when a minimum death benefit under Section
7702 is in effect, such minimum death benefit will also be reduced.
 
  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit. During the first 10 Policy years (and
thereafter if the Owner elects) the Basic Sum Insured is guaranteed not to
lapse, provided that the amount of premiums paid through each Policy
anniversary, accumulated at 4% interest, minus any withdrawals, also
accumulated at 4% interest, is at least equal to the Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit Premiums accumulated at 4% interest. At any time when this feature is
not in force, the death benefit of the Policy is not guaranteed. The election
to extend the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit beyond ten Policy years must be
made at the time of Policy issuance. The Owner may revoke the election at any
time. JHVLICO imposes a charge after the tenth Policy year if the Owner elects
to extend this Benefit.
 
  Additional Sum Insured. The Owner may apply for an amount of Additional Sum
Insured under the Policy, pursuant to which an additional amount of death
benefit will be paid upon the death of the insured under the Policy.
Purchasers of a Policy should consider various factors in determining whether
to elect coverage in the form of Basic Sum Insured or in the form of
Additional Sum Insured.
 
  The Basic Sum Insured generally cannot be increased or decreased after
issue, whereas the amount of Additional Sum Insured can be decreased, or, upon
application and submission of evidence of insurability, increased subsequent
to Policy issuance. JHVLICO may refuse to accept any request to reduce the
Additional Sum Insured (a) that would cause the Policy's current Total Sum
Insured to fall below $500,000 or (b) if immediately following the reduction,
the Policy's current death benefit would reflect an increase necessary for the
Policy to continue to qualify as life insurance (see "Death Benefits--
Definition of Life Insurance") or an increase pursuant to the Optional Extra
Death Benefit feature. Any increase or decrease in Additional Sum Insured will
become effective at the beginning of the first Policy month after JHVLICO
receives in good order at its Servicing Office all information necessary to
process the change, and, in the case of an increase in coverage, approves the
change.
 
  Any decision by the Owner to modify the amount of Additional Sum Insured
coverage after issue can have significant tax consequences. See "Tax
Considerations--Policy Proceeds".
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
  Also, the Owner may elect among several forms of Additional Sum Insured
coverage at the time the Owner applies for it: a level amount of coverage; an
amount of coverage that increases on each Policy anniversary up to a
prescribed limit; an amount of coverage that increases on each Policy
anniversary to the amount of premiums paid during prior Policy years plus the
Planned Premium for the current Policy year, subject to certain limits; or a
combination of those forms of coverage.
 
  The amount of target premium under a Policy is not affected by the amount of
the Additional Sum Insured. Accordingly, the amount of sales charge paid by
the Owner and the amount of compensation paid to the selling insurance agent
may be less if coverage is included as Additional Sum Insured, rather than as
Basic Sum Insured.
 
  The amount of any Additional Sum Insured is not included in any Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit. Therefore, if the Policy's Account Value is
insufficient to pay the monthly charges as they fall due (including the
charges for the Additional Sum Insured) the Additional Sum Insured coverage
will lapse, even if the Basic Sum Insured stays in effect pursuant to the
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit feature.
 
  The Additional Sum Insured at issue is limited to 400% of the Basic Sum
Insured. Generally, an Owner will incur lower sales charges and have more
flexible coverage with respect to the Additional Sum Insured than with respect
to the Basic Sum Insured. On the other hand, for Owners that wish to take
advantage of the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit, the proportion of the
Policy's Sum Insured that is guaranteed can be increased by taking out more
coverage as Basic Sum Insured at the time of Policy issue.
 
  Temporary Coverage Prior to Policy Delivery. If a specified amount of
premium is paid with the application for a Policy, temporary term coverage may
be available prior to the time that coverage under the Policy takes effect.
Temporary term coverage is subject to the terms and conditions described in
the application for a Policy.
 
TRANSFERS AMONG SUBACCOUNTS
 
  The Owner may reallocate the amounts held for the Policy in the Subaccounts
with no charge at any time, except as noted below. The Owner may either (1)
use percentages (in whole numbers) to be transferred among Subaccounts or (2)
designate the dollar amount of funds to be transferred among Subaccounts. The
reallocation must be such that the total in the Subaccounts after reallocation
equals 100% of Account Value. Transfers out of a variable Subaccount will be
effective at the end of the Valuation Period in which JHVLICO receives at its
Servicing Office notice satisfactory to JHVLICO.
   
  Transfers out of the Fixed Account to the variable Subaccounts are permitted
only once each Policy year and only during the 31-day period beginning on the
Policy anniversary. Transfers out of the Fixed Account may be requested from
60 days before to 30 days after the Policy anniversary. If received on or
before the Policy anniversary, requests for transfer out of the Fixed Account
will be processed on the Policy anniversary (or the next Valuation Date if the
Policy anniversary does not occur on a Valuation Date); if received after the
Policy anniversary, they will be processed at the end of the Valuation Period
in which JHVLICO receives the request at its Servicing Office. (JHVLICO
reserves the right to defer such Fixed Account transfers for up to six
months.) If an Owner requests a transfer out of the Fixed Account 61 days or
more prior to the Policy anniversary, that portion of the reallocation will
not be processed and the Owner's confirmation statement will not reflect a
transfer out of the Fixed Account as to such request. Transfers among variable
Subaccounts and transfers into the Fixed Account may be requested at any time.
A maximum of 20% of Fixed Account assets or, if greater, $500 may be
transferred out of the Fixed Account in any Policy year. Currently, there is
no minimum amount limit on transfers out of the Fixed Account, but JHVLICO
reserves the right to impose such a limit in the future. If an Owner requests
a change inconsistent with the transfer provisions, the portion of the request
inconsistent with the transfer provisions will not be effective.     
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
  No transfers among Subaccounts may be made while the Policy is in a grace
period.
 
  Telephone Transfers and Policy Loans. Once a written authorization is
completed by the Owner, the Owner may request a transfer or policy loan by
telephoning 1-800-732-5543 or sending a written request via fax to 1-800-621-
0448. Any fax request should include the Owner's name, daytime telephone
number, Policy number and, in the case of transfers, the names of the
Subaccounts from which and to which money will be transferred. The right to
discontinue telephone transactions at any time without notice to Owners is
specifically reserved. If the fax request option becomes unavailable, another
means of telecommunication will be substituted.
 
  An Owner who authorizes telephone transactions will be liable for any loss,
expense or cost arising out of any unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
instructions which JHVLICO reasonably believes to be genuine, unless such
loss, expense or cost is the result of JHVLICO's mistake or negligence.
JHVLICO employs procedures which provide safeguards against the execution of
unauthorized transactions, and which are reasonably designed to confirm that
instructions received by telephone are genuine. These procedures include
requiring personal identification, tape recording calls, and providing written
confirmation to the Owner. If JHVLICO does not employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine, it may be
liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions.
 
LOAN PROVISIONS AND INDEBTEDNESS
 
  Loan Provisions. Loans may be made at any time a Loan Value is available,
the insured is alive and the Policy is not in a grace period. The Owner may
borrow money, assigning the Policy as the only security for the loan, by
completion of a form satisfactory to JHVLICO or, if the telephone transaction
authorization form has been completed by telephone. The Loan Value will be
equal to (a) minus (b) minus (c) where: (a) is the Account Value, (b) is
twelve times the sum of all monthly charges deducted from the Account Value
for the Policy month in which the loan is obtained; and (c) is (a) above minus
(b) above multiplied by .75% in Policy years 1-20 and .25% thereafter.
Interest charged on any loan will accrue and compound daily at an effective
annual rate of 4.75% in the first 20 Policy years and 4.25% thereafter.
 
  The amount of any outstanding loan plus accrued interest is called the
"Indebtedness". The amount of the loan available will be the Loan Value less
any existing Indebtedness. A loan will not be permitted unless it is at least
$1,000. A loan may be repaid in full or in part at any time before the
insured's death and while the Policy is not in a grace period. When a loan is
made, an amount equal to the loan proceeds will be transferred out of the
Account and the Fixed Account, as applicable. This amount is allocated to a
portion of JHVLICO's general account called "Loan Assets". Each Subaccount
will be reduced in the same proportion as the Account Value is then allocated
among the Subaccounts. Upon each loan repayment, the same proportionate amount
of the entire loan as was borrowed from the Fixed Account will be repaid to
the Fixed Account. The remainder of the loan repayment will be allocated to
the appropriate Subaccounts as stipulated in the then current Investment Rule.
For example, if the entire loan outstanding is $3000 of which $1000 was
borrowed from the Fixed Account, then upon a repayment of $1500, $500 would be
allocated to the Fixed Account and the remaining $1000 would be allocated to
the appropriate Subaccounts as stipulated in the then current Investment Rule.
If an Owner wishes any payment to constitute a loan repayment (rather than a
premium payment), the Owner must so specify.
 
  Effect of Loan and Indebtedness. While the Indebtedness is outstanding, that
portion of the Account Value that is in Loan Assets is credited with interest
at a rate that is .75% less than the loan interest rate for the first 20
Policy years and .25% less than the loan interest rate for all Policy years
thereafter. The rate credited to Loan Assets will usually be different than
the net return for the Subaccounts. Since the Loan Assets and the remaining
portion of the Account Value will generally have different rates of investment
return, the Account Value, the
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
Surrender Value, and any death benefit above the Total Sum Insured are all
permanently affected by any Indebtedness, whether or not it is repaid in whole
or in part. The amount of any Indebtedness is subtracted from the amount
otherwise payable when the Policy proceeds become payable.
 
  Whenever the Indebtedness equals or exceeds the Account Value, the Policy
terminates 31 days after notice has been mailed by JHVLICO to the Owner and
any assignee of record at their last known address specifying the minimum
amount which must be paid to keep the Policy inforce beyond that period,
unless a repayment of at least the amount specified in the notice is made
within that period.
 
  Tax Considerations. If the Policy is a modified endowment at the time a loan
is made, that loan may have significant tax consequences. See "Tax
Considerations".
 
DEFAULT
 
  Premium Grace Period, Default and Lapse. Unless the Guaranteed Minimum Death
Benefit is in force, at the beginning of each Policy month JHVLICO determines
whether the Account Value, net of any Indebtedness, is sufficient to pay all
monthly charges then due under the Policy. If not, the Policy is in default
and JHVLICO will notify the Owner of the amount estimated to be necessary to
pay three months' deductions, and a grace period will be in effect until 61
days after the date the notice was mailed. If JHVLICO does not receive payment
of at least this amount by the end of the grace period, the Policy will lapse,
and any remaining amount owed to the Owner as of the date of lapse will be
paid to the Owner.
 
  If the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit is in effect and the Policy provides
for an Additional Sum Insured, the grace period and lapse procedures set forth
in the preceding paragraph will apply only to the Additional Sum Insured.
Lapse of the Additional Sum Insured can have significant tax consequences. See
"Tax Considerations--Policy Proceeds". If the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
has been in effect and lapses at the end of a grace period (as described in
"Premiums--Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Premiums"), the usual default,
grace period and lapse procedures described in the preceding paragraph will be
applied commencing with the first day of the first Policy month following the
lapse of the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit.
 
  The insurance under the Policy continues in full force during any grace
period but, if the insured dies during the grace period, the amount in default
is deducted from the death benefit otherwise payable.
 
  Written notice will be furnished to the Owner at his or her last known
address, at least 31 days prior to the end of any grace period, specifying the
minimum amount which must be paid to continue the Policy in force on a premium
paying basis after the end of the grace period.
 
  Reinstatement. A lapsed Policy (or a lapsed Additional Sum Insured, if the
Basic Sum Insured remains in force or is reinstated) or the Guaranteed Minimum
Death Benefit may be reinstated in accordance with the Policy's terms.
Evidence of insurability satisfactory to JHVLICO will be required (except as
to a request to restore the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit within 1 year
after the beginning of its grace period) and payment of the required premium
and charges. The request must be received at JHVLICO's Servicing Office within
1 year after the beginning of the grace period (or 5 years if the request
relates only to the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit). JHVLICO reserves the
right to refuse Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit restorations after the first
restoration. A reinstatement of the Basic Sum Insured or the Additional Sum
Insured may be deemed as a material change for Federal income tax purposes.
See "Premiums--7-Pay Premium Limit" and "Tax Considerations".
 
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
  The Owner may transfer the entire Account Value under the Policy to the
Fixed Account at any time, creating a non-variable policy. The exchange will
be effective at the end of the Valuation Period in which JHVLICO receives at
its Servicing Office notice of the transfer satisfactory to JHVLICO.
 
                               ----------------
 
  The foregoing description of Policy provisions is qualified by reference to
the specimen Policy which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.
 
                             CHARGES AND EXPENSES
 
CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM PREMIUMS
 
  In addition to the sales charge (see "Sales Charge" below), the following
charges are deducted from premiums:
 
  Premium Processing Charge. 1.25% of each premium payment will be deducted
from each premium payment for collection and Policy processing costs.
   
  State Premium Tax Charge. A charge currently equal to 2.35% of each premium
payment will be deducted from each premium payment. The 2.35% rate is the
average rate currently expected to be paid on premiums received in all states
over the lifetimes of the insureds covered by the Policies. JHVLICO will not
increase this charge under outstanding Policies, but reserves the right to
change this charge for Policies not yet issued in order to correspond with
changes in the state premium tax levels.     
 
  Federal DAC Tax Charge. A charge currently equal to 1.25% of each premium
payment will be deducted from each premium payment to cover the estimated cost
to JHVLICO of the Federal income tax treatment of the Policies' deferred
acquisition costs--commonly referred to as the "DAC Tax".
 
  Charge for Optional Enhanced Cash Value Rider.  A charge equal to 2% of the
premium payment will be deducted from each premium payment received in the
first Policy year up to the annual target premium. This charge is assessed in
the first Policy year only.
 
SALES CHARGE
 
  A charge is made to compensate JHVLICO for the cost of selling the Policy.
This cost includes agents' commissions, commission overrides, advertising, and
the printing of Prospectuses and sales literature. The amount of the charge in
any Policy year cannot be specifically related to sales expenses for that
year. JHVLICO expects to recover its total sales expenses over the period the
Policies are in effect. To the extent that sales charges are insufficient to
cover total sales expenses, the sales expenses may be recovered from other
sources, including gains from the charge for mortality and expense risks and
other gains with respect to the Policies, or from JHVLICO's general assets.
See "Distribution of Policies".
 
  The sales charge in the first Policy year is equal to 30% of premiums paid
up to one "target premium" and 3.5% of all premiums in excess of the target
premium in that year. The target premium is established at issue and is the
amount of the level premium that would be necessary to support a whole life
insurance policy in the amount of the Basic Sum Insured at the maximum
guaranteed cost of insurance rates, assuming deductions or
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
charges for the other policy expenses at the maximum level guaranteed under
the Policy and a net interest rate of 5%. Target premiums will vary based on
the issue age, sex, smoking status and underwriting class of the insured.
 
  The sales charge for premiums paid up to one target premium in subsequent
Policy years is 10% in years 2 through 10 and 4% thereafter. The sales charge
for premiums paid in excess of the target premium is 3.5% in all Policy years.
These sales charges are guaranteed.
 
  An Owner may structure the timing and amount of premium payments to minimize
the sales charges deducted from premium payments, although doing so involves
certain risks. Paying less than one target premium in the first Policy year or
paying more than one target premium in any Policy year could reduce the
Owner's total sales charges over time. For example, an Owner, paying ten
target premiums of $10,000 each, would pay total sales charges of $12,000 if
he paid $10,000 in each of the first ten Policy years, but would pay total
sales charges of only $8,750 if he paid $20,000 (i.e., two times the target
premium amount) in every other Policy year up to the ninth Policy year.
However, delaying the payment of target premiums to later Policy years could
increase the risk that the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit will lapse and
that the Account Value will be insufficient to pay monthly Policy charges as
they come due. As a result, the Policy or any Additional Sum Insured may
lapse. See "Default". Conversely, accelerating the payment of target premiums
to earlier Policy years could cause aggregate premiums paid to exceed the
Policy's 7-pay premium limit and, as a result, cause the Policy to become a
modified endowment, with adverse tax consequences to the Owner upon receipt of
Policy distributions. See "Premiums--7-Pay Premium Limit".
 
REDUCED CHARGES FOR ELIGIBLE GROUPS
 
  The sales charge and issue charge (described below) otherwise applicable may
be reduced with respect to Policies issued to a class of associated
individuals or to a trustee, employer or similar entity where JHVLICO
anticipates that the sales to the members of the class will result in lower
than normal sales or administrative expenses. The charge for mortality and
expense risks (described below) otherwise applicable may be reduced with
respect to Policies issued to a trustee, employer or similar entity where
JHVLICO anticipates that, because of the nature of the group on whose behalf
the Policies are purchased, there will be a lower than normal risk of the
mortality and expense charge not being sufficient to cover actual mortality
and expense costs. These reductions will be made in accordance with JHVLICO's
rules in effect at the time of the application for a Policy. The factors
considered by JHVLICO in determining the eligibility of a particular group for
reduced charges, and the level of the reduction, are as follows: the nature of
the association and its organizational framework; the method by which sales
will be made to the members of the class; the facility with which premiums
will be collected from the associated individuals and the association's
capabilities with respect to administrative tasks; the anticipated persistency
of the Policies; the size of the class of associated individuals and the
number of years it has been in existence; the aggregate amount of premiums to
be paid by or for the class of associated individuals; and any other such
circumstances which justify a reduction in sales or administrative charges or
mortality and expense risk charges. Any reduction will be reasonable and will
apply uniformly to all prospective Policy purchasers in the class and will not
be unfairly discriminatory to the interests of any Policy Owner.
 
CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM ACCOUNT VALUE OR ASSETS
 
  The following charges are deducted from Account Value or assets:
 
  Issue Charge. Each month for the first 10 Policy years, JHVLICO will deduct
from Account Value an issue charge as set forth in the Policy per $1,000 of
Basic Sum Insured at issue. The charge varies by age at
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
issue. For example, this additional monthly amount for a 45 year old is 10c
per $1,000 of Basic Sum Insured at issue. This charge is guaranteed not to
exceed $200 per month and will be at least $5 per month.
 
  The issue charge is to compensate JHVLICO for expenses incurred in
connection with the issuance of the Policy, other than sales expenses. Such
expenses include medical examinations, insurance underwriting costs and costs
incurred in processing applications and establishing permanent Policy records.
 
  Administrative Charge. JHVLICO will deduct from Account Value a monthly
charge not to exceed $10 for all Policy years. The current monthly charge is
$5.
 
  This charge is to compensate JHVLICO for administrative expenses, including
recordkeeping, processing death claims and surrenders, making Policy changes,
reporting and other communications to Owners and other similar expense and
overhead costs.
 
  Insurance Charge. The insurance charge deducted monthly from Account Value
is based on the attained age of the insured and the amount at risk. The amount
at risk is the difference between the current death benefit and the Account
Value (after reflecting all charges against Account Value). The amount at risk
would also be affected if the Owner purchases the Enhanced Cash Value Rider.
See "Optional Enhanced Cash Value Rider" in the Section entitled "Account
Value and Surrender Value". The amount of the insurance charge is determined
by multiplying JHVLICO's then current monthly rate for insurance by the amount
at risk.
 
  Current monthly rates for insurance are based on the sex, age, smoking
status and underwriting class of the insureds and the length of time the
Policy has been in effect. JHVLICO will review these rates at least every 5
years, and may change these rates from time to time based on JHVLICO's
expectations of future experience. However, these rates will never be more
than the guaranteed maximum rates based on the 1980 Commissioners' Standard
Ordinary Mortality Tables, as set forth in the Policy.
 
  Lower current insurance rates are offered at most ages for insureds who
qualify for the standard underwriting class and whose applications are fully
underwritten, i.e. subject to evidence of insurability on the part of the
insured, a process which may involve a medical examination. On the other hand,
higher current insurance rates are generally applicable if the Policies are
issued on a guaranteed issue basis, where evidence of insurability is not
required.
 
  Policies issued to trustees, employers and similar entities are often issued
on a guaranteed issue basis. Because only limited underwriting information is
obtained in this alternative underwriting procedure, Policies in this class
may present additional mortality expense to JHVLICO relative to Policies which
are fully underwritten. This additional insurance risk is generally reflected
in higher insurance rates, nevertheless guaranteed not to exceed the 1980
Commissioners' Standard Ordinary Mortality Tables.
 
  Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Charge. There is no charge for any
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit during the first 10 Policy years. If the
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit option is elected for a period beyond the
first 10 Policy years, JHVLICO deducts a charge from Account Value beginning
in the eleventh Policy year. The maximum monthly charge is 3c per $1000 of the
Basic Sum Insured at issue and the current monthly charge is 1c per $1,000 of
the Basic Sum Insured at issue. If the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit lapses
due to failure to pay sufficient premiums, the charge will be discontinued.
Because the Policies were first offered only in 1997, no Guaranteed Minimum
Death Benefit charge is yet applicable to any Policy at the current rate.
 
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  Charge for Mortality and Expense Risks. A daily charge is deducted from the
variable Subaccounts for mortality and expense risks assumed by JHVLICO at a
maximum effective annual rate of .60% of the value of the assets of each
variable Subaccount attributable to the Policy. The current charge is at an
effective annual rate of .35%. This charge begins when amounts under a Policy
are first allocated to the Account. The mortality risk assumed is that
insureds may live for a shorter period of time than estimated and, therefore,
a greater amount of death benefit than expected will be payable in relation to
the amount of premiums received. The expense risk assumed is that expenses
incurred in issuing and administering the Policies will be greater than
estimated. JHVLICO will realize a gain from this charge to the extent it is
not needed to provide for benefits and expenses under the Policies.
 
  Charges for Extra Mortality Risks. An insured who does not qualify for the
standard underwriting class must pay an additional charge because of the extra
mortality risk. The level of the charge depends upon the age of the insured
and the degree of extra mortality risk. This additional charge is deducted
monthly from Account Value.
 
  Charges for Other Optional Rider Benefits. An additional charge must be paid
if the Owner elects to purchase any optional insurance benefit by Policy rider
(other than the Enhanced Cash Value Rider). Any such additional charge is
deducted monthly from Account Value.
 
  Charges for Taxes. Currently no charge is made against Account Value for
JHVLICO's Federal income taxes, but if JHVLICO incurs, or expects to incur,
income taxes attributable to the Account or this class of Policies in future
years, it reserves the right to make a charge, and any charge would affect
what the Subaccounts earn. Charges for other taxes, if any, attributable to
the Subaccounts may also be made.
 
  Charge for Partial Withdrawal. JHVLICO will deduct a charge in the amount of
$20 on a partial withdrawal of Surrender Value, as described under "Account
Value and Surrender Value". The charge will be deducted from Account Value.
The charge is to compensate JHVLICO for the administrative expenses of
effecting the withdrawal.
 
  Fund Investment Management Fee and Other Fund Expenses. The Account
purchases shares of the Funds at net asset value, a value which reflects the
deduction from the assets of each Fund of its investment management fees and
certain non-advisory Fund operating expenses, which are described in the
Summary of this Prospectus. For a full description of these deductions, see
the attached Prospectuses for the Funds.
 
  The monthly deductions from Account Value described above are deducted on
the date of issue and on the first day of each Policy month thereafter. These
deductions are made from the Subaccounts in proportion to the amount of
Account Value in each. For each month that JHVLICO is unable to deduct any
charge because there is insufficient Account Value, the uncollected charges
will accumulate and be deducted when and if sufficient Account Value is
available.
 
GUARANTEE OF CERTAIN CHARGES
 
  The premium processing charge, state premium tax charge, the Federal DAC Tax
charge, the issue charge and the charge for partial withdrawals are guaranteed
not to increase over the life of the Policy. The administrative charge, the
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit charge, the sales charge, the mortality and
expense risk charge, and the insurance charge are guaranteed not to exceed the
maximums set forth in the Policy.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                           DISTRIBUTION OF POLICIES
 
  Applications are solicited by agents who are licensed by state insurance
authorities to sell JHVLICO's Policies and who are also registered
representatives ("representatives") of John Hancock Distributors, Inc.
("Distributors"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock located
at 197 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02117, or other broker-dealer firms, as
discussed below. John Hancock performs insurance underwriting and determines
whether to accept or reject the application for a Policy and each insured's
risk classification. Pursuant to a sales agreement among John Hancock,
Distributors, JHVLICO, and the Account, effective May 1, 1997, Distributors
will act as the principal underwriter of the Policies. (Until May 1, 1997,
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, a registered broker-dealer and
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., acts as
principal underwriter.) The sales agreement will remain in effect until
terminated upon sixty days' written notice by any party. JHVLICO will make the
appropriate refund if a Policy ultimately is not issued or is returned under
the short-term cancellation provision. Officers and employees of John Hancock
and JHVLICO are covered by a blanket bond by a commercial carrier in the
amount of $25 million.
 
  Distributors' representatives are compensated for sales of the Policies on a
commission and service fee basis by Distributors, and JHVLICO reimburses
Distributors for such compensation and for other direct and indirect expenses
(including agency expense allowances, general agent, district manager and
supervisor's compensation, agent's training allowances, deferred compensation
and insurance benefits of agents, general agents, district managers and
supervisors, agency office clerical expenses and advertising) actually
incurred in connection with the marketing and sale of the Policies.
 
  The maximum commission payable to a Distributors representative for selling
a Policy is 65% of the target premium paid in the first Policy year, 10% of
the target premium paid in Policy years 2 through 10, and 3% of the target
premium paid in each year thereafter. The maximum commission payable on any
premium paid in any Policy year in excess of the target premium is 3%.
 
  In addition, Distributors' representatives may earn "credits" toward
qualification for attendance at certain business meetings sponsored by John
Hancock.
 
  Representatives with less than four years of service with Distributors and
those compensated on salary plus bonus or level commission programs may be
paid on a different basis. Representatives who meet certain productivity and
persistency standards with respect to the sale of policies issued by JHVLICO
and John Hancock will be eligible for additional compensation.
 
  Distributors 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., and is a member of the Securities Investor
Protection Corporation. The Policies are also sold through other registered
broker-dealers that have entered into selling agreements with Distributors and
whose representatives are authorized by applicable law to sell variable life
insurance policies. The commissions which will be paid by such broker-dealers
to their representatives will be in accordance with their established rules.
The commission rates may be more or less than those set forth above for
Distributors' representatives. In addition, their qualified registered
representatives may be reimbursed by the broker-dealers under expense
reimbursement allowance programs in any year for approved voucherable expenses
incurred. Distributors will compensate the broker-dealers as provided in the
selling agreements, and JHVLICO will reimburse Distributors for such amounts
and for certain other direct expenses in connection with marketing the
Policies through other broker-dealers.
 
  Distributors serves as principal underwriter for other separate accounts
registered under the 1940 Act: John Hancock Variable Annuity Accounts U, I and
V, John Hancock Mutual Variable Life Insurance Account UV and John Hancock
Variable Life Accounts U and V. Distributors is also the principal underwriter
for John Hancock Variable Series Trust I.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                              TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The below description of Federal income tax consequences is only a brief
summary and is not intended as tax advice. For further information consult a
qualified tax advisor. Federal, state and local tax laws can change from time
to time and, as a result, the tax consequences to the Owner and beneficiary
may be altered.
 
POLICY PROCEEDS
 
  Although the Policy contains provisions not found in fixed benefit life
insurance policies, JHVLICO believes the Policy will receive the same Federal
income and estate tax treatment. Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code
("Code") defines life insurance for Federal tax purposes. See "Death
Benefits--Definition of Life Insurance". If certain standards are met at issue
and over the life of the Policy, the Policy will come within that definition.
JHVLICO will monitor compliance with these standards. Furthermore, JHVLICO
reserves the right to make any changes in the Policy necessary to ensure the
Policy is within the definition of life insurance.
 
  If the Policy complies with the definition of life insurance, JHVLICO
believes the death benefit under the Policy will be excludable from the
beneficiary's gross income under Section 101 of the Code. In addition,
increases in Account Value as a result of interest or investment experience
will not be subject to Federal income tax unless and until values are actually
received through withdrawal, surrender or other distributions.
 
  A surrender, lapse or partial withdrawal may have tax consequences. For
example, the Owner will be taxed on a surrender to the extent that the Account
Value exceeds the premiums paid under the Policy, ignoring premiums paid for
riders. But under certain circumstances within the first 15 Policy years, the
Owner may be taxed on a withdrawal of Policy values even if total withdrawals
do not exceed total premiums paid.
 
  JHVLICO also believes that, except as noted below, loans received under the
Policy will be treated as indebtedness of an Owner and that no part of any
loan will constitute income to the Owner. However, the amount of any loan
outstanding will be taxed to the Owner if a Policy lapses.
 
  Distributions under Policies on which premiums greater than the "7-pay"
limit (see "Premiums--7-Pay Premium Limit") have been paid will be treated as
distributions from a "modified endowment," which are subject to special
taxation based on Federal tax law. The Owner of such a Policy will be taxed on
distributions such as loans, surrenders and partial withdrawals to the extent
of any income (gain) to the Owner (income-first basis). The distributions
affected will be those made on or after, and within the two year period prior
to, the time the Policy becomes a modified endowment. Additionally, a 10%
penalty tax may be imposed on affected income distributed before the Owner
attains age 59 1/2.
 
  Furthermore, any time there is a "material change" in a Policy (such as an
increase in Additional Sum Insured, the addition of certain other Policy
benefits after issue, or reinstatement of a lapsed Policy), the Policy will be
subject to a new "7-pay" test, with the possibility of a tax on distributions
if it were subsequently to become a modified endowment. Moreover, if benefits
under a Policy are reduced (such as a reduction in the Total Sum Insured or
death benefit or the reduction or cancellation of certain rider benefits, or
Policy termination) during the 7 years in which the 7-pay test is being
applied, the 7-pay limit will be recalculated based on the reduced benefits.
If the premiums paid to date are greater than the recalculated 7-pay limit,
the Policy will become a modified endowment.
 
  All modified endowments issued by the same insurer (or affiliates) to the
Owner during any calendar year generally will be treated as one contract for
the purpose of applying the modified endowment rules. Your tax advisor should
be consulted if you have questions regarding the possible impact of the 7-pay
limit on your Policy.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
  Federal estate and state and local estate, inheritance and other tax
consequences of ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the
circumstances of each Owner or beneficiary.
 
CHARGE FOR JHVLICO'S TAXES
 
  Except for the DAC Tax charge, JHVLICO currently makes no charge for Federal
income taxes that may be attributable to this class of Policies. If JHVLICO
incurs, or expects to incur, income taxes attributable to this class of
Policies or any Subaccount in the future, it reserves the right to make a
charge for those taxes.
 
  Under current laws, JHVLICO may incur state and local taxes (in addition to
premium taxes) in several states. At present, these taxes are not significant.
If there is a material change in applicable state or local tax laws, charges
for such taxes may be made.
 
CORPORATE AND H.R. 10 PLANS
 
  The Policy may be acquired in connection with the funding of retirement
plans satisfying the qualification requirements of Section 401 of the Code. If
so, the Code provisions relating to such plans and life insurance benefits
thereunder should be carefully scrutinized.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
             BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF JHVLICO
 
  The Directors and Executive Officers of JHVLICO and their principal
occupations during the past five years are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Directors--Officers               Principal Occupations
   -------------------               ---------------------
   <S>                    <C>
   David F. D'Alessandro  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
                          Officer of JHVLICO; Senior Executive Vice
                          President and Director, John Hancock Mutual
                          Life Insurance Company.
   Henry D. Shaw          Vice Chairman of the Board and President of
                          JHVLICO; Senior Vice President, John
                          Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Thomas J. Lee          Director of JHVLICO; Vice President, John
                          Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Michele G. Van Leer    Director of JHVLICO; Vice President, John
                          Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Ronald J. Bocage       Director, Vice President and Counsel,
                          JHVLICO; Vice President and Counsel, John
                          Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Joseph A. Tomlinson    Director and Vice President, JHVLICO; Vice
                          President, John Hancock Mutual Life
                          Insurance Company.
   Robert R. Reitano      Director of JHVLICO; Vice President, John
                          Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Robert S. Paster       Director, JHVLICO; Second Vice President,
                          John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Barbara L. Luddy       Director and Acutary of JHVLICO; Second
                          Vice President, John Hancock Mutual Life
                          Insurance Company.
   Daniel L. Ouellette    Vice President, Marketing, JHVLICO; Vice
                          President, John Hancock Mutual Life
                          Insurance Company.
   Patrick F. Smith       Controller of JHVLICO; Assistant
                          Controller, John Hancock Mutual Life
                          Insurance Company.
</TABLE>
 
  The business address of all Directors and officers of JHVLICO is John
Hancock Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02117.
 
                                    REPORTS
 
  At least once each Policy year a statement will be sent to the Owner setting
forth the amount of the death benefit, Basic Sum Insured, Additional Sum
Insured, Account Value, the portion of the Account Value in each Subaccount,
Surrender Value, premiums received and charges deducted from premiums since
the last report, and any outstanding Policy loan (and interest charged for the
preceding Policy year) as of the last day of such year.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
Moreover, confirmations will be furnished to Owners of premium payments,
transfers among Subaccounts, Policy loans, partial withdrawals and certain
other Policy transactions.
 
  Owners will be sent semiannually a report containing the financial
statements of the Funds, including a list of securities held in each
Portfolio.
 
                               VOTING PRIVILEGES
 
  All of the assets in the variable Subaccounts of the Account are invested in
shares of the corresponding Portfolios of the Funds. JHVLICO will vote the
shares of each of the Portfolios of the Funds which are deemed attributable to
qualifying variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts at
regular and special meetings of the Funds' shareholders in accordance with
instructions received from owners of such policies or contracts. Shares of the
Funds held in the Account which are not attributable to such policies or
contracts and shares for which instructions from owners are not received will
be represented by JHVLICO at the meeting and will be voted for and against
each matter in the same proportions as the votes based upon the instructions
received from the owners of all such policies and contracts.
 
  The number of Fund shares held in each variable Subaccount deemed
attributable to each owner is determined by dividing the amount of a Policy's
Account Value held in the variable Subaccount by the net asset value of one
share in the corresponding Fund Portfolio in which the assets of that variable
Subaccount are invested. Fractional votes will be counted. The number of
shares as to which the owner may give instructions will be determined as of
the record date for the Funds' meetings.
 
  Owners of Policies may give instructions regarding the election of the Board
of Trustees of each Fund, ratification of the selection of independent
auditors, approval of Fund investment advisory agreements and other matters
requiring a vote under the 1940 Act. Owners will be furnished information and
forms by JHVLICO in order that voting instructions may be given.
 
  JHVLICO may, when required by state insurance regulatory authorities,
disregard voting instructions if the instructions require that the shares be
voted so as to change the investment objectives of the Portfolios or to
approve or disapprove an investment advisory or underwriting contract for the
Funds. JHVLICO also may disregard voting instructions in favor of changes
initiated by an owner or a Fund's Board of Trustees in the investment policy,
investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund, if JHVLICO (i)
reasonably disapproves of such changes and (ii) in the case of a change of
investment policy or investment adviser, makes a good-faith determination that
the proposed change is contrary to state law or prohibited by state regulatory
authorities or that the change would be inconsistent with a variable
Subaccount's investment objectives or would result in the purchase of
securities which vary from the general quality and nature of investments and
investment techniques utilized by other separate accounts of JHVLICO or of an
affiliated life insurance company, which separate accounts have investment
objectives similar to those of the variable Subaccount. In the event JHVLICO
does disregard voting instructions, a summary of that action and the reasons
for such action will be included in the next semi-annual report to owners.
 
                         CHANGES THAT JHVLICO CAN MAKE
 
  The voting privileges described in this Prospectus are afforded based on
JHVLICO's understanding of applicable Federal securities law requirements. To
the extent that applicable law, regulations or interpretations
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
change to eliminate or restrict the need for such voting privileges, JHVLICO
reserves the right to proceed in accordance with any such revised
requirements. JHVLICO also reserves the right, subject to compliance with
applicable law, including approval of owners if so required, (1) to transfer
assets determined by JHVLICO to be associated with the class of policies to
which the Policies belong from the Account to another separate account or
variable Subaccount by withdrawing the same percentage of each investment in
the Account with appropriate adjustments to avoid odd lots and fractions, (2)
to operate the Account as a "management-type investment company" under the
1940 Act, or in any other form permitted by law, the investment adviser of
which would be JHVLICO, an affiliate or John Hancock, (3) to deregister the
Account under the 1940 Act, (4) to substitute for the Portfolio shares held by
a Subaccount any other investment permitted by law, and (5) to take any action
necessary to comply with or obtain any exemptions from the 1940 Act. JHVLICO
would notify owners of any of the foregoing changes and, to the extent legally
required, obtain approval of owners and any regulatory body prior thereto.
Such notice and approval, however, may not be legally required in all cases.
 
                               STATE REGULATION
 
  JHVLICO is subject to regulation and supervision by the Massachusetts
Commissioner of Insurance who periodically examines its affairs. It also is
subject to the applicable insurance laws and regulations of all jurisdictions
in which it is authorized to do business.
 
  JHVLICO is required to submit annual statements of its operations, including
financial statements, to the insurance departments of the various
jurisdictions in which it does business for purposes of determining solvency
and compliance with local insurance laws and regulations.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Legal matters in connection with the Policies described in this Prospectus
have been passed on by Ronald J. Bocage, Vice President and Counsel for
JHVLICO. Messrs. Freedman, Levy, Kroll & Simonds, Washington, D.C., have
advised JHVLICO on certain Federal securities law matters in connection with
the Policies.
 
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
  This Prospectus omits certain information contained in the Registration
Statement which has been filed with the Commission. More details may be
obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of the
prescribed fee.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The financial statements of the Account and JHVLICO included in this
Prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, for
the periods indicated in their reports thereon which appear elsewhere herein
and have been included in reliance on their reports given on their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  Actuarial matters included in this Prospectus have been examined by Deborah
A. Poppel, F.S.A., an Actuary of JHVLICO.
 
                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
  The financial statements of JHVLICO included herein should be distinguished
from the financial statements of the Account and should be considered only as
bearing upon the ability of JHVLICO to meet its obligations under the
Policies.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Large Cap  Sovereign  International Small Cap  International  Mid Cap   Large Cap     Money     Mid Cap
                     Growth       Bond      Equities      Growth     Balanced      Growth     Value      Market      Value
                   Subaccount  Subaccount  Subaccount   Subaccount  Subaccount   Subaccount Subaccount Subaccount  Subaccount
                   ----------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
<S>                <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Assets
Investments in
 shares of
 portfolios of
 John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I, at
 value...........  $16,915,393 $5,185,747  $5,731,199    $497,525    $152,295     $838,323   $762,356  $10,038,857  $336,316
Investments in
 shares of
 portfolios of M
 Fund Inc., at
 value...........           --         --          --          --          --           --         --           --        --
Receivable from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........       20,003     26,025      11,820           8           2       31,811         10      336,601         6
 M Fund Inc. -...           --         --          --          --          --           --         --           --        --
                   ----------- ----------  ----------    --------    --------     --------   --------  -----------  --------
Total assets.....   16,935,396  5,211,772   5,743,019     497,533     152,297      870,134    762,366   10,375,458   336,322
Liabilities
Payable to John
 Hancock Variable
 Series Trust I..       19,803     25,968      11,736          --          --       31,800         --      336,451        --
Asset charges
 payable.........          200         57          84           8           2           11         10          150         6
                   ----------- ----------  ----------    --------    --------     --------   --------  -----------  --------
Total
 liabilities.....       20,003     26,025      11,820           8           2       31,811         10      336,601         6
                   ----------- ----------  ----------    --------    --------     --------   --------  -----------  --------
Net assets.......  $16,915,393 $5,185,747  $5,731,199    $497,525    $152,295     $838,323   $762,356  $10,038,857  $336,316
                   =========== ==========  ==========    ========    ========     ========   ========  ===========  ========
<CAPTION>
                      Special    Real Estate
                   Opportunities   Equity
                    Subaccount   Subaccount
                   ------------- -----------
<S>                <C>           <C>
Assets
Investments in
 shares of
 portfolios of
 John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I, at
 value...........   $6,187,188   $1,279,523
Investments in
 shares of
 portfolios of M
 Fund Inc., at
 value...........           --           --
Receivable from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........       10,295        4,560
 M Fund Inc. -...           --           --
                   ------------- -----------
Total assets.....    6,197,483    1,284,083
Liabilities
Payable to John
 Hancock Variable
 Series Trust I..       10,196        4,540
Asset charges
 payable.........           99           20
                   ------------- -----------
Total
 liabilities.....       10,295        4,560
                   ------------- -----------
Net assets.......   $6,187,188   $1,279,523
                   ============= ===========
</TABLE>
- - ------
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES--CONTINUED
 
DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Short-Term                                                    Turner     Edinburgh
                    Growth &                  U.S.    Small Cap  International              Strategic     Core    International
                     Income      Managed   Government   Value    Opportunities Equity Index    Bond      Growth      Equity
                   Subaccount  Subaccount  Subaccount Subaccount  Subaccount    Subaccount  Subaccount Subaccount  Subaccount
                   ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- -------------
<S>                <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
Assets
Investments in
 shares of
 portfolios of
 John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I, at
 value...........  $25,663,282 $11,517,261 $3,395,242  $341,007    $909,113      $974,307    $258,628   $     --    $     --
Investments in
 shares of
 portfolios of M
 Fund Inc., at
 value...........           --          --         --        --          --            --          --    654,753     929,143
Receivable from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........      195,552       4,549     25,689         5      32,559        21,534      19,681         --          --
 M Fund Inc. ....           --          --         --        --          --            --          --          9      11,706
                   ----------- ----------- ----------  --------    --------      --------    --------   --------    --------
Total assets.....   25,858,834  11,521,810  3,420,931   341,012     941,672       995,841     278,309    654,762     940,849
Liabilities
Payable to John
 Hancock Variable
 Series Trust I..      195,180       4,408     25,661        --      32,547        21,519      19,677         --      11,692
Asset charges
 payable.........          372         141         28         5          12            15           4          9          14
                   ----------- ----------- ----------  --------    --------      --------    --------   --------    --------
Total
 liabilities.....      195,552       4,549     25,689         5      32,559        21,534      19,681          9      11,706
                   ----------- ----------- ----------  --------    --------      --------    --------   --------    --------
Net assets.......  $25,663,282 $11,517,261 $3,395,242  $341,007    $909,113      $974,307    $258,628   $654,753    $929,143
                   =========== =========== ==========  ========    ========      ========    ========   ========    ========
<CAPTION>
                     Frontier
                     Capital
                   Appreciation
                    Subaccount
                   ------------
<S>                <C>
Assets
Investments in
 shares of
 portfolios of
 John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I, at
 value...........    $     --
Investments in
 shares of
 portfolios of M
 Fund Inc., at
 value...........     968,078
Receivable from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........          --
 M Fund Inc. ....      23,405
                   ------------
Total assets.....     991,483
Liabilities
Payable to John
 Hancock Variable
 Series Trust I..      23,391
Asset charges
 payable.........          14
                   ------------
Total
 liabilities.....      23,405
                   ------------
Net assets.......    $968,078
                   ============
</TABLE>
- - ------
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        Small Cap
                                                                                                                          Growth
                    Large Cap Growth Subaccount      Sovereign Bond Subaccount     International Equities Subaccount    Subaccount
                   ------------------------------  -----------------------------  ------------------------------------  ----------
                      1996        1995     1994      1996       1995      1994       1996        1995         1994        1996*
                   -----------  -------- --------  ---------  --------- --------  ----------- -----------  -----------  ----------
<S>                <C>          <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Investment
 income:
 Distribution
  received from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust..........  $ 2,452,382  $509,637 $ 39,711  $ 242,881  $  66,972 $  7,083  $    52,188 $    19,501  $    11,324   $    512
 M Fund, Inc.....           --        --       --         --         --       --           --          --           --         --
                   -----------  -------- --------  ---------  --------- --------  ----------- -----------  -----------   --------
Total investment
 income..........    2,452,382   509,637   39,711    242,881     66,972    7,083       52,188      19,501       11,324        512
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..       49,880    17,330    2,688     14,129      4,148      509       23,132      10,434        2,129      1,547
                   -----------  -------- --------  ---------  --------- --------  ----------- -----------  -----------   --------
Net investment
 income (loss)...    2,402,502   492,307   37,023    228,752     62,824    6,574       29,056       9,067        9,195     (1,035)
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).      444,487   126,908  (37,955)     5,746     21,718   (2,259)     165,730     (25,931)       5,934    (40,018)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........   (1,104,574)  180,251  (24,086)   (69,973)    34,574   (3,839)     137,729     153,715      (46,936)    (2,665)
                   -----------  -------- --------  ---------  --------- --------  ----------- -----------  -----------   --------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....     (660,087)  307,159  (62,041)   (64,227)    56,292   (6,098)     303,459     127,784      (41,002)   (42,683)
                   -----------  -------- --------  ---------  --------- --------  ----------- -----------  -----------   --------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......  $ 1,742,415  $799,466 $(25,018) $ 164,525  $ 119,116 $    476     $332,515 $   136,851  $   (31,807)  $(43,718)
                   ===========  ======== ========  =========  ========= ========  =========== ===========  ===========   ========
<CAPTION>
                   International  Mid Cap   Large Cap
                     Balanced      Growth     Value
                    Subaccount   Subaccount Subaccount
                   ------------- ---------- ----------
                       1996*       1996*      1996*
                   ------------- ---------- ----------
<S>                <C>           <C>        <C>
Investment
 income:
 Distribution
  received from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust..........     $2,947       $1,177    $13,644
 M Fund, Inc.....         --           --         --
                   ------------- ---------- ----------
Total investment
 income..........      2,947        1,177     13,644
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..        356          719        964
                   ------------- ---------- ----------
Net investment
 income (loss)...      2,591          458     12,680
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).         56         (391)     1,327
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........      5,307        6,440     23,553
                   ------------- ---------- ----------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....      5,363        6,049     24,880
                   ------------- ---------- ----------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......     $7,954       $6,507    $37,560
                   ============= ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
*From May 1, 1996 (commencement of operations).
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Mid Cap           Special
                                               Value         Opportunities
                    Money Market Subaccount  Subaccount        Subaccount         Real Estate Equity Subaccount
                   ------------------------- ---------- ------------------------  ------------------------------
                     1996     1995    1994     1996*      1996     1995   1994**     1996      1995      1994
                   -------- -------- ------- ---------- -------- -------- ------  ---------- --------- ---------
<S>                <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>        <C>       <C>
Investment
 income:
 Distributions
  received from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust..........  $287,321 $119,746 $39,245  $ 6,878   $238,163 $ 40,159 $1,493  $   50,204 $  32,578 $  10,909
 M Fund, Inc.....       --       --      --       --         --       --     --          --        --        --
                   -------- -------- -------  -------   -------- -------- ------  ---------- --------- ---------
Total investment
 income..........   287,321  119,746  39,245    6,878    238,163   40,159  1,493      50,204    32,578    10,909
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..    30,722   12,117   5,184      377     21,146    4,949    607       4,547     2,766       689
                   -------- -------- -------  -------   -------- -------- ------  ---------- --------- ---------
Net investment
 income..........   256,599  107,629  34,061    6,501    217,017   35,210    886      45,657    29,812    10,220
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).       --       --      --       845    317,400   28,812   (117)     19,122       613   (10,840)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........       --       --      --    13,910    344,786  185,349  3,155     191,067    25,077     9,936
                   -------- -------- -------  -------   -------- -------- ------  ---------- --------- ---------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....       --       --      --    14,755    662,186  214,161  3,038     210,189    25,690      (904)
                   -------- -------- -------  -------   -------- -------- ------  ---------- --------- ---------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations        $256,599 $107,629 $34,061  $21,256   $879,203 $249,371 $3,924  $  255,846 $  55,502 $   9,316
                   ======== ======== =======  =======   ======== ======== ======  ========== ========= =========
<CAPTION>
                    Growth & Income Subaccount
                   -------------------------------
                      1996        1995     1994
                   ----------- ---------- --------
<S>                <C>         <C>        <C>
Investment
 income:
 Distributions
  received from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust..........  $3,056,625  $  669,643 $70,819
 M Fund, Inc.....         --          --      --
                   ----------- ---------- --------
Total investment
 income..........   3,056,625     669,643  70,819
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..      89,391      23,428   3,073
                   ----------- ---------- --------
Net investment
 income..........   2,967,234     646,215  67,746
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).     512,402     170,322  (1,272)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........    (496,647)    322,628 (67,362)
                   ----------- ---------- --------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....      15,755     492,950 (68,634)
                   ----------- ---------- --------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations        $2,982,989  $1,139,165 $  (888)
                   =========== ========== ========
</TABLE>
 
 * From May 1, 1996 (commencement of operations).
** From May 6, 1994 (commencement of operations).
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Small Cap  International   Equity    Strategic
                                                      Short-Term U.S.         Value    Opportunities    Index       Bond
                        Managed Subaccount         Government Subaccount    Subaccount  Subaccount   Subaccount  Subaccount
                   -----------------------------  ------------------------  ---------- ------------- ----------- ----------
                      1996       1995     1994      1996     1995   1994**    1996*        1996*        1996*      1996*
                   ----------  -------- --------  --------  ------- ------  ---------- ------------- ----------- ----------
<S>                <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>           <C>         <C>
Investment
 income:
 Distributions
  received from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust..........  $1,281,149  $316,774 $ 12,985  $181,937  $64,502 $ 331    $ 8,296      $ 2,965      $23,300     $7,425
 M Fund, Inc.....          --        --       --        --       --    --         --           --           --         --
                   ----------  -------- --------  --------  ------- -----    -------      -------      -------     ------
Total investment
 income..........   1,281,149   316,774   12,985   181,937   64,502   331      8,296        2,965       23,300      7,425
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..      35,103    10,978    1,318     9,277    2,917    25        523        1,439        1,962        349
                   ----------  -------- --------  --------  ------- -----    -------      -------      -------     ------
Net investment
 income (loss)...   1,246,046   305,796   11,667   172,660   61,585   306      7,773        1,526       21,338      7,076
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).     124,493   179,131   (4,727)  (52,888)   8,251    (1)        58          242       17,398         22
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........    (507,517)   51,622   (8,296)   (7,734)  22,112  (325)    14,046       36,666       55,782       (591)
                   ----------  -------- --------  --------  ------- -----    -------      -------      -------     ------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....    (383,024)  230,753  (13,023)  (60,622)  30,363  (326)    14,104       36,908       73,180       (569)
                   ----------  -------- --------  --------  ------- -----    -------      -------      -------     ------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......  $  863,022  $536,549 $ (1,356) $112,038  $91,948 $ (20)   $21,877      $38,434      $94,518     $6,507
                   ==========  ======== ========  ========  ======= =====    =======      =======      =======     ======
<CAPTION>
                                 Edinburgh     Frontier
                   Turner Core International   Capital
                     Growth       Equity     Appreciation
                   Subaccount   Subaccount   Subaccount
                   ----------- ------------- ------------
                      1996*        1996*        1996*
                   ----------- ------------- ------------
<S>                <C>         <C>           <C>
Investment
 income:
 Distributions
  received from:
 John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust..........    $    --     $     --      $     --
 M Fund, Inc.....     21,778        5,263            --
                   ----------- ------------- ------------
Total investment
 income..........     21,778        5,263            --
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..      2,140        2,280         1,679
                   ----------- ------------- ------------
Net investment
 income (loss)...     19,638        2,983        (1,679)
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).     (9,767)      (2,433)      (21,044)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........     16,054      (12,286)        5,101
                   ----------- ------------- ------------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....      6,287      (14,719)      (15,943)
                   ----------- ------------- ------------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......    $25,925     $(11,736)     $(17,622)
                   =========== ============= ============
</TABLE>
 
 * From May 1, 1996 (commencement of operations).
** From May 1, 1994 (commencement of operations).
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                       Large Cap Growth Subaccount           Sovereign Bond Subaccount      International Equities Subaccount
                   -------------------------------------  --------------------------------  ------------------------------------
                      1996         1995         1994         1996        1995       1994       1996         1995         1994
                   -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  ----------
<S>                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>
Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income (loss)..  $ 2,402,502  $   492,307  $    37,023  $  228,752  $   62,824  $  6,574  $    29,056  $     9,067  $    9,195
 Net realized
  gains (losses).      444,487      126,908      (37,955)      5,746      21,718    (2,259)     165,730      (25,931)      5,934
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........   (1,104,574)     180,251      (24,086)    (69,973)     34,574   (3,839)      137,729      153,715     (46,936)
                   -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  ----------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......    1,742,415      799,466      (25,018)    164,525     119,116       476      332,515      136,851     (31,807)
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders .   13,036,922    8,115,186    2,165,201   4,312,776   1,370,188   279,171    4,750,218    2,620,265   1,223,410
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..   (4,928,834)  (2,752,131)  (1,250,017)   (679,839)   (318,068)  (62,598)  (1,906,352)  (1,194,625)   (199,276)
                   -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  ----------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....    8,108,088    5,363,055      915,184   3,632,937   1,052,120   216,573    2,843,866    1,425,640   1,024,134
                   -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  ----------
Net increase in
 net assets......    9,850,503    6,162,521      890,166   3,797,462   1,171,236   217,049    3,176,381    1,562,491     992,327
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........    7,064,890      902,369       12,203   1,388,285     217,049       --     2,554,818      992,327         --
                   -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  --------  -----------  -----------  ----------
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $16,915,393  $ 7,064,890  $   902,369  $5,185,747  $1,388,285  $217,049  $ 5,731,199  $ 2,554,818  $  992,327
                   ===========  ===========  ===========  ==========  ==========  ========  ===========  ===========  ==========
<CAPTION>
                   Small Cap   International  Mid Cap   Large Cap
                     Growth      Balanced      Growth     Value
                   Subaccount   Subaccount   Subaccount Subaccount
                   ----------- ------------- ---------- ----------
                     1996*         1996*       1996*      1996*
                   ----------- ------------- ---------- ----------
<S>                <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income (loss)..  $   (1,035)   $  2,591     $    458   $ 12,680
 Net realized
  gains (losses).     (40,018)         56         (391)     1,327
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........      (2,665)      5,307        6,440     23,553
                   ----------- ------------- ---------- ----------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......     (43,718)      7,954        6,507     37,560
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders .   1,120,880     148,617      858,546    767,660
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..    (579,637)     (4,276)     (26,730)   (42,864)
                   ----------- ------------- ---------- ----------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....     541,243     144,341      831,816    724,796
                   ----------- ------------- ---------- ----------
Net increase in
 net assets......     497,525     152,295      838,323    762,356
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........         --          --           --         --
                   ----------- ------------- ---------- ----------
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $  497,525    $152,295     $838,323   $762,356
                   =========== ============= ========== ==========
</TABLE>    
 
* From May 1, 1996 (commencement of operations).
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Mid Cap
                                                               Value
                          Money Market Subaccount           Subaccount   Special Opportunities Subaccount
                   ---------------------------------------  ----------- ---------------------------------------
                       1996          1995         1994         1996*        1996         1995       1994**
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  ----------- ------------  -----------  ------------
<S>                <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........  $    256,599  $    107,629  $    34,061   $  6,501   $    217,017  $    35,210  $     886
 Net realized
  gains (losses).           --            --           --         845        317,400       28,812       (117)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........           --            --           --      13,910        344,786      185,349      3,155
                   ------------  ------------  -----------   --------   ------------  -----------  ---------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......       256,599       107,629       34,061     21,256        879,203      249,371      3,924
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..    36,814,029    19,983,940    7,344,361    324,248      4,939,686    1,639,491    333,168
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..   (31,658,283)  (17,720,190)  (5,123,289)    (9,188)    (1,301,761)    (551,692)    (4,202)
                   ------------  ------------  -----------   --------   ------------  -----------  ---------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....     5,155,746     2,263,750    2,221,072    315,060      3,637,925    1,087,799    328,966
                   ------------  ------------  -----------   --------   ------------  -----------  ---------
Net increase in
 net assets......     5,412,345     2,371,379    2,255,133    336,316      4,517,128    1,337,170    332,890
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........     4,626,512     2,255,133          --         --       1,670,060      332,890        --
                   ------------  ------------  -----------   --------   ------------  -----------  ---------
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $ 10,038,857  $  4,626,512  $ 2,255,133   $336,316   $  6,187,188  $ 1,670,060  $ 332,890
                   ============  ============  ===========   ========   ============  ===========  =========
<CAPTION>
                   Real Estate Equity Subaccount        Growth & Income Subaccount
                   --------------------------------- ------------------------------------
                      1996       1995       1994        1996         1995        1994
                   ----------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
<S>                <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........  $   45,657  $  29,812  $  10,220  $ 2,967,234  $  646,215  $   67,746
 Net realized
  gains (losses).      19,122        613    (10,840)     512,402     170,322      (1,272)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........     191,067     25,077      9,936     (496,647)    322,628     (67,362)
                   ----------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......     255,846     55,502      9,316    2,982,989   1,139,165        (888)
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..     748,683    466,306    525,631   19,263,021   8,168,426   1,606,781
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..    (295,788)  (370,910)  (115,063)  (5,502,524) (1,740,418)   (253,270)
                   ----------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....     452,895     95,396    410,568   13,760,497   6,428,008   1,353,511
                   ----------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Net increase in
 net assets......     708,741    150,898    419,884   16,743,486   7,567,173   1,352,623
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........     570,782    419,884        --     8,919,796   1,352,623         --
                   ----------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $1,279,523  $ 570,782  $ 419,884  $25,663,282  $8,919,796  $1,352,623
                   =========== ========== ========== ============ =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
 * From May 1, 1996 (commencement of operations).
** From May 6, 1994 (commencement of operations).
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Small Cap  International   Equity
                                                               Short-Term U.S.              Value    Opportunities   Index
                          Managed Subaccount                Government Subaccount         Subaccount  Subaccount   Subaccount
                   -----------------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------- ------------- ----------
                      1996         1995        1994        1996         1995     1994**     1996*        1996*       1996*
                   -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  -------  ---------- ------------- ----------
<S>                <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>           <C>
Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income (loss)..  $ 1,246,046  $   305,796  $  11,667  $   172,660  $   61,585  $   306   $  7,773    $  1,526    $   21,338
 Net realized
  gains (losses).      124,493      179,131     (4,727)     (52,888)      8,251       (1)        58         242        17,398
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........     (507,517)      51,622     (8,296)      (7,734)     22,112     (325)    14,046      36,666        55,782
                   -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  -------   --------    --------    ----------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......      863,022      536,549     (1,356)     112,038      91,948      (20)    21,877      38,434        94,518
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..    9,996,216    5,502,408    859,794    8,757,242   2,439,840   41,816    335,271     960,081     1,282,798
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..   (3,151,700)  (2,875,967)  (211,705)  (7,683,085)   (364,204)    (333)   (16,141)    (89,402)     (403,009)
                   -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  -------   --------    --------    ----------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....    6,844,516    2,626,441    648,089    1,074,157   2,075,636   41,483    319,130     870,679       879,789
                   -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  -------   --------    --------    ----------
Net increase in
 net assets......    7,707,538    3,162,990    646,733    1,186,195   2,167,584   41,463    341,007     909,113       974,307
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........    3,809,723      646,733        --     2,209,047      41,463      --         --          --            --
                   -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------  -------   --------    --------    ----------
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $11,517,261  $ 3,809,723  $ 646,733  $ 3,395,242  $2,209,047  $41,463   $341,007    $909,113    $  974,307
                   ===========  ===========  =========  ===========  ==========  =======   ========    ========    ==========
<CAPTION>
                                Turner      Edinburgh     Frontier
                   Strategic     Core     International   Capital
                      Bond      Growth       Equity     Appreciation
                   Subaccount Subaccount   Subaccount    Subaccount
                   ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------
                     1996*      1996*         1996*        1996*
                   ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------
<S>                <C>        <C>         <C>           <C>
Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income (loss)..   $  7,076  $   19,638   $    2,983    $   (1,679)
 Net realized
  gains (losses).         22      (9,767)      (2,433)      (21,044)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........       (591)     16,054      (12,286)        5,101
                   ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......      6,507      25,925      (11,736)      (17,622)
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..    259,231   1,135,180    1,021,041     1,535,063
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..     (7,110)   (506,352)     (80,162)     (549,363)
                   ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....    252,121     628,828      940,879       985,700
                   ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------
Net increase in
 net assets......    258,628     654,753      929,143       968,078
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........        --          --           --            --
                   ---------- ----------- ------------- ------------
Net assets at end
 of period.......   $258,628  $  654,753   $  929,143    $  968,078
                   ========== =========== ============= ============
</TABLE>
 
 * From May 1, 1996 (commencement of operations).
** From May 1, 1994 (commencement of operations).
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
1. ORGANIZATION
 
  John Hancock Variable Life Account S (the Account) is a separate investment
account of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company (JHVLICO), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (John Hancock).
The Account was formed to fund variable life insurance policies (Policies)
issued by JHVLICO. The Account is operated as a unit investment trust
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and currently
consists of twenty-one subaccounts. The assets of each subaccount are invested
exclusively in shares of a corresponding Portfolio of John Hancock Variable
Series Trust I (the Fund) or of M Fund, Inc. (M Fund). New subaccounts may be
added as new Portfolios are added to the Fund or to M Fund, or as other
investment options are developed, and made available to policyholders. The
twenty-one Portfolios of the Fund and of M Fund which are currently available
are the Large Cap Growth, Sovereign Bond, International Equities, Small Cap
Growth, International Balanced, Mid Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Money Market,
Mid Cap Value, Special Opportunities, Real Estate Equity, Growth & Income,
Managed, Short-Term U.S. Government, Small Cap Value, International
Opportunities, Equity Index, Strategic Bond, Turner Core Growth, Edinburgh
International Equity and Frontier Capital Appreciation Portfolios. Each
Portfolio has a different investment objective.
 
  The net assets of the Account may not be less than the amount required under
state insurance law to provide for death benefits (without regard to the
minimum death benefit guarantee) and other policy benefits. Additional assets
are held in JHVLICO's general account to cover the contingency that the
guaranteed minimum death benefit might exceed the death benefit which would
have been payable in the absence of such guarantee.
 
  The assets of the Account are the property of JHVLICO. The portion of the
Account's assets applicable to the policies may not be charged with
liabilities arising out of any other business JHVLICO may conduct.
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
ESTIMATES
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS
 
  Investment in shares of the Fund and of M Fund are valued at the reported
net asset values of the respective Portfolios. Investment transactions are
recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend
date. Realized gains and losses on sales of fund shares are determined on the
basis of identified cost.
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
  The operations of the Account are included in the federal income tax return
of JHVLICO, which is taxed as a life insurance company under the Internal
Revenue Code. JHVLICO has the right to charge the Account any
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--CONTINUED
 
federal income taxes, or provision for federal income taxes, attributable to
the operations of the Account or to the policies funded in the Account.
Currently, JHVLICO does not make a charge for income or other taxes. Charges
for state and local taxes, if any, attributable to the Account may also be
made.
 
EXPENSES
 
  JHVLICO assumes mortality and expense risks of the variable life insurance
policies for which asset charges are deducted at various rates ranging from
 .50% to .625%, depending on the type of policy, of net assets (excluding
policy loans) of the Account. In addition, a monthly charge at varying levels
for the cost of insurance is deducted from the net assets of the Account.
 
  JHVLICO makes certain deductions for administrative expenses and state
premium taxes from premium payments before amounts are transferred to the
Account.
 
POLICY LOANS
 
  Policy loans represent outstanding loans plus accrued interest. Interest is
accrued (net of a charge for policy loan administration determined at an
annual rate of .75% of the aggregate amount of policyholder indebtedness) and
compounded daily. At December 31, 1996, there were no outstanding policy
loans.
 
3. TRANSACTION WITH AFFILIATES
 
  John Hancock acts as the distributor, principal underwriter and investment
advisor for the Fund.
 
  Certain officers of the Account are officers and directors of JHVLICO, the
Fund or John Hancock.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
 
4. DETAILS OF INVESTMENTS
 
  The details of the shares owned and cost and value of investments in the
Portfolios of the Fund and of M Fund at December 31, 1996 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Shares
Portfolio                                       Owned      Cost        Value
- - ---------                                      ------      ----        -----
<S>                                           <C>       <C>         <C>
Large Cap Growth.............................   967,051 $17,864,249 $16,915,393
Sovereign Bond...............................   530,744   5,224,985   5,185,747
International Equities.......................   340,514   5,486,692   5,731,199
Small Cap Growth.............................    50,081     500,190     497,525
International Balanced.......................    14,654     146,989     152,295
Mid Cap Growth...............................    82,009     831,883     838,323
Large Cap Value..............................    68,746     738,803     762,356
Money Market................................. 1,003,886  10,038,857  10,038,857
Mid Cap Value................................    29,635     322,406     336,316
Special Opportunities........................   374,484   5,653,898   6,187,188
Real Estate Equity...........................    87,427   1,053,443   1,279,523
Growth & Income.............................. 1,751,234  25,904,663  25,663,282
Managed......................................   862,567  11,981,412  11,517,261
Short-Term U.S. Government...................   337,936   3,381,189   3,395,242
Small Cap Value..............................    31,780     326,961     341,007
International Opportunities..................    85,789     872,447     909,113
Equity Index.................................    87,799     918,525     974,307
Strategic Bond...............................    25,460     259,219     258,628
Turner Core Growth...........................    56,444     638,699     654,753
Edinburgh International Equity...............    94,043     941,429     929,143
Frontier Capital Appreciation................    77,323     962,978     968,078
</TABLE>
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
 
4. DETAILS OF INVESTMENTS--CONTINUED
 
  Purchases, including reinvestment of dividend distributions and proceeds
from sales of shares in the Portfolios of the Fund and of M Fund for the
period ended December 31, 1996, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portfolio                                                Purchases     Sales
- - ---------                                                ---------     -----
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>
Large Cap Growth....................................... $13,801,918 $ 3,291,328
Sovereign Bond.........................................   4,228,908     367,218
International Equities.................................   4,596,976   1,724,053
Small Cap Growth.......................................   1,088,331     548,123
International Balanced.................................     149,257       2,270
Mid Cap Growth.........................................     853,272      20,998
Large Cap Value........................................     764,170      26,694
Money Market...........................................  20,675,470  15,263,124
Mid Cap Value..........................................     330,711       9,150
Special Opportunities..................................   5,044,400   1,189,458
Real Estate Equity.....................................     650,379     151,826
Growth & Income........................................  19,938,274   3,210,534
Managed................................................   9,970,006   1,888,444
Short-Term U.S. Government.............................   4,417,686   3,170,870
Small Cap Value........................................     342,052      15,149
International Opportunities............................     948,368      76,163
Equity Index...........................................   1,295,138     394,011
Strategic Bond.........................................     265,544       6,347
Turner Core Growth.....................................     928,008     279,542
Edinburgh International Equity.........................   1,129,122     185,260
Frontier Capital Appreciation..........................   1,259,852     275,830
</TABLE>
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
              REPORTS OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Policyholders
John Hancock Variable Life Account S
 of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of John
Hancock Variable Life Account S (the Account) (comprising, respectively, the
Large Cap Growth, Sovereign Bond, International Equities, Small Cap Growth,
International Balanced, Mid Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Money Market, Mid Cap
Value, Special Opportunities, Real Estate Equity, Growth & Income, Managed,
Short-Term U.S. Government, Small Cap Value, International Opportunities,
Equity Index, Strategic Bond, Turner Core Growth, Edinburgh International
Equity and Frontier Capital Appreciation Subaccounts) as of December 31, 1996,
and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets for each of
the periods indicated therein. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Account's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of each of the respective
subaccounts constituting John Hancock Variable Life Account S at December 31,
1996, and the results of their operations and the changes in their net assets
for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
                                                              Ernst & Young LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 7, 1997
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
Board of Directors
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
 
We have audited the accompanying statutory-basis statements of financial
position of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the related statutory-basis statements of operations and
unassigned deficit and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company presents its
financial statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or
permitted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Insurance, which
practices differ from generally accepted accounting principles. The variances
between such practices and generally accepted accounting principles also are
described in Note 1. The effects on the financial statements of these
variances are not reasonably determinable but are presumed to be material.
 
In our report dated February 7, 1996, we expressed an opinion that the 1995
financial statements of the Company fairly present, in all material respects,
the Company's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles for a stock life
insurance company wholly-owned by a mutual life insurance company and with
reporting practices prescribed or permitted by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Division of Insurance. As described in Note 1, the accompanying
statutory-basis financial statements are no longer considered to be prepared
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, our
present opinion on the 1995 financial statements, as presented in the
following paragraph, is different from that expressed in our previous report.
 
In our opinion, because of the effects of the matter described in the second
preceding paragraph, the financial statements referred to above do not present
fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the
financial position of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company at December
31, 1996 and 1995, or the results of its operations or its cash flows for the
years then ended.
 
Also, in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of John Hancock
Variable Life Insurance Company at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity
with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Division of Insurance.
 
                                                              Ernst & Young LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 14, 1997
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
STATUTORY-BASIS STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               December 31
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1996      1995
                                                              ----      ----
                                                              (In millions)
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
Assets
Bonds--Note 7.............................................. $  753.5  $  552.8
Preferred stocks...........................................      9.6       5.0
Common stocks..............................................      1.4       1.7
Investment in affiliates...................................     72.0      65.3
Mortgage loans on real estate--Note 7......................    212.1     146.7
Real estate................................................     38.8      36.4
Policy loans...............................................     80.8      61.8
Cash items:
  Cash in banks............................................     26.7      11.6
  Temporary cash investments...............................      5.2      65.0
                                                            --------  --------
                                                                31.9      76.6
Premiums due and deferred..................................     36.8      39.6
Investment income due and accrued..........................     22.6      18.6
Other general account assets...............................     17.8      20.8
Assets held in separate accounts...........................  3,290.5   2,421.0
                                                            --------  --------
TOTAL ASSETS............................................... $4,567.8  $3,446.3
                                                            ========  ========
Obligations and Stockholder's Equity
OBLIGATIONS
  Policy reserves.......................................... $  877.8  $  612.3
  Federal income and other taxes payable--Note 1...........     29.4      14.2
  Other accrued expenses...................................     75.1     138.7
  Asset valuation reserve--Note 1..........................     16.6      15.4
  Obligations related to separate accounts.................  3,285.8   2,417.0
                                                            --------  --------
TOTAL OBLIGATIONS..........................................  4,284.7   3,197.6
Stockholder's Equity--Notes 2 and 6
  Common Stock, $50 par value; authorized 50,000 shares;
   issued and
   outstanding 50,000 shares...............................      2.5       2.5
  Paid-in capital..........................................    377.5     377.5
Unassigned deficit.........................................    (96.9)   (131.3)
                                                            --------  --------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY.................................    283.1     248.7
                                                            --------  --------
TOTAL OBLIGATIONS AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY................. $4,567.8  $3,446.3
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the statutory-basis financial
statements.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
STATUTORY-BASIS STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND UNASSIGNED DEFICIT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Year ended December 31
                                                       ------------------------
                                                          1996         1995
                                                          ----         ----
                                                           (In millions)
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
Income
  Premiums............................................ $     820.6  $    570.9
  Net investment income--Note 4.......................        76.1        62.1
  Other, net..........................................       406.0        85.7
                                                       -----------  ----------
                                                           1,302.7       718.7
Benefits and Expenses
  Payments to policyholders and beneficiaries.........       236.1       213.4
  Additions to reserves to provide for future payments
   to policyholders and beneficiaries.................       790.1       282.4
  Expenses of providing service to policyholders and
   obtaining new insurance--Note 6....................       183.8       150.7
  State and miscellaneous taxes.......................        17.3        12.7
                                                       -----------  ----------
                                                           1,227.3       659.2
                                                       -----------  ----------
    GAIN FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
     AND NET REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS (LOSSES)..........        75.4        59.5
Federal income taxes--Note 1..........................        38.6        28.4
                                                       -----------  ----------
    GAIN FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE NET REALIZED CAPITAL
     GAINS (LOSSES)...................................        36.8        31.1
Net realized capital gains (losses)--Note 5...........        (1.5)        0.5
                                                       -----------  ----------
    NET INCOME........................................        35.3        31.6
Unassigned deficit at beginning of year...............      (131.3)     (162.1)
Net unrealized capital gains (losses) and other ad-
 justments--Note 5....................................         2.5        (3.0)
Other reserves and adjustments........................        (3.4)        2.2
                                                       -----------  ----------
    UNASSIGNED DEFICIT AT END OF YEAR................. $     (96.9) $   (131.3)
                                                       ===========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the statutory-basis financial
statements.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
STATUTORY-BASIS STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Year ended December 31
                                                      ----------------------
                                                         1996         1995
                                                         ----         ----
                                                           (In millions)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Insurance premiums................................. $     824.2  $     574.0
  Net investment income..............................        73.4         59.2
  Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries........      (212.7)      (198.3)
  Dividends paid to policyholders....................       (15.7)       (13.2)
  Insurance expenses and taxes.......................      (196.6)      (161.5)
  Net transfers to separate accounts.................      (524.2)      (257.4)
  Other, net.........................................       386.7         55.1
                                                      -----------  -----------
      NET CASH PROVIDED FROM OPERATIONS..............       335.1         57.9
                                                      -----------  -----------
Cash flows used in investing activities:
  Bond purchases.....................................      (489.9)      (172.5)
  Bond sales.........................................       228.3         18.9
  Bond maturities and scheduled redemptions..........        27.8         36.0
  Bond prepayments...................................        31.9         20.6
  Stock purchases....................................        (6.5)        (1.7)
  Proceeds from stock sales..........................         0.4          1.4
  Real estate purchases..............................       (10.5)       (16.2)
  Real estate sales..................................         8.5          9.3
  Other invested assets purchases....................         0.0         (0.4)
  Proceeds from the sale of other invested assets....         1.5          0.3
  Mortgage loans issued..............................       (84.4)       (19.8)
  Mortgage loan repayments...........................        17.7         21.1
  Other, net.........................................      (104.6)        45.7
                                                      -----------  -----------
      NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES..........      (379.8)       (57.3)
                                                      -----------  -----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH IN-
 VESTMENTS...........................................       (44.7)         0.6
Cash and temporary cash investments at beginning of
 year................................................        76.6         76.0
                                                      -----------  -----------
CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS AT END OF YEAR... $      31.9  $      76.6
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the statutory-basis financial
statements.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
 
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company (the Company) is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (John Hancock). The
Company, domiciled in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, principally writes
variable and universal life insurance policies. Those policies primarily are
marketed through John Hancock's sales organization, which includes a career
agency system composed of company-owned, unionized branch offices and
independent general agencies. Policies also are sold through various
unaffiliated securities broker-dealers and certain other financial
institutions. Currently, the Company writes business in all states except New
York.
 
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change
in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the
amounts reported and disclosed herein.
 
Basis of Presentation: The financial statements have been prepared using
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Division of Insurance and in conformity with the practices of
the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which practices
differ from generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The 1995
financial statements presented for comparative purposes were previously
described as being prepared in accordance with GAAP for stock life insurance
companies wholly-owned by a mutual life insurance company. Pursuant to
Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation 40, "Applicability of
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to Mutual Life Insurance and Other
Enterprises" (FIN 40), as amended, which is effective for 1996 financial
statements, financial statements based on statutory accounting practices can
no longer be described as prepared in conformity with GAAP. Furthermore,
financial statements prepared in conformity with statutory accounting
practices for periods prior to the effective date of FIN 40 are not considered
GAAP presentations when presented in comparative form with financial
statements for periods subsequent to the effective date. Accordingly, the 1995
financial statements are no longer considered to be presented in conformity
with GAAP.
 
The significant differences from GAAP include: (1) policy acquisition costs
are charged to expense as incurred rather than deferred and amortized over the
related premium-paying period; (2) policy reserves are based on statutory
mortality, morbidity, and interest requirements without consideration of
withdrawals and Company experience; (3) certain assets designated as
"nonadmitted assets" are excluded from the balance sheet by direct charges to
surplus; (4) reinsurance recoverables are netted against reserves and claim
liabilities rather than reflected as an asset; (5) bonds held as available for
sale are recorded at amortized cost or market value as determined by the NAIC
rather than at fair value; (6) an Asset Valuation Reserve and Interest
Maintenance Reserve as prescribed by the NAIC are not calculated under GAAP.
Under GAAP, realized capital gains and losses are reported in the income
statement on a pretax basis as incurred and investment valuation allowances
are provided when there has been a decline in value deemed other than
temporary; (7) investments in affiliates are carried at their net equity value
with changes in value being recorded directly to unassigned deficit rather
than consolidated in the financial statements; and (8) no provision is made
for the deferred income tax effects of temporary differences between book and
tax basis reporting. The effects of the foregoing variances from GAAP have not
been determined but are presumed to be material.
 
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES--CONTINUED
 
The significant accounting practices of the Company are as follows:
 
Pending Statutory Standards: The NAIC currently is in the process of
recodifying statutory accounting practices, the result of which is expected to
constitute the only source of prescribed statutory accounting practices.
Accordingly, that project, which is expected to be completed in 1999 will
likely change, to some extent, prescribed statutory accounting practices, and
may result in changes to the accounting practices that the Company uses to
prepare its statutory-basis financial statements. The impact of any such
changes on the Company's unassigned deficit cannot be determined at this time
and could be material.
 
Revenues and Expenses: Premium revenues are recognized over the premium-paying
period of the policies whereas expenses, including the acquisition costs of
new business, are charged to operations as incurred and policyholder dividends
are provided as paid or accrued.
 
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments: Cash includes currency on hand and demand
deposits with financial institutions. Temporary cash investments are short-
term, highly-liquid investments both readily convertible to known amounts of
cash and so near maturity that there is insignificant risk of changes in value
because of changes in interest rates.
 
Valuation of Assets: General account investments are carried at amounts
determined on the following bases:
 
  Bond and stock values are carried as prescribed by the NAIC; bonds
  generally at amortized amounts or cost, preferred stocks generally at cost
  and common stocks at market. The discount or premium on bonds is amortized
  using the interest method.
 
  Investments in affiliates are included on the statutory equity method.
 
  Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over a ten year period.
 
  Mortgage loans are carried at outstanding principal balance or amortized
  cost.
 
  Investment real estate is carried at depreciated cost, less encumbrances.
  Depreciation on investment real estate is recorded on a straight-line
  basis. Accumulated depreciation amounted to $1.2 million in 1996 and $0.5
  million in 1995.
 
  Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt and held for sale is carried
  at the lower of cost or market as of the date of foreclosure.
 
  Policy loans are carried at outstanding principal balance, not in excess of
  policy cash surrender value.
 
Asset Valuation and Interest Maintenance Reserves: The Asset Valuation Reserve
(AVR) is computed in accordance with the prescribed NAIC formula and
represents a provision for possible fluctuations in the value of bonds, equity
securities, mortgage loans, real estate and other invested assets. Changes to
the AVR are charged or credited directly to the unassigned deficit.
 
The Company also records the NAIC prescribed Interest Maintenance Reserve
(IMR) that represents that portion of the after tax net accumulated
unamortized realized capital gains and losses on sales of fixed income
securities,
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES--CONTINUED
 
principally bonds and mortgage loans, attributable to changes in the general
level of interest rates. Such gains and losses are deferred and amortized into
income over the remaining expected lives of the investments sold. At December
31, 1996, the IMR, net of 1996 amortization of $1.2 million, amounted to $5.9
million, which is included in policy reserves. The corresponding 1995 amounts
were $1.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively.
 
Separate Accounts: Separate account assets and liabilities reported in the
accompanying statements of financial position represent funds that are
separately administered and for which the contractholder, rather than the
Company, generally bears the investment risk. Separate account contractholders
have no claim against the assets of the general account of the Company.
Separate account assets are reported at market value. The operations of the
separate accounts are not included in the summary of operations; however,
income earned on amounts initially invested by the Company in the formation of
new separate accounts is included in other income.
 
Fair Values of Financial Instruments: Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 107, "Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments," requires disclosure of fair value information about financial
instruments, whether or not recognized in the statement of financial position,
for which it is practicable to estimate the value. In situations where quoted
market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using
present value or other valuation techniques. SFAS No. 107 excludes certain
financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure
requirements. Therefore, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not
represent the underlying value of the Company.
 
The methods and assumptions utilized by the Company in estimating its fair
value disclosures for financial instruments are as follows:
 
  The carrying amounts reported in the statement of financial position for
  cash and temporary cash investments approximate their fair values.
 
  Fair values for public bonds are obtained from an independent pricing
  service. Fair values for private placement securities and publicly traded
  bonds not provided by the independent pricing service are estimated by the
  Company by discounting expected future cash flows using current market
  rates applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity of the
  investments. The fair values for common and preferred stocks, other than
  its subsidiary investments, which are carried at equity values, are based
  on quoted market prices.
 
  The fair value of interest rate swaps and currency rate swaps is estimated
  using a discounted cash flow method adjusted for the difference between the
  rate of the existing swap and the current swap market rate. Discounted cash
  flows in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using current
  exchange rates.
 
  The fair value for mortgage loans is estimated using discounted cash flow
  analyses using interest rates adjusted to reflect the credit
  characteristics of the underlying loans. Mortgage loans with similar
  characteristics and credit risks are aggregated into qualitative categories
  for purposes of the fair value calculations.
 
  The carrying amount in the statement of financial position for policy loans
  approximates their fair value.
 
  The fair value for outstanding commitments to purchase long-term bonds and
  issue real estate mortgages is estimated using a discounted cash flow
  method incorporating adjustments for the difference in the level of
  interest rates between the dates the commitments were made and December 31,
  1996. The fair value for commitments to purchase real estate approximates
  the amount of the initial commitment.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES--CONTINUED
 
Capital Gains and Losses: Realized capital gains and losses are determined
using the specific identification basis. Realized capital gains and losses,
net of taxes and amounts transferred to the IMR, are included in net gain or
loss. Unrealized gains and losses, which consist of market value and book
value adjustments, are shown as adjustments to the unassigned deficit.
 
Policy Reserves: Life reserves are developed by actuarial methods and are
determined based on published tables using statutorily specified interest
rates and valuation methods that will provide, in the aggregate, reserves that
are greater than or equal to the minimum or guaranteed policy cash values or
the amounts required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of
Insurance. Reserves for variable life insurance policies are maintained
principally on the modified preliminary term method using the 1958 and 1980
Commissioner's Standard Ordinary (CSO) mortality tables, with an assumed
interest rate of 4% for policies issued prior to May 1, 1983 and 4 1/2% for
policies issued on or thereafter. Reserves for single premium policies are
determined by the net single premium method using the 1958 CSO mortality
table, with an assumed interest rate of 4%. Reserves for universal life
policies issued prior to 1985 are equal to the gross account value which at
all times exceeds minimum statutory requirements. Reserves for universal life
policies issued from 1985 through 1988 are maintained at the greater of the
Commissioner's Reserve Valuation Method (CRVM) using the 1958 CSO mortality
table, with 4 1/2% interest or the cash surrender value. Reserves for
universal life policies issued after 1988 and for flexible variable policies
are maintained using the greater of the cash surrender value or the CRVM
method with the 1980 CSO mortality table and 5 1/2% interest for policies
issued from 1988 through 1992; 5% interest for policies issued in 1993 and
1994; and 4 1/2% interest for policies issued in 1995 and 1996.
 
Federal Income Taxes: Federal income taxes are reported in the financial
statements based on amounts determined to be payable as a result of operations
within the current accounting period. The operations of the Company are
consolidated with John Hancock in filing a consolidated federal income tax
return for the affiliated group. The federal income taxes of the Company are
allocated on a separate return basis with certain adjustments. The Company
made payments of $33.5 million in 1996 and $32.2 million in 1995.
 
Income before taxes differs from taxable income principally due to tax-exempt
investment income, the limitation placed on the tax deductibility of
policyholder dividends, accelerated depreciation, differences in policy
reserves for tax return and financial statement purposes, capitalization of
policy acquisition expenses for tax purposes and other adjustments prescribed
by the Internal Revenue Code.
 
No provision is generally recognized for temporary differences that may exist
between financial reporting and taxable income or loss.
 
Reinsurance: Premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements, benefits and
reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on bases consistent
with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms
of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums ceded to other companies have been
reported as a reduction of premium income. Amounts applicable to reinsurance
ceded for future policy benefits, unearned premium reserves and claim
liabilities have been reported as reductions of these items.
 
Reclassifications: Certain 1995 amounts have been reclassified to permit
comparison with the corresponding 1996 amounts.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
 
NOTE 2--CAPITALIZATION
 
In prior years, the Company received capital contributions from John Hancock,
with a portion of the contributed capital being credited to common stock,
although no additional shares were issued. This practice, which is acceptable
to statutory authorities, has the effect of stating the carrying value of
issued shares of common stock at amounts other than $50 per share par value
with the offset reflected in paid-in capital.
 
At December 31, 1994, the Company had 50,000 shares authorized with 20,000
shares issued and outstanding. On February 16, 1995, the Company issued the
remaining 30,000 shares to John Hancock and transferred $22.5 million from
common stock to paid-in capital. The par value per share is $50.
 
NOTE 3--ACQUISITION
 
On June 23, 1993, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of stock
of Colonial Penn Annuity and Life Insurance Company (CPAL) from Colonial Penn
Life Insurance Company for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $42.5
million. At the date of acquisition, assets of CPAL were approximately $648.5
million, consisting principally of cash and temporary cash investments and
liabilities were approximately $635.2 million, consisting principally of
reserves related to a block of interest sensitive single-premium whole life
insurance business assumed by CPAL from Charter National Life Insurance
Company (Charter). The purchase price includes contingent payments of up to
approximately $7.3 million payable between 1994 and 1998 based on the actual
lapse experience of the business in force on June 23, 1993. The Company made
contingent payments to CPAL of $1.5 million during each of 1996 and 1995.
Unamortized goodwill at December 31, 1996 was $15.2 million and is being
amortized over ten years on a straight-line basis.
 
On June 24, 1993, the Company contributed $24.6 million in additional capital
to CPAL. CPAL was renamed John Hancock Life Insurance Company of America
(JHLICOA) on July 7, 1993. JHLICOA manages the business assumed from Charter
and does not currently issue new business.
 
NOTE 4--NET INVESTMENT INCOME
 
Investment income has been reduced by the following amounts:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1996   1995
                                                                    ----   ----
                                                                   (In millions)
<S>                                                                <C>    <C>
Investment expenses............................................... $  7.0 $  5.1
Depreciation expense..............................................    0.9    1.0
Investment taxes..................................................    0.5    0.5
                                                                   ------ ------
                                                                   $  8.4 $  6.6
                                                                   ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 5--NET CAPITAL GAINS (LOSSES) AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS
 
Net realized capital gains (losses) consist of the following items:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996    1995
                                                                  ----    ----
                                                                 (In millions)
<S>                                                              <C>     <C>
Net gains (losses) from asset sales............................. $ (0.2) $  4.0
Capital gains tax...............................................   (1.0)   (2.5)
Net capital gains transferred to IMR............................   (0.3)   (1.0)
                                                                 ------  ------
  Realized Capital Gains (Losses)............................... $ (1.5) $  0.5
                                                                 ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
Net unrealized capital gains (losses) and other adjustments consist of the
following items:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996    1995
                                                                  ----    ----
                                                                 (In millions)
<S>                                                              <C>     <C>
Net gains (losses) from changes in security values and book
 value adjustments.............................................. $  3.7  $ (0.2)
Increase in asset valuation reserve.............................   (1.2)   (2.8)
                                                                 ------  ------
  Net Unrealized Capital Gains (Losses) and Other Adjustments... $  2.5  $ (3.0)
                                                                 ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6--TRANSACTIONS WITH PARENT
 
The Company's Parent provides the Company with personnel, property and
facilities in carrying out certain of its corporate functions. The Parent
annually determines a fee for these services and facilities based on a number
of criteria which were revised in 1996 and 1995 to reflect continuing changes
in the Company's operations. The amount of the service fee charged to the
Company was $111.7 million and $97.9 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively,
which has been included in insurance and investment expenses. The Parent has
guaranteed that, if necessary, it will make additional capital contributions
to prevent the Company's stockholder's equity from declining below $1.0
million.
 
The service fee charged to the Company by the Parent includes $1.6 million and
$1.8 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively, representing the portion of the
provision for retiree benefit plans determined under the accrual method,
including a provision for the 1993 transition liability which is being
amortized over twenty years, that was allocated to the Company.
 
Effective January 1, 1994, the Company entered into a modified coinsurance
agreement with John Hancock to reinsure 50% of 1996, 1995 and 1994 issues of
flexible premium variable life insurance and scheduled premium variable life
insurance policies. In connection with this agreement, John Hancock
transferred $24.5 million and $32.7 million of cash for tax, commission, and
expense allowances to the Company, which increased the Company's net gain from
operations by $15.7 million and $20.3 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
Effective January 1, 1996, the Company entered into a modified coinsurance
agreement with John Hancock to reinsure 50% of 1995 and 1996 issues of retail
annuity contracts (Independence Preferred and Declaration). In connection with
this agreement, John Hancock transferred $23.2 million of cash for surrender
benefits, tax, reserve increase, commission, expense allowances and premium to
the Company, which increased the Company's net gain from operations by $15.1
million in 1996.
 
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 7--INVESTMENTS
 
The statement value and fair value of bonds are shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Gross      Gross
                                          Statement Unrealized Unrealized  Fair
      Year ended December 31, 1996          Value     Gains      Losses   Value
      ----------------------------        --------- ---------- ---------- -----
                                                      (In millions)
<S>                                       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations
 of U.S. government corporations and
 agencies...............................   $ 44.4     $ 0.2       $0.2    $ 44.4
Obligations of states and political sub-
 divisions..............................     12.6       0.4        0.0      13.0
Debt securities issued by foreign gov-
 ernments...............................      0.8       0.1        0.0       0.9
Corporate securities....................    623.2      29.8        3.4     649.6
Mortgage-backed securities..............     72.5      10.2        0.1      82.6
                                           ------     -----       ----    ------
  Total bonds...........................   $753.5     $40.7       $3.7    $790.5
                                           ======     =====       ====    ======
<CAPTION>
                                                      Gross      Gross
                                          Statement Unrealized Unrealized  Fair
      Year ended December 31, 1995          Value     Gains      Losses   Value
      ----------------------------        --------- ---------- ---------- -----
                                                      (In millions)
<S>                                       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations
 of U.S. government corporations and
 agencies...............................   $ 89.0     $ 0.5       $0.0    $ 89.5
Obligations of states and political sub-
 divisions..............................     11.4       1.1        0.0      12.5
Debt securities issued by foreign gov-
 ernments...............................      1.3       0.2        0.0       1.5
Corporate securities....................    445.6      44.1        1.6     488.1
Mortgage-backed securities..............      5.5       0.3        0.1       5.7
                                           ------     -----       ----    ------
Total bonds.............................   $552.8     $46.2       $1.7    $597.3
                                           ======     =====       ====    ======
</TABLE>
 
The statement value and fair value of bonds at December 31, 1996, by
contractual maturity, are shown below. Maturities will differ from contractual
maturities because eligible borrowers may exercise their right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Statement  Fair
                                                                 Value   Value
                                                               --------- -----
                                                                (In millions)
<S>                                                            <C>       <C>
Due in one year or less.......................................  $ 51.6   $ 52.9
Due after one year through five years.........................   260.8    267.7
Due after five years through ten years........................   244.3    253.7
Due after ten years...........................................   124.3    133.6
                                                                ------   ------
                                                                 681.0    707.9
Mortgage-backed securities....................................    72.5     82.6
                                                                ------   ------
                                                                $753.5   $790.5
                                                                ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 7--INVESTMENTS--CONTINUED
 
Proceeds from sales of bonds during 1996 and 1995 were $228.3 million and
$18.9 million, respectively. Gross gains of $1.3 million in 1996 and $0.2
million in 1995 and gross losses of $2.1 million in 1996 and $0.1 million in
1995 were realized on these transactions.
 
The cost of common stocks was $0.0 million and $0.1 million at December 31,
1996 and 1995, respectively. Gross unrealized appreciation on common stocks
totaled $1.4 million, and gross unrealized depreciation totaled $0.0 million
at December 31, 1996. The fair value of preferred stock totaled $9.6 million
at December 31, 1996 and $5.2 million at December 31, 1995.
 
Bonds with amortized cost of $11.3 million were nonincome producing for the
twelve months ended December 31, 1996.
 
At December 31, 1996, the mortgage loan portfolio was diversified by
geographic region and specific collateral property type as displayed below.
The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, limits and
monitoring procedures.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Statement
     Property Type                                                   Value
     -------------                                                 ---------
                                                                 (In millions)
<S>                                                              <C>
Apartments......................................................    $ 96.0
Industrial......................................................      35.0
Office buildings................................................      11.3
Retail..........................................................      29.0
Agricultural....................................................      28.9
Other...........................................................      11.9
                                                                    ------
                                                                    $212.1
                                                                    ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Geographic                                                  Statement
     Concentration                                                   Value
     -------------                                                 ---------
                                                                 (In millions)
<S>                                                               <C>
East North Central..............................................    $ 31.1
Middle Atlantic.................................................      11.5
Mountain........................................................       7.6
New England.....................................................      27.6
Pacific.........................................................      49.9
South Atlantic..................................................      58.8
West South Central..............................................      25.6
                                                                    ------
                                                                    $212.1
                                                                    ======
</TABLE>
 
At December 31, 1996, the fair values of the commercial and agricultural
mortgage loans portfolios were $189.0 million and $30.4 million, respectively.
The corresponding amounts as of December 31, 1995 were approximately $132.1
million and $22.2 million, respectively.
 
The maximum and minimum lending rates for mortgage loans during 1996 were
8.69% and 7.04% for agricultural loans and 8.5% and 7.2% for other properties.
Generally, the maximum percentage of any loan to the value of security at the
time of the loan, exclusive of insured or guaranteed or purchase money
mortgages, is 75%. For city mortgages, fire insurance is carried on all
commercial and residential properties at least equal to the excess of the loan
over the maximum loan which would be permitted by law on the land without the
building, except as permitted by regulations of the Federal Housing Commission
on loans fully insured under the provisions of the National Housing Act. For
agricultural mortgage loans, fire insurance is not normally required on land
based loans except in those instances where a building is critical to the
farming operation. Fire insurance is required on all agri-business facilities
in an aggregate amount equal to the loan balance.
 
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 8--REINSURANCE
 
The Company cedes business to reinsurers to share risks under variable life,
universal life and flexible variable life insurance policies for the purpose
of reducing exposure to large losses. Premiums, benefits and reserves ceded to
reinsurers in 1996 were $384.3 million, $9.9 million, and $12.1 million,
respectively. The corresponding amounts in 1995 were $72.4 million, $8.7
million, and $12.1 million, respectively.
 
To the extent that an assuming reinsurance company is unable to meet its
obligations under a reinsurance agreement, the Company remains liable as the
direct insurer on all risks reinsured.
 
NOTE 9--FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK
 
The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts for the purpose of
converting the interest rate characteristics (fixed or variable) of certain
investments to match those of related insurance liabilities. Maturities of
current agreements range through 2011. These swaps involve, to varying
degrees, interest rate risk in excess of amounts recognized in the statement
of financial position.
 
The Company enters into currency rate swap agreements to manage exposure to
foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Maturities of current agreements range
through 2006. Should the counterparty fail to meet the terms of the contract,
the Company's market risk is limited to the currency rate differential.
 
The Company enters into interest rate cap contracts to manage exposure on
underlying security values due to a rise in interest rates. Maturities of
current agreements range through 2006.
 
The Company also uses financial futures contracts to hedge public bonds
intended for future sale in order to lock in the market value at the date of
contract. The Company is subject to the risks associated with changes in the
value of the underlying securities; however, such changes in value generally
are offset by changes in the value of the hedged items. The contract or
notional amounts of the contracts represent the extent of the Company's
involvement but not in the future cash requirements, as the Company intends to
close the open positions prior to settlement.
 
The contract or notional amount of the foregoing financial instruments, which
indicates the Company's involvement and in certain instances, maximum credit
risk related to those instruments, is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   December 31
                                                                  -------------
                                                                   1996   1995
                                                                   ----   ----
                                                                  (In millions)
<S>                                                               <C>     <C>
Futures contracts to sell securities............................  $  73.0 $ 0.0
                                                                  ======= =====
Notional amount of interest rate swaps, currency rate swaps, and
 interest rate caps to:
  Receive variable rates........................................  $ 215.9 $ 0.0
                                                                  ======= =====
  Receive fixed rates...........................................  $  26.6 $ 5.0
                                                                  ======= =====
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 9--FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK--CONTINUED
 
The Company continually monitors its positions and the credit ratings of the
counterparties to these financial instruments. The Company believes the risk
of incurring losses due to the nonperformance by its counterparties is remote
and that any such losses would be immaterial.
 
Based on the market rates in effect at December 31, 1996, the Company's
interest rate swaps, currency rate swaps and interest rate caps represented
(assets) liabilities to the Company with fair values of $2.3 million, $(8.2)
million and $(2.0) million, respectively. The corresponding amounts as of
December 31, 1995 were $0.0 million.
 
NOTE 10--POLICYHOLDERS' RESERVES AND BENEFICIARIES' FUND
 
The Company's annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities that are subject
to discretionary withdrawal and subject to discretionary withdrawal (without
adjustment) are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      December 31, 1996 Percent
                                                      ----------------- -------
                                                        (In millions)
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>
Subject to discretionary withdrawal at book value
 less surrender charge...............................      $441.9         89.3%
Subject to discretionary withdrawal at book value
 (without adjustment)................................        53.0         10.7
                                                           ------        -----
Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities.......      $494.9        100.0%
                                                           ======        =====
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 11--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company has extended commitments to purchase long-term bonds and real
estate and issue real estate mortgages totalling $42.1 million, $0.1 million,
and $33.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 1996. The Company monitors
the creditworthiness of borrowers under long-term bond commitments and
requires collateral as deemed necessary. If funded, loans related to real
estate mortgages would be fully collateralized by the related properties. The
fair value of the commitments described above is $76.2 million at December 31,
1996. The majority of these commitments expire in 1997.
 
In the normal course of its business operations, the Company is involved in
litigation from time to time with claimants, beneficiaries and others, and a
number of litigation matters were pending as of December 31, 1996. It is the
opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate
liability with respect to these claims, if any, will not materially affect the
financial position of the Company.
 
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY-BASIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 12--FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the
Company's financial instruments:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Year ended December 31
                                               --------------------------------
                                                    1996             1995
                                               ---------------  ---------------
                                               Carrying  Fair   Carrying  Fair
                                                Amount  Value    Amount  Value
                                               -------- ------  -------- ------
                                                        (In millions)
<S>                                            <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
Assets
  Bonds--Note 7...............................  $753.5  $790.5   $552.8  $597.3
  Preferred stocks--Note 7....................     9.6     9.6      5.0     5.2
  Common stocks--Note 7.......................     1.4     1.4      1.7     1.7
  Mortgage loans on real estate--Note 7.......   212.1   219.4    146.7   154.3
  Policy loans--Note 1........................    80.8    80.8     61.8    61.8
  Cash and cash equivalents--Note 1...........    31.9    31.9     76.6    76.6
Derivatives liabilities relating to:--Note 9
  Interest rate swaps.........................     --      2.3      --      0.0
  Currency rate swaps.........................     --     (8.2)     --      0.0
  Interest rate caps..........................     --     (2.0)     --      0.0
Liabilities
  Commitments--Note 11........................     --     76.2      --     23.8
</TABLE>
 
The carrying amounts in the table are included in the statutory-basis
statements of financial position. The method and assumptions utilized by the
Company in estimating its fair value disclosures are described in Note 1.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
                       APPENDIX--OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS
 
SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS
 
  In place of a single payment, an amount of $1,000 or more payable under the
Policy as a benefit or as the Surrender Value, if any, may be left with
JHVLICO under the terms of a supplementary agreement. The agreement will be
issued when the proceeds are applied through the election of any one of the
options below.
 
  The following options are subject to the restrictions and limitations stated
in the Policy.
 
    Option 1--Interest Income at the declared rate but not less than 3 1/2% a
  year on proceeds held on deposit.
 
    Option 2A--Income of a Specified Amount, with payments each year totaling
  at least 1/12th of the proceeds, until the proceeds, with interest credited
  at the declared rate but not less than 3 1/2% a year on unpaid balances,
  are fully paid.
 
    Option 2B--Income for a Fixed Period, with each payment as declared.
 
    Option 3--Life Income with Payments for a Guaranteed Period.
 
    Option 4--Life Income without Refund at the death of the Payee of any
  part of the proceeds applied. Only one payment is made if the Payee dies
  before the second payment is due.
 
    Option 5--Life Income with Cash Refund at the death of the Payee of the
  amount, if any, equal to the proceeds applied less the sum of all income
  payments made.
 
  No election of an option may provide for income payments of less than $50.
 
  Other options may be arranged with JHVLICO's approval including optional
methods of settlement available from John Hancock.
 
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
 
  On payment of an additional premium or charge and subject to certain age and
insurance underwriting requirements, certain additional provisions, such as an
Accidental Death Benefit, which are subject to the restrictions and
limitations set forth therein, may be included in a Policy by rider.
 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
  BENEFICIARY. The Beneficiary will be as shown in the application for the
Policy, unless thereafter changed by the Owner in accordance with the terms of
the Policy. In general, if the insured dies and there is no surviving
Beneficiary, the Owner will be the Beneficiary, but if the insured was the
Owner, the Owner's estate will be the Beneficiary.
 
  OWNER AND ASSIGNMENT. The Owner's interest in the Policy may be assigned
without the consent of any revocable Beneficiary. JHVLICO will not be on
notice of any assignment unless it is in writing and until a duplicate of the
original assignment has been filed at JHVLICO's Servicing Office. JHVLICO
assumes no responsibility for the validity or sufficiency of any assignment.
 
  MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX. If the age or sex of the insured has been
misstated, JHVLICO will adjust the benefits payable to those which would have
been purchased at the correct age or sex by the most recent insurance charge
deducted from Account Value.
 
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
  SUICIDE. If the insured commits suicide within 2 years (except where state
law requires a shorter period) from the date of issue shown in the Policy, the
Policy will terminate and JHVLICO will pay in place of all other benefits an
amount equal to the premium paid less any Indebtedness on the date of death
and less any withdrawals. If the suicide is within 2 years (except where state
law requires a shorter period) from the date of any Policy change that
increases the death benefit, the death benefit will be limited as set forth in
the Policy.
 
  AGE AND POLICY ANNIVERSARIES. For purpose of the Policy, an insured's "age"
is his or her age on his or her nearest birthday. Policy months, Policy years
and Policy anniversaries are calculated from the date of issue.
 
  AVIATION ACTIVITY EXCLUSION. If the insured dies in an aviation accident
while a crew member on other than a commercial aircraft and the Policy
provides at the request of the Owner for a limited benefit in such situation,
JHVLICO will pay in place of all other benefits an amount equal to the greater
of the premium paid or the Surrender Value, less any Indebtedness.
 
  INCONTESTABILITY. The Policy shall be incontestable, other than for
nonpayment of premiums after, it has been in force during the lifetime of an
insured for 2 years from its issue date. If, however, evidence of insurability
is required with respect to any increase in death benefit, such increase shall
be incontestable after the increase has been in force during the lifetime of
the insured for 2 years from the increase date.
 
  DEFERRAL OF DETERMINATIONS AND PAYMENTS. Payment of any death, surrender,
partial withdrawal or loan proceeds will ordinarily be made within seven days
after receipt at JHVLICO's Servicing Office of all documents required for any
such payment. Approximately two-thirds of the claims for death proceeds which
are made within two years after the date of issue of the Policy will be
investigated to determine whether the claim should be contested and payment of
these claims will therefore be delayed.
 
  JHVLICO may defer any transaction requiring a determination of Account Value
in any variable Subaccount for any period during which: (1) the disposal or
valuation of the Account's assets is not reasonably practicable because the
New York Stock Exchange is closed or conditions are such that, under the
Commission's rules and regulations, trading is restricted or an emergency is
deemed to exist or (2) the Commission by order permits postponement of such
actions for the protection of Owners.
 
  The foregoing description of Policy provisions is qualified by reference to
the specimen Policy which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
                   APPENDIX--ILLUSTRATION OF DEATH BENEFITS,
                   SURRENDER VALUES AND ACCUMULATED PREMIUMS
 
  The following tables illustrate the changes in death benefit and Surrender
Value of the Policy, disregarding any Policy loans. Each table separately
illustrates the operation of a Policy for an identified issue age, Planned
Premium schedule and Total Sum Insured and shows how the death benefit and
Surrender Value may vary over an extended period of time assuming hypothetical
rates of investment return (i.e., investment income and capital gains and
losses, realized or unrealized) equivalent to constant gross annual rates of
0%, 6% and 12%. The tables are based on given annual Planned Premiums paid at
the beginning of each Policy year and will assist in a comparison of the death
benefit and Surrender Value figures set forth in the tables with those under
other variable life insurance policies which may be issued by JHVLICO or other
companies. Tables are provided for Options A, B and M for the Cash Value
Accumulation Test and Options A and B for the Guideline Premium and Cash Value
Corridor Test. The death benefit and Surrender Value for a Policy would be
different from those shown if premiums are paid in different amounts or at
different times or if the actual gross rates of investment return average 0%,
6% or 12% over a period of years, but nevertheless fluctuate above or below
the average for individual Policy years, or if the Policy were issued under
circumstances in which no distinctions are made based on the gender of the
insured.
 
  The amounts shown for the death benefit and Surrender Value are as of the
end of each Policy year. The first five tables headed "Using Current Charges"
assume that the current rates for insurance, sales, risk, and expense charges
will apply in each year illustrated. The five tables headed "Using Maximum
Charges" assume that the maximum (guaranteed) insurance, sales, risk, and
expense charges will be made in each year illustrated. The amounts shown in
all tables reflect an average asset charge for the daily investment advisory
expense charges to the Portfolios of the Funds (equivalent to an effective
annual rate of .61%) and an assumed average asset charge for the annual
nonadvisory operating expenses of each Portfolio of the Funds (equivalent to
an effective annual rate of .19%). For a description of expenses charged to
the Portfolios, see the attached Prospectuses for the Funds. The charges for
the daily investment management fee and the annual non-advisory operating
expenses are based on the hypothetical assumption that Policy values are
allocated equally among the variable Subaccounts. The actual Portfolio charges
and expenses associated with any Policy will vary depending upon the actual
allocation of Policy values among Subaccounts.
 
  The tables reflect that no charge is currently made to the Account for
Federal income taxes. However, JHVLICO reserves the right to make such a
charge in the future and any charge would require higher rates of investment
return in order to produce the same Policy values. All of the tables do,
however, reflect the imposition of a premium processing charge of 1.25% of all
premiums paid, a Federal DAC Tax charge in the amount of 1.25% of all premiums
paid and a state premium tax charge in the amount of 2.35% of all premiums
paid.
 
  The tables assume that the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit has not been
elected beyond the tenth Policy year, that no Additional Sum Insured or
optional rider benefits have been elected, and that the application for the
Policy has been fully underwritten.
 
  The second column of each table shows the amount to which the total premiums
paid to the end of a Policy year would accumulate if an amount equal to those
premiums were invested to earn interest, after taxes, at 5% compounded
annually.
 
  JHVLICO will furnish upon request a comparable illustration reflecting the
proposed insured's age, sex, underwriting risk classification and the Total
Sum Insured at issue and Planned Premium amount requested, and assuming annual
Planned Premiums.
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE
         $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED
         MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS
         OPTION A DEATH BENEFIT
         CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
         NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR
         PLANNED PREMIUM: $9,060*
         USING CURRENT CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Death Benefit                                 Surrender Value
                                ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%             12%              0%             6%             12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>
      1           $  9,513      $      500,000 $      500,000 $        500,000 $        4,325 $        4,627 $          4,930
      2             19,502             500,000        500,000          500,000         10,281         11,262           12,279
      3             29,990             500,000        500,000          500,000         16,065         18,110           20,310
      4             41,002             500,000        500,000          500,000         21,743         25,248           29,168
      5             52,565             500,000        500,000          500,000         27,350         32,726           38,978
      6             64,707             500,000        500,000          500,000         32,887         40,562           49,846
      7             77,455             500,000        500,000          500,000         38,378         48,799           61,914
      8             90,841             500,000        500,000          500,000         43,815         57,446           75,302
      9            104,896             500,000        500,000          500,000         49,193         66,520           90,154
     10            119,653             500,000        500,000          500,000         54,496         76,026          106,612
     11            135,149             500,000        500,000          500,000         60,835         87,149          126,071
     12            151,420             500,000        500,000          500,000         67,001         98,723          147,569
     13            168,504             500,000        500,000          500,000         72,911        110,695          171,271
     14            186,442             500,000        500,000          500,000         78,568        123,091          197,439
     15            205,277             500,000        500,000          500,000         83,962        135,932          226,366
     16            225,054             500,000        500,000          500,000         89,106        149,258          258,394
     17            245,819             500,000        500,000          536,780         93,978        163,085          293,820
     18            267,623             500,000        500,000          592,964         98,561        177,437          332,789
     19            290,518             500,000        500,000          653,108        102,839        192,341          375,630
     20            314,556             500,000        500,000          717,584        106,785        207,822          422,705
     25            454,028             500,000        500,000        1,119,524        120,634        295,358          736,965
     30            632,033             500,000        556,924        1,701,320        120,504        404,124        1,234,541
     35            859,217             500,000        679,521        2,567,782         97,307        533,502        2,016,002
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-4

<PAGE>
 
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE
         $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED
         MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS
         OPTION A DEATH BENEFIT
         CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
         NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM
         DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR 
         PLANNED PREMIUM: $9,060*
         USING MAXIMUM CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Death Benefit                                 Surrender Value
                                ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%             12%             0%             6%             12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------------------- ----------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>            <C>
     1            $  9,513            $500,000       $500,000 $        500,000 $       2,870 $        3,125 $          3,381
     2              19,502             500,000        500,000          500,000         7,327          8,122            8,952
     3              29,990             500,000        500,000          500,000        11,550         13,171           14,928
     4              41,002             500,000        500,000          500,000        15,534         18,268           21,351
     5              52,565             500,000        500,000          500,000        19,261         23,397           28,250
     6              64,707             500,000        500,000          500,000        22,722         28,549           35,670
     7              77,455             500,000        500,000          500,000        25,880         33,686           43,634
     8              90,841             500,000        500,000          500,000        28,707         38,782           52,179
     9             104,896             500,000        500,000          500,000        31,167         43,799           61,341
    10             119,653             500,000        500,000          500,000        33,219         48,693           71,159
    11             135,149             500,000        500,000          500,000        35,980         54,630           82,941
    12             151,420             500,000        500,000          500,000        38,275         60,451           95,661
    13             168,504             500,000        500,000          500,000        40,092         66,142          109,437
    14             186,442             500,000        500,000          500,000        41,400         71,677          124,397
    15             205,277             500,000        500,000          500,000        42,168         77,024          140,685
    16             225,054             500,000        500,000          500,000        42,334         82,127          158,453
    17             245,819             500,000        500,000          500,000        41,829         86,918          177,881
    18             267,623             500,000        500,000          500,000        40,560         91,312          199,170
    19             290,518             500,000        500,000          500,000        38,415         95,202          222,564
    20             314,556             500,000        500,000          500,000        35,278         98,480          248,365
    25             454,028             500,000        500,000          641,348           453        101,566          422,189
    30             632,033                  **        500,000          931,819            **         60,974          676,162
    35             859,217                  **             **        1,315,024            **             **        1,032,444
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
** Policy lapses unless additional premium payments are made.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-5

<PAGE>
  PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE 
      $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED 
      MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS 
      OPTION B DEATH BENEFIT 
      CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST 
      NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR 
      PLANNED PREMIUM; $9,060*
      USING CURRENT CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Death Benefit                                 Surrender Value
                                ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%             12%              0%             6%             12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>
     1            $  9,513      $      504,317 $      504,618 $        504,920 $        4,317 $        4,618 $          4,920
     2              19,502             510,250        511,228          512,242         10,250         11,228           12,242
     3              29,990             515,997        518,032          520,222         15,997         18,032           20,222
     4              41,002             521,623        525,106          529,000         21,623         25,106           29,000
     5              52,565             527,164        532,497          538,697         27,164         32,497           38,697
     6              64,707             532,622        540,222          549,413         32,622         40,222           49,413
     7              77,455             538,021        548,322          561,282         38,021         48,322           61,282
     8              90,841             543,354        556,805          574,419         43,354         56,805           74,419
     9             104,896             548,616        565,684          588,953         48,616         65,684           88,953
    10             119,653             553,787        574,958          605,014         53,787         74,958          105,014
    11             135,149             559,973        585,800          623,970         59,973         85,800          123,970
    12             151,420             565,953        597,022          644,814         65,953         97,022          144,814
    13             168,504             571,626        608,536          667,640         71,626        108,536          167,640
    14             186,442             576,991        620,351          692,654         76,991        120,351          192,654
    15             205,277             582,031        632,459          720,069         82,031        132,459          220,069
    16             225,054             586,754        644,880          750,148         86,754        144,880          250,148
    17             245,819             591,129        657,593          783,138         91,129        157,593          283,138
    18             267,623             595,130        670,581          819,321         95,130        170,581          319,321
    19             290,518             598,731        683,826          859,007         98,731        183,826          359,007
    20             314,556             601,892        697,294          902,522        101,892        197,294          402,522
    25             454,028             609,808        766,770        1,191,821        109,808        266,770          691,821
    30             632,033             599,155        833,736        1,649,302         99,155        333,736        1,149,302
    35             859,217             560,508        885,583        2,385,569         60,508        385,583        1,872,944
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-6

<PAGE>
     
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE
       $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED
       MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS
       OPTION B DEATH BENEFIT
       CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
       NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR
       PLANNED PREMIUM: $9,060*
       USING MAXIMUM CHARGES      
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Death Benefit                                Surrender Value
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%            12%             0%             6%             12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------------------- -------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
     1            $  9,513      $      502,851 $      503,104 $      503,360 $        2,851 $        3,104 $         3,360
     2              19,502             507,265        508,053        508,876          7,265          8,053           8,876
     3              29,990             511,419        513,021        514,757         11,419         13,021          14,757
     4              41,002             515,307        517,997        521,029         15,307         17,997          21,029
     5              52,565             518,906        522,957        527,708         18,906         22,957          27,708
     6              64,707             522,207        527,884        534,820         22,207         27,884          34,820
     7              77,455             525,168        532,731        542,361         25,168         32,731          42,361
     8              90,841             527,760        537,458        550,340         27,760         37,458          50,340
     9             104,896             529,942        542,013        558,755         29,942         42,013          58,755
    10             119,653             531,669        546,336        567,597         31,669         46,336          67,597
    11             135,149             534,049        551,568        578,112         34,049         51,568          78,112
    12             151,420             535,902        556,526        589,199         35,902         56,526          89,199
    13             168,504             537,214        561,177        600,897         37,214         61,177         100,897
    14             186,442             537,957        565,470        613,229         37,957         65,470         113,229
    15             205,277             538,099        569,347        626,220         38,099         69,347         126,220
    16             225,054             537,581        572,720        639,868         37,581         72,720         139,868
    17             245,819             536,337        575,488        654,160         36,337         75,488         154,160
    18             267,623             534,280        577,525        669,062         34,280         77,525         169,062
    19             290,518             531,309        578,682        684,517         31,309         78,682         184,517
    20             314,556             527,330        578,807        700,468         27,330         78,807         200,468
    25             454,028                  **        558,775        785,881             **         58,775         285,881
    30             632,033                  **             **        868,193             **             **         368,193
    35             859,217                  **             **        904,774             **             **         404,774
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
** Policy lapses unless additional premium payments are made.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-7

<PAGE>
     
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE 
         $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED 
         MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS
         OPTION M DEATH BENEFIT
         CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
         NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR
         PLANNED PREMIUM: $9,060
         USING CURRENT CHARGES      

 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Death Benefit                                 Surrender Value
                                ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%             12%              0%             6%             12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>
      1           $  9,513      $      500,000 $      500,000 $        500,000 $        4,325 $        4,627 $          4,930
      2             19,502             500,000        500,000          500,000         10,281         11,262           12,279
      3             29,990             500,000        500,000          500,000         16,065         18,110           20,310
      4             41,002             500,000        500,000          500,000         21,743         25,248           29,168
      5             52,565             500,000        500,000          500,000         27,350         32,726           38,978
      6             64,707             500,000        500,000          500,000         32,887         40,562           49,846
      7             77,455             500,000        500,000          500,000         38,378         48,799           61,914
      8             90,841             500,000        500,000          500,000         43,815         57,446           75,302
      9            104,896             500,000        500,000          500,000         49,193         66,520           90,154
     10            119,653             500,000        500,000          500,000         54,496         76,026          106,612
     11            135,149             500,000        500,000          500,000         60,835         87,149          126,071
     12            151,420             500,000        500,000          558,256         67,001         98,723          147,472
     13            168,504             500,000        500,000          619,670         72,911        110,695          170,840
     14            186,442             500,000        500,000          682,691         78,568        123,091          196,345
     15            205,277             500,000        500,000          747,439         83,962        135,932          224,160
     16            225,054             500,000        500,000          814,151         89,106        149,258          254,502
     17            245,819             500,000        500,737          882,936         93,978        163,085          287,564
     18            267,623             500,000        522,869          953,954         98,561        177,346          323,561
     19            290,518             500,000        543,851        1,027,454        102,839        191,997          362,725
     20            314,556             500,000        563,734        1,103,599        106,785        207,027          405,288
     25            454,028             500,000        648,837        1,531,276        120,634        287,618          678,787
     30            632,033             500,000        712,331        2,051,428        120,504        375,979        1,082,776
     35            859,217             500,000        762,535        2,705,385         97,307        471,311        1,672,158
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-8

<PAGE>
 
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE
       $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED
       MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS
       OPTION M DEATH BENEFIT
       CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
       NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR
       PLANNED PREMIUM: $9,060*
       USING MAXIMUM CHARGES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Death Benefit                                 Surrender Value
                                ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%             12%             0%             6%              12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>
      1           $  9,513      $      500,000 $      500,000 $        500,000 $       2,870 $         3,125 $         3,381
      2             19,502             500,000        500,000          500,000         7,327           8,122           8,952
      3             29,990             500,000        500,000          500,000        11,550          13,171          14,928
      4             41,002             500,000        500,000          500,000        15,534          18,268          21,351
      5             52,565             500,000        500,000          500,000        19,261          23,397          28,250
      6             64,707             500,000        500,000          500,000        22,722          28,549          35,670
      7             77,455             500,000        500,000          500,000        25,880          33,686          43,634
      8             90,841             500,000        500,000          500,000        28,707          38,782          52,179
      9            104,896             500,000        500,000          500,000        31,167          43,799          61,341
     10            119,653             500,000        500,000          500,000        33,219          48,693          71,159
     11            135,149             500,000        500,000          500,000        35,980          54,630          82,941
     12            151,420             500,000        500,000          500,000        38,275          60,451          95,661
     13            168,504             500,000        500,000          500,000        40,092          66,142         109,437
     14            186,442             500,000        500,000          500,000        41,400          71,677         124,397
     15            205,277             500,000        500,000          500,000        42,168          77,024         140,685
     16            225,054             500,000        500,000          506,866        42,334          82,127         158,445
     17            245,819             500,000        500,000          544,610        41,829          86,918         177,374
     18            267,623             500,000        500,000          581,732        40,560          91,312         197,311
     19            290,518             500,000        500,000          618,194        38,415          95,202         218,243
     20            314,556             500,000        500,000          653,954        35,278          98,480         240,159
     25            454,028             500,000        500,000          823,142           453         101,566         364,884
     30            632,033            **              500,000          973,245      **                60,974         513,694
     35            859,217            **             **              1,100,759      **             **                680,363
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
** Policy lapses unless additional premium payments are made.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND
ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY THE OWNER. THE
DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12%
OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL
INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF
TIME.
 
                                      A-9

<PAGE>
     
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE
         $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED
         MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS
         OPTION A DEATH BENEFIT
         GUIDELINE PREMIUM AND CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST
         NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR
         PLANNED PREMIUM: $9,060*
         USING CURRENT CHARGES      
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Death Benefit                                 Surrender Value
                                ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%             12%              0%             6%             12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>
      1           $  9,513      $      500,000 $      500,000 $        500,000 $        4,325 $        4,627 $         4,930
      2             19,502             500,000        500,000          500,000         10,281         11,262          12,279
      3             29,990             500,000        500,000          500,000         16,065         18,110          20,310
      4             41,002             500,000        500,000          500,000         21,743         25,248          29,168
      5             52,565             500,000        500,000          500,000         27,350         32,726          38,978
      6             64,707             500,000        500,000          500,000         32,887         40,562          49,846
      7             77,455             500,000        500,000          500,000         38,378         48,799          61,914
      8             90,841             500,000        500,000          500,000         43,815         57,446          75,302
      9            104,896             500,000        500,000          500,000         49,193         66,520          90,154
     10            119,653             500,000        500,000          500,000         54,496         76,026         106,612
     11            135,149             500,000        500,000          500,000         60,835         87,149         126,071
     12            151,420             500,000        500,000          500,000         67,001         98,723         147,569
     13            168,504             500,000        500,000          500,000         72,911        110,695         171,271
     14            186,442             500,000        500,000          500,000         78,568        123,091         197,439
     15            205,277             500,000        500,000          500,000         83,962        135,932         226,366
     16            225,054             500,000        500,000          500,000         89,106        149,258         258,394
     17            245,819             500,000        500,000          500,000         93,978        163,085         293,893
     18            267,623             500,000        500,000          500,000         98,561        177,437         333,287
     19            290,518             500,000        500,000          500,000        102,839        192,341         377,068
     20            314,556             500,000        500,000          519,438        106,785        207,822         425,769
     25            454,028             500,000        500,000          878,833        120,634        295,358         757,615
     30            632,033             500,000        500,000        1,395,751        120,504        405,813       1,304,440
     35            859,217             500,000        581,166        2,320,741         97,307        553,491       2,210,230
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                     A-10

<PAGE>
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE 
         $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED
         MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS 
         OPTION A DEATH BENEFIT
         GUIDELINE PREMIUM AND CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST
         NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR
         PLANNED PREMIUM: $9,060*
         USING MAXIMUM CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Death Benefit                                 Surrender Value
                                ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%             12%             0%             6%             12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------------------- ----------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>           <C>            <C>
     1            $  9,513      $      500,000 $      500,000 $        500,000 $       2,870 $        3,125 $          3,381
     2              19,502             500,000        500,000          500,000         7,327          8,122            8,952
     3              29,990             500,000        500,000          500,000        11,550         13,171           14,928
     4              41,002             500,000        500,000          500,000        15,534         18,268           21,351
     5              52,565             500,000        500,000          500,000        19,261         23,397           28,250
     6              64,707             500,000        500,000          500,000        22,722         28,549           35,670
     7              77,455             500,000        500,000          500,000        25,880         33,686           43,634
     8              90,841             500,000        500,000          500,000        28,707         38,782           52,179
     9             104,896             500,000        500,000          500,000        31,167         43,799           61,341
    10             119,653             500,000        500,000          500,000        33,219         48,693           71,159
    11             135,149             500,000        500,000          500,000        35,980         54,630           82,941
    12             151,420             500,000        500,000          500,000        38,275         60,451           95,661
    13             168,504             500,000        500,000          500,000        40,092         66,142          109,437
    14             186,442             500,000        500,000          500,000        41,400         71,677          124,397
    15             205,277             500,000        500,000          500,000        42,168         77,024          140,685
    16             225,054             500,000        500,000          500,000        42,334         82,127          158,453
    17             245,819             500,000        500,000          500,000        41,829         86,918          177,881
    18             267,623             500,000        500,000          500,000        40,560         91,312          199,170
    19             290,518             500,000        500,000          500,000        38,415         95,202          222,564
    20             314,556             500,000        500,000          500,000        35,278         98,480          248,365
    25             454,028             500,000        500,000          500,000           453        101,566          430,474
    30             632,033                  **        500,000          795,550            **         60,974          743,504
    35             859,217                  **             **        1,314,533            **             **        1,251,936
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
** Policy lapses unless additional premium payments are made.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                     A-11

<PAGE>
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE 
         $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED 
         MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS
         OPTION B DEATH BENEFIT 
         GUIDELINE PREMIUM AND CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST
         NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR
         PLANNED PREMIUM: $9,060*
         USING CURRENT CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Death Benefit                                 Surrender Value
                                ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of   Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%             12%              0%             6%             12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------- ----------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>            <C>
     1            $  9,513      $      504,317 $      504,618 $        504,920 $        4,317 $        4,618 $          4,920
     2              19,502             510,250        511,228          512,242         10,250         11,228           12,242
     3              29,990             515,997        518,032          520,222         15,997         18,032           20,222
     4              41,002             521,623        525,106          529,000         21,623         25,106           29,000
     5              52,565             527,164        532,497          538,697         27,164         32,497           38,697
     6              64,707             532,622        540,222          549,413         32,622         40,222           49,413
     7              77,455             538,021        548,322          561,282         38,021         48,322           61,282
     8              90,841             543,354        556,805          574,419         43,354         56,805           74,419
     9             104,896             548,616        565,684          588,953         48,616         65,684           88,953
    10             119,653             553,787        574,958          605,014         53,787         74,958          105,014
    11             135,149             559,973        585,800          623,970         59,973         85,800          123,970
    12             151,420             565,953        597,022          644,814         65,953         97,022          144,814
    13             168,504             571,626        608,536          667,640         71,626        108,536          167,640
    14             186,442             576,991        620,351          692,654         76,991        120,351          192,654
    15             205,277             582,031        632,459          720,069         82,031        132,459          220,069
    16             225,054             586,754        644,880          750,148         86,754        144,880          250,148
    17             245,819             591,129        657,593          783,138         91,129        157,593          283,138
    18             267,623             595,130        670,581          819,321         95,130        170,581          319,321
    19             290,518             598,731        683,826          859,007         98,731        183,826          359,007
    20             314,556             601,892        697,294          902,522        101,892        197,294          402,522
    25             454,028             609,808        766,770        1,191,821        109,808        266,770          691,821
    30             632,033             599,155        833,736        1,649,302         99,155        333,736        1,149,302
    35             859,217             560,508        885,583        2,373,001         60,508        385,583        1,873,001
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                     A-12

<PAGE>
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE 
         $500,000 TOTAL SUM INSURED
         MALE, ISSUE AGE 45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN NONSMOKER UNDERWRITING CLASS
         OPTION B DEATH BENEFIT
         GUIDELINE PREMIUM AND CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST
         NO GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT OPTION AFTER TENTH POLICY YEAR
         PLANNED PREMIUM: $9,060*
         USING MAXIMUM CHARGES 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Death Benefit                                Surrender Value
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%            12%             0%             6%             12%
- - -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------------------- -------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
     1            $  9,513      $      502,851 $      503,104 $      503,360 $        2,851 $        3,104 $         3,360
     2              19,502             507,265        508,053        508,876          7,265          8,053           8,876
     3              29,990             511,419        513,021        514,757         11,419         13,021          14,757
     4              41,002             515,307        517,997        521,029         15,307         17,997          21,029
     5              52,565             518,906        522,957        527,708         18,906         22,957          27,708
     6              64,707             522,207        527,884        534,820         22,207         27,884          34,820
     7              77,455             525,168        532,731        542,361         25,168         32,731          42,361
     8              90,841             527,760        537,458        550,340         27,760         37,458          50,340
     9             104,896             529,942        542,013        558,755         29,942         42,013          58,755
    10             119,653             531,669        546,336        567,597         31,669         46,336          67,597
    11             135,149             534,049        551,568        578,112         34,049         51,568          78,112
    12             151,420             535,902        556,526        589,199         35,902         56,526          89,199
    13             168,504             537,214        561,177        600,897         37,214         61,177         100,897
    14             186,442             537,957        565,470        613,229         37,957         65,470         113,229
    15             205,277             538,099        569,347        626,220         38,099         69,347         126,220
    16             225,054             537,581        572,720        639,868         37,581         72,720         139,868
    17             245,819             536,337        575,488        654,160         36,337         75,488         154,160
    18             267,623             534,280        577,525        669,062         34,280         77,525         169,062
    19             290,518             531,309        578,682        684,517         31,309         78,682         184,517
    20             314,556             527,330        578,807        700,468         27,330         78,807         200,468
    25             454,028                  **        558,775        785,881             **         58,775         285,881
    30             632,033                  **             **        868,193             **             **         368,193
    35             859,217                  **             **        904,774             **             **         404,774
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if Policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, Guaranteed Minimum
   Death Benefit after the tenth Policy year, or optional rider benefits are
   elected.
** Policy lapses unless additional premium payments are made.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6%, OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                     A-13

<PAGE>
 
 
 
            [LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK WORLDWIDE SPONSOR APPEARS HERE]
 
 
        POLICIES ISSUED BY JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                JOHN HANCOCK PLACE, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02117
 
[STOCK NUMBER] 4/97
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

                          UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS

      Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic
information, documents, and reports as may be prescribed by any rule or
regulation of the Commission heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to
authority conferred in that Section.
    
      John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company represents that the fees and
charges deducted under the Policies, in the aggregate, are reasonable in
relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the
risks assumed by the insurance company.    

                     UNDERTAKING REGARDING INDEMNIFICATION

      Pursuant to Section X of JHVLICO's Bylaws and Section 67 of the
Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, JHVLICO indemnifies each director,
former director, officer, and former officer, and his heirs and legal
representatives from liability incurred or imposed in connection with any legal
action in which he may be involved by reason of any alleged act or omission as
an officer or a director of JHVLICO.

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

                      CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

      This Registration Statement comprises the following Papers and Documents:

      The facing sheet.

      Cross-Reference Table.

      The prospectus consisting of 70 pages.

      The undertaking regarding indemnification.

      The undertaking to file reports.

      The signatures.

    The following exhibits:
<PAGE>
 
1.A. (1)      JHVLICO Board Resolution establishing the separate account, 
              previously filed electronically on October 30, 1996.
           
     (2)      Not Applicable.
               
     (3)      (a)  Form of Distribution and Servicing Agreement by and among
                   John Hancock Distributors, Inc., John Mutual Life Insurance
                   Company, and John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company,
                   
              (b)  Specimen Variable Contracts Selling Agreement between John
                   Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and selling broker-
                   dealers.     
           
              (c)  Schedule of sales commissions included in the text under the
                   heading "Distribution of Policies" in the prospectus.
           
     (4)      Not Applicable.
               
     (5)      Form of flexible premium variable life insurance policy, 
              previously filed electronically on April 3, 1997.      
           
     (6)      (a) JHVLICO Certificate of Incorporation, previously filed 
                  electronically on October 30, 1996.
           
              (b) JHVLICO By-laws, previously filed electronically on October 
                  30, 1996.


     (7)  Not Applicable.

     (8)  Not Applicable.

     (9)  Not Applicable.

     (10) Forms of individual and master applications for Policy, previously 
          filed electronically on October 30, 1996.  

<PAGE>
 
2.   Included as exhibit 1.A(5) above.
    
3.   Opinion and consent of counsel as to securities being registered, 
     previously filed electronically on April 3, 1997.     

4.   Not Applicable

5.   Not Applicable
    
6.   Opinion and consent of actuary, previously filed electronically on April 3,
     1997.     

7.   Consent of independent auditors.  

8.   Memorandum describing JHVLICO's issuance, transfer and redemption
     procedures for the flexible premium policy pursuant to Rule 
     6e-3(T)(b)(12)(iii). 
    
9.   Powers of attorney for Tomlinson, D'Alessandro, Shaw, Luddy, Lee, Reitano,
     Van Leer and Paster, previously filed electronically on October 30, 1996.
     Power of attorney for Ronald J. Bocage, incorporated by reference from Form
     10-K annual report for John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company (File
     No. 33-62895), filed March 28, 1997.      

        

10.  Not Applicable.


 

<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
    
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the John
Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunder duly
authorized, and its seal to be hereunto fixed and attested, all in the City of
Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 17th day of April, 1997.     

                                                  JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE
                                                  INSURANCE COMPANY

(SEAL)
                                                     /s/ Henry D. Shaw
                                   By             ____________________________
                                                       Henry D. Shaw
                                                        President   


            /s/ Sandra M. DaDalt
Attest:  _______________________________
             Sandra M. DaDalt
             Assistant Secretary 
<PAGE>
 
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities with John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company and on the dates
indicated.

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 

      Signature          Title                              Date 
      ---------          -----                              ----  
<S>                      <C>                                <C> 
/s/ Robert R. Reitano 
______________________
Robert R. Reitano        Director(Principal                     
                         Financial Officer)                 April 16, 1997  
                                                                             
/s/ Patrick F. Smith
______________________   Controller (Principal                               
Patrick F. Smith         Accounting Officer)                April 17, 1997 
                                                                             
/s/ Henry D. Shaw
______________________   Vice Chairman of the Board                          
Henry D. Shaw            and President(Acting Principal                      
for himself and as       Executive Officer)                 April 17, 1997 
</TABLE>      

Attorney-In-Fact
    
FOR:  David D. D'Alessandro     Chairman of the Board
      Robert R. Reitano         Director
      Thomas J. Lee             Director
      Michele G. Van Leer       Director
      Barbara L. Luddy          Director
      Ronald J. Bogage          Director      

<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-
    
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 
Registrant, John Hancock Variable Life Account S, has duly caused this 
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto 
duly authorized, and its seal to be hereunto fixed and attested, all in the City
of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 17th day of April, 1997.     


                     JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
                                 (Registrant)

                 By John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                  (Depositor)

(SEAL)

                                                  /s/ Henry D. Shaw
                                        By ______________________________
                                                   Henry D. Shaw
                                                     President

             /s/ Sandra M. DaDalt
Attest: _______________________________
               Sandra M. DaDalt
             Assistant Secretary 




<PAGE>
 
                                                              Exhibit 1.A.(3)(a)


                                                                DRAFT:  4/16/97

                  MASTER DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICING AGREEMENT


     AGREEMENT, made as of the 1st day of May, 1997, by and among John Hancock
Distributors, Inc. ("Distributors"), John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
("JHMLICO"), John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company ("JHVLICO"), and
JHMLICO and JHVLICO each on behalf of their respective existing and future
separate accounts registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940
Act"), including John Hancock Variable Annuity Accounts U, V, JF of JHMLICO,
John Hancock Variable Annuity Account I of JHVLICO, John Hancock Mutual Variable
Life Insurance Account UV of JHMLICO, and John Hancock Variable Life Account U,
V and S of JHVLICO (collectively, together with any such future separate
accounts, and as the context indicates, the "Separate Accounts," excluding,
however, separate account supporting variable products for which Distributors is
not the principal underwriter distributor).

       WHEREAS, JHMLICO and JHVLICO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JHMLICO, are
parties to a distribution agreement dated August 26, 1993, as amended effective
August 1, 1996; JHMLICO is a party to a distribution agreement dated August 25,
1986; JHMLICO is a party to a distribution agreement dated June 8, 1987; one or
more Separate Accounts are parties to the aforesaid distribution agreements,
which set forth the terms and conditions under which JHMLICO has distributed and
served as principal underwriter for variable life insurance policies, variable
annuity contracts, and certificates under such policies and contracts that are
issued in group form (collectively, 
<PAGE>
 
"Policies," which term includes any such future policies, contracts and
certificates issued by JHMLICO and JHVLICO, excluding, however, those policies,
contracts and certificates for which Distributors does not serve as principal
underwriter or distributor;

       WHEREAS, JHMLICO and JHVLICO (the "Insurers") on behalf of themselves and
their Separate Accounts, as parties to the aforesaid distribution agreements,
wish to combine and restate such distribution agreements into a master
distribution and servicing agreement under which Distributors, an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of JHMLICO, will succeed JHMLICO as the distributor and
principal underwriter of the Policies;

       WHEREAS, Distributors is the principal underwriter of John Hancock
Variable Series Trust I ("Series"), a mutual fund registered under the 1940 Act,
pursuant to an Underwriting and Indemnity Agreement dated as of May 1, 1997, by
and among Series, Distributors and JHMLICO ("Underwriting Agreement");

       WHEREAS, net premiums paid under Policies offered and sold by the
Insurers are and will be allocated to the Separate Accounts for investment in
shares of Series;

       WHEREAS, net premiums under certain life insurance policies and/or
annuity contracts offered and sold by JHMLICO or JHVLICO are or will be
allocated to interests that are deemed to constitute "securities" because of
"market value adjustment" or similar  provisions ("MVA Interests"), such
contracts and policies (as well as certificates 


                                       2
<PAGE>
 
issued under such group policies or contracts) being comprehended by the term
Policies for purposes of this Agreement;

       WHEREAS, Distributors is registered as a broker-dealer with the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 ("1934 Act") and is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD");

       WHEREAS, the parties desire to have Distributors act as principal
underwriter and distributor of the Policies and assume responsibility for all of
the securities activities of each "person associated" (as that term is defined
in Section 3(a)(18) of the 1934 Act) with Distributors and engaged directly or
indirectly in the sale of the Policies ("associated persons"); and

       WHEREAS, Distributors wishes to utilize the services of employees of
JHMLICO, who will be deemed to be associated persons of Distributors, to perform
various support and administrative functions in connection with Distributors'
responsibilities under this Agreement;

     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

   1. Distributors shall act as the principal underwriter and distributor of the
Policies, and as such will assume full responsibility for the securities
activities of all of the associated persons.  Distributors will train the
associated persons, register 


                                       3
<PAGE>
 
associated persons as its registered representatives or principals (as
required), and supervise and control them in the performance of their securities
activities. Distributors shall assume full responsibility for the continued
compliance by itself and the associated persons, including registered
representatives and registered principals, with all NASD requirements and
Federal and state legal requirements, to the extent applicable, in connection
with the sale of the Policies.

     2. Distributors shall offer for sale and sell Policies on behalf of the
relevant Insurer in each state and other jurisdictions in which the Policies may
be lawfully sold.  Such offering or sale shall be on such terms and conditions
and shall provide for such lawful compensation to Distributors, as Distributors
and the relevant Insurer shall determine, provided that such terms, conditions
and compensation shall be as set forth in or not inconsistent with any relevant
prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of
1933 ("1933 Act"), and containing the required information for or forming a part
of a registration statement effective under the 1933 Act.

     3. Applications for Policies shall be solicited by insurance agents of the
relevant Insurer who are registered representatives or principals of
Distributors, and are duly and appropriately licensed for the sale of Policies
in each state or other jurisdiction in which lawful sales may be made.  The
relevant Insurer shall have responsibility for arranging for such licensing.
Distributors shall review completed applications for Policies in terms of
suitability (except to the extent that responsibility for suitability
determinations is assumed by other broker-dealers pursuant to the selling
agreements 


                                       4
<PAGE>
 
referred to in Section 12, below) and shall determine whether to
accept or reject any application.  JHMLICO on its own behalf and on behalf of
JHVLICO shall review such applications for purposes of insurance underwriting
and shall determine whether to accept or reject any application in accordance
with established underwriting rules.  JHMLICO will determine an insured's risk
classification pursuant to its own and JHVLICO's underwriting rules.

     4. Initial and subsequent premium payments under Policies shall be made by
check payable to the relevant Insurer, or by such other means as such Insurer
may agree.  Any premiums paid will be refunded by the relevant Insurer, if a
Policy is not issued or is surrendered under any short-term cancellation
provision.  Premium payments received by Distributors shall be remitted daily by
Distributors, or other broker-dealer acting through Distributors, to the
relevant Insurer for allocation to the Separate Accounts or MVA Interests in
accordance with the Policies and any related prospectuses.


     5.1. As compensation for its services, the relevant Insurer will pay
Distributors commissions and service fees, and reimburse Distributors for other
direct and indirect expenses (including, without limitation, agency expense
allowances, general agent, district manager and supervisor compensation, agent
training allowances, deferred compensation and insurance benefits of agents,
general agents, district managers and supervisors, agency office clerical
expenses, marketing support and administrative services) actually incurred in
connection with the marketing and sale of Policies. The amounts payable to
Distributors shall comply with applicable compensation rules and 


                                       5
<PAGE>
 
procedures as Distributors and the relevant Insurer mutually agree upon from
time to time. Unless otherwise agreed to, the maximum commission and service
fees payable shall be as set forth in Exhibit A appended hereto.

     5.2. Distributors intends to reallocate commissions and service fees to its
registered representatives or principals for the sale of Policies in amounts
determined by Distributors.  For its convenience, Distributors authorizes
JHMLICO to make commission and service fee payments on behalf of Distributors,
directly to its registered representatives or principals.  All such commissions
and service fees shall be reflected on Distributors' books and records as a
receipt of compensation from JHMLICO or JHVLICO, as the case may be, and a
disbursement to registered representatives or principals, notwithstanding the
direct payment by JHMLICO.


     6.1. JHMLICO agrees to provide support, administrative and other such
services to Distributors, including personnel, to assist Distributors in the
performance of its duties as principal underwriter and distributor of the
Policies. In providing such services, all personnel of JHMLICO, or of JHVLICO to
the extent that JHVLICO may provide similar services, shall at all times be
subject to the supervision and control of Distributors. All such personnel are
hereby acknowledged and deemed to be associated persons of Distributors and, as
necessary to comply with regulatory requirements, will be registered
representatives or principals of Distributors.


                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     6.2. For the convenience of the parties, compensation payments will be made
by JHMLICO and/or JHVLICO, directly to their personnel provided to Distributors
as part of the salaries paid to such employees, consistent with such employee
compensation and employee benefit plans as are maintained by the Insurers.
Distributors acknowledge that personnel provided by JHMLICO or JHVLICO will not
be exclusively engaged in securities related activities and that they may have
other, non-securities, responsibilities as employees of JHMLICO or JHVLICO.

     7. The books, accounts and records of Distributors, JHMLICO and JHVLICO as
to all transactions hereunder shall be maintained so as to disclose clearly and
accurately the nature and details of the transactions to ensure compliance with
applicable regulatory and reporting requirements. To the extent that either of
Distributors, JHMLICO or JHVLICO maintains on behalf of the other any records
required to be maintained by the other pursuant to 1940 Act Rules 31a-1 or 31a-2
under the 1940 Act or pursuant to 1934 Act Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4, such records
shall be maintained as agent for the other party and remain the property of the
party so required to maintain them, shall be surrendered promptly to that party
upon its request, and shall at all times be subject to inspection by the SEC,
NASD and any other appropriate governmental agency.

     8. JHMLICO and JHVLICO will pay the expenses of preparing and printing
their respective registration statements, prospectuses and sales literature, and
for like expenses actually incurred in connection with the offering, sale and
delivery of Policies. 


                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Distributors shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with its
qualification as a broker-dealer and all other expenses relating to the
offering, sale or delivery of Policies, as contemplated by this Agreement.

     9. In offering, selling and delivering Policies, Distributors will duly
conform in all respects with the laws of the United States and of each state in
which Policies may be offered for sale by it pursuant to this Agreement.
Applications will be solicited by registered representatives or principals of
Distributors, or any other broker-dealers who have been duly licensed as
contemplated by Section 12, below. In connection with the offer, sale or
delivery of Policies, Distributors will not give any information or make any
representation other than information and representations contained in or not
inconsistent with a prospectus meeting the requirement of Section 10(a) of the
1933 Act and containing the required information for or forming a part of a
registration statement which is effective under the 1933 Act.

     10. JHMLICO agrees that, in the absence of a fixed account option under a
variable life insurance policy, or if no suitable fixed-dollar policy is
available from JHVLICO, it will issue a policy of fixed benefit insurance
without evidence of insurability in exchange for any JHVLICO Policy whenever the
owner of a Policy elects to exchange the Policy in accordance with its
provisions.



                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     11. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or
terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is
sought.

     12. Distributors may enter into an agreement with one or more broker-
dealers registered under the 1934 Act for the sale of the Policies, whether
funded by the Separate Accounts, MVA Interests, or both. Any broker-dealer
offering, selling or delivering Policies will agree with Distributors to conform
duly in all respects with the laws of the United States and of each state in
which Policies may be offered for sale by it. No agent or representative of any
such broker-dealer shall solicit applications for Policies until duly licensed
and appointed as a life insurance agent of the relevant Insurer in the
appropriate jurisdiction. JHMLICO or JHVLICO, as the case may be, may directly
compensate other broker-dealers on behalf of Distributors, as provided in the
selling agreements with such other broker-dealers, or reimburse Distributors for
such amounts.

     13. This Agreement shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the
Federal securities laws and the rules, regulations, and rulings thereunder,
including such exemptions as the SEC may grant, and the terms hereof shall be
interpreted and construed in accordance therewith.

     14. Distributors shall, in connection with its obligations hereunder,
comply with all laws and regulations, whether Federal or state, and whether
relating to insurance or


                                       9
<PAGE>
 
securities, including but not limited to the recordkeeping and sales supervision
requirements of such laws and regulations and rules of the NASD.

     15.   JHMLICO, JHVLICO and Distributors agree that (a) each party shall
advise the other promptly of any substantive customer complaint, or of any
notice of any regulatory investigation or proceeding or judicial processing
received by a party with respect to Distributors or any agent or representative
or which may affect the sale of the Policies, and (b) Distributors, JHMLICO and
JHVLICO will cooperate in investigating such complaint, and any response to such
complaint which any of them has prepared will be sent to the other parties for
approval not less than five business days prior to its transmittal to the
customer or regulatory authority.

     16.1. Each Insurer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Distributors and
its officers and directors against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities,
joint or several, to which Distributors or its affiliates or such officer or
director may become subject, under the 1933 Act or otherwise, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out
of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact, required to be stated therein or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact, required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, contained in (a) any registration statement relating to
that Insurer's Separate Accounts or the MVA interests offered under that
Insurer's Policies, or any amendment thereof, or (b) any document executed by
that

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Insurer, specifically for the purpose of qualifying that Insurer's Policies for
sale under the securities laws of any jurisdiction.

     16.2. Such Insurer will reimburse Distributors and each such officer or
director for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by Distributors or
such officer or director in connection with investigating or defending any such
loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that such Insurer
will not be liable in any such case to the extent that such loss, claim, damage
or liability arises out of, or is based upon, an untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in
conformity with information (including, without limitation, negative responses
to inquiries) furnished to JHMLICO or JHVLICO by or on behalf of Distributors
specifically for use in the preparation of any such registration statement or
any amendment thereof or any such qualification document or any amendment
thereof.

     16.3. Distributors agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Insurer, its
directors, each of its officers who has signed any registration statements
relating to that Insurer's Separate Accounts or MVA interests, each person, if
any, who controls that Insurer within the meaning of the 1933 Act or the 1934
Act, and that Insurer's Separate Accounts against any losses, claims, damages or
liabilities to which such Insurer or any such director, officer, controlling
person or Separate Account may become subject, under the 1933 Act or otherwise,
insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect
thereof) arise out of or are based upon:

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
     16.4. Any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, contained in (i) any
registration statement relating to such Separate Account or the MVA interests
offered under such Insurer's Policies or any amendment thereof, or (ii) any
document relating to such Separate Account or the MVA interests offered under
such Insurer's Policies or any amendment thereof, in each case to the extent,
but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information (including without limitation, negative responses to inquiries)
furnished to JHMLICO or JHVLICO, by Distributors specifically for use in the
preparation of any registration statement relating to such Separate Account or
such MVA interests or any amendment thereof or any such qualification document
relating to such Separate Accounts or such MVA interests or any amendment
thereof; or

     16.5. Any unauthorized use of sales materials or any verbal or written
misrepresentations or any unlawful sales practices concerning the Policies by
Distributors or otherwise attributable to a failure by Distributors to discharge
properly its responsibilities under this Agreement; or

     16.6. Claims by agents or representatives or employees of Distributors for
commissions, service fees, expense allowances or other compensation or
remuneration of any type.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
     16.7. Distributors will reimburse such Insurer, and any such director or
officer or controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by such Insurer, director, officer or controlling person in connection
with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or
action.

     16.8. Promptly after receipt by a person or entity entitled to
indemnification ("Indemnified Person") under this Section 16 of notice of the
commencement of any action, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against
any party obligated to provide indemnification under this Section 16
("Indemnifying Party"), such Indemnified Person will notify the Indemnifying
Party in writing of the commencement thereof, but the omission so to notify the
Indemnifying Party will not relieve it from any liability under this Section 16,
except to the extent that the omission results in a failure of actual notice to
the Indemnifying Party and such Indemnifying Party is damaged solely as a result
of the failure to give such notice. In case any such action is brought against
any Indemnified Person, and it notifies the Indemnifying Party of the
commencement thereof, the Indemnifying Party will be entitled to participate
therein, and, to the extent that it may wish, to assume the defense thereof,
with separate counsel satisfactory to the Indemnified Person. Such participation
shall not relieve such Indemnifying Party of the obligation to reimburse the
Indemnified Person for reasonable legal and other expenses incurred by such
Indemnified Person in defending itself, except for such expenses incurred after
the Indemnifying Party has deposited funds sufficient to effect the settlement,
with prejudice, of the claim in respect of which indemnity is sought. No such
Indemnifying Party shall be liable to any such Indemnified Person on account of
any

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
settlement of any claim or action effected without the consent of such
Indemnifying Party.

     16.9. The indemnity agreements contained in this Section 16 shall survive
the termination of this Agreement.

     17.   All notices under this Agreement shall be given in writing and
addressed as follows:

     (a) if to Distributors, to:
           John Hancock Distributors, Inc.
           197 Clarendon Street
           Boston, MA 02117

     (b) if to JHMLICO, to:
           John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
           200 Clarendon Street
           Boston, MA 02117

     (c) if to JHVLICO, to:
           John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
           197 Clarendon Street
           Boston MA 02117

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
     18.   This Agreement shall terminate automatically if it shall be assigned
or if the Underwriting Agreement is terminated. This Agreement may be terminated
at any time on 60 days' written notice to the other party hereto, without the
payment of any penalty, by Distributors or JHMLICO as to Policies issued by
JHMLICO, or by Distributors or JHVLICO as to Policies issued by JHVLICO.

     19.   This Agreement shall be construed and governed in accordance with the
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

     20.   This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall be deemed one
instrument.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the day and year above written.


Date:  April __, 1997
John Hancock Distributors, Inc.
By:____________________________


Date:  April __, 1997
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
By:____________________________


Date:  April __, 1997
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
By:____________________________

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A



Scheduled Premium Policy (Flex V)

         Maximum commission of 50% of premium paid under Modified Schedule of
premiums in Policy year 1, 10% of such premiums in Policy years 2-4, and 3% of
any other premiums.


Annual Premium Policy (VLI)

         Maximum commission of 55% of premium paid in Policy year 1, 15% of
premium paid in Policy year 2, 10% of premium paid in Policy years 3-5, 5% of
premium paid in Policy years 6-10, and 3% of any other premiums.


Single Premium Policy

         Maximum commission of 3%.


Flexible Premium Variable Survivorship Policy (VEP)

         Maximum commission of 45% of Target Premium paid in Policy year 1, 5%
of Target Premium paid in Policy years 2-5, 3% of Target Premium paid in any
subsequent years, and 3% of any excess premium in any year.


Individual Deferred Combination Fixed/Variable Annuity Contract (Independence
Preferred)

         Maximum commission of 3% of premium on contracts issued to Annuitants
issue age 0-70, maximum commission of 2% of premium on contracts issued to
Annuitants issue ages 71 and above.


Revised Flexible Premium Policy (New Flex V)

         Maximum Commission of 50% of premium paid up to Required Premium in
Policy year 1, 8% of such premiums in Policy years 2-4, and 3% of any other
premiums.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
Universal Variable Policy (MVL)

         Maximum commission of 50% of premium paid up to Required Premium paid
in Policy year 1, 6% of the Target Premium for Policy years 2-4; 3% of the
Target Premium in each year thereafter, and 3% of excess premium in any year.


Variable COLI Policy (VCOLI)

         Maximum commission of 14% of Target Premium in Policy years 1-10; 3% of
Target Premium in Policy years 11 and thereafter; and 2% of any excess premium
paid.


Universal Variable Policy (MEVL)

         Maximum commission of 20% of Target Premium in Policy year 1, plus 6%
of the Target Premium for the first Policy year which will be payable in each of
Policy years 2-4; 6% of the Target Premium paid for Policy years 2-4; 3% of the
Target Premium paid in each year thereafter; and 3% of excess premium in any
year.


Universal Variable Policy  (MVUL)

         Maximum commission of 65% of Target Premium in Policy year 1, plus 10%
of Target Premium in Policy years 2 through 10, 4% of Target Premium in each
year thereafter, and 4% of excess premium in any year.


Revised Flexible Premium Variable Survivorship Policy (MVEP)

         Maximum commission of 65% of Target Premium paid in Policy year 1, 12%
of Target Premium paid in Policy years 2-5, 7.5% of Target Premium paid in
Policy years 6-10, and 3% of Target Premium paid in each year thereafter.



                                     (Exhibit A, as amended, December 10, 1996)

                                       18

<PAGE>
 
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(3)(b)

                              VARIABLE CONTRACTS

                               SELLING AGREEMENT


                                  May 1, 1997



        John Hancock Distributors, Inc. ("JH Distributors"), as the distributor
and principal underwriter, and [Company], [Address1], [Address2], [City],
[State] [PostalCode](hereinafter called "[CNAME]") enter into this agreement
effective with its execution by [CNAME] for the purpose of authorizing [CNAME]
to solicit applications for variable life insurance and variable annuity
contracts ("Contracts") distributed by JH Distributors on behalf of John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company ("JHMLICO") and John Hancock Variable Life
Insurance Company ("JHVLICO"), a subsidiary of JHMLICO. The parties represent as
follows:

        1.)   Each of JHMLICO and JHVLICO is engaged in the issuance of variable
        life insurance contracts and variable annuity contracts, both in
        accordance with Federal securities laws and the applicable laws of those
        states in which the Contracts have been qualified for sale. The
        Contracts are considered securities under the Securities Act of 1933;
        therefore, distribution of the Contracts is made through JH Distributors
        as a registered broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
        and as a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
        ("NASD").
 
        2.)   [CNAME] certifies that it is a registered broker/dealer under the
        Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the NASD. [CNAME] agrees
        to abide by all rules and regulations of the NASD, including its Conduct
        Rules, and to comply with all applicable state and Federal laws and the
        rules and regulations of authorized regulatory agencies affecting the
        sale of the Contracts.
 
        3.)   [CNAME] will select persons to be registered and supervised by it
        who will be trained and qualified to solicit applications for the
        Contracts in conformance with applicable state and Federal laws and
        regulations. Persons so trained and qualified will be Registered
        Representatives of [CNAME] in accordance with the rules of the NASD and
        they will be properly licensed to represent JHMLICO or JHVLICO or both
        in accordance with the state insurance laws of those jurisdictions in
        which the Contracts may lawfully be distributed and in which they
        solicit applications for such Contracts.
 
        4.)   [CNAME] will take reasonable steps to ensure that its Registered
        Representatives shall not make recommendations to applicants to purchase
        Contracts in the absence of reasonable grounds to believe the purchase
        of each Contract is suitable for the applicant. The procedure will
        include review of all proposals and applications for Contracts for
        suitability and completeness and correctness as to form as well as
        review and endorsement on an internal record of [CNAME] of the
        transactions. [CNAME] will promptly forward 
<PAGE>
 
        to JH Distributors all applications found suitable, together with any
        payments received with the applications, without deduction or reduction.
        JH Distributors reserves the right to reject any Contract application
        and return any payment made in connection with an application which is
        rejected. Contracts issued on applications accepted by JHMLICO or
        JHVLICO will be forwarded to the Registered Representative of [CNAME]
        for delivery to the Contract owner.
 
        5.)   [CNAME] will perform the selling functions required by this
        agreement only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the then
        current prospectus applicable to the Contracts and will make no
        representations not included in the prospectus or in any authorized
        supplemental material. Any material prepared or used by [CNAME] or its
        Registered Representatives, which describes or must describe the
        Contracts, or uses the name of JHMLICO or JHVLICO or the logos or
        Service Marks of either, must be approved by JH Distributors, in
        writing, prior to any such use.
 
        6.)   JH Distributors will provide [CNAME] with prospectuses, and any
        supplements or amendments thereto, describing the Contracts subject to
        this Agreement. JH Distributors is responsible for maintaining in effect
        in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange
        Commission each Registration Statement of which the prospectus is part.
        JH Distributors will immediately notify [CNAME] of the issuance of any
        stop order or any Federal or state regulatory proceeding which would
        prevent the sale of Contracts in any state or jurisdiction.
 
        7.)   Compensation payable on sales of the Contracts solicited by
        [CNAME] will be paid to [CNAME] by JH Distributors in accordance with
        the compensation schedules defined under the John Hancock Mutual Life
        Insurance Company General Agent's Independent Producer's Commission
        Agreement related thereto, as in effect at the time the contract
        premiums or considerations are received by JHMLICO or JHVLICO.
        Compensation to the Registered Representative for Contracts solicited by
        the Registered Representative will be governed by an agreement between
        [CNAME] and its Registered Representative.
 
        8.)   In the event of any surrender of a Contract within the 10 day
        "free look" period or, in the case of a variable life insurance policy,
        within 10 days after the mailing of the Notice of Withdrawal Right, any
        compensation payable to [CNAME] or its Registered Representatives will
        not be payable or will be refunded by [CNAME] if priorly paid, in
        accordance with the terms of the Independent Producer's Commission
        Agreement.
 
        9.)   This agreement may not be assigned except by mutual consent and
        will continue for an indefinite term, subject to the termination by
        either party by ten days advance written notice to the other party,
        except that in the event JH Distributors or [CNAME] ceases to be a
        registered broker/dealer or a member of the NASD, this agreement will
        immediately terminate. Upon its termination, all authorizations, rights
        and obligations shall cease, except the agreement in Section 11, the
        indemnifications in Section 12 and the payment of any accrued but unpaid
        compensation to [CNAME].
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
        10.)  For the purpose of compliance with any applicable Federal or state
        securities laws or regulations, [CNAME] acknowledges and agrees that, in
        performing the services covered by this agreement, it is acting in the
        capacity of an independent "broker" or "dealer" as defined by the By-
        Laws of the NASD and not as an agent or employee of JH Distributors,
        JHMLICO or JHVLICO or any registered investment company. In furtherance
        of its responsibilities as a broker or dealer, [CNAME] acknowledges that
        it is responsible for statutory and regulatory compliance in securities
        transactions involving any business produced by its Registered
        Representatives concerning the Contracts.
 
        For the purpose of compliance with any applicable state insurance laws
        or regulations, [CNAME] acknowledges and agrees that only while
        performing the insurance-selling functions reflected by this agreement
        are [CNAME]'s Registered Representatives acting as the licensed
        insurance agents of JHMLICO or JHVLICO or both and in that capacity are
        authorized only to solicit applications for the Contracts which will not
        become effective until acceptance by JHMLICO or JHVLICO.
 
        11.)  [CNAME] and JH Distributors jointly agree to cooperate fully in
        any insurance or securities regulatory investigation or proceeding or
        judicial proceeding arising in connection with any Contract. Without
        limiting the foregoing:
 
              (a)   [CNAME] will be notified promptly of any customer complaint
              or notice of any regulatory authority investigation or proceeding
              or judicial proceeding received by JH Distributors with respect to
              any Contract.
 
              (b)   [CNAME] will promptly notify JH Distributors of any customer
              complaint or notice of any regulatory authority investigation or
              proceeding or judicial proceeding received by [CNAME] with respect
              to any Contract.
 
        12.)  (a) JH Distributors agrees to indemnify and hold harmless [CNAME]
        and each person who controls or is associated with [CNAME] against any
        losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which
        [CNAME] or such controlling or associated person may become subject
        under the Securities Act of 1933 or otherwise, insofar as such losses,
        claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out
        of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of
        a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
        statements therein not misleading contained (i) in any Registration
        Statement, any prospectus or any document executed by JH Distributors,
        JHMLICO or JHVLICO specifically for the purpose of qualifying a Contract
        for sale under the laws of any jurisdiction or (ii) in any written
        information or sales material authorized for and supplied or furnished
        to [CNAME] and its agents or representatives by JH Distributors, its
        employees or agents, in connection with the sale of the Contract, and JH
        Distributors will reimburse [CNAME] and each such controlling person for
        legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by [CNAME] or such
        controlling person in connection with investigating or defending any
        such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
        (b)   [CNAME] agrees to indemnify and hold harmless JH Distributors,
        JHMLICO and JHVLICO and each of their directors and officers against any
        losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which JH Distributors, JHMLICO
        and JHVLICO and any such director or officer may become subject under
        the Securities Act of 1933 and state insurance laws or otherwise,
        insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in
        respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon:
 
              (i)  any unauthorized use of sales materials or any verbal or
              written misrepresentations or any unlawful sale practices
              concerning a Contract by [CNAME] or
 
              (ii)  claims by agents or representatives or employees of [CNAME]
              for commissions or other compensation or remuneration of any type
              or
 
              (iii)  failure by agents, representatives or employees of [CNAME]
              to comply with all applicable state insurance laws and regulations
              including but not limited to state licensing requirements, rebate
              statutes and replacement regulations, and the provisions of this
              Agreement; and [CNAME] will reimburse JH Distributors, JHMLICO and
              JHVLICO and any director or officer thereof for any legal or other
              expenses reasonably incurred by JH Distributors, JHMLICO and
              JHVLICO or such director or officer in connection with
              investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability
              or action.
 
        (c)   After receipt by a party entitled to indemnification of notice of
        the commencement of any action, if a claim in respect thereof is to be
        made against any person obligated to provide indemnification, such
        indemnified party will notify the indemnifying party in writing of the
        commencement thereof as soon as practicable thereafter, and the omission
        so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from any
        liability, except to the extent that the omission results in a failure
        of actual notice to the indemnifying party and such indemnifying party
        is damaged solely as a result of the failure to give such notice.
 
        13.)  All notices to JH Distributors should be mailed to:
 
                        David C. Wright, Vice President and Counsel
                        John Hancock Distributors, Inc.
                        197 Clarendon Street, C-6
                        Boston, MA 02117
 
              All notices to [CNAME] will be duly given if mailed to the address
              shown below.
 
                        [Company]
                        [Address1]
                        [Address2]
                        [City], [State] [PostalCode]
 
                                      4 
<PAGE>
 
        14.)  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
        with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

        15.)  This Agreement shall be effective as of May 1, 1997.
 
 
        In reliance on the representations set forth and in consideration of the
        undertakings described, the parties represented below do hereby contract
        and agree.









John Hancock Distributors, Inc.          [Company]



By:                                      By: 
    ---------------------------------        -----------------------------
    Signature                                Signature



       David C. Wright
    ---------------------------------    ---------------------------------
Print Name                               Print Name


Title: Vice President                    Title:
      -------------------------------          ---------------------------



     Counsel and Corporate Secretary
    ---------------------------------        -----------------------------


                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 7

              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
    
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Prospectus and to the use of our reports dated February 7, 1997, with respect to
the financial statements of John Hancock Variable Life Account S, and dated 
February 14, 1997, with respect to the financial statements of John Hancock 
Variable Life Insurance Company, included in this Pre-Effective Amendment
No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form S-6, No. 333-15075).     

             
                                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
    
April 18, 1997     

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 1
   <NAME> LARGE CAP GROWTH
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       17,864,249
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      16,915,393
<RECEIVABLES>                                   20,003
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              16,935,396
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        19,803
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          200
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             20,003
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                16,915,393
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            2,452,382
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  44,880
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      2,402,502
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       444,487
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (1,104,574)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,792,415
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     13,036,922
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (4,928,834)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       9,850,503
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 49,880
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 2
   <NAME> SOVEREIGN BOND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        5,224,985
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       5,185,747
<RECEIVABLES>                                   26,025
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               5,211,772
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        25,968
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           57
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             26,025
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 5,185,747
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              242,881
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  14,129
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        228,752
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         5,746
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      (69,923)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          164,525
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      4,312,776
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    679,839
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       3,797,462
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 14,129
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 3
   <NAME> INTERNATIONAL EQUITIES
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        5,486,692
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       5,731,199
<RECEIVABLES>                                   11,820
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               5,743,019
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        11,736
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           84
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             11,820
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 5,731,199
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               52,188
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  23,132
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         29,056
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       165,730
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      137,729
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          332,515
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      4,750,218
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  1,906,352
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       3,176,381
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 23,132
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 4
   <NAME> SMALL CAP GROWTH
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          500,190
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         497,525
<RECEIVABLES>                                        8
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 497,533
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                            8
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  8
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   497,525
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                  512
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   1,547
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         (1,035)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       (40,018)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       (2,665)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          (42,118)
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,120,880
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    579,637
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         497,525
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  1,547
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 5
   <NAME> INTERNATIONAL BALANCED
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          146,989
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         152,295
<RECEIVABLES>                                        2
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 152,297
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                            2
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  2
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   152,295
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                2,947
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                     356
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          2,591
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            56
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        5,307
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            7,954
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        148,617
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                      4,276
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         152,295
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    356
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 6
   <NAME> MID CAP GROWTH
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          831,883
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         838,323
<RECEIVABLES>                                   31,811
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 870,134
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        31,800
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           11
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             31,811
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   838,323
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                1,177
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                     719
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                            458
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                          (391)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        6,440
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            6,509
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        858,546
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     26,730
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         838,323
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    719
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER>  7
   <NAME> LARGE CAP VALUE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          738,803
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         762,356
<RECEIVABLES>                                       10
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 762,366
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           10
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 10
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   762,356
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               13,644
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                     964
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         12,680
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         1,327
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       23,553
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           37,560
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        767,660
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     42,864
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         762,356
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    964
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 8
   <NAME> MONEY MARKET  
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       10,038,857
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      10,038,857
<RECEIVABLES>                                  336,601
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              10,375,458
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       336,451
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          150
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            336,601
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                10,038,857
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              287,321
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  30,722
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        256,599
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          256,599
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     36,814,029
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                 31,658,283
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       5,412,345
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 30,722
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 9
   <NAME> MID CAP VALUE 
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          322,406
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         336,316
<RECEIVABLES>                                        6
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 336,322
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                            6
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  6
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   336,316
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                6,878
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                     377
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          6,501
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                           845
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       13,910
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           21,256
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        324,248
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                      9,188
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         336,316
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    377
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 10
   <NAME> SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        5,653,898
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       6,187,188
<RECEIVABLES>                                   10,196
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               6,197,483
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        10,295
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           99
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             10,295
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 6,187,188
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              238,163
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  21,146
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        217,017
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       317,400
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      344,786 
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          879,203
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      4,931,686
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  1,301,761
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       4,517,128
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 21,146
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 11
   <NAME> REAL ESTATE EQUITY
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        1,053,443
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       1,279,523
<RECEIVABLES>                                    4,560
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,284,083
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         4,540
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           20
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              4,560
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 1,279,523
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               50,204
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   4,547
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         46,657
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        19,122
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      191,067
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          255,846
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        748,683
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    295,788
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         708,741
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  4,547
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 12
   <NAME> GROWTH & INCOME
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       25,904,663
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      25,663,282
<RECEIVABLES>                                  195,552
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              25,858,834
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       195,180
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          372
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            195,552
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                25,663,282
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            3,056,625
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  89,391
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      2,967,234
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       512,402
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                     (496,647)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        2,982,989
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     19,263,021
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  5,502,524
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      16,743,486
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 89,391
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 13
   <NAME> MANAGED
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       11,981,412
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      11,517,261
<RECEIVABLES>                                    4,549
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              11,521,810
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         4,408
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          141
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              4,549
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                11,517,261
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            1,281,149
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  35,103
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,246,046
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       124,493
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                     (507,517)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          863,022
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      9,996,216
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  3,151,700
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       7,707,538
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 35,103
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 14
   <NAME> SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        3,381,189
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       3,395,242
<RECEIVABLES>                                   25,689
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,420,931
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        25,661
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           28
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             25,689
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 3,395,242
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              181,937
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   9,277
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        172,660
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       (52,888)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       (7,734)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          112,038
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      8,757,292
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  7,683,085
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       1,186,195
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  9,277
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 15
   <NAME> SMALL CAP VALUE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          326,961
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         341,007
<RECEIVABLES>                                        5
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 341,012
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                            5
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  5
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   341,007
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                8,296
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                     523
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          7,773
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            58
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       14,046
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           21,877
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        335,271
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     16,141
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         341,007
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    523
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 16
   <NAME> INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES 
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          872,447
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         909,113
<RECEIVABLES>                                   32,559
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 941,672
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        32,547
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           12
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             32,559
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   909,113
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                2,965
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   1,439
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          1,526
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                           242
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       36,666
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           38,434
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        960,081
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     89,402
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         909,113
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  1,439
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
    <NUMBER>  17
    <NAME>   EQUITY INDEX
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          918,525
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         974,307
<RECEIVABLES>                                   21,534
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 995,841
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        21,519
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           15
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             21,534
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   974,307
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               23,300
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   1,962
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         21,338
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        17,318
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       55,782
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           94,518
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,282,798
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    403,009
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         974,307
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  1,962
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 18
   <NAME> STRATEGIC BOND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          259,219
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         258,628
<RECEIVABLES>                                   19,681
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 278,309
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        19,677
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                            4
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             19,681
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   258,628
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                7,425
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                     349
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          7,076
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            22
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                         (591)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            6,507
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        259,231
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                      7,110
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         258,628
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    349
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 19
   <NAME> TURNER CORE GROWTH
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          638,699
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         654,753
<RECEIVABLES>                                        9
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 654,762
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                            9
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                  9
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   654,753
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               21,778
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   2,140
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         19,638
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        (9,767)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       16,054
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           25,925
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,135,190
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    506,352
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         654,753
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  2,140
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 20
   <NAME> EDINBURGH INT'L EQUITY
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          941,429
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         929,143
<RECEIVABLES>                                   11,706
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 940,849
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        11,692
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           14
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             11,706
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   929,143
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                5,263
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   2,280
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          2,983
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        (2,433)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      (12,286)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          (11,736)
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,021,091
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     80,162
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         929,143
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  2,280
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 21
   <NAME> FRONTEIR CAPITAL APPRECIATION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          962,978
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         968,078
<RECEIVABLES>                                   23,405
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 991,483
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        23,391
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           14
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             23,404
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   968,078
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   1,679
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         (1,679)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       (21,044)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        5,101
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          (17,622)
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,535,063
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    549,363
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         968,078
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  1,679
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>


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