Registration No. 333-42567

   
    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 1998
    

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

   
                                   FORM S-6
                         PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
    

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

                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                             SEPARATE ACCOUNT VL-R
                             (Exact Name of Trust)

                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                           (Exact Name of Depositor)
                             2727-A Allen Parkway
                           Houston, Texas 77019-2191
         (Complete Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices)

                            Steven A, Glover, Esq.
                              Assistant Secretary
                    American General Life Insurance Company
                             2727-A Allen Parkway
                           Houston, Texas 77019-2191
               (Name and Complete Address of Agent for Service)

                 Please send copies of all communications to:

               Gary O. Cohen, Esq. and Thomas C. Lauerman, Esq.
                        Freedman, Levy, Kroll & Simonds
                   1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 825
                            Washington, D.C. 20036

               Title and Amount of Securities Being Registered:
                 An Indefinite Amount of Units of Interest in
                    American General Life Insurance Company
                             Separate Account VL-R
                    Under Variable Life Insurance Policies



Amount of Filing Fee:  None required.

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the
effective date of this Registration Statement.

Registrant  elects  to be  governed  by Rule  63-3(T)(b)(13)(I)(A)  under  the
Investment  Company Act of 1940,  with respect to the Variable Life  Insurance
Policies described in the Prospectus.


                                      ii



                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                             SEPARATE ACCOUNT VL-R
                 RECONCILIATION AND TIE BETWEEN ITEMS IN FORM
                           N-8B-2 AND THE PROSPECTUS
                    (PURSUANT TO INSTRUCTION 4 OF FORM S-6)



ITEM NO. OF FORM N-8B-2*            CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
                                 
 1                                  Additional  Information:  Separate Account
                                    VL-R.

 2                                  Additional Information: AGL.

 3                                  Inapplicable.

 4                                  Additional  Information:  Distribution  of
                                    Policies.

 5, 6                               Additional  Information:  Separate Account
                                    VL-R.

 7                                  Inapplicable.**

 8                                  Inapplicable.**

 9                                  Additional information: Legal Matters.

10(a)                               Additional Information:  Your Beneficiary,
                                    Assigning Your Policy.

10(b)                               Basic Questions You May Have: How will the
                                    value of my  investment in a Policy change
                                    over time?

10(c), 10(d)                        Basic  Questions  You May Have:  How can I
                                    change my Policy's insurance coverage? How
                                    can I access  my  investment  in a Policy?
                                    Can I choose  the  form in which  AGL pays
                                    out   any   proceeds   from   my   Policy?
                                    Additional Information:  Payment of Policy
                                    Proceeds.

10(e)                               Basic  Questions  You  May  Have:  Must  I
                                    invest any minimum amount in a Policy?

10(f)                               Additional Information: Voting Privileges.

10(g)(1), 10(g)(4), 10(h)(3),       Basic  Questions  You  May  Have:  To what
10(h)(2)                            extent   will  AGL  vary  the   terms  and
                                    conditions  of the Policies in  particular
                                    cases?  Additional   Information:   Voting
                                    Privileges;   Additional  Rights  That  We
                                    Have.


                                      iii



10(g)(3), 10(g)(4), 10(h)(3),       Inapplicable.**
10(h)(4)

10(i)                               Additional  information:  Separate Account
                                    VL-R; Tax Effects.

11                                  Basic Questions You May Have: How will the
                                    value of my investments  change over time?
                                    Additional  Information:  Separate Account
                                    VL-R.

12(a)                               Additional  Information:  Separate Account
                                    VL-R; Front Cover.

12(b)                               Inapplicable.

12(c), 12(d)                        Inapplicable.**

12(e)                               Inapplicable, because the Separate Account
                                    has not yet commenced operations.


13(a)                               Basic Questions You May Have: What charges
                                    will AGL deduct  from my  investment  in a
                                    Policy? What charges and expenses will the
                                    mutual  Funds  deduct  from  the  amount I
                                    invest   through  my  Policy?   Additional
                                    Information: More About Policy Charges.

13(b)                               Illustrations   of   Hypothetical   Policy
                                    Benefits.

13(c)                               Inapplicable.**

13(d)                               Basic  Questions  You  May  Have:  To what
                                    extent   will  AGL  vary  the   terms  and
                                    conditions  of the Policies in  particular
                                    cases?

13(e), 13(f)                        None.

14                                  Basic  Questions  You May Have:  How can I
                                    invest money in a Policy?

15                                  Basic  Questions  You May Have:  How can I
                                    invest  money  in  a  Policy?   How  do  I
                                    communicate with AGL?


                                      iv



16                                  Basic Questions You May Have: How will the
                                    value of my  investment in a Policy change
                                    over   time?    Additional    Information:
                                    Separate Account VL-R.

17(a), 17(b)                        Captions  referenced  under  Items  10(c),
                                    10(d), and 10(e).

17(c)                               Inapplicable.

18(a)                               Captions referred to under Item 16.

18(b), 18(d)                        Inapplicable.

18(c)                               Additional  Information:  Separate Account
                                    VL-R.

19                                  Additional  Information:  Separate Account
                                    VL-R; Our Reports to Policy Owners.

20(a),20(b), 20(c), 20(d),          Inapplicable.
20(e), 20(f)

21(a), 21(b)                        Basic  Questions  You May Have:  How can I
                                    access   my   investment   in  a   Policy?
                                    Additional Information:  Payment of Policy
                                    Proceeds.

21(c)                               Inapplicable.**

22                                  Additional Information:  Payment of Policy
                                    Proceeds--Delay to Challenge Coverage.

23                                  Inapplicable.**

24                                  Basic  Questions You May Have;  Additional
                                    Information.

25                                  Additional  Information:  American General
                                    Life Insurance Company.

26                                  Inapplicable, because the Separate Account
                                    has not yet commenced operations.

27                                  Additional  Information:  American General
                                    Life Insurance Company.


                                       v



28                                  Additional Information: AGL's Management.

29                                  Additional Information: AGL.

30, 31, 32, 33, 34                  Inapplicable, because the Separate Account
                                    has not yet commenced operations.

35                                  Inapplicable.**

36                                  Inapplicable.**

37                                  None.

38, 39                              Additional  Information:  Distribution  of
                                    the Policies.

40                                  Inapplicable, because the Separate Account
                                    has not yet commenced operations.

41(a)                               Additional  Information:  Distribution  of
                                    the Policies.

41(b), 41(c)                        Inapplicable.**

42, 43                              Inapplicable, because the Separate Account
                                    has not yet commenced operations or issued
                                    any securities.

44(a)(1), 44(a)(2), 44(a)(3)        Basic Questions You May Have: How will the
                                    value of my  investment in a Policy change
                                    over time?


44(a)(4)                            Additional  Information:  Tax Effects--Our
                                    Taxes.

44(a)(5), 44(a)(6)                  Basic Questions You May Have: What charges
                                    will AGL deduct  from my  investment  in a
                                    Policy?

44(b)                               Inapplicable.**

44(c)                               Caption referenced in 13(d) above.

45                                  Inapplicable, because the Separate Account
                                    has not yet commenced operations.

46(a)                               Captions referenced in 44(a) above.

46(b)                               Inapplicable.**


                                      vi



47, 48, 49                          None.

50                                  Inapplicable.

51                                  Inapplicable.

52(a), 52(c)                        Basic  Questions  You  May  Have:  To what
                                    extent   will  AGL  vary  the   terms  and
                                    conditions  of the Policies in  particular
                                    cases? Additional Information:  Additional
                                    Rights That We Have

52(b), 52(d)                        None.

53(a)                               Additional  Information:  Tax Effects--Our
                                    Taxes.

53(b), 54                           Inapplicable.

55                                  Illustrations   of   Hypothetical   Policy
                                    Benefits.

56-59                               Inapplicable.**

<FN>
*     Registrant  includes  this  Reconciliation  and Tie in its  Registration
      Statement in compliance  with  Instruction 4 as to the Prospectus as set
      out in Form S-6.  Separate  Account VL-R has,  simultaneously  herewith,
      filed a notice of  registration  as an  investment  company on Form N-8A
      under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and it is filing a Form N-8B-2
      Registration  Statement at or about the time this  amended  Registration
      Statement  is  filed.  Pursuant  to  Sections  8  and  30(b)(1)  of  the
      Investment  Company  Act of 1940,  Rule 30a-1  under the Act,  and Forms
      N-8B-2 and N-SAR under that Act,  the Account  will keep its Form N-8B-2
      Registration  Statement  current through the filing of periodic  reports
      required by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

**    Not required pursuant to either Instruction 1(a) as to the Prospectus as
      set out in Form S-6 or the administrative practice of the Commission and
      its staff of adapting the disclosure  requirements  of the  Commission's
      registration  statement forms in recognition of the differences  between
      variable  life  insurance  policies  and  other  periodic  payment  plan
      certificates  issued  by  investment   companies  and  between  separate
      accounts organized as management companies and unit investment trusts.
</FN>



                                      vii




                      PLATINUM INVESTOR I (SM) AND
                        PLATINUM INVESTOR II (SM)


   FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES (THE "POLICIES")

                                Issued by

             AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY ("AGL")

                              HOME OFFICE:

        (Express Delivery)                    (US Mail)
        2727-A Allen Parkway                  Variable Universal Life
        Houston, Texas 77019-2191             Administration
        PHONE:  1-888-325-9315                P.O. Box 4880
          or  1-713-831-3443                  Houston, Texas 77210-4880
        FAX:  1-713-620-3857

INVESTMENT OPTIONS. The AGL Declared Fixed Interest Account is the fixed
investment  option  for  these  policies.  You can  also  invest  in the
following variable  investment  options.  You may change your selections
from time to time:


 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             
 AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE            AMERICAN GENERAL SERIES          DREYFUS VARIABLE                  MFS VARIABLE INSURANCE
 FUNDS, INC.                       PORTFOLIO COMPANY                INVESTMENT FUND                   TRUST
 o AIM V.I. International          o International Equities         o Quality Bond Portfolio          o MFS Emerging Growth
   Equity Fund                       Fund (1)                       o Small Cap Portfolio               Series
 o AIM V.I. Value Fund             o MidCap Index Fund (1,2)
                                   o Money Market Fund (1)
                                   o Stock Index Fund (1,2)

                                   (1) Variable Annuity Life
                                       Insurance Company *                                            Massachusetts Financial
  AIM Advisors, Inc.*              (2) Bankers Trust Company(+)     The Dreyfus Corporation*          Services Company*
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MORGAN STANLEY                    PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST            SAFECO RESOURCE                  VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN
 UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.             o Putnam VT Diversified          SERIES TRUST                     CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT
 o Equity Growth Portfolio (1)       Income Fund                    o Equity Portfolio               TRUST
 o High Yield Portfolio (2)        o Putnam VT Growth               o Growth Portfolio               o Strategic Stock Portfolio
                                   o Putnam VT Growth
                                     and Income Fund
                                   o Putnam VT International
                                     Growth and Income Fund
(1) Morgan Stanley Asset Mgmt,
    Inc.*                                                           SAFECO Asset Management           Van Kampen American Capital
(2) Miller Anderson Sherrerd, LLP* Putnam  Management, Inc.*        Company*                          Asset Management, Inc.*
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 *  The Investment Adviser of the investment option
(+) The Investment Sub-Adviser of the investment option
</FN>




   
SEPARATE PROSPECTUSES CONTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MUTUAL FUNDS ("FUNDS"
OR "MUTUAL  FUNDS") IN WHICH WE INVEST THE AMOUNTS THAT YOU ALLOCATE TO ANY OF
THE  ABOVE-LISTED  INVESTMENT  OPTIONS (OTHER THAN OUR DECLARED FIXED INTEREST
ACCOUNT  OPTION).  THE FORMAL NAME OF EACH SUCH FUND IS SET FORTH IN THE CHART
THAT APPEARS ON PAGE 1. YOUR INVESTMENT RESULTS IN ANY SUCH OPTION WILL DEPEND
ON THOSE OF THE RELATED FUND. THEREFORE,  YOU SHOULD BE SURE YOU ALSO READ THE
PROSPECTUS  OF THE  MUTUAL  FUND FOR ANY  SUCH  INVESTMENT  OPTION  YOU MAY BE
INTERESTED  IN. YOU CAN  REQUEST  FREE COPIES OF ANY OR ALL OF THE MUTUAL FUND
PROSPECTUSES FROM YOUR AGL REPRESENTATIVE OR FROM US AT OUR HOME OFFICE LISTED
ABOVE.

OTHER CHOICES YOU HAVE. During the insured person's lifetime, you can also (1)
change the amount of insurance, (2) borrow or withdraw amounts you have in our
investment options,  (3) choose,  within limits, when and how much you invest,
and (4) choose  whether the amounts you have in our  investment  options will,
upon  the  insured  person's  death,  be added to the  insurance  proceeds  we
otherwise will pay to the beneficiary.
    

CHARGES AND  EXPENSES.  We deduct  charges and  expenses  from the amounts you
invest. These are described beginning on page 8.

   
RIGHT TO RETURN. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your Policy, you
may return it to us for a full refund.  (In some  states,  we will adjust this
amount for any investment performance you have earned.) To exercise your right
to return your  Policy,  you must mail it directly to the Home Office  address
shown  on  the  first  page  of  this  prospectus  or  return  it to  the  AGL
representative  through whom you purchased the Policy within 10 days after you
receive it. In a few states, this period may be longer.  Because you have this
right,  we will  invest  your  initial  premium  payment  in the money  market
investment option from the date your investment  performance  begins until the
first business day that is at least 15 days later. Then we will  automatically
allocate your investment among the above-listed investment options as you have
chosen.  Any additional  premium we receive during the 15-day period will also
be invested in the money market option and allocated to your chosen investment
options at the same time as your initial premium.
    

PLEASE READ THIS PROSPECTUS  CAREFULLY AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.  THIS
PROSPECTUS  CONTAINS  INFORMATION  THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE  INVESTING IN A
POLICY.  THE POLICIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  ("SEC").  NOR HAS THE SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.

THE  POLICIES  ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FDIC OR ANY OTHER  AGENCY.  THEY ARE NOT
DEPOSITS OR OTHER  OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK AND ARE NOT BANK  GUARANTEED.  THEY
ARE SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTED.

   
      THIS BOOKLET IS CALLED A "PROSPECTUS." ITS DATE IS APRIL 1, 1998.
    


                                       2



                           GUIDE TO THIS PROSPECTUS

   
      This booklet (which is called a prospectus)  contains  information  that
you should know before you purchase a Platinum InvestorSM variable life policy
("Policy") or exercise any of your rights or privileges under a Policy.
    

      This  prospectus   describes  two  versions  of  the  Platinum  Investor
Policies: the Platinum Investor I and the Platinum Investor II Policies.  Your
AGL representative can advise you which version of the Policy he or she offers
or whether he or she offers  both.  You cannot  change to a different  version
once your coverage takes effect. The Platinum Investor I and Platinum Investor
II Policies  are  identical,  except for the  differences  that are  discussed
beginning on page 13 of this prospectus.

      BASIC  INFORMATION.  Here are the page numbers in this prospectus  where
you may find answers to most of your questions:



                                                                           PAGE TO SEE 
                  BASIC QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE                          IN THIS PROSPECTUS
                                                                     
   
o  What are the Policies?..............................................  1-2

o  How can I invest money in a Policy?.................................  5-6

o  How will the value of my investment in a Policy change over time?...  6-7

o  What is the basic amount of insurance ("death benefit") that AGL
   pays when the insured person dies?..................................  7-8

o  What charges will AGL deduct from my investment in a Policy?........  8-10

o  What charges and expenses will the Mutual Funds deduct from
    amounts I invest through my Policy?................................  10-12

o  Must I invest any minimum amount in a Policy?.......................  12-13

o  What are the differences between the Platinum Investor I and the
    Platinum Investor II Policies?.....................................  13-14

o  How can I change my Policy's investment options?....................  14-15

o  How can I change my Policy's insurance coverage?....................  15-16

o  What additional rider benefits might I select?......................  16-18
    


                                       3



   
o  How can I access my investment in a Policy?.........................  18-19

o  Can I choose the form in which AGL pays out the proceeds from my
    Policy?............................................................  20

o  To what extent can AGL vary the terms and conditions of the 
    Policies in particular cases?......................................  21

o  How will my Policy be treated for income tax purposes?..............  21

o  How do I communicate with AGL?......................................  21-22
    


   
      ILLUSTRATIONS  OF A  HYPOTHETICAL  POLICY.  Starting on page 23, we have
included some  illustrations of how the values of a hypothetical  Policy would
change over time,  based on certain  assumptions  we have made.  Because  your
circumstances   may  vary   considerably   from  our  assumptions,   your  AGL
representative will also provide you with a similar hypothetical  illustration
that is more tailored to your own circumstances and wishes.

      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.  You may find the answers to any other questions
you have under "Additional  Information" beginning on page 28, or in the forms
of our Policy and riders. A table of contents for the "Additional Information"
portion of this  prospectus  also appears on page 28. You can obtain copies of
our Policy and rider forms from (and direct any other  questions  to) your AGL
representative or our Home Office (shown on the cover of this Prospectus).

      AGL'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. We have included our financial statements in
this prospectus. These begin on page 49.

      SPECIAL WORDS AND PHRASES.  If you want more information about any words
or  phrases  that  you read in this  prospectus,  you may wish to refer to the
Index of Words and Phrases  that appears at the end of this  prospectus  (page
91). That index will tell you on what page you can read more about many of the
words and phrases that we use.
    


                                       4



                         BASIC QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

HOW CAN I INVEST MONEY IN A POLICY?

      PREMIUM  PAYMENTS.  We  call  the  investments  you  make  in  a  Policy
"premiums" or "premium  payments." The amount we require as your first premium
varies  depending on the specifics of your Policy and the insured  person.  We
can  refuse  to accept a  subsequent  premium  payment  that is less than $50.
(Policies  issued in some states or automatic  premium  payment plans may have
different minimums.) Otherwise, with a few exceptions mentioned below, you can
make premium payments at any time and in any amount.

      LIMITS ON PREMIUM PAYMENTS.  Federal tax law limits your ability to make
certain very large amounts of premium payments (relative to the amount of your
Policy's insurance  coverage) and may impose penalties on amounts you take out
of your Policy if you do not observe certain  additional  requirements.  These
tax law requirements are summarized  further under "Tax Effects"  beginning on
page 29. We will monitor your premium payments,  however,  to be sure that you
do not exceed  permitted  amounts or  inadvertently  incur any tax  penalties.
Also, in certain circumstances,  we may refuse to accept an additional premium
if the insured  person does not provide us with adequate  evidence that he/she
continues to meet our requirements for issuing insurance.

      CHECKS AND MONEY ORDERS.  Premiums must be by check or money order drawn
on a U.S.  bank in U.S.  dollars and made  payable to  "American  General Life
Insurance  Company," or "AGL."  Premiums  after the first premium must be sent
directly  to our Home  Office at the  appropriate  address  shown on the front
cover of this prospectus.

      OTHER WAYS TO PAY  PREMIUMS.  We also  accept  premium  payments by bank
draft,  wire, or by exchange from another  insurance  company.  You may obtain
further information about how to make premium payments by any of these methods
from your AGL  representative or from our Home Office shown on the front cover
of this  prospectus.  Premium payments from salary deduction plans may be made
only if we agree.

      DOLLAR COST AVERAGING.  Dollar cost averaging is an investment  strategy
designed  to reduce  the risks  that  result  from  market  fluctuations.  The
strategy  spreads the allocation of your  accumulation  value over a period of
time.  This allows you to reduce the risk of investing most of your funds at a
time when  prices are high.  The  success of this  strategy  depends on market
trends and is not guaranteed.

   
      Under dollar cost  averaging,  we  automatically  make transfers of your
accumulation  value from the money market  investment option to one or more of
the other  investment  options that you choose (but not to our declared  fixed
interest account  option).  You tell us whether you want these transfers to be
made monthly, quarterly,  semi-annually or annually; and we make the transfers
as of the end of the valuation  period that contains the day of the month that
you select.  (The term  "valuation  period" is described on page 37.) You must
have at least $5,000 of accumulation  value to start dollar cost averaging and
    


                                       5



   
each transfer under the program must be at least $100. You cannot  participate
in dollar cost averaging  while also using  automatic  rebalancing  (discussed
below).   Dollar  cost  averaging  ceases  upon  your  request,   or  if  your
accumulation value in the money market option becomes exhausted.

      AUTOMATIC  REBALANCING.   This  feature  automatically   rebalances  the
proportion of your  accumulation  value in each  investment  option under your
Policy (other than our declared fixed interest  account  option) to correspond
to your then current premium allocation  designation.  You tell us whether you
want us to do the rebalancing  quarterly,  semi-annually or annually. The date
automatic  rebalancing  occurs  will be  based  on the  date of  issue of your
Policy.  For  example,  if your  Policy  is  dated  January  17,  and you have
requested automatic  rebalancing on a quarterly basis,  automatic  rebalancing
will  start on  April  17,  and will  occur  quarterly  thereafter.  Automatic
rebalancing will occur as of the end of the valuation period that contains the
date of the month your Policy was issued.  You must have a total  accumulation
value  of  at  least  $5,000  to  begin  automatic  rebalancing.   You  cannot
participate in this program while also  participating in dollar cost averaging
(discussed above). Rebalancing terminates upon your request.
    

HOW WILL THE VALUE OF MY INVESTMENT IN A POLICY CHANGE OVER TIME?

   
      YOUR  ACCUMULATION  VALUE. From each premium payment you make, we deduct
the charges that we describe  beginning on page 8, under "Deductions from each
premium payment." We invest the rest in one or more of the investment  options
listed on the front  cover of this  prospectus.  We call the amount that is at
any time invested under your Policy your "accumulation value."

      YOUR INVESTMENT  OPTIONS. We invest the accumulation value that you have
allocated to any investment option (except our declared fixed interest account
option) in shares of a Mutual Fund that follows investment practices, policies
and  objectives  that  are  appropriate  to  that  option.   Over  time,  your
accumulation  value in any investment  option will increase or decrease by the
same amount as if you had invested in the related Fund's shares  directly (and
reinvested all dividends and  distributions  from the Fund in additional  Fund
shares);  EXCEPT  that your  accumulation  value  will be  reduced  by certain
charges that we deduct.  We describe these charges  beginning on page 8, under
"What charges will AGL deduct from my investment in a Policy?"

      Other important  information  about the Mutual Funds that you can choose
is  included in the  separate  prospectuses  for those  Funds.  This  includes
information  about the  investment  performance  that each  Fund's  investment
manager  has  achieved.  Additional  free  copies  of these  prospectuses  are
available  from your AGL  representative  or from our Home Office shown on the
first page of this prospectus.
    

      We invest any  accumulation  value you have  allocated  to our  declared
fixed interest account option as part of our general assets. We credit a fixed
rate of interest on that  accumulation  value,  which we declare  from time to
time. We guarantee  that this will be at an effective  annual rate of at least


                                       6



4%. Although this interest increases the amount of any accumulation value that
you have in our declared  fixed interest  account  option,  such  accumulation
value will also be reduced by any charges  that are  allocated  to this option
under the procedures  described under  "Allocation of charges" on page 10. The
"daily charge"  described on page 8 and the charges and expenses of the Mutual
Funds  discussed  on pages  10-12  below do NOT  apply to our  declared  fixed
interest account option. 

      POLICIES ARE  "NON-PARTICIPATING." The Policies are NOT "participating."
Therefore, you will not be entitled to any dividends from AGL.

WHAT IS THE BASIC AMOUNT OF INSURANCE ("DEATH BENEFIT") THAT AGL PAYS WHEN THE
INSURED PERSON DIES?

      YOUR  SPECIFIED  AMOUNT  OF  INSURANCE.  In  your  application  to buy a
Platinum  Investor Policy,  you will tell us how much life insurance  coverage
you want on the  life of the  insured  person.  We call  this  the  "specified
amount" of insurance.

   
      YOUR DEATH  BENEFIT.  The basic death  benefit we will pay is reduced by
any outstanding loans. You choose whether the basic death benefit is
    

      o Option 1 - The  specified  amount on the date of the insured  person's
                   death

                                    - or -

      o Option 2 - The specified amount plus the Policy's  accumulation  value
                   on the date of death.

Under Option 2, your death benefit will tend to be higher than under Option 1.
However,  the  monthly  insurance  charge  we  deduct  will  also be higher to
compensate us for our  additional  risk.  Because of this,  your  accumulation
value will tend to be higher under Option 1 than under Option 2.

   
      We will  automatically  pay an alternative  basic death benefit if it is
higher than the basic Option 1 or Option 2 death benefit  (whichever  you have
selected). The alternative basic death benefit is computed by multiplying your
Policy's  accumulation  value  on the  insured  person's  date of death by the
following percentages:
    


                                      7




           TABLE OF ALTERNATIVE BASIC DEATH BENEFITS AS A PERCENTAGE
                     MULTIPLE OF POLICY ACCUMULATION VALUE

    INSURED
    PERSON'S        40 or
     AGE*:          Under        45          50            55           60        65         70        75 to 95      100
                                                                                                        
                                                                                          
       %:            250%       215%        185%          150%         130%      120%       115%         105%        100%

<FN>
*     Nearest  birthday  at the  beginning  of the  Policy  year in which  the
      insured person dies. The percentages are  interpolated for ages that are
      not shown here.
</FN>



WHAT CHARGES WILL AGL DEDUCT FROM MY INVESTMENT IN A POLICY?

   
      DEDUCTIONS  FROM EACH  PREMIUM  PAYMENT.  We deduct from each  premium a
charge  for the tax  that is then  applicable  to us in your  state  or  other
jurisdiction.  These taxes  currently  range from .75% to 3.5%.  Please let us
know if you move to  another  jurisdiction,  so we can adjust  this  charge if
required.  You are not  permitted  to deduct the amount of these taxes on your
income tax  return.  We also  currently  deduct an  additional  2.5% from each
after-tax  premium  payment.  We have the right at any time to  increase  this
additional charge to not more than 5% on all future premium payments.
    

      DAILY CHARGE.  We make a daily deduction at an annual  effective rate of
 .75% of your  accumulation  value  that is then being  invested  in any of the
investment  options (other than our declared fixed interest  option).  After a
Policy has been in effect for a certain  number of years,  we intend to reduce
the rate of this  charge by .25%.  The number of years  depends on whether you
have  version I or version II of the Policy and is  discussed on page 13 under
"What  are the  differences  between  the  Platinum  Investor  I and  Platinum
Investor  II  Policies."  Because  the  Policies  were first  offered in 1998,
however,  this  decrease  has not yet  occurred  for any  outstanding  Policy.
Neither this decrease nor the current rate of .75% is guaranteed.  Rather,  we
have the right at any time to raise this charge  under your Policy to not more
than .90%; except that in Texas and Oregon,  until a Policy has been in effect
for a certain number of years, this maximum is .25% higher.

      FLAT MONTHLY CHARGE.  We will deduct $6 per month from your accumulation
value.  Also,  we have the right to raise this  charge at any time to not more
than $12 per month.

      MONTHLY  INSURANCE  CHARGE.   Every  month  we  will  deduct  from  your
accumulation value a charge based on the cost of insurance rates applicable to
your  Policy on the date of the  deduction  and our  "amount  at risk" on that
date. Our amount at risk is the difference  between (a) the death benefit that
would be  payable  if the  insured  person  died on that date and (b) the then
total accumulation value under the Policy. For otherwise identical Policies, a
greater amount at risk results in a higher monthly insurance charge.  The cost


                                       8



of insurance rates are generally  lower under the Platinum  Investor II Policy
than under the Platinum Investor I Policy.

   
      For otherwise identical  Policies,  a higher cost of insurance rate also
results in a higher monthly insurance charge.  Our cost of insurance rates are
guaranteed  not to exceed those that will be  specified  in your  Policy.  Our
current  rates are lower for  insured  persons  in most age and risk  classes,
although  we have the right at any time to raise  these rates to not more than
the guaranteed maximum.
    

      In  general,  our cost of  insurance  rates  increase  with the  insured
person's age.  Therefore,  the longer you own your Policy, the higher the cost
of insurance rate will be. Also our cost of insurance  rates will generally be
lower (except in Montana) if the insured person is a female than if a male.

   
      Similarly,  our current cost of insurance  rates are generally lower for
non-smokers  than  smokers,  and lower for  persons  that  have  other  highly
favorable  health  characteristics,  as  compared to those that do not. On the
other hand,  insured persons who present  particular  health,  occupational or
avocational  risks may be charged  higher  cost of  insurance  rates and other
additional  charges based on the specified amount of insurance  coverage under
their Policy.
    

      Finally,  our current  cost of  insurance  rates are lower for  Policies
having a  specified  amount of at least  $1,000,000  on the day the  charge is
deducted.  This means that if your specified  amount for any reason  decreases
from  $1,000,000  or more to less than  $1,000,000,  your  subsequent  cost of
insurance rates will be higher under your Policy than they otherwise would be.
The  reverse  is also true.  Our cost of  insurance  rates also are  generally
higher under a Policy that has been in force for some period of time than they
would be under an otherwise  identical  Policy  purchased more recently on the
same insured person.

   
      MONTHLY CHARGES FOR ADDITIONAL  BENEFIT  RIDERS.  We will deduct charges
monthly from your accumulation value, if you select certain additional benefit
riders. These are described beginning on page 16, under "What additional rider
benefits might I select?"

      ADDITIONAL  MONTHLY CHARGE FOR PLATINUM  INVESTOR II POLICIES DURING THE
FIRST TWO  YEARS.  This  charge is  described  on page 13 under  "What are the
differences  between  the  Platinum  Investor I and the  Platinum  Investor II
Policies?"

      SURRENDER CHARGE FOR PLATINUM INVESTOR I POLICIES. The Platinum Investor
I Policies have a surrender  charge that applies for the first 10 Policy years
(and the first 10 years after any requested increase in the Policy's specified
amount).  The  amount of the  surrender  charge  depends  on the age and other
insurance  characteristics  of the insured  person.  The maximum amount of the
surrender  charge  will be  shown on  pages  23 and 24 of the  Policy.  It may
initially be as high as $40 per $1,000 of specified  amount or as low as $1.80
per $1,000 of specified amount (or increase therein).  Any amount of surrender
charge decreases automatically by a constant amount each year beginning in the
    


                                       9



   
fourth year of its 10 year period  referred to above  until,  in the  eleventh
year, it is zero.

      We will deduct the entire amount of any then applicable surrender charge
from the  accumulation  value at the time of a full  surrender  of a  Platinum
Investor I Policy.  Upon a  requested  decrease  in such a Policy's  specified
amount of  coverage,  we will  deduct any  remaining  amount of the  surrender
charge that was associated with the specified  amount that is cancelled.  This
includes any  specified  amount  decrease  that, as described  under  "Partial
surrender" beginning on page 18, results from any requested partial surrender.
For this  purpose,  we deem the most recent  increases of specified  amount to
have been cancelled first.
    

      TRANSACTION  FEE. We will charge a $25  transaction fee for each partial
surrender you make.

      CHARGE FOR TAXES.  We can make a charge in the future for taxes we incur
or reserves we set aside for taxes in connection with the Policies. This would
reduce the investment experience of your accumulation value.

   
      ALLOCATION  OF  CHARGES.  You may choose  from which of your  investment
options we deduct all monthly charges.  If you do not have enough accumulation
value in any investment  option to comply with your selection,  we will deduct
these charges in proportion to the amount of accumulation  value you then have
in each investment  option.  Any surrender charge upon a decrease in specified
amount that is requested under a Platinum  Investor I Policy will be allocated
in the same manner as if it were a monthly deduction.
    

WHAT CHARGES AND  EXPENSES  WILL THE MUTUAL FUNDS DEDUCT FROM AMOUNTS I INVEST
THROUGH MY POLICY?

      Each Mutual Fund pays its investment management fees and other operating
expenses.  Because they reduce the investment return of a Fund, these fees and
expenses  also  will  reduce  indirectly  the  return  you  will  earn  on any
accumulation  value that you have  invested  in that Fund.  These  charges and
expenses currently are as follows:


                                      10



   

THE MUTUAL FUNDS' ANNUAL EXPENSES (1) (as a percentage of average net assets)


                                                                                            Other Fund             Total
                                                                     Fund               Operating Expenses          Fund
                                                                   Management             After Expense           Operating
                     Name Of Fund                                    Fees                Reimbursement(2)         Expenses(2)
                     ------------                              ------------------       ------------------        -----------
                                                                                                         
The following funds of AIM VARIABLE
INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.:
     V.I. International Equity Fund                            0.75%                     0.18%                    0.93%
     V.I. Value Fund                                           0.62%                     0.08%                    0.70%

The following funds of AMERICAN GENERAL
SERIES PORTFOLIO COMPANY ("AGSPC"):
     International Equities Fund                               0.35%                     0.07%                    0.42%
     MidCap Index Fund                                         0.35%                     0.05%                    0.40%
     Money Market Fund                                         0.50%                     0.07%                    0.57%
     Stock Index Fund                                          0.34%                     0.00%                    0.34%

The following funds of DREYFUS VARIABLE
INVESTMENT FUND:
     Quality Bond Portfolio                                    0.65%                     0.06%                    0.71%
     Small Cap Portfolio                                       0.75%                     0.03%                    0.78%

The following series of MFS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST:
     MFS Emerging Growth Series                                0.75%                     0.15%                    0.90%

The following portfolios of MORGAN
STANLEY UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.:
     Equity Growth Portfolio                                   0.55%                     0.30%                    0.85%
     High Yield Portfolio                                      0.50%                     0.31%                    0.81%

The following portfolios of PUTNAM
VARIABLE TRUST:
     Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund                         0.69%                     0.26% (including 12b-1   0.95%
                                                                                               fees of 0.15%)
     Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund                          0.49%                     0.19% (including 12b-1   0.68%
                                                                                               fees of 0.15%)
     Putnam VT International Growth                            0.80%                     0.47% (including 12b-1   1.27%
         and Income Fund                                                                       fees of 0.15%)


                                      11



The following portfolios of SAFECO
RESOURCES SERIES TRUST:
     Equity Portfolio                                          0.73%                     0.02%                    0.75%
     Growth Portfolio                                          0.74%                     0.03%                    0.77%

The following portfolio of VAN KAMPEN
AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST:
     Strategic Stock Portfolio                                 0.50%                     0.11%                    0.61%

<FN>
(1)   The annual  expenses are estimated  for the current  fiscal year for the
      Van Kampen American  Capital  Strategic Stock Portfolio  because it does
      not have financial statements covering a period of at least ten months.

(2)   If certain voluntary expense  reimbursements from the investment adviser
      were terminated, other expenses for the Morgan Stanley Equity Growth and
      High Yield Portfolios would have been 1.50% and 1.18%, respectively, and
      for the Van Kampen American Capital Strategic Stock Portfolio would have
      been 2.09%.
</FN>

    

       

MUST I INVEST ANY MINIMUM AMOUNT IN A POLICY?

   
      PLANNED PERIODIC PREMIUMS. Page 3 of your Policy will specify a "Planned
Periodic  Premium." This is the amount that you (within limits) choose to have
us bill you.  Our current  practice  is to bill  quarterly,  semi-annually  or
annually.  However, payment of these or any other specific amounts of premiums
is not  mandatory.  You need to invest only enough to ensure  either that your
Policy's  cash  surrender  value  stays  above  zero or, if you own a Platinum
Investor  I Policy,  that your 5 year  no-lapse  guarantee  (discussed  below)
remains in effect. ("Cash surrender value" is explained under "Full surrender"
on page 18.) The less you  invest,  the more  likely it is that your  Policy's
cash  surrender  value could fall to zero,  as a result of the  deductions  we
periodically make from your accumulation value.

      POLICY LAPSE AND  REINSTATEMENT.  If your Policy's cash surrender  value
does fall to zero,  we will  notify you and give you a grace  period to pay at
least the amount we estimate is  necessary  to keep your Policy in force for a
reasonable  time.  If we don't  receive  your  payment by the end of the grace
period,  your  Policy  and all riders  will  terminate  without  value and all
coverage under your Policy will cease. (The only exception is if the guarantee
is in effect that is described below under "Monthly  guarantee  premiums under
Platinum  Investor I  Policies.")  Although  you can apply to have your Policy
"reinstated,"  you must do this  within 5 years (or,  if  earlier,  before the
Policy's maturity date), and you must present evidence that the insured person
still meets our requirements for issuing coverage. Also, you would have to pay
certain  extra  amounts that we require.  In the Policy form itself,  you will
find additional information about the values and terms of a Policy after it is
reinstated.
    


                                      12


      MONTHLY GUARANTEE PREMIUMS UNDER THE PLATINUM INVESTOR I POLICIES.  Page
3 of a Platinum Investor I Policy will specify a "Monthly Guarantee  Premium."
On the first day of each  Policy  month that the cash  surrender  value is not
sufficient  to pay the monthly  deduction,  we check to see if the  cumulative
amount of  premiums  paid under such a Policy is at least  equal to the sum of
the monthly  guarantee  premiums for all Policy months to date,  including the
Policy month then  starting.  (Policy  months are  measured  from the "Date of
Issue"  that will also be shown on page 3 of the  Policy.) So long as at least
this amount of premium  payments has been paid by the beginning of that Policy
month, a Platinum Investor I Policy will not enter a grace period or terminate
(I.E.,  lapse) because of insufficient cash surrender value during the first 5
Policy  years.  If this test is not met on the  monthly  deduction  day at the
beginning  of any Policy  month,  the Policy  enters  the grace  period.  If a
sufficient  premium is not paid before the end of the grace period, the Policy
and  the  5  year  no-lapse  guarantee  terminate.  If  the  Policy  is  later
reinstated, the 5 year no-lapse guarantee may also be reinstated if sufficient
premiums are paid,  although the  reinstated  guarantee will in no case extend
beyond the date that originally marked the end of its maximum 5 year duration.

      The amount of premiums that must be paid to maintain the 5 year no-lapse
guarantee will be increased by the cumulative  amount of any loans  (including
any loan increases to pay interest) and partial surrenders you have taken from
your Policy. Such monthly guarantee premiums also will be higher following any
requested increase in the specified amount of insurance coverage, or following
a requested addition of (or increase in) certain rider benefits.  On the other
hand,  the monthly  guarantee  premium will be lower  following  any requested
decrease  in the  specified  amount of  insurance  coverage,  or  following  a
requested  cancellation of (or decrease in) certain riders.  If your Policy is
the  Platinum  Investor I  version,  we will send you an  endorsement  to your
Policy that will tell you what your new monthly guarantee premium is. However,
none of the above-mentioned changes extends the no-lapse period beyond 5 years
or establishes a new no-lapse guarantee.

   
      The 5-year no-lapse guarantee  described in the two previous  paragraphs
is not available in all states.
    

      Although  we will bill you for  planned  premiums,  we will not send any
specific bills for the amount of any monthly guarantee premium that is due.

WHAT ARE THE  DIFFERENCES  BETWEEN THE  PLATINUM  INVESTOR I AND THE  PLATINUM
INVESTOR II POLICIES?

      Depending on your own financial circumstances and goals, and the uses to
which you  intend to put a Platinum  Investor  Policy,  either  version of the
Policy may be appropriate for you. You should consult  carefully with your AGL
representative  about this. Relevant factors may include how much accumulation
value you  intend to  maintain  in the  Policy  relative  to the amount of the
Policy's  death  benefit and how likely it is that you may choose to surrender
your  Policy  or  otherwise  reduce  your  Policy's  specified  amount  in the
foreseeable future.

      The differences between the two versions of Platinum Investor are:


                                      13




   
      o     Platinum Investor I is available for specified amounts of $100,000
            or more.  Platinum  Investor II is  available  only for  specified
            amounts  of  $500,000  or more.  You may not  request a  specified
            amount decrease (or a partial surrender) under a Platinum Investor
            I or a Platinum Investor II Policy that would reduce the specified
            amount to less than $100,000 or $500,000, respectively.

      o     Platinum  Investor I is available for insured  persons through age
            80. Platinum  Investor II is available for insured persons who are
            age 18 through age 80.
    

      o     The  Platinum  Investor  II version of the Policy  DOES NOT have a
            surrender charge.

      o     The  Platinum  Investor II version of the Policy DOES NOT have a 5
            year no-lapse guarantee.

      o     The  planned  reduction  in the current  daily  charge by .25% per
            annum of separate account accumulation value is scheduled to occur
            after  year 10 for  Platinum  Investor  II and  after  year 20 for
            Platinum  Investor I. These are also the same periods  after which
            the  guaranteed  maximum daily charge under Policies sold in Texas
            and Oregon will decrease by .25% per annum.

      o     The two versions of Platinum  Investor have different current cost
            of insurance  rates.  Since this  difference  results in differing
            accumulation  values,  you  should  carefully  review  the  Policy
            illustrations that are available to you.

   
      o     The  Platinum  Investor  II  version  of the  Policy has a monthly
            expense  charge  during the first two Policy  years (and the first
            two years after any requested  increase in the Policy's  specified
            amount).  The amount of this  charge  depends on the age and other
            insurance  characteristics  of the insured  person.  The amount of
            this  charge  will be  shown on page 4 of a Platinum  Investor  II
            Policy.  It may  initially  be as  much as  $1.88  per  $1,000  of
            specified amount (or increase  therein),  or as low as $0.0999 per
            $1,000 of  specified  amount  (or  increase  therein).  (After the
            two-year  periods  mentioned  above,  this  charge is zero.)  This
            additional  monthly charge does not apply to the Platinum Investor
            I version of the Policies.
    

HOW CAN I CHANGE MY POLICY'S INVESTMENT OPTIONS?

      FUTURE  PREMIUM  PAYMENTS.  You may at any time  change  the  investment
options in which future  premiums you pay will be  invested.  Your  allocation
must, however, be in whole percentages that total 100%.

   
      TRANSFERS OF EXISTING  ACCUMULATION  VALUE.  You may also  transfer your
existing  accumulation  value from one  investment  option under the Policy to
another.  Unless  you  are  transferring  the  entire  amount  you  have in an
    


                                      14



   
investment option, each transfer must be at least $500. See "Additional Rights
That We Have,"  beginning on page 42. Also, you may not in any one Policy year
make  transfers  out  of our  declared  fixed  interest  account  option  that
aggregate  more than 25% of the  accumulation  value you had  invested in that
option at the beginning of that Policy year.
    

      You may make  transfers at any time,  except that  transfers  out of our
declared  fixed  interest  account  option must be made within 60 days after a
Policy  anniversary.  We will not  honor any  request  received  outside  that
period.

      MAXIMUM  NUMBER  OF  INVESTMENT  OPTIONS.  We can at any time  limit the
number of investment  options you may use. Our current rule is that you cannot
use more than 18 different options over the life of your Policy.

   
HOW CAN I CHANGE MY POLICY'S INSURANCE COVERAGE?
    

      INCREASE  IN  COVERAGE.  You may at any time  request an increase in the
specified amount of coverage under your Policy. You must, however,  provide us
with  satisfactory  evidence  that the insured  person  continues  to meet our
requirements for issuing insurance coverage.

      We treat an increase in specified  amount in many respects as if it were
the issuance of a new Policy.  For example,  the monthly  insurance charge for
the increase will be based on the age and risk class of the insured  person at
the time of the increase. Also, if you have the Platinum Investor I version of
the Policy,  a new amount of surrender  charge and monthly  guarantee  premium
apply to the specified amount increase; and these amounts are the same as they
would be if we were instead issuing the same amount of additional  coverage as
a new Platinum  Investor I Policy. On the other hand, if you have the Platinum
Investor  II version of the  Policy,  an  additional  monthly  expense  charge
applies  for the first two years  following  the  request  for an  increase in
specified  amount.  This  amount  is also  the  same as it would be if we were
instead  issuing the same  amount of  additional  coverage  as a new  Platinum
Investor II Policy.

   
      DECREASE IN COVERAGE.  After the first  Policy  year,  you may request a
reduction in the specified amount of coverage, but not below certain minimums.
The minimum is $100,000  for a Platinum  Investor I Policy and  $500,000 for a
Platinum  Investor II Policy (or, if greater,  the minimum amount that the tax
law requires relative to the amount of premium payments you have made). At the
time of a  decrease  under such a Policy,  we will  deduct  from the  Policy's
accumulation  value an amount of any remaining  surrender  charge. If there is
not sufficient  accumulation value to pay the surrender charge at the time you
request a reduction,  the decrease will not be allowed.  We compute the amount
we  deduct  in the  manner  described  on page  37,  under  "Decreases  in the
specified amount of a Platinum Investor I Policy."

      CHANGE OF DEATH BENEFIT OPTION. You may at any time request us to change
your coverage from death benefit  Option 1 to 2 or  vice-versa.  If you change
from Option 1 to 2, we automatically  reduce your Policy's specified amount of
insurance  by the amount of your  Policy's  accumulation  value (but not below
    


                                      15



   
zero)  at the  time  of the  change.  If you  change  from  Option  2 to 1, we
automatically  increase your Policy's  specified  amount by the amount of your
Policy's accumulation value.

      TAX  CONSEQUENCES  OF CHANGES IN  INSURANCE  COVERAGE.  Please read "Tax
Effects"  starting on page 29 of this  prospectus to learn about  possible tax
consequences of changing your insurance coverage under your Policy.
    

WHAT ADDITIONAL RIDER BENEFITS MIGHT I SELECT?

      You can request that your Policy include the  additional  rider benefits
described below. For most of the riders that you choose, a charge,  which will
be shown on page 3 of your  Policy,  will be deducted  from your  accumulation
value on each monthly  deduction  date.  Eligibility  for and changes in these
benefits  are  subject to our rules and  procedures  as in effect from time to
time.  More details are  included in the form of each rider,  which we suggest
that you review if you choose any of these benefits.

      o     ACCIDENTAL  DEATH BENEFIT  RIDER,  which pays an additional  death
            benefit if the insured person dies from certain accidental causes.

   
      o     AUTOMATIC INCREASE RIDER,  which provides for automatic  increases
            in  your  Policy's   specified  amount  of  insurance  at  certain
            specified dates and based on a specified index. After you have met
            our eligibility  requirements for this rider, these increases will
            not require  that  evidence  be  provided to us about  whether the
            insured person  continues to meet our  requirements  for insurance
            coverage.   These  automatic  increases  are  on  the  same  terms
            (including  additional  charges)  as any  other  specified  amount
            increase you request (as described under "Increase in coverage" on
            page 15).  There is no  additional  charge  for the rider  itself,
            although  the  automatic  increases in the  specified  amount will
            increase  the  monthly   insurance   charge   deducted  from  your
            accumulation value, to compensate us for the additional coverage.

      o     CHILDREN'S  INSURANCE  BENEFIT  RIDER,  which  provides  term life
            insurance  coverage on the eligible children of the person insured
            under  the  Policy.  This  rider is  convertible  into  any  other
            insurance  (except for term coverage)  available for  conversions,
            under our published rules at the time of conversion.
    

      o     MATURITY EXTENSION RIDER, which permits you to extend the Policy's
            maturity date beyond what it otherwise  would be, has two versions
            from which to choose.

            One  version  provides  for a death  benefit  after  the  original
            maturity date that is equal to the accumulation  value on the date
            of death. With this version, all accumulation value that is in the


                                      16



            separate  account  can remain  there.  There is no charge for this
            version.

   
            The other version  provides for a death benefit after the original
            maturity  date  equal  to the base  policy  death  benefit  on the
            original maturity date. With this version,  if you elect to extend
            your maturity date, all accumulation value that is in the separate
            account will be automatically transferred at the Policy's original
            maturity date to the declared fixed interest account option. There
            is a monthly charge for this version of the rider during the first
            nine Policy years  immediately  preceding  the  Policy's  original
            maturity date. Therefore,  this rider may not be added to a Policy
            during that 9 year period.

            In both versions,  only the insurance coverage associated with the
            base policy will be extended beyond the original maturity date. No
            additional premium payments,  new loans, monthly insurance charge,
            or changes in specified  amount will be allowed after the original
            maturity date.  There is a flat monthly charge of no more than $10
            each month after the original maturity date.
    

            Extension of the maturity date beyond the insured person's age 100
            may result in the current  taxation of increases in your  Policy's
            accumulation   value  as  a  result  of  interest  or   investment
            experience  after that time.  You should  consult a qualified  tax
            adviser before making such an extension.

      o     RETURN OF PREMIUM DEATH BENEFIT RIDER,  which provides  additional
            term life  insurance  coverage  on the  person  insured  under the
            Policy.  The  amount  of  additional  insurance  varies so that it
            always  equals the  cumulative  amount of premiums  paid under the
            Policy (subject to certain adjustments).

      o     SPOUSE TERM RIDER,  which provides term life insurance on the life
            of the  spouse  of the  Policy's  insured  person.  This  rider is
            convertible  into any other  insurance  (except for term coverage)
            available for  conversions,  under our published rules at the time
            of conversion.

      o     TERMINAL  ILLNESS  RIDER,  which  provides  for  a  benefit  to be
            requested if the Policy's  insured person is diagnosed as having a
            terminal illness (as defined in the rider) and less than 12 months
            to live.  This rider is not  available in all states.  The maximum
            amount  you may  receive  under this  rider  prior to the  insured
            person's  death is 50% of the  death  benefit  payable  under  the
            Policy (excluding any rider benefits) or, if less,  $250,000.  The
            amount of benefits  paid under the rider,  plus an  administrative
            fee (not to exceed  $250),  plus  interest on these amounts to the
            next Policy anniversary becomes a "lien" against all future Policy
            benefits.  We will  continue to charge  interest in advance on the
            total  amount of the lien and will add any unpaid  interest to the
            total amount of the lien each year. Any time the total lien,  plus


                                      17



            any other Policy  loans,  exceeds the Policy's  then current death
            benefit, the Policy will terminate without further value. The cash
            surrender  value of the Policy  also will be reduced by the amount
            of the lien.

      o     WAIVER OF MONTHLY  DEDUCTION RIDER,  under which we will waive all
            monthly  charges  under your Policy and riders  that we  otherwise
            would deduct from your accumulation  value, so long as the insured
            person is totally disabled (as defined in the rider). While we are
            paying benefits under this rider we will not permit you to request
            any increase in the specified  amount of your  Policy's  coverage.
            However,  loan interest will not be paid for you under this rider,
            and the  Policy  could,  under  certain  circumstances,  lapse for
            nonpayment of loan interest.

      TAX  CONSEQUENCES  OF  ADDITIONAL  RIDER  BENEFITS.  Adding or  deleting
riders,  or increasing or decreasing  coverage under existing  riders can have
tax consequences.  See "Tax Effects" starting on page 29. You should consult a
qualified tax adviser.

HOW CAN I ACCESS MY INVESTMENT IN A POLICY?

      FULL  SURRENDER.  You may at any time  surrender your Policy in full. If
you do, we will pay you the accumulation value, less any Policy loans, and, if
you have the  Platinum  Investor I version of the Policy,  less any  surrender
charge that then applies. We call this your "cash surrender value." Because of
the surrender  charge,  it is unlikely that a Platinum  Investor I Policy will
have any cash  surrender  value  during at least the first year unless you pay
significantly more than the monthly guarantee premiums.

   
      PARTIAL  SURRENDER.  You may, at any time after the first  Policy  year,
make a partial  surrender of your Policy's  cash  surrender  value.  A partial
surrender  must be at least  $500.  If the  Option 1 death  benefit is then in
effect, we will also  automatically  reduce your Policy's  specified amount of
insurance by the amount of your  withdrawal  and any related  charges.  If you
have the  Platinum  Investor  I version  of the  Policy,  and we  reduce  your
Policy's  specified  amount  because you have  requested a partial  withdrawal
while the Option 1 death benefit is in effect,  we will deduct the same amount
of surrender charge, if any, that would have applied if you had requested such
face amount  decrease  directly.  See "Decreases in the specified  amount of a
Platinum  Investor  I  Policy,"  on page  37.  We will not  permit  a  partial
surrender  if it would cause your Policy to fail to qualify as life  insurance
under the tax laws or if it would  cause your  specified  amount to fall below
the minimum allowed.

      You may choose the  investment  option or options  from which money that
you withdraw will be taken.  Otherwise, we will allocate the withdrawal in the
same proportions as then apply for deducting monthly charges under your Policy
or, if that is not possible, in proportion to the amount of accumulation value
you then have in each investment option.
    


                                      18



   
      POLICY LOANS. You may at any time borrow from us an amount equal to your
Policy's cash surrender  value (less our estimate of three months' charges and
less the  interest  that will be payable on your loan through your next Policy
anniversary; this rule is not applicable in all states). The minimum amount of
each loan is $500 or, if less, the entire  remaining  borrowable  amount under
your Policy.
    

      We remove from your investment  options an amount equal to your loan and
hold that amount as  additional  collateral  for the loan. We will credit your
Policy with interest on this collateral  amount at an effective annual rate of
4% (rather than any amount you could  otherwise  earn in one of our investment
options),  and we will charge you interest on your loan at an effective annual
rate of 4.75%. Loan interest is payable annually,  on the Policy  anniversary,
in  advance,  at a rate of  4.51%.  Any  amount  not paid by its due date will
automatically be added to the loan balance as an additional loan. Interest you
pay on Policy loans will not in most cases be deductible on your tax returns.

      You may choose which of your  investment  options the loan will be taken
from. If you do not so specify, we will allocate the loan in the same way that
charges under your Policy are being  allocated.  If this is not  possible,  we
will make the loan  pro-rata  from each  investment  option  that you then are
using.

      You may repay  all or part (but not less than  $100) of your loan at any
time. You must designate any loan repayment as such. Otherwise,  we will treat
it as a premium  payment  instead.  Any loan  repayments go first to repay all
loans that were taken from our declared fixed interest account option. We will
invest any additional loan  repayments you make in the investment  options you
request.  In the absence of such a request we will invest the repayment in the
same proportion as you then have selected for premium payments that we receive
from you. Any unpaid loan will be deducted  from the proceeds we pay following
the insured person's death.

      PREFERRED LOAN INTEREST  RATE. We will credit a higher  interest rate on
an amount of the collateral securing Policy loans taken out after the first 10
Policy years. The maximum amount of new loans that will receive this preferred
loan interest rate for any year is (a) 10% of your Policy's accumulation value
(including  any loan  collateral  we are holding for your Policy loans) at the
beginning of the Policy year or (b) if less, your Policy's  maximum  remaining
loan  value at that  anniversary.  We  intend to set the rate of  interest  we
credit to your preferred collateral amount equal to the loan interest rate you
are paying, resulting in a zero net cost of borrowing for that amount. We have
full  discretion to vary the preferred  rate,  however,  provided that it will
always be  greater  than the rate we are then  crediting  in  connection  with
regular  Policy loans.  Because we first offered the Policies in 1998, we have
not yet applied the preferred loan interest rate to any Policy loan amounts.

      MATURITY OF YOUR  POLICY.  If the insured  person is still living on the
"Maturity Date" shown on page 3 of your Policy, we will  automatically pay you
the cash surrender  value of the Policy,  and the Policy will  terminate.  The
maturity  date is the Policy  anniversary  nearest the insured  person's  95th
birthday.


                                      19



CAN I CHOOSE THE FORM IN WHICH AGL PAYS OUT THE PROCEEDS FROM MY POLICY?

      CHOOSING A PAYMENT  OPTION.  You may choose to receive the full proceeds
from the Policy (and any riders) as a single sum. This includes  proceeds that
become  payable upon the death of the insured  person,  full  surrender or the
maturity date. Alternatively,  you may elect that all or part of such proceeds
be applied to one or more of the following payment options:

      o     Option 1 - Equal monthly payments for a specified period of time.

      o     Option 2 - Equal monthly  payments of a specified amount until all
            amounts are paid out.

      o     Option 3 - Equal monthly  payments for the payee's life,  but with
            payments  guaranteed  for  a  specified  number  of  years.  These
            payments  are  based on  annuity  rates  that are set forth in the
            Policy or, at the payee's request,  the annuity rates that we then
            are using.

      o     Option 4 - Proceeds left to accumulate with interest.

Additional payment options may also be available with our consent. We have the
right to veto any  payment  option,  if the  payee is a  corporation  or other
entity.  You can read more about each of these  options in our Policy form and
in the separate  form of payment  contract  that we issue when any such option
takes effect.

      Within 60 days after the insured  person's death,  any payee entitled to
receive proceeds as a single sum may elect one or more payment options.

      Interest rates that we credit under each option will be at least 3%.

      CHANGE OF PAYMENT  OPTION.  You may change any  payment  option you have
elected at any time while the Policy is in force.

      TAX IMPACT.  If a payment option is chosen,  you or your beneficiary may
have tax  consequences.  You  therefore  should  consult with a qualified  tax
adviser before deciding whether to elect one or more payment options.


                                      20



TO WHAT  EXTENT  CAN AGL VARY THE  TERMS AND  CONDITIONS  OF THE  POLICIES  IN
PARTICULAR CASES?

   
      Listed below are some  variations  we may make in the terms of a Policy.
Any  variations  will be made only in  accordance  with uniform  rules that we
establish from time to time and apply evenly to all our customers.

      POLICIES  PURCHASED THROUGH "INTERNAL  ROLLOVERS." We maintain published
rules  that  describe  the  procedures  necessary  to  replace  the other life
insurance we issue with one of the Policies.  Not all types of other insurance
we issue are eligible to be replaced with one of the Policies.

      POLICIES  PURCHASED  THROUGH TERM LIFE  CONVERSIONS.  Also,  we maintain
rules about how to convert term insurance to a Platinum Investor Policy.  This
is referred to as a term conversion.  Term conversions are available to owners
of term life  insurance  we have  issued.  Any right to a term  conversion  is
stated in the term life insurance policy.
    

      STATE  LAW  REQUIREMENTS.  AGL is  subject  to the  insurance  laws  and
regulations in every  jurisdiction  in which  Platinum  Investor is sold. As a
result,  various time periods and other terms and conditions described in this
prospectus may vary depending on where you reside.  These  variations  will be
reflected in your Policy and riders, or related endorsements.

   
      VARIATIONS  IN  EXPENSES  OR RISKS.  AGL may vary the  charges and other
terms  of  the  Policies  where  special  circumstances  result  in  sales  or
administrative  expenses,  mortality  risks, or other risks that are different
from those normally associated with the Policies.
    

HOW WILL MY POLICY BE TREATED FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES?

      Generally,  death benefits paid under a Policy are not subject to income
tax, and earnings on your accumulation  value are not subject to income tax as
long  as we do not  pay  them  out to you.  If we do pay  any  amount  of your
Policy's accumulation value upon surrender,  partial surrender, or maturity of
your Policy,  all or part of that  distribution  may be treated as a return of
the premiums you paid, and therefore not subject to income tax.

      Amounts you receive as Policy  loans are not taxable to you,  unless you
have paid such a large  amount of premiums  that your Policy  becomes what the
tax law calls a "modified endowment  contract." In that case, the loan will be
taxed  as  if  it  were  a  partial  surrender.  Furthermore,  loans,  partial
surrenders  and other  distributions  from a modified  endowment  contract may
require you to pay additional  taxes and penalties  that  otherwise  would not
apply.

      For further  information  about the tax consequences of owning a Policy,
please read "Tax Effects" starting on page 29.


                                      21



HOW DO I COMMUNICATE WITH AGL?

      When we refer to "you," we mean the  person  who is duly  authorized  to
take any contemplated action with respect to a Policy.  Generally, this is the
owner named in the Policy.  Where a Policy has more than one owner, each owner
generally must join in any requested action,  except for transfers and changes
in the allocation of future premiums or charges among the investment options.

   
      GENERAL.  You should mail or express checks and money orders for premium
payments and loan  repayments  directly to our Home Office at the  appropriate
address shown on the first page of this prospectus.

      The following  requests must be made in writing signed and dated by you:
transfer of  accumulation  value;  loan; full  surrender;  partial  surrender;
change  of  beneficiary  or  contingent  beneficiary;   change  of  allocation
percentages for premium payments,  loan repayments or charges; change of death
benefit  option or manner of death  benefit  payment;  increase or decrease in
specified insurance amount;  addition or cancellation of, or other action with
respect  to,  any rider  benefits;  election  of a payment  option  for Policy
proceeds; tax withholding elections; and telephone transaction privileges. You
should mail or express  these  requests to our Home Office at the  appropriate
address  shown  on  the  first  page  of  this  prospectus.  You  should  also
communicate  notice of the insured person's death, and related  documentation,
to our Home Office.
    

      We have  special  forms  which  should be used for  loans,  assignments,
partial and full  surrenders,  changes of owner or beneficiary,  and all other
contractual   changes.   A  Service   Request  form  covering  many  of  these
transactions is attached to the back of this prospectus.  You will be asked to
return  your Policy  when you  request a full  surrender.  You may also obtain
these  forms  from our Home  Office  or from  your  AGL  representative.  Each
communication  must include your name,  Policy  number and, if you are not the
insured  person,  that person's name. We cannot  process any requested  action
that does not include all required information.

      TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS.  If you have a completed telephone authorization
form on file with us,  you may make  transfers,  or change the  allocation  of
future premium payments or deduction of charges, by telephone,  subject to the
terms of the form. We will honor  telephone  instructions  from any person who
provides the correct  information,  so there is a risk of possible loss to you
if unauthorized  persons use this service in your name. Our current  procedure
is that only the owner or your AGL  representative may make a transfer request
by phone. We are not liable for any acts or omissions based upon  instructions
that we reasonably believe to be genuine.  Our procedures include verification
of the Policy number,  the identity of the caller,  both the insured  person's
and owner's names, and a form of personal  identification  from the caller. We
will mail you a prompt written confirmation of the transaction. If many people
seek to make telephone requests at or about the same time, or if our recording
equipment  malfunctions,  it may be  impossible  for you to  make a  telephone
request at the time you wish.  If this  occurs,  you  should  submit a written
request. Also, if, due to malfunction or other circumstances, the recording of


                                      22



your telephone request is incomplete or not fully comprehensible,  we will not
process  the  transaction.   The  phone  number  for  telephone   requests  is
1-888-325-9315.

      The  Policies  are  not  designed   for   professional   market   timing
organizations or other entities utilizing  programmed and frequent  transfers.
We  reserve  the right at any time and  without  prior  notice to any party to
terminate,  suspend, or modify our policies or procedures  regarding telephone
requests or to cease permitting telephone requests altogether.


                 ILLUSTRATIONS OF HYPOTHETICAL POLICY BENEFITS

      To help clarify how our Policies  work,  we have  prepared the following
tables:

   


                                                                          Page to see in this
                                                                              Prospectus
                                                                              ----------
                                      Table                           Platinum           Platinum
                                      -----                          Investor I         Investor II
                                                                     ----------         -----------
                                                                                  
     Death Benefit Option 1 - Current Charges...................        24                 26
             Guaranteed Maximum Charges.........................        25                 27


      The  tables  show how  death  benefits,  accumulation  values,  and cash
surrender values ("Policy  benefits")  under  hypothetical  Platinum  Investor
Policies  would  vary  over  time  if  the  investment  options  had  constant
hypothetical  gross annual investment  returns of 0%, 6% or 12% over the years
covered by each table.  The tables are for a 45 year-old male non-tobacco user
and who is a  better-than-average  mortality  risk in other  respects as well.
Planned premium payments of $1,368 for an initial $100,000 of specified amount
of coverage  are assumed to be paid at the  beginning  of each Policy year for
the Platinum  Investor I Policy.  Planned  premium  payments of $10,560 for an
initial  $500,000 of specified  amount  coverage are assumed to be paid at the
beginning  of each  Policy  year for the  Platinum  Investor  II  Policy.  The
illustrations  assume no Policy loan has been taken.  The differences  between
the  accumulation  values and the cash surrender values for the first 10 years
in the tables for the Platinum Investor I version are that version's surrender
charges.
    

      Although the tables below do not include  illustrations of a Policy with
an Option 2 death  benefit,  such a Policy would have higher  death  benefits,
lower cash values, and a greater risk of lapse.

   
      Separate  tables are included to illustrate  both current and guaranteed
maximum  charges for both  Platinum  Investor I and Platinum  Investor II. The
charges  assumed in the current  charge  tables  include a daily  charge at an
annual  effective  rate of .75% for the first 20 Policy  years  (for  Platinum
Investor  I) or 10 years (for  Platinum  Investor  II),  and .50%  thereafter,
current  monthly  insurance  charges  and a flat  monthly  charge  of $6.  The
guaranteed  maximum  charge  tables  assume that these  charges  will be .90%,
guaranteed maximum insurance charges, and $12, respectively,  in all years. In
    


                                      23



   
Texas and Oregon, the guaranteed maximum daily charge is .25% per annum higher
for  certain  periods of time than the daily  charges  assumed in the  maximum
charge tables below. Therefore, an identical Policy sold in those states would
have values less than those illustrated if we deducted the maximum charges.
    

      The charges  assumed by both the current and  guaranteed  maximum charge
tables  also  include  0.72% for  expenses of the Mutual  Funds,  which is the
unweighted  average of the  advisory  fees payable with respect to each Mutual
Fund,  after all  reimbursements,  as  reflected  on pages 11 and 12, plus the
weighted  average of all other operating  expenses of each such Fund after all
reimbursements, as reflected on page 12. The total assumed tax charges for all
of the tables are 2.5% of premiums.

      The second  column of each table shows the effect of an amount  equal to
the  premiums  invested  to  earn  interest,  after  taxes,  of 5%  compounded
annually.

      INDIVIDUAL  ILLUSTRATIONS.  On  request,  we  will  furnish  you  with a
comparable illustration based on your Policy's characteristics. If you request
illustrations  more than once in any  Policy  year,  we may charge $25 for the
illustration.

   

                                         Platinum Investor I

       Planned Premium 1,368.00                                      Initial Specified Amount $100,000
                                                                     Death Benefit Option 1
Male Age 45
Preferred risk Non-Tobacco User
Assuming Current Charges


                            Death Benefit               Accumulation Value          Cash Surrender Value
                              Assuming                      Assuming                     Assuming
                          Hypothetical Gross            Hypothetical Gross          Hypothetical Gross
                          Annual Investment              Annual Investment            Annual Investment
 End Of                       Return of                     Return of                    Return of
 Policy  Accumulated
 Year    Premiums(1)    0.0%     6.0%    12.0%       0.0%     6.0%    12.0%       0.0%     6.0%    12.0%
                                                                     
     1     1,436      100,000  100,000  100,000        892      957    1,022          0        0        0
     2     2,945      100,000  100,000  100,000      1,751    1,937    2,130        383      568      762
     3     4,528      100,000  100,000  100,000      2,588    2,952    3,346      1,220    1,584    1,978
     4     6,191      100,000  100,000  100,000      3,382    3,981    4,658      2,185    2,784    3,461
     5     7,937      100,000  100,000  100,000      4,156    5,049    6,100      3,130    4,023    5,074
     6     9,770      100,000  100,000  100,000      4,911    6,158    7,688      4,056    5,303    6,833
     7    11,695      100,000  100,000  100,000      5,657    7,322    9,449      4,973    6,638    8,765
     8    13,716      100,000  100,000  100,000      6,374    8,520   11,381      5,861    8,007   10,868
     9    15,839      100,000  100,000  100,000      7,072    9,767   13,512      6,730    9,425   13,170
    10    18,067      100,000  100,000  100,000      7,752   11,066   15,866      7,581   10,895   15,695

    15    30,995      100,000  100,000  100,000     10,927   18,469   32,009     10,927   18,469   32,009

    20    47,497      100,000  100,000  100,000     13,318   27,288   58,686     13,318   27,288   58,686

<FN>
(1)   Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.
</FN>

    

THE VALUES WILL DIFFER IF PREMIUMS ARE PAID IN DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OR FREQUENCIES.
THE MONTHLY GUARANTEE PREMIUM FOR THIS POLICY WOULD BE $56.
THE HYPOTHETICAL  INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED  A  REPRESENTATION  OF  PAST  OR  FUTURE  INVESTMENT  RESULTS.   ACTUAL
INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.


                                      24



   

                                         Platinum Investor I

       Planned Premium 1,368.00                                      Initial Specified Amount $100,000
                                                                     Death Benefit Option 1
Male Age 45
Preferred risk Non-Tobacco User
Assuming Current Charges


                            Death Benefit               Accumulation Value          Cash Surrender Value
                              Assuming                      Assuming                     Assuming
                          Hypothetical Gross            Hypothetical Gross          Hypothetical Gross
                          Annual Investment              Annual Investment            Annual Investment
 End Of                       Return of                     Return of                    Return of
 Policy  Accumulated
 Year    Premiums(1)    0.0%     6.0%    12.0%       0.0%     6.0%    12.0%       0.0%     6.0%    12.0%
                                                                     
     1     1,436      100,000  100,000  100,000        656      713      770          0        0        0
     2     2,945      100,000  100,000  100,000      1,270    1,424    1,585          0       56      217
     3     4,528      100,000  100,000  100,000      1,842    2,133    2,451        474      765    1,083
     4     6,191      100,000  100,000  100,000      2,361    2,829    3,363      1,164    1,632    2,166
     5     7,937      100,000  100,000  100,000      2,829    3,513    4,326      1,803    2,487    3,300
     6     9,770      100,000  100,000  100,000      3,246    4,183    5,346      2,391    3,328    4,491
     7    11,695      100,000  100,000  100,000      3,602    4,829    6,420      2,918    4,145    5,736
     8    13,716      100,000  100,000  100,000      3,886    5,438    7,542      3,373    4,925    7,029
     9    15,839      100,000  100,000  100,000      4,100    6,010    8,720      3,758    5,668    8,378
    10    18,067      100,000  100,000  100,000      4,232    6,531    9,951      4,061    6,360    9,780

    15    30,995      100,000  100,000  100,000      3,447    8,048   16,949      3,447    8,048   16,949

    20    47,496      100,000  100,000  100,000          0    6,386   25,523          0    6,386   25,523

<FN>
(1)   Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.
</FN>

    

THE VALUES WILL DIFFER IF PREMIUMS ARE PAID IN DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OR FREQUENCIES.
THE MONTHLY GUARANTEE PREMIUM FOR THIS POLICY WOULD BE $56.
THE HYPOTHETICAL  INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED  A  REPRESENTATION  OF  PAST  OR  FUTURE  INVESTMENT  RESULTS.   ACTUAL
INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.


                                      25


   

                                        Platinum Investor II

       Planned Premium 10,560                                        Initial Specified Amount $500,000
                                                                     Death Benefit Option 1
Male Age 45
Preferred risk Non-Tobacco User
Assuming Current Charges


                            Death Benefit               Accumulation Value          Cash Surrender Value
                              Assuming                      Assuming                     Assuming
                          Hypothetical Gross            Hypothetical Gross          Hypothetical Gross
                          Annual Investment              Annual Investment            Annual Investment
 End Of                       Return of                     Return of                    Return of
 Policy  Accumulated
 Year    Premiums(1)    0.0%     6.0%    12.0%       0.0%     6.0%    12.0%       0.0%     6.0%    12.0%
                                                                    
     1    11,088      500,000  500,000  500,000      6,724    7,220    7,717      6,724    7,220    7,717
     2    22,730      500,000  500,000  500,000     13,312   14,728   16,207     13,312   14,728   16,207
     3    34,955      500,000  500,000  500,000     21,347   24,170   27,234     21,347   24,170   27,234
     4    47,791      500,000  500,000  500,000     29,235   34,014   39,396     29,235   34,014   39,396
     5    61,269      500,000  500,000  500,000     37,091   44,391   52,933     37,091   44,391   52,933
     6    75,420      500,000  500,000  500,000     44,859   55,272   67,936     44,859   55,272   67,936
     7    90,279      500,000  500,000  500,000     52,751   66,895   84,775     52,751   66,895   84,775
     8   105,881      500,000  500,000  500,000     60,499   79,023  103,378     60,499   79,023  103,378
     9   122,263      500,000  500,000  500,000     68,208   91,786  124,035     68,208   91,786  124,035
    10   139,464      500,000  500,000  500,000     76,029  105,356  147,100     76,029  105,356  147,100

    15   239,263      500,000  500,000  500,000    111,965  181,862  303,941    111,965  181,862  303,941

    20   366,635      500,000  500,000  685,968    140,295  274,057  562,269    140,295  274,057  562,269

<FN>
(1)   Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.
</FN>

    

THE VALUES WILL DIFFER IF PREMIUMS ARE PAID IN DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OR FREQUENCIES.
THE HYPOTHETICAL  INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED  A  REPRESENTATION  OF  PAST  OR  FUTURE  INVESTMENT  RESULTS.   ACTUAL
INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.


                                      26


   

                                        Platinum Investor II

       Planned Premium 10,560                                        Initial Specified Amount $500,000
                                                                     Death Benefit Option 1
Male Age 45
Preferred risk Non-Tobacco User
Assuming Current Charges


                            Death Benefit               Accumulation Value          Cash Surrender Value
                              Assuming                      Assuming                     Assuming
                          Hypothetical Gross            Hypothetical Gross          Hypothetical Gross
                          Annual Investment              Annual Investment            Annual Investment
 End Of                       Return of                     Return of                    Return of
 Policy  Accumulated
 Year    Premiums(1)    0.0%     6.0%    12.0%       0.0%     6.0%    12.0%       0.0%     6.0%    12.0%
                                                                    
     1    11,088      500,000  500,000  500,000      5,682    6,137    6,595      5,682    6,137    6,595
     2    22,730      500,000  500,000  500,000     11,124   12,391   13,716     11,124   12,391   13,716
     3    34,955      500,000  500,000  500,000     17,912   20,401   23,108     17,912   20,401   23,108
     4    47,791      500,000  500,000  500,000     24,401   28,571   33,283     24,401   28,571   33,283
     5    61,268      500,000  500,000  500,000     30,599   36,918   44,339     30,599   36,918   44,339
     6    75,420      500,000  500,000  500,000     36,516   45,458   56,382     36,516   45,458   56,382
     7    90,279      500,000  500,000  500,000     42,105   54,154   69,479     42,105   54,154   69,479
     8   105,881      500,000  500,000  500,000     47,323   62,972   83,710     47,323   62,972   83,710
     9   122,263      500,000  500,000  500,000     52,179   71,931   99,224     52,179   71,931   99,224
    10   139,464      500,000  500,000  500,000     56,631   81,000  116,140     56,631   81,000  116,140
    15   239,263      500,000  500,000  500,000     72,027  127,691  228,350     72,027  127,691  228,350

    20   366,635      500,000  500,000  506,249     72,561  175,541  414,958     72,561  175,541  414,958

<FN>
(1)      Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.
</FN>

    

THE VALUES WILL DIFFER IF PREMIUMS ARE PAID IN DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OR FREQUENCIES.
THE HYPOTHETICAL  INVESTMENT  RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE  ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE
DEEMED  A  REPRESENTATION  OF  PAST  OR  FUTURE  INVESTMENT  RESULTS.   ACTUAL
INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.


                                      27



                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   
A  general  overview  of the  Policies  appears  at pages 1  through  23.  The
additional information that follows gives more details, but generally does NOT
repeat what is set forth above.
    

   


                          Contents of Additional Information                         Page to see in this
                                                                                        Prospectus
                                                                                      
AGL...................................................................................    28
Separate Account VL-R.................................................................    29
Tax Effects...........................................................................    29
Voting Privileges.....................................................................    34
Your Beneficiary......................................................................    35
Assigning Your Policy.................................................................    35
More About Policy Charges.............................................................    35
Effective Date of Policy and Related Transactions.....................................    37
More About Our Declared Fixed Interest Account Option.................................    39
Distribution of the Policies..........................................................    40
Payment of Policy Proceeds............................................................    41
Adjustments to Death Benefit..........................................................    42
Additional Rights That We Have........................................................    42
Performance Information...............................................................    43
Our Reports to Policy Owners..........................................................    44
AGL's Management......................................................................    44
Legal Matters.........................................................................    46
Independent Auditors..................................................................    46
Actuarial Experts.....................................................................    46
Services Agreement....................................................................    47
Certain Potential Conflicts...........................................................    47


      SPECIAL WORDS AND PHRASES.  If you want more information about any words
or  phrases  that  you read in this  prospectus,  you may wish to refer to the
Index of Words and Phrases  that appears at the end of this  prospectus  (page
91). That index will tell you on what page you can read more about many of the
words and phrases that we use.
    

AGL

      We are American General Life Insurance  Company ("AGL").  AGL is a stock
life insurance  company  organized under the laws of Texas. AGL is a successor
in interest to a company  originally  organized  under the laws of Delaware in
1917.  AGL  is  a  indirect,   wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  American  General
Corporation  (formerly  American  General  Insurance  Company),  a diversified
financial   services  holding  company  engaged  primarily  in  the  insurance
business.  The commitments under the Contracts are AGL's, and American General
Corporation has no legal obligation to back those commitments.


                                      28



SEPARATE ACCOUNT VL-R

   
      We hold the Mutual Fund shares in which any of your  accumulation  value
is invested in our Separate Account VL-R. Separate Account VL-R is a "separate
account," as defined by the SEC and is registered as a unit  investment  trust
with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We created the separate
account on May 6, 1997 under Texas law.

      For recordkeeping  and financial  reporting  purposes,  Separate Account
VL-R is divided into 17 separate  "divisions" each corresponding to one of the
17  available  investment  options  (other than our  declared  fixed  interest
account  option).  We hold the  Mutual  Fund  shares in which we  invest  your
accumulation  value for an investment  option in the division that corresponds
to that investment option.
    

      The assets in the separate account are our property.  Nevertheless,  the
assets in the separate  account would be available  only to satisfy the claims
of  owners  of  the  Policies,   to  the  extent  they  have  allocated  their
accumulation  value to the separate  account.  Our other creditors could reach
only those  separate  account assets (if any) that are in excess of the amount
of our  reserves  and  liabilities  under the  Policies  with  respect  to the
separate account.

      AGL also issues variable annuity contracts through its Separate Accounts
A and D, which also are registered investment companies.

TAX EFFECTS

      This  discussion  is  based  on  current  federal  income  tax  law  and
interpretations. It assumes that the Policy owner is a natural person who is a
U.S. citizen and resident.  The tax effects on corporate  taxpayers,  non-U.S.
residents or non-U.S.  citizens, may be different.  This discussion is general
in nature,  and  should not be  considered  tax  advice,  for which you should
consult a qualified tax adviser.

      GENERAL.  A Platinum Investor Policy will be treated as "life insurance"
for  federal  income  tax  purposes  (a) if it meets  the  definition  of life
insurance under Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ("the Code")
and (b) for as long as the  investments  made by the  underlying  Mutual Funds
satisfy certain investment  diversification  requirements under Section 817(h)
of the Code.  We believe that the Policies  will meet these  requirements  and
that:

      o     the death benefit  received by the  beneficiary  under your Policy
            will not be subject to federal income tax; and

      o     increases  in your  Policy's  accumulation  value as a  result  of
            interest or investment  experience  will not be subject to federal
            income  tax  unless and until  there is a  distribution  from your
            Policy, such as a surrender or a partial surrender.


                                      29



The federal income tax consequences of a distribution  from your Policy can be
affected by whether  your  Policy is  determined  to be a "modified  endowment
contract" (which is discussed below). In all cases,  however, the character of
all income  that is  described  below as taxable to the payee will be ordinary
income (as opposed to capital gain).

      TESTING FOR MODIFIED  ENDOWMENT  CONTRACT STATUS.  Your Policy will be a
"modified  endowment  contract"  if, at any time during the first seven Policy
years, you have paid a cumulative amount of premiums that exceeds the premiums
that would have been paid by that time under a similar fixed-benefit insurance
policy that was  designed  (based on certain  assumptions  mandated  under the
Code) to provide for paid-up future  benefits after the payment of seven level
annual premiums. This is called the "seven-pay" test.

      Whenever  there is a "material  change" under a Policy,  the Policy will
generally be (a) treated as a new contract for purposes of determining whether
the  Policy  is a  modified  endowment  contract  and (b)  subjected  to a new
seven-pay  period and a new seven-pay  limit. The new seven-pay limit would be
determined taking into account,  under a prescribed formula,  the accumulation
value of the Policy at the time of such change.  A materially  changed  Policy
would be  considered  a modified  endowment  if it failed to  satisfy  the new
seven-pay  limit. A material change for these purposes could occur as a result
of a change  in death  benefit  option,  the  selection  of  additional  rider
benefits,  an increase in your  Policy's  specified  amount of  coverage,  and
certain other changes.

      If your  Policy's  benefits  are reduced  during the first seven  Policy
years  (or  within  seven  years  after a  material  change),  the  calculated
seven-pay  premium  limit will be  redetermined  based on the reduced level of
benefits and applied retroactively for purposes of the seven-pay test. (Such a
reduction in benefits  could  include,  for  example,  a decrease in specified
amount you request or, in some cases,  a partial  surrender or  termination of
additional  benefits  under a  rider.)  If the  premiums  previously  paid are
greater than the  recalculated  seven-payment  premium level limit, the Policy
will become a modified  endowment  contract.  A life insurance  policy that is
received in exchange for a modified endowment contract will also be considered
a modified endowment contract.

      OTHER  EFFECTS  OF POLICY  CHANGES.  Changes  made to your  Policy  (for
example,  a decrease in benefits or a lapse or  reinstatement  of your Policy)
may also have other effects on your Policy. Such effects may include impacting
the maximum amount of premiums that can be paid under your Policy,  as well as
the maximum  amount of  accumulation  value that may be maintained  under your
Policy.

      TAXATION  OF  PRE-DEATH  DISTRIBUTIONS  IF YOUR POLICY IS NOT A MODIFIED
ENDOWMENT CONTRACT. As long as your Policy remains in force during the insured
person's lifetime, as a non-modified endowment contract, a Policy loan will be
treated as  indebtedness,  and no part of the loan proceeds will be subject to
current  federal  income tax.  Interest on the loan  generally will not be tax
deductible.


                                      30



      After the first 15 Policy years,  the proceeds from a partial  surrender
will not be subject to federal  income tax except to the extent such  proceeds
exceed  your  "basis" in your  Policy.  (Your basis  generally  will equal the
premiums  you have paid,  less the amount of any previous  distributions  from
your  Policy that were not  taxable.)  During the first 15 Policy  years,  the
proceeds  from a partial  surrender  could be subject to federal  income  tax,
under a complex formula,  to the extent that your  accumulation  value exceeds
your basis in your Policy.

   
      On the maturity date or upon full surrender, any excess in the amount of
proceeds we pay  (including  amounts we use to discharge any Policy loan) over
your basis in the Policy,  will be subject to federal income tax. In addition,
if a Policy  terminates after a grace period while there is a policy loan, the
cancellation  of such loan and  accrued  loan  interest  will be  treated as a
distribution  and could be subject to tax under the above rules.  Finally,  if
you make an  assignment  of rights or  benefits  under your  Policy you may be
deemed to have received a distribution from your Policy,  all or part of which
may be taxable.

      TAXATION  OF  PRE-DEATH  DISTRIBUTIONS  IF  YOUR  POLICY  IS A  MODIFIED
ENDOWMENT  CONTRACT.  If your  Policy is a modified  endowment  contract,  any
distribution  from your Policy  during the insured  person's  lifetime will be
taxed on an  "income-first"  basis.  Distributions  for this purpose include a
loan (including any increase in the loan amount to pay interest on an existing
loan or an assignment or a pledge to secure a loan) or partial surrender.  Any
such distributions will be considered taxable income to you to the extent your
accumulation  value exceeds your basis in the Policy.  For modified  endowment
contracts,  your  basis is  similar  to the  basis  described  above for other
Policies,  except that it also would be  increased  by the amount of any prior
loan under your Policy that was considered taxable income to you. For purposes
of determining the taxable portion of any distribution, all modified endowment
contracts  issued by the same  insurer  (or its  affiliate)  to the same owner
(excluding  certain  qualified plans) during any calendar year are aggregated.
The U.S.  Treasury  Department has authority to prescribe  additional rules to
prevent  avoidance of "income-first"  taxation on distributions  from modified
endowment contracts.
    

      A 10%  penalty  tax also  will  apply  to the  taxable  portion  of most
distributions from a Policy that is a modified endowment contract. The penalty
tax will not, however, apply to distributions (i) to taxpayers 59 1/2 years of
age or older,  (ii) in the case of a  disability  (as  defined in the Code) or
(iii) received as part of a series of  substantially  equal  periodic  annuity
payments for the life (or life  expectancy) of the taxpayer or the joint lives
(or joint life  expectancies) of the taxpayer and his or her  beneficiary.  If
your Policy  terminates after a grace period while there is a Policy loan, the
cancellation  of such loan will be treated as a distribution to the extent not
previously  treated  as such and could be subject  to tax,  including  the 10%
penalty tax, as described above. In addition,  on the maturity date and upon a
full  surrender,  any excess of the proceeds we pay  (including any amounts we
use to discharge  any loan) over your basis in the Policy,  will be subject to
federal income tax and, unless an exception applies, the 10% penalty tax.

      Distributions  that  occur  during a Policy  year in which  your  Policy
becomes a modified endowment contract, and during any subsequent Policy years,
will be taxed as  described  in the two  preceding  paragraphs.  In  addition,


                                      31



distributions  from a Policy  within  two years  before it  becomes a modified
endowment contract also will be subject to tax in this manner. This means that
a distribution  made from a Policy that is not a modified  endowment  contract
could  later  become  taxable  as a  distribution  from a  modified  endowment
contract. The Treasury Department has been authorized to prescribe rules which
would treat  similarly  other  distributions  made in anticipation of a policy
becoming a modified endowment contract.

      POLICY LAPSES AND REINSTATEMENTS. A Policy which has lapsed may have the
tax  consequences  described  above,  even though you may be able to reinstate
that  Policy.  For tax  purposes,  some  reinstatements  may be treated as the
purchase of a new insurance contract.

      TERMINAL  ILLNESS RIDER.  Amounts  received under an insurance policy on
the life of an individual  who is  terminally  ill, as defined by the tax law,
are generally  excludable  from the payee's gross income.  We believe that the
benefits  provided under our terminal  illness rider meet the law's definition
of  terminally  ill and can  qualify  for  this  income  tax  exclusion.  This
exclusion does not apply,  however,  to amounts paid to someone other than the
insured person, if the payee has an insurable interest in the insured person's
life because the insured is a director, officer or employee of the payee or by
reason of the insured  person  being  financially  interested  in any trade or
business carried on by the payee.

      DIVERSIFICATION.   Under  Section  817(h)  of  the  Code,  the  Treasury
Department has issued  regulations that implement  investment  diversification
requirements.  Failure by us to comply with these regulations would disqualify
your Policy as a life insurance policy under Section 7702 of the Code. If this
were to occur,  you would be subject to federal income tax on the income under
the Policy for the period of the  disqualification and for subsequent periods.
Our separate account,  through the Mutual Funds,  intends to comply with these
requirements.

      In  connection  with  the  issuance  of then  temporary  diversification
regulations,  the Treasury  Department stated that it anticipated the issuance
of guidelines  prescribing the  circumstances in which the ability of a policy
owner to direct his or her  investment  to  particular  Mutual  Funds within a
separate  account  may cause  the  policy  owner,  rather  than the  insurance
company,  to be treated as the owner of the assets in the account. If you were
considered the owner of the assets of the separate  account,  income and gains
from the account would be included in your gross income for federal income tax
purposes.  Under current law, however,  we believe that AGL, and not the owner
of a  Policy,  would be  considered  the owner of the  assets of our  separate
account.

      ESTATE AND  GENERATION  SKIPPING  TAXES.  If the  insured  person is the
Policy's  owner,  the death  benefit  under a Platinum  Investor  Policy  will
generally be includable in the owner's  estate for purposes of federal  estate
tax. If the owner is not the insured person, under certain conditions, only an
amount  approximately equal to the cash surrender value of the Policy would be
includable.  Federal  estate tax is  integrated  with federal gift tax under a
unified  rate  schedule.  In general,  estates  less than  $625,000 (or larger
amounts  specified in the Code to commence in certain  future  years) will not


                                      32



incur a federal  estate tax  liability.  In  addition,  an  unlimited  marital
deduction may be available for federal estate tax purposes.

      As a  general  rule,  if a  "transfer"  is made to a person  two or more
generations  younger than the Policy's owner, a generation skipping tax may be
payable at rates similar to the maximum estate tax rate in effect at the time.
The generation  skipping tax provisions  generally  apply to " transfers" that
would be subject to the gift and estate tax rules.  Individuals  are generally
allowed an aggregate generation skipping tax exemption of $1 million.  Because
these rules are complex,  you should  consult with a qualified tax adviser for
specific  information,  especially  where  benefits  are  passing  to  younger
generations.

      The  particular  situation  of each  Policy  owner,  insured  person  or
beneficiary will determine how ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds will be
treated for purposes of federal estate and generation  skipping taxes, as well
as state and local estate, inheritance and other taxes.

      PENSION AND  PROFIT-SHARING  PLANS.  If Platinum  Investor  Policies are
purchased  by a  trust  or  other  entity  that  forms  part of a  pension  or
profit-sharing plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code for the benefit
of  participants  covered under the plan,  the federal income tax treatment of
such Policies will be somewhat different from that described above.

      If purchased as part of a pension or profit-sharing plan, the reasonable
net  premium  cost for such  amount of  insurance  is  required to be included
annually in the plan participant's gross income. This cost (generally referred
to as the "P.S. 58" cost) is reported to the participant annually. If the plan
participant dies while covered by the plan and the Policy proceeds are paid to
the participant's  beneficiary,  then the excess of the death benefit over the
Policy's  accumulation  value  will not be  subject  to  federal  income  tax.
However,  the  Policy's  accumulation  value will  generally be taxable to the
extent  it  exceeds  the   participant's   cost  basis  in  the  Policy.   The
participant's  cost  basis  will  generally  include  the  costs of  insurance
previously  reported as income to the participant.  Special rules may apply if
the  participant had borrowed from the Policy or was an  owner-employee  under
the plan.

      There are limits on the amounts of life  insurance that may be purchased
on behalf of a participant in a pension or profit-sharing plan. Complex rules,
in addition  to those  discussed  above,  apply  whenever  life  insurance  is
purchased by a tax qualified plan. You should consult a qualified tax adviser.

      OTHER  EMPLOYEE  BENEFIT  PROGRAMS.  Complex rules may also apply when a
Policy is held by an employer  or a trust,  or  acquired  by an  employee,  in
connection with the provision of other employee benefits.  These Policy owners
must  consider  whether  the Policy was  applied  for by or issued to a person
having an insurable  interest under  applicable state law and with the insured
person's  consent.  The lack of an insurable  interest or consent  may,  among
other things,  affect the  qualification  of the Policy as life  insurance for
federal  income tax  purposes  and the right of the  beneficiary  to receive a
death benefit.


                                      33



      ERISA.   Employers  and  employer-created   trusts  may  be  subject  to
reporting,  disclosure and fiduciary obligations under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974. You should consult a qualified legal adviser.

      OUR TAXES.  The operations of our Separate  Account VL-R are reported in
our  federal  income tax  return,  but we  currently  pay no income tax on the
separate  account's  investment income and capital gains,  because these items
are,  for tax  purposes,  reflected  in our  variable  life  insurance  policy
reserves. Therefore, no charge is currently being made to any separate account
division  for taxes.  We reserve  the right to make a charge in the future for
taxes incurred; for example, a charge to the separate account for income taxes
incurred by us that are allocable to the Policies.

      We may have to pay state, local or other taxes in addition to applicable
taxes based on premiums. At present, these taxes are not substantial.  If they
increase, charges may be made for such taxes when they are attributable to our
separate account or allocable to the Policies.

      Certain  Mutual Funds in which your  accumulation  value is invested may
elect to pass through to AGL taxes withheld by foreign taxing jurisdictions on
foreign  source  income.  Such an election will result in  additional  taxable
income and income tax to AGL. The amount of  additional  income tax,  however,
may be more than offset by credits for the foreign  taxes  withheld  which are
also passed through. These credits may provide a benefit to AGL.

      WHEN WE WITHHOLD INCOME TAXES. Generally,  unless you provide us with an
election to the contrary before we make the  distribution,  we are required to
withhold  income  tax from any  proceeds  we  distribute  as part of a taxable
transaction under your Policy. In some cases, where generation  skipping taxes
may apply,  we may also be required to withhold  for such taxes  unless we are
provided satisfactory written notification that no such taxes are due.

      TAX CHANGES. The U.S. Congress frequently considers legislation that, if
enacted,  could  change  the tax  treatment  of life  insurance  policies.  In
addition,  the  Treasury  Department  may amend  existing  regulations,  issue
regulations  on the  qualification  of life  insurance and modified  endowment
contracts,  or adopt new  interpretations of existing law. State and local tax
law or, if you are not a U.S. citizen and resident,  foreign tax law, may also
affect the tax  consequences  to you, the insured person or your  beneficiary,
and are subject to change. Any changes in federal, state, local or foreign tax
law or interpretation  could have a retroactive effect. We suggest you consult
a qualified tax adviser.

VOTING PRIVILEGES

      You will be  entitled to instruct us how to vote Mutual Fund shares held
in the divisions of Separate  Account VL-R and  attributable to your Policy at
meetings of shareholders  of the Funds.  The number of votes for which you may
give directions will be determined as of the record date for the meeting.  The
number of votes you are entitled to direct with respect to a particular Mutual
Fund is equal to (a) your accumulation  value invested in that Fund divided by
(b) the net asset  value of one share of that Fund.  Fractional  votes will be


                                      34



recognized.  Separate  Account  VL-R will vote all shares of each Fund that it
holds of  record in the same  proportions  as those  shares  for which we have
received  instructions  from  owners  participating  in that Fund  through the
separate account.

      If you are  entitled  to give us voting  instructions,  we will send you
proxy material and a form for providing such  instructions.  In certain cases,
we may  disregard  instructions  relating  to changes  in a Fund's  investment
manager or its investment policies. We will advise you if we do and detail the
reasons in our next report to Policy owners.

      AGL  reserves  the  right  to  modify  these  procedures  in any  manner
consistent with applicable legal requirements and interpretations as in effect
from time to time.

YOUR BENEFICIARY

      You name your beneficiary  when you apply for a Policy.  The beneficiary
is  entitled  to the  insurance  benefits  of the  Policy.  You may change the
beneficiary during the insured person's lifetime.  We also require the consent
of  any  irrevocably  named  beneficiary.  A new  beneficiary  designation  is
effective  as of the date you sign it, but will not affect any payments we may
make before we receive it. If no beneficiary is living when the insured person
dies, we will pay the insurance proceeds to the owner or the owner's estate.

ASSIGNING YOUR POLICY

      You may assign  (transfer)  your  rights in a Policy to someone  else as
collateral for a loan or for some other reason, if we agree. Two copies of the
assignment  must be forwarded to us. We are not responsible for any payment we
make or any action  taken  before we receive  due and  complete  notice of the
assignment  in good  order.  Nor are we  responsible  for the  validity of the
assignment.  An absolute  assignment is a change of ownership.  All collateral
assignees of record must  consent to any full  surrender,  partial  surrender,
loan or payment from a Policy under a terminal  illness  rider.  Because there
may be unfavorable tax consequences,  including  recognition of taxable income
and the loss of income tax-free treatment for any death benefit payable to the
beneficiary,  you should  consult a qualified  tax adviser  prior to making an
assignment.

MORE ABOUT POLICY CHARGES

   
      PURPOSE OF OUR CHARGES.  The charges  under the Policies are designed to
cover,   in  the  aggregate,   our  direct  and  indirect  costs  of  selling,
administering  and  providing  benefits  under  the  Policies.  They  are also
designed,  in the  aggregate,  to  compensate  us for the risks we assume  and
services  that we provide under the Policies.  These include  mortality  risks
(such as the risk that insured persons will, on average, die before we expect,
thereby  increasing the amount of claims we must pay);  investment risks (such
as the risk that adverse  investment  performance will make it more costly for
us to provide the 5-year  no-lapse  guarantee  under the  Platinum  Investor I
    


                                      35



   
Policies or reduce the amount of our daily charge fee  revenues  below what we
anticipate); sales risks (such as the risk that the number of Policies we sell
and the  premiums we  receive,  net of  withdrawals,  are less than we expect,
thereby depriving us of expected  economies of scale);  regulatory risks (such
as the risk that tax or other  regulations  may be changed in ways  adverse to
issuers of variable life insurance  policies);  and expense risks (such as the
risk that the costs of administrative services that the Policies require us to
provide will exceed what we currently project).
    

      If the charges that we collect from the Policies  exceed our total costs
in  connection  with the  Policies,  we will earn a profit.  Otherwise we will
incur a loss.

   
      The current  charges that we deduct from  premiums have been designed to
compensate  us for  taxes we have to pay to the  state  where you live when we
receive a premium  from you,  as well as similar  federal  taxes we incur as a
result of premium payments. The current flat monthly charge that we deduct has
been designed  primarily to compensate  us for the  continuing  administrative
functions we perform in  connection  with the  Policies.  The current  monthly
insurance charge has been designed  primarily to provide funds out of which we
can make payments of death benefits under the Policies as insured persons die.

      Any excess from the charges  discussed in the  preceding  paragraph,  as
well as revenues from the daily charge,  are primarily  intended (a) to defray
other  expenses  in  connection  with  the  Policies  (such  as the  costs  of
processing  applications  for Policies and other  unreimbursed  administrative
expenses,  costs of paying sales commissions and other marketing  expenses for
the Policies,  and costs of paying death claims if the mortality experience of
insured  persons is worse than we expect),  (b) to compensate us for the risks
we assume under the Policies, or (c) otherwise to be retained by us as profit.
The surrender charge under the Platinum Investor I Policies and the additional
monthly charge during the first two years under a Platinum  Investor II Policy
have also been designed primarily for these purposes.

      Although the  preceding  paragraphs  describe  the primary  purposes for
which charges under the Policies have been designed,  these  distinctions  are
imprecise  and subject to  considerable  change over the life of a Policy.  We
have full  discretion  to retain or use the revenues from any charge or charge
increase for any purpose, whether or not related to the Policies.
    

      CHANGE OF TOBACCO  USE.  If the person  insured  under your  Policy is a
tobacco  user,  you may apply to us for an improved  risk class if the insured
person meets our then applicable requirements for demonstrating that he or she
has ceased tobacco use for a sufficient period.

      GENDER NEUTRAL  POLICIES.  Our cost of insurance charge rates in Montana
will not be  greater  than  the  comparable  male  rates  illustrated  in this
prospectus.

   
      Congress and the  legislatures  of various states have from time to time
considered  legislation that would require  insurance rates to be the same for
males and females of the same age,  rating class and tobacco  user status.  In
    


                                      36



   
addition,   employers  and  employee   organizations   should   consider,   in
consultation with counsel,  the impact of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 on the purchase of life insurance policies  (including  Platinum Investor
Policies) in connection with an employment-related  insurance or benefit plan.
In a 1983  decision,  the United States  Supreme Court held that,  under Title
VII,  optional annuity benefits under a deferred  compensation  plan could not
vary on the basis of sex.

      COST  OF  INSURANCE  RATES.   Because  of  specified  amount  increases,
different  cost of  insurance  rates  may  apply to  different  increments  of
specified  amount under your Policy.  If so, we  attribute  your  accumulation
value first to the oldest  increments of specified  amount in order to compute
our net amount at risk at each cost of insurance rate. See "Monthly  Insurance
Charge" beginning on page 8.
    

      DECREASES IN THE SPECIFIED  AMOUNT OF A PLATINUM  INVESTOR I POLICY.  An
amount of any remaining  surrender  charge will be deducted upon a decrease in
specified  amount  under a Platinum  Investor I Policy.  If there have been no
previous  specified amount increases,  the amount we deduct will bear the same
proportion to the total surrender  charge then applicable as the amount of the
specified  amount decrease bears to the Policy's total specified  amount.  The
remaining  amount of  surrender  charge that we could impose at a future time,
however, will also be reduced proportionally.  If there have been increases in
specified  amount,  we decrease first those portions of specified  amount that
were most recently  established.  We also deduct any  remaining  amount of the
surrender  charge that was established  with that portion of specified  amount
(which we  pro-rate if less than that entire  portion of  specified  amount is
being cancelled).

   
      MISCELLANEOUS.  Each of the  distributors  of the Mutual Funds listed on
page 1 of this  Prospectus  reimburses us, on a quarterly  basis,  for certain
administrative,  Policy,  and Policy owner support  expenses,  up to an annual
rate of 0.25% of the  average  daily net asset  value of shares of the  Mutual
Funds  purchased  by  the  divisions  at  the  instruction  of  owners.  These
reimbursements  are  paid by the  distributors,  and  will  not be paid by the
Mutual  Funds,  the  divisions or the owners.  No payments  have yet been made
under these arrangements, because no Policies have yet been issued.
    

EFFECTIVE DATE OF POLICY AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

      VALUATION DATES,  TIMES, AND PERIODS.  We generally compute values under
Policies on each day that we are open for business except, with respect to any
investment  option,  days on which the related  Mutual Fund does not value its
shares. We call each such day a "valuation date."

      We  compute  policy  values  as of  3:00  p.m.,  Central  time,  on each
valuation  date.  We call this our "close of  business." We call the time from
the close of  business on one  valuation  date to the close of business of the
next valuation date a "valuation period."


                                      37



   
      DATE OF RECEIPT.  Generally we consider  that we have received a premium
payment or another communication from you on the day we actually receive it in
full and  proper  order at our Home  Office  (shown on the first  page of this
prospectus).  If we receive it after the close of  business  on any  valuation
date,  however, we consider that we have received it on the day following that
valuation date.

      COMMENCEMENT OF INSURANCE COVERAGE. After you apply for a Policy, it can
sometimes  take up to  several  weeks for us to gather  and  evaluate  all the
information  we need to decide  whether  to issue a Policy to you and,  if so,
what the insured  person's  insurance  rate class should be. We will not pay a
death benefit under a Policy unless (a) it has been  delivered to and accepted
by the owner and at least the minimum first premium has been paid,  and (b) at
the time of such delivery and payment, there have been no adverse developments
in the insured person's health or risk of death.  However, if you pay at least
the minimum first premium payment with your application for a Policy,  we will
provide  temporary  coverage of up to $300,000  if the  insured  person  meets
certain  medical  and risk  requirements.  The  terms and  conditions  of this
coverage are described in our "Limited  Temporary Life  Insurance  Agreement."
You can obtain a copy from our Home Office by writing to the address  shown on
the first page of this prospectus or from your AGL representative.
    

      DATE OF ISSUE;  POLICY MONTHS AND YEARS. After we approve an application
for a Policy and assign an appropriate  insurance  rate class,  we prepare the
Policy.  The day we begin to  deduct  charges  will  appear  on page 3 of your
Policy and is called the "date of issue." Policy months and years are measured
from the date of issue.  In order to  preserve a younger  age at issue for the
insured  person,  we may  assign a date of  issue to a Policy  that is up to 6
months earlier than otherwise would apply.

      MONTHLY  DEDUCTION  DAYS. Each charge that we deduct monthly is assessed
against your accumulation  value at the close of business on the date of issue
and at the end of each subsequent valuation period that includes the first day
of a Policy month. We call these "monthly deduction days."

   
      COMMENCEMENT OF INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. We begin to credit an investment
return to the  accumulation  value resulting from your initial premium payment
on the later of (a) the date of issue, (b) the date all requirements needed to
place the Policy in force have been satisfied, including underwriting approval
and receipt in the Home Office of the necessary premium, or (c) in the case of
a back-dated policy, the date we approve the Policy for insurance.
    

      EFFECTIVE  DATE OF OTHER  PREMIUM  PAYMENTS AND REQUESTS  THAT YOU MAKE.
Premium payments (after the first) and transactions implemented in response to
requests and elections  made by you are  generally  effected at the end of the
valuation  period in which we receive the  payment,  request or  election  and
based on prices and values  computed as of that same time.  Exceptions to this
general rule are as follows:


                                      38



      o     Increases  or  decreases  you request in the  specified  amount of
            insurance,  and  reinstatements  of Policies that have lapsed take
            effect on the Policy's monthly  deduction day on or next following
            our approval of the transaction;

      o     We may return premium  payments if we determine that such premiums
            would cause your Policy to become a modified endowment contract or
            to cease to qualify as life  insurance  under  federal  income tax
            law;

   
      o     If you exercise  the right to return your Policy  described on the
            first page of this  prospectus,  your  coverage  will end when you
            mail us your Policy or deliver it to your AGL representative; and
    

      o     If you pay a premium in connection  with a request which  requires
            our approval,  your payment will be applied when  received  rather
            than following the effective date of the change  requested so long
            as your  coverage  is in force and the amount  paid will not cause
            you to exceed  premium  limitations  under the Code.  If we do not
            approve your request, no premium will be refunded to you except to
            the extent  necessary to cure any violation of the maximum premium
            limitations  under  the  Code.  This  procedure  will not apply to
            premiums remitted in connection with reinstatement requests.

MORE ABOUT OUR DECLARED FIXED INTEREST ACCOUNT OPTION

      OUR GENERAL  ACCOUNT.  Our general  account assets are all of our assets
that we do not hold in  legally  segregated  separate  accounts.  Our  general
account  supports our  obligations  to you under your Policy's  declared fixed
interest  account  option.  Because of  applicable  exemptive  provisions,  no
interest in this option has been registered  under the Securities Act of 1933;
nor is  our  general  account  or  our  declared  fixed  interest  account  an
investment  company  under the  Investment  Company Act of 1940.  We have been
advised that the staff of the SEC has not reviewed  the  disclosures  that are
included in this prospectus for your information  about our general account or
our declared fixed interest account option. Those disclosures, however, may be
subject to certain generally  applicable  provisions of the federal securities
laws  relating  to  the  accuracy  and  completeness  of  statements  made  in
prospectuses.

      HOW WE DECLARE INTEREST.  We can at any time change the rate of interest
we are  paying on any  accumulation  value  allocated  to our  declared  fixed
interest account option,  but it will always be at an effective annual rate of
at least 4%.

      Under these procedures, it is likely that at any time different interest
rates will apply to different portions of your accumulation  value,  depending
on when each  portion was  allocated to our declared  fixed  interest  account
option.  Any  charges,  partial  surrenders,  or loans  that we take  from any
accumulation value that you have in our declared fixed interest account option
will be taken from each  portion in reverse  chronological  order based on the


                                      39



date that accumulation value was allocated to this option.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES

   
      American  General  Securities  Incorporated  ("AGSI")  is the  principal
underwriter of the Policies. AGSI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGL, and its
principal  office  is 2727  Allen  Parkway,  Houston,  Texas  77019.  AGSI was
organized on March 8, 1983 under Texas law. AGSI is registered with the SEC as
a broker-dealer  under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934 Act") and is
a member of the National  Association of Securities  Dealers,  Inc.  ("NASD").
AGSI is also the principal  underwriter  for AGL's Separate  Accounts A and D,
and Separate Account E of American General Life Insurance Company of New York,
which  is a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of AGL.  These  separate  accounts  are
registered investment companies.

      We and AGSI have sales agreements with various  broker-dealers and banks
under which the Policies  will be sold by  registered  representatives  of the
broker-dealers or employees of the banks. These registered representatives and
employees  are  also  required  to  be  authorized   under   applicable  state
regulations  as life  insurance  agents to sell variable life  insurance.  The
broker-dealers are ordinarily  required to be registered with the SEC and must
be members of the NASD.

      We pay compensation  directly to broker-dealers  and banks for promotion
and sales of the Policies.  AGSI also has its own  registered  representatives
who will sell the  Policies,  and we will pay  compensation  to AGSI for these
sales. The compensation  payable to  broker-dealers  or banks for sales of the
Policies may vary with the sales  agreement,  but is generally not expected to
exceed, for the Platinum Investor I Policies,  90% of the premiums paid in the
first Policy year up to a "target" amount, 4% of the premiums not in excess of
the  target  amount  paid in each of Policy  years 2 through  10,  2.5% of all
premiums  in excess of the target  amount  received  in any of Policy  years 1
through 10, and .25% annually of the Policy's  accumulation  value (reduced by
any  outstanding  loans) in the  investment  options  thereafter.  (The target
amount is an amount of level annual premium that would be necessary to support
the benefits under your Policy,  based on certain  assumptions that we believe
are reasonable.) The compensation  payable to the  broker-dealers or banks for
the Platinum  Investor II Policies is generally  not expected to exceed 20% of
premiums  paid in the first  Policy year up to the target  amount,  12% of the
premiums  not in excess of the target  amount  paid in each of Policy  years 2
through 7, 2.5% on all premiums in excess of the target amount received in any
of  Policy  years 1 through  7, and .25% of the  Policy's  accumulation  value
(reduced by any outstanding loans) in the investment options thereafter.

      The maximum value of any alternative amounts we may pay for sales of the
Policies  is  expected to be  equivalent  over time to the  amounts  described
above.

      We pay a comparable  amount of  compensation  to the  broker-dealers  or
banks with respect to any increase in the  specified  amount of coverage  that
you request. In addition, we may pay expense allowances,  bonuses,  wholesaler
fees and training allowances.
    


                                      40



   
      We  pay  the  compensation   directly  to  AGSI  or  any  other  selling
broker-dealer firm or bank. We pay the compensation from our own resources and
they do not result in any  additional  charge to you that is not  described on
page 8. Each  broker-dealer  firm or bank, in turn  compensates its registered
representative or employee who acts as agent in selling you a Policy.
    

PAYMENT OF POLICY PROCEEDS

      GENERAL. We will pay any death benefit, maturity benefit, cash surrender
value or loan  proceeds  within seven days after we receive the last  required
form or request (and any other  documents  that may be required for payment of
death  benefit).  If we do not have  information  about the desired  manner of
payment within 60 days after the date we receive  notification  of the insured
person's  death,  we will pay the  proceeds as a single sum,  normally  within
seven days thereafter.

      DELAY OF DECLARED FIXED INTEREST  ACCOUNT OPTION  PROCEEDS.  We have the
right,  however,  to defer payment or transfers of amounts out of our declared
fixed interest  account option for up to six months.  If we delay more than 30
days in paying you such  amounts,  we will pay  interest of at least 3% a year
from the date we receive all items we require to make the payment.

      DELAY FOR CHECK CLEARANCE. We reserve the right to defer payment of that
portion of your  accumulation  value that is attributable to a premium payment
made by check for a reasonable period of time (not to exceed 15 days) to allow
the check to clear the banking system.

      DELAY OF  SEPARATE  ACCOUNT  PROCEEDS.  We  reserve  the  right to defer
payment of any death benefit,  loan or other distribution that is derived from
that portion of your accumulation  value that is allocated to Separate Account
VL-R,  if (a) the New York  Stock  Exchange  is closed  other  than  customary
weekend and  holiday  closings,  or trading on the New York Stock  Exchange is
restricted;  (b) an  emergency  exists,  as a  result  of  which  disposal  of
securities is not reasonably  practicable or it is not reasonably  practicable
to fairly  determine the  accumulation  value; or (c) the SEC by order permits
the  delay  for  the  protection  of  owners.  Transfers  and  allocations  of
accumulation  value among the investment  options may also be postponed  under
these  circumstances.  If we need to defer  calculation  of  separate  account
values for any of the  foregoing  reasons,  all delayed  transactions  will be
processed at the next values that we do compute.

      DELAY TO  CHALLENGE  COVERAGE.  We may  challenge  the  validity of your
insurance  Policy based on any material  misstatements in your application and
any application for a change in coverage. However,

      o     We cannot challenge the Policy after it has been in effect, during
            the  insured  person's  lifetime,  for two years from the date the
            Policy was issued or restored after termination.  (Some states may
            require that we measure this time in some other way.)


                                      41



      o     We cannot  challenge any Policy  change that requires  evidence of
            insurability  (such as an increase in specified  amount) after the
            change  has  been in  effect  for two  years  during  the  insured
            person's lifetime.

      o     We cannot  challenge an  additional  benefit  rider that  provides
            benefits  in the event that the  insured  person  becomes  totally
            disabled,  after two years from the later of the Policy's  date of
            issue or the date as of which the additional benefit rider becomes
            effective.

ADJUSTMENTS TO DEATH BENEFIT

      SUICIDE.  If the insured person  commits  suicide within two years after
the date on which the Policy was issued,  the death benefit will be limited to
the total of all  premiums  that have been paid to the time of death minus any
outstanding  Policy loan and any  partial  surrenders.  If the insured  person
commits  suicide  within two years after the effective  date of an increase in
specified  amount that you  requested,  we will pay the death benefit based on
the specified amount which was in effect before the increase, plus the monthly
insurance  deductions  for the increase.  Some states  require that we compute
differently these periods for non-contestability following a suicide.

      WRONG  AGE OR SEX.  If the  age or  gender  of the  insured  person  was
misstated on your  application for a Policy (or for any increase in benefits),
we will  adjust any death  benefit  to be what the  monthly  insurance  charge
deducted  for the  current  month  would have  purchased  based on the correct
information.

      DEATH  DURING  GRACE  PERIOD.  If the  insured  person  dies  during the
Policy's  grace period,  we will deduct any overdue  monthly  charges from the
insurance proceeds.

ADDITIONAL RIGHTS THAT WE HAVE

      We have the right at any time to:

      o     transfer the entire balance in an investment  option in accordance
            with  any  transfer  request  you  make  that  would  reduce  your
            accumulation value for that option to below $500;

      o     transfer  the  entire  balance  on a  pro-rata  basis to any other
            investment  options you then are using, if the accumulation  value
            in an investment option is below $500 for any other reason;

      o     terminate the automatic  rebalancing  feature if your accumulation
            value falls below $5,000;


                                      42



      o     change the underlying Mutual Fund that any investment option uses;

      o     add or delete investment  options,  combine two or more investment
            options, or withdraw assets relating to Platinum Investor from one
            investment option and put them into another;

      o     operate  Separate  Account VL-R under the direction of a committee
            or discharge such a committee at any time;

      o     operate the separate account,  or one or more investment  options,
            in any other form the law allows,  including a form that allows us
            to make direct investments. Our separate account may be charged an
            advisory  fee if its  investments  are made  directly  rather than
            through another investment  company. In that case, we may make any
            legal investments we wish;

      o     do  any  of  the  following,  if  in  our  judgment  necessary  or
            appropriate  to ensure that the  Policies  continue to qualify for
            tax treatment as life  insurance:  decline to change death benefit
            options or the  specified  amount of  insurance,  refuse a partial
            surrender request,  require you to pay additional  premiums,  make
            distributions  from your Policy  (which could  require  payment of
            taxes and penalties), or make any other changes in your Policy; or

      o     make  other  changes in the  Policies  that do not reduce any cash
            surrender  value,  death  benefit,  accumulation  value,  or other
            accrued rights or benefits.

   
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

      From  time  to  time,  we may  quote  performance  information  for  the
divisions of the Separate Account VL-R in advertisements, sales literature, or
reports to owners or prospective investors.

      We may quote  performance  information  in any  manner  permitted  under
applicable law. We may, for example, present such information as a change in a
hypothetical  owner's  cash value or death  benefit.  We also may  present the
yield or total return of the division based on a hypothetical  investment in a
Policy.  The performance  information shown may cover various periods of time,
including  periods  beginning with the  commencement  of the operations of the
division or the Mutual Fund in which it invests.  The performance  information
shown may reflect the  deduction of one or more  charges,  such as the premium
charge  or  surrender  charge,  and we  generally  expect to  exclude  cost of
insurance charges because of the individual nature of these charges.
    


                                      43



   
         We may compare a  division's  performance  to that of other  variable
life  separate  accounts  or  investment  products,  as well  as to  generally
accepted  indices or analyses,  such as those  provided by research  firms and
rating  services.  In  addition,  we may use  performance  ratings that may be
reported  periodically  in  financial  publications,  such as MONEY  MAGAZINE,
FORBES,  BUSINESS  WEEK,  FORTUNE,  FINANCIAL  PLANNING,  and THE WALL  STREET
JOURNAL.  We also  may  advertise  ratings  of  AGL's  financial  strength  or
claims-paying  ability as determined by firms that analyze and rate  insurance
companies and by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations.

      Performance  information for any division  reflects the performance of a
hypothetical  Policy  and  are  not  illustrative  of  how  actual  investment
performance would affect the benefits under your Policy. Therefore, you should
not consider such  performance  information  to be an estimate or guarantee of
future performance.
    

      If there are any material  changes in the  underlying  investments of an
investment option that you are using, you will be notified as required by law.
We  intend  to comply  with  applicable  law in making  any  changes  and,  if
necessary, we will seek Policy owner approval.

OUR REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS

      Shortly  after the end of each  Policy  year,  we will mail you a report
that  includes   information   about  your  Policy's  current  death  benefit,
accumulation  value,  cash surrender  value and policy loans.  Notices will be
sent to you to confirm  premium  payments,  transfers and certain other Policy
transactions.  We will mail to you at your last known address of record, these
and any other reports and communications required by law. You should therefore
give us prompt written notice of any address change.

AGL'S MANAGEMENT

      The directors,  executive  officers,  and (to the extent responsible for
variable  life  operations)  the other  principal  officers  of AGL are listed
below.

   


 Name                              Business Experience Within Past Five Years
 ----                              ------------------------------------------
                                
James S. D'Agostino, Jr.           Director  and Vice  Chairman of  American  General  Life  Insurance
                                   Company  since May 1997.  Director and President  American  General
                                   Corporation   since  1996  and  Senior  Vice  President   (February
                                   1993-August  1993).  Officer  positions with other American General
                                   Companies since July 1986.

Jon P. Newton                      Director  and Vice  Chairman of  American  General  Life  Insurance
                                   Company  since   February  1996.   Director  of  American   General
                                   Corporation  since October 1995 and Vice Chairman since April 1997;
                                   Vice  Chairman  and  General  Counsel  (October  1995-April  1997).


                                      44



                                   Director of other American  General  affiliates since October 1994.
                                   Prior thereto, Partner with Clark, Thomas, Winter & Newton, Austin,
                                   Texas (February  1979-February  1993).  Directorships  with Houston
                                   Museum of Natural Science Board of Trustees since 1997;  University
                                   of Texas Law School  Foundation  Board of Trustees,  Austin,  Texas
                                   since 1997;  University  of  Texas-Houston  Health  Science  Center
                                   Development  Board,  Houston,  Texas  since  1996;  Texas  Commerce
                                   Bancshares,   Houston,  Texas  (1985-1993);  Texas  Commerce  Bank,
                                   Austin,  Texas (1979-1993);  Lomas Financial  Corporation,  Dallas,
                                   Texas   (1983-1993);   Vista  Properties,   Inc.,   Dallas,   Texas
                                   (1992-1993).

Rodney O. Martin, Jr.              Director,  President  and CEO of American  General  Life  Insurance
                                   Company  since  August  1996.  President  of American  General Life
                                   Insurance  Company of New York (November  1995-August  1996).  Vice
                                   President Agencies,  with Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                   (1990-1995).

David A. Fravel                    Director  and  Senior  Vice  President  of  American  General  Life
                                   Insurance  Company  since  November  1996.  Senior  Vice  President
                                   Massachusetts Mutual, Springfield, Missouri (March 1996-June 1996);
                                   Vice President,  New Business,  Connecticut Mutual Life,  Hartford,
                                   Connecticut (December 1978-March 1996).

Robert F. Herbert, Jr.             Director  and Senior Vice  President,  Chief  Financial  Officer of
                                   American  General  Life  Insurance  Company  since  May  1996,  and
                                   Controller, Actuary from June 1988 to May 1996.

Royce G. Imhoff, II                Director,  Senior Vice  President and Chief  Marketing  Officer for
                                   American  General Life Insurance  Company since November 1997, Vice
                                   President   (August   1996-August   1997),  and  Regional  Director
                                   (1992-1996).

John V. LaGrasse                   Director,  Senior Vice  President and Chief  Systems  Officer since
                                   August 1996. Prior thereto,  Director Citicorp Insurance  Services,
                                   Inc., Dover, Delaware (1986-1996).


                                      45


Peter V. Tuters                    Director,  Vice President and Chief Investment  Officer of American
                                   General Life Insurance  Company since  November  1993.  Senior Vice
                                   President  and  Chief   Investment   Officer  of  American  General
                                   Corporation since November 1993

Philip K. Polkinghorn              Director of American General Life Insurance  Company since February
                                   1997.  Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing  Officer (December
                                   1996-September  1997).  Prior  thereto,  Chief  Financial  Officer,
                                   Connecticut  Mutual Life Insurance Company (March 1995-March 1996);
                                   Senior  Vice  President,   First  Colony  Life  Insurance  Company,
                                   Lynchburg, Virginia (March 1996-December 1996), and Chief Marketing
                                   Officer,  Allmerica  Financial,  Worchester,  MA (March  1993-April
                                   1994) Senior Vice  President and Chief Actuary of American  General
                                   Life Insurance Company since

Wayne A. Barnard                   November  1997 and Vice  President  and Chief  Actuary since August
                                   1983.

    

The principal business address of each person listed above is our Home Office;
except that the street number for Messrs.  D'Agostino,  Newton,  and Tuters is
2929 Allen Parkway.

LEGAL MATTERS

   
      We are not involved in any legal  proceedings  that would be  considered
material with respect to a Policy owner's  interest in Separate  Account VL-R.
Steven A. Glover,  Esquire, Senior Counsel of the American General Independent
Producer  Division,  has opined as to the validity of the Policies.  Freedman,
Levy, Kroll & Simonds, Washington, D.C., has advised AGL about certain federal
securities and tax law matters in connection with the Policies.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

      The financial  statements of AGL included in this  prospectus  have been
audited  by Ernst & Young  LLP,  as stated  in their  reports.  The  financial
statements  of AGL have been  included  in  reliance on the reports of Ernst &
Young LLP, independent  accountants,  given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.

ACTUARIAL EXPERTS
    

      Actuarial  matters in this  prospectus  have been  examined  by Wayne A.
Barnard, who is Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary of AGL. His opinion on
actuarial matters is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement we have
filed with the SEC in connection with the Policies.


                                      46



   
SERVICES AGREEMENT
    

   
      American General Independent  Producer Division ("AGIPD") is party to an
existing general services agreement with AGL. AGIPD, an affiliate of AGL, is a
corporation  incorporated  in Delaware on November 24, 1997.  Pursuant to this
agreement,   AGIPD   provides   services  to  AGL,   including   most  of  the
administrative,   data  processing,   systems,   customer  services,   product
development,  actuarial,  auditing,  accounting and legal services for AGL and
the Platinum Investor Policies.
    

CERTAIN POTENTIAL CONFLICTS

      The  Mutual  Funds  sell  shares  to  separate   accounts  of  insurance
companies,  both  affiliated and not affiliated  with AGL. We currently do not
foresee  any   disadvantages  to  you  arising  out  of  this.   Nevertheless,
differences  in  treatment  under  tax  and  other  laws,  as  well  as  other
considerations,  could cause the interests of various owners to conflict.  For
example,  violation of the federal tax laws by one separate account  investing
in the Funds could cause the contracts funded through another separate account
to lose their tax-deferred status, unless remedial action were taken. However,
each  Mutual Fund has  advised us that its board of  trustees  (or  directors)
intends to monitor  events in order to identify  any  material  irreconcilable
conflicts that possibly may arise and to determine what action, if any, should
be taken in response.  If we believe that a Fund's  response to any such event
insufficiently  protects our Policy owners, we will see to it that appropriate
action is taken to do so. If it becomes  necessary for any separate account to
replace  shares of any Mutual Fund in which it invests,  that Fund may have to
liquidate securities in its portfolio on a disadvantageous basis.


                                      47



                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

      The financial  statements of AGL contained in this prospectus  should be
considered to bear only upon the ability of AGL to meet its obligations  under
Platinum Investor Policies.  They should not be considered as bearing upon the
investment  experience  of the separate  account.  No financial  statements of
Separate  Account VL-R are included  because,  at the date of this prospectus,
the separate  account had not yet  commenced  operations  and had no assets or
liabilities.

   


 Consolidated Financial Statements Of                                  Page to see in
 American General Life Insurance Company                               this Prospectus
 ---------------------------------------                               ---------------
                                                                    
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors                           49

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996                50

Consolidated Income Statements for the years ended December 31,
 1997, 1996 and 1995                                                        52

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years
  ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                                    53

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years, ended December
  31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                                                   54

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                  55

    

                                      48



   
                       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996



                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996


                                   CONTENTS


Report of Independent Auditors.........................................

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets............................................
Consolidated Income Statements.........................................
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity........................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows..................................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................



ERNST & YOUNG LLP      One Houston Center            Phone: 713 750 1500
                       Suite 2400                    Fax:   713 750 1501
                       1221 McKinney Street
                       Houston, Texas 77010-2007


                        Report of Independent Auditors


Board of Directors and Stockholders
American General Life Insurance Company

We have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets of American
General Life  Insurance Company  (an  indirectly  wholly owned  subsidiary  of
American  General  Corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and ,
and the related consolidated  statements of income,  shareholders' equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended  December 31, 1997.
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.

In our opinion,  the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of American General
Life  Insurance  Company and  subsidiaries  at December 31, 1997 and , and the
consolidated  results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three  years in the  period  ended  December  31,  1997,  in  conformity  with
generally accepted accounting principles.


/s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP

February 23, 1998


      Ernst & Young LLP is a member of Ernst & Young International, Ltd.


                                      49



                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                          Consolidated Balance Sheets



                                                                                  December 31
                                                                             1997              1996
                                                                       ---------------------------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                    
ASSETS
Investments:
   Fixed maturity securities, at fair value (amortized cost -
     $26,131,207 in 1997 and $24,762,134 in 1996)                      $ 27,386,715       $ 25,395,381
   Equity securities, at fair value (cost - $19,208 in 1997
        and $17,642 in 1996)                                                 21,114             20,555
   Mortgage loans on real estate                                          1,659,921          1,707,843
   Policy loans                                                           1,093,694          1,006,137
   Investment real estate                                                   129,364            145,442
   Other long-term investments                                               55,118             43,344
   Short-term investments                                                   100,061             94,882
                                                                       ---------------------------------
Total investments                                                        30,445,987         28,413,584

Cash                                                                         99,284             33,550
Investment in Parent Company (cost - $8,597 in 1997
  and 1996)                                                                  37,823             28,597
Indebtedness from affiliates                                                 96,519             86,488
Accrued investment income                                                   433,111            392,058
Accounts receivable                                                         208,209            170,457
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                           835,031          1,042,783
Property and equipment                                                       33,827             35,414
Other assets                                                                132,659            134,289
Assets held in separate accounts                                         11,242,270          7,727,189
                                                                       ---------------------------------
Total assets                                                           $ 43,564,720       $ 38,064,409
                                                                       =================================


SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                      50





                                                                                  December 31
                                                                             1997              1996
                                                                       ---------------------------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                    

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
   Future policy benefits                                              $ 27,849,893       $ 26,558,538
   Other policy claims and benefits payable                                  42,677             41,679
   Other policyholders' funds                                               398,314            376,675
   Federal income taxes                                                     543,379            402,361
   Indebtedness to affiliates                                                 4,712              3,376
   Other liabilities                                                        421,861            325,630
   Liabilities related to separate accounts                              11,242,270          7,727,189
                                                                       ---------------------------------
Total liabilities                                                        40,503,106         35,435,448

Shareholders' equity:
   Common stock, $10 par value, 600,000 shares authorized,
     issued, and outstanding                                                  6,000              6,000
   Preferred stock, $100 par value, 8,500 shares authorized,
     issued, and outstanding                                                    850                850
   Additional paid-in capital                                             1,184,743            933,342
   Net unrealized investment gains                                          427,526            219,151
   Retained earnings                                                      1,442,495          1,469,618
                                                                       ---------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity                                                3,061,614          2,628,961

                                                                       ---------------------------------
    Total liabilities and shareholders'                                $ 43,564,720       $ 38,064,409
    equity                                                             =================================


SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                      51



                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                        Consolidated Income Statements




                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                         1997            1996           1995
                                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)

Revenues:
                                                                          
Revenues:
   Premiums and other considerations               $   428,721     $   382,923     $   342,420
   Net investment income                             2,198,623       2,095,072       2,011,088
   Net realized investment gains (losses)               29,865          28,502          (1,942)
   Other                                                53,370          41,968          27,172
                                                   ---------------------------------------------
Total revenues                                       2,710,579       2,548,465       2,378,738

Benefits and expenses:
   Benefits                                          1,757,504       1,689,011       1,641,206
   Operating costs and expenses                        379,012         347,369         309,110
   Interest expense                                        782             830           2,180
                                                   ---------------------------------------------
    Total benefits and expenses                      2,137,298       2,037,210       1,952,496
                                                   ---------------------------------------------
Income before income tax expense                       573,281         511,255         426,242

    Income tax expense                                 198,724         176,660         143,947
                                                   ---------------------------------------------
    Net income                                     $   374,557     $   334,595     $   282,295
                                                   =============================================



SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                      52



                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity




                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                        1997            1996           1995
                                                   --------------------------------------------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)

                                                                          
Common stock:
   Balance at beginning of year                    $     6,000     $     6,000     $     6,000
   Change during year                                        -               -               -
                                                   --------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                                   6,000           6,000           6,000

Preferred stock:
   Balance at beginning of year                            850             850               -
   Change during year                                        -               -             850
                                                   --------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                                     850             850             850


Additional paid-in capital:
   Balance at beginning of year                        933,342         858,075         850,358
   Capital contribution from Parent Company            250,000          75,000               -
                                                   --------------------------------------------
   Other changes during year                             1,401             267           7,717
                                                   --------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                               1,184,743         933,342         858,075


Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
   Balance at beginning of year                        219,151         493,594        (730,900)
   Change during year                                  208,375        (274,443)      1,224,494
                                                   --------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                                 427,526         219,151         493,594

Retained earnings:
   Balance at beginning of year                      1,469,618       1,324,703       1,249,109
   Net income                                          374,557         334,595         282,295
   Dividends paid                                     (401,680)       (189,680)       (206,701)
                                                   --------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year                               1,442,495       1,469,618       1,324,703
                                                   --------------------------------------------
    Total shareholders' equity                     $ 3,061,614     $ 2,628,961     $ 2,683,222
                                                   =============================================



SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                      53



                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows



                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                         1997            1996           1995
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)

                                                                             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                          $    374,557     $    334,595     $    282,295
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  (used in) provided by operating activities:
    Change in accounts receivable                        (37,752)           3,846          (18,654)
    Change in future policy benefits and other
      policy claims                                   (1,143,736)        (543,193)         (70,383)
    Amortization of policy acquisition costs             115,467          102,189           68,295
    Policy acquisition costs deferred                   (219,339)        (188,001)        (203,607)
    Change in other policyholders' funds                  21,639           63,174          (69,126)
    Provision for deferred income tax expense             13,264           12,388           (9,773)
    Depreciation                                          16,893           16,993           18,119
    Amortization                                         (28,276)         (30,758)         (35,825)
    Change in indebtedness to/from affiliates             (8,695)           4,432            7,596
    Change in amounts payable to brokers                  31,769          (25,260)          30,964
    Net (gain) loss on sale of investments               (29,865)         (28,502)           1,942
    Other, net                                            30,409           32,111           46,863
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (863,665)        (378,286)         181,006


INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of investments and loans made              (29,638,861)     (27,245,453)     (14,573,323)
Sales or maturities of investments and receipts
  from repayment of loans                             28,300,238       25,889,422       12,528,185
Sales and purchases of property and equipment, net        (9,230)          (8,057)         (12,114)
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities                 (1,347,853)      (1,364,088)      (2,057,252)


FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Policyholder account deposits                          4,187,191        3,593,380        3,372,522
Policyholder account withdrawals                      (1,759,660)      (1,746,987)      (1,258,560)
Dividends paid                                          (401,680)        (189,680)        (206,701)
Capital contribution from Parent                         250,000           75,000                -
Other                                                      1,401              267               67
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities              2,277,252        1,731,980        1,907,328
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash                               65,734          (10,394)          31,082
Cash at beginning of year                                 33,550           43,944           12,862
Cash at end of year                                 $     99,284     $     33,550     $     43,944
                                                    ===============================================


Interest paid amounted to approximately $1,004,000, $1,080,000, and $1,933,000
in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.


                                      54



                    AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                               DECEMBER 31, 1997


NATURE OF OPERATIONS

AMERICAN  GENERAL LIFE  INSURANCE  COMPANY (the  "Company")  is a wholly owned
subsidiary of AGC Life Insurance  Company,  which is a wholly owned subsidiary
of American General  Corporation (the "Parent Company").  The Company's wholly
owned life insurance  subsidiaries are American General Life Insurance Company
of New York (AGNY) and The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC).

The Company  offers a complete  portfolio of the  standard  forms of universal
life,  interest-sensitive  whole life, term life, structured settlements,  and
fixed and variable  annuities  throughout  the United States.  In addition,  a
variety of equity products is sold through its broker/dealer, American General
Securities,  Inc. The Company serves the estate  planning needs of middle- and
upper-income  households  and the  insurance  needs of  small-to  medium-sized
businesses.  AGNY offers a broad array of traditional  and  interest-sensitive
insurance,  in  addition  to  individual  annuity  products.   VALIC  provides
tax-deferred  retirement annuities and employer-sponsored  retirement plans to
employees of health care, educational, public sector, and other not-for-profit
organizations throughout the United States.

1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1   PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  consolidated  financial  statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting  principles ("GAAP") and include the accounts of
the Company and its wholly owned life insurance subsidiaries,  AGNY and VALIC.
Transactions  with the Parent  Company  and other  subsidiaries  of the Parent
Company are not eliminated from the financial  statements of the Company.  All
other   material   intercompany   transactions   have   been   eliminated   in
consolidation.

The preparation of financial  statements requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect amounts  reported in the financial  statements and
disclosures  of  contingent  assets and  liabilities.  Ultimate  results could
differ from those estimates.


                                      55




1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

1.2   STATUTORY ACCOUNTING

The Company and its wholly owned life insurance  subsidiaries  are required to
file financial statements with state regulatory  authorities.  State insurance
laws and regulations  prescribe accounting practices for calculating statutory
net income and equity.  In addition,  state  regulators  may permit  statutory
accounting  practices that differ from prescribed  practices.  The use of such
permitted  practices  by the  Company  and its  wholly  owned  life  insurance
subsidiaries   did  not  have  a  material  effect  on  statutory   equity  at
December 31, 1997.

Statutory financial statements differ from GAAP. Significant  differences were
as follows (in thousands):



                                                         1997            1996           1995
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
                                                                             
Net income:
   Statutory net income (1997 balance is
      unaudited)                                    $    327,813     $    284,070     $    197,769
   Deferred policy acquisition costs                     103,872           85,812          135,312
   Deferred income taxes                                 (13,264)         (12,388)           9,773
   Adjustments to policy reserves                        (30,162)         (19,954)         (77,591)
   Goodwill amortization                                  (2,067)          (2,169)          (2,195)
   Net realized gain on investments                       20,139           14,140           22,874
   Gain on sale of subsidiary                                  -                -              661
   Other, net                                            (31,774)         (14,916)          (4,308)
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
GAAP net income                                     $    374,557     $    334,595     $    282,295
                                                    ===============================================


Shareholders' equity:
   Statutory capital and surplus (1997 balance
      is unaudited)                                 $  1,636,327     $  1,441,768     $  1,298,323
   Deferred policy acquisition costs                     835,031        1,042,783          605,501
   Deferred income taxes                                (535,703)        (410,007)        (549,663)
   Adjustments to policy reserves                       (319,680)        (297,434)        (311,065)
   Acquisition-related goodwill                           51,424           55,626           57,795
   Asset valuation reserve ("AVR")                       255,975          291,205          263,295
   Interest maintenance reserve ("IMR")                    9,596               63            3,114
   Investment valuation differences                    1,272,339          643,289        1,417,775
   Benefit plans, pretax                                   6,103            6,749            6,023
   Surplus from separate accounts                       (150,928)        (106,026)         (76,645)
   Other, net                                              1,130          (39,055)         (31,231)
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Total GAAP shareholders' equity                     $  3,061,614     $  2,628,961     $  2,683,222
                                                    ================================================



                                      56




1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

1.2   STATUTORY ACCOUNTING (CONTINUED)

The  more  significant  differences  between  GAAP  and  statutory  accounting
principles are that under GAAP: (a) acquisition costs related to acquiring new
business are deferred and  amortized  (generally  in proportion to the present
value of  expected  gross  profits  from  surrender  charges  and  investment,
mortality,  and expense  margins),  rather than being charged to operations as
incurred;  (b) future  policy  benefits are based on  estimates of  mortality,
interest,  and withdrawals  generally  representing the Company's  experience,
which  may  differ  from  those  based on  statutory  mortality  and  interest
requirements without consideration of withdrawals; (c) deferred federal income
taxes are provided for significant timing differences  between income reported
for financial  reporting  purposes and income  reported for federal income tax
purposes;  (d) certain assets  (principally  furniture and equipment,  agents'
debit balances, computer software, and certain other receivables) are reported
as assets rather than being charged to retained earnings; (e) acquisitions are
accounted  for using the  purchase  method of  accounting  rather  than  being
accounted for as equity  investments;  and (f) fixed maturity  investments are
carried at fair value  rather than  amortized  cost.  In  addition,  statutory
accounting principles require life insurance companies to establish an AVR and
an IMR.  The AVR is  designed to address  the  credit-related  risk for bonds,
preferred stocks,  derivative  instruments,  and mortgages and market risk for
common stocks,  real estate, and other invested assets. The IMR is composed of
investment- and  liability-related  realized gains and losses that result from
interest rate  fluctuations.  These realized gains and losses, net of tax, are
amortized  into income over the expected  remaining  life of the asset sold or
the liability released.

1.3   INSURANCE CONTRACTS

The insurance  contracts  accounted for in these financial  statements include
primarily long-duration contracts. Long-duration contracts include traditional
whole life, endowment, guaranteed renewable term life, universal life, limited
payment, and investment contracts.  Long-duration  contracts generally require
the  performance of various  functions and services over a period of more than
one year. The contract  provisions  generally cannot be changed or canceled by
the insurer during the contract period; however, most new contracts written by
the Company allow the insurer to revise  certain  elements used in determining
premium  rates  or  policy  benefits,  subject  to  guarantees  stated  in the
contracts.


                                      57



1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

1.4   INVESTMENTS

FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES

All  fixed  maturity  and  equity  securities  are  currently   classified  as
available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. After adjusting related balance
sheet accounts as if the unrealized gains (losses) had been realized,  the net
adjustment is recorded in net unrealized  gains (losses) on securities  within
shareholders'   equity.  If  the  fair  value  of  a  security  classified  as
available-for-sale  declines  below its cost and this decline is considered to
be other than  temporary,  the security is reduced to its fair value,  and the
reduction is recorded as a realized loss.

MORTGAGE LOANS

Mortgage loans are reported at amortized cost, net of an allowance for losses.
The allowance for losses covers all nonperforming  loans,  consisting of loans
restructured or delinquent 60-days or more, and loans for which management has
a  concern  based  on its  assessment  of  risk  factors,  such  as  potential
nonpayment or nonmonetary  default.  The allowance is based on a loan-specific
review and a formula that reflects past results and current trends.

Impaired loans, those for which the Company determines it is probable that all
amounts due under the contractual terms will not be collected, are reported at
the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the underlying  collateral,  less
estimated costs to sell.

POLICY LOANS

Policy loans are reported at unpaid principal  balances adjusted  periodically
for uncollectible amounts.

INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE

Investment real estate consists of  income-producing  real estate,  foreclosed
real estate,  and the American  General Center,  an office complex in Houston.
The Company classifies all investment real estate, except the American General
Center, as  available-for-sale.  Real estate  available-for-sale is carried at
the lower of cost less accumulated depreciation,  if applicable, or fair value
less costs to sell.  Changes in estimates of fair value less costs to sell are
recognized as realized gains (losses) through a valuation allowance.


                                      58



1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

1.4   INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

Real  estate   held-for-investment   is  carried  at  cost  less   accumulated
depreciation  and  impairment   reserves  and   write-downs,   if  applicable.
Impairment losses are recorded whenever circumstances indicate that a property
might be  impaired  and the  estimated  undiscounted  future cash flows of the
property are less than the  carrying  amount.  In such event,  the property is
written  down  to  fair  value,  determined  by  market  prices,   third-party
appraisals,  or expected  future cash flows  discounted at market  rates.  Any
write-down  is  recognized  as a  realized  loss,  and a  new  cost  basis  is
established.

INVESTMENT INCOME

Interest on fixed maturity  securities,  performing and restructured  mortgage
loans,  and policy loans is recorded as income when earned and is adjusted for
any amortization of premium or discount.  Interest on impaired  mortgage loans
is recorded  as income  when  received.  Dividends  are  recorded as income on
ex-dividend dates.

REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

Realized    investment    gains    (losses)   are    recognized    using   the
specific-identification   method  and  include   declines  in  fair  value  of
investments below cost that are considered to be other than temporary.

1.5 SEPARATE ACCOUNTS

Separate   accounts  are  assets  and  liabilities   associated  with  certain
contracts,  principally  annuities;  the investment  risk lies solely with the
contract holder rather than the Company. Consequently, the Company's liability
for these accounts equals the value of the account assets.  Investment income,
realized  investment  gains (losses),  and  policyholder  account deposits and
withdrawals  related to separate  accounts are excluded from the  consolidated
statements  of income and cash flows.  Assets held in  separate  accounts  are
primarily shares in mutual funds, which are carried at fair value based on the
quoted net asset value per share.


                                      59



1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

1.6   DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS ("DPAC")

Certain costs of writing an insurance policy,  including agents'  commissions,
underwriting and marketing expenses, are deferred and reported as DPAC.

DPAC associated with  interest-sensitive  life insurance contracts,  insurance
investment  contracts,  and  participating  life insurance  contracts,  to the
extent  recoverable  from  expected  future  gross  profits,  is deferred  and
amortized  generally in  proportion  to the present  value of expected  future
gross profits from surrender  charges and investment,  mortality,  and expense
margins.  Expected  future gross profits are adjusted to include the impact of
realized and unrealized  gains (losses) as if net unrealized  investment gains
(losses)  had been  realized  at the balance  sheet  date.  The impact of this
adjustment  is included in the net  unrealized  gains  (losses) on  securities
within  shareholders'   equity.  DPAC  associated  with  all  other  insurance
contracts, to the extent recoverable from future policy revenues, is amortized
over the premium-paying period of the related contracts using assumptions that
are consistent with those used in computing policy benefit reserves.

The Company reviews the carrying value of DPAC on at least an annual basis. In
determining whether the carrying amount is appropriate,  the Company considers
estimated future gross profits or future premiums,  as applicable for the type
of contract. In all cases, the Company considers expected mortality,  interest
earned and credited rates, persistency, and expenses.

1.7   PREMIUM RECOGNITION

Most receipts for annuities and interest-sensitive life insurance policies are
classified  as  deposits  instead of  revenue.  Revenues  for these  contracts
consist of mortality,  expense,  and surrender  charges  assessed  against the
account  balance.  Policy  charges  that  compensate  the  Company  for future
services are deferred and recognized in income over the period  earned,  using
the same assumptions used to amortize DPAC (see Note 1.6).

For limited-payment  contracts,  net premiums are recorded as revenue, and the
difference  between the gross premium received and the net premium is deferred
and recognized in income in a constant relationship to insurance in force. For
all other  contracts,  premiums are  recognized  when due. When the revenue is
recorded, an estimate of the cost of the


                                      60



1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

1.7   PREMIUM RECOGNITION (CONTINUED)

related  benefit is  recorded  in the future  policy  benefits  account on the
consolidated  balance sheet.  Also, this cost is recorded in the  consolidated
statement  of income as a benefit in the current  year and in all future years
during which the policy is expected to be renewed.

1.8   OTHER ASSETS

Acquisition-related goodwill, which is included in other assets, is charged to
expense in equal  amounts  over 40 years.  The  carrying  value of goodwill is
regularly reviewed for indicators of impairment in value.

1.9   DEPRECIATION

Provision  for  depreciation  of  American  General  Center,  data  processing
equipment,  and furniture and fixtures is computed on the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

1.10  POLICY AND CONTRACT CLAIMS RESERVES

Substantially all of the Company's insurance and annuity liabilities relate to
long-duration  contracts which generally require  performance over a period of
more than one year.  The  contract  provisions  normally  cannot be changed or
canceled by the Company during the contract period.

For interest-sensitive and investment contracts, reserves equal the sum of the
policy account balance and deferred revenue charges. In establishing  reserves
for limited payment and other long-duration  contracts, an estimate is made of
the cost of  future  policy  benefits  to be paid as a result of  present  and
future claims due to death, disability,  surrender of a policy, and payment of
an endowment. Reserves for traditional insurance products are determined using
the net level premium method. Based on past experience, consideration is given
to expected policyholder deaths, policy lapses,  surrenders, and terminations.
Consideration is also given to the possibility  that the Company's  experience
with policyholders will be worse than expected.  Interest  assumptions used to
compute reserves ranged from 2.0% to 13.5% at December 31, 1997.


                                      61



1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

1.10  POLICY AND CONTRACT CLAIMS RESERVES (CONTINUED)

The claims reserves are determined using case-basis evaluation and statistical
analyses and  represent  estimates of the ultimate net cost of unpaid  claims.
These  estimates are  reviewed;  and as  adjustments  become  necessary,  such
adjustments  are  reflected in current  operations.  Since these  reserves are
based on  estimates,  the  ultimate  settlement  of  claims  may vary from the
amounts included in the accompanying financial statements.  Although it is not
possible to measure  the degree of  variability  inherent  in such  estimates,
management believes claim reserves are reasonable.

 1.11 REINSURANCE

The Company  limits its exposure to loss on any single insured to $1.5 million
by ceding additional risks through reinsurance  contracts with other insurers.
Ceded reinsurance  becomes a liability of the reinsurer assuming the risk. The
Company  diversifies its risk of exposure to reinsurance loss by using several
reinsurers  that have strong  claims-paying  ability  ratings.  If a reinsurer
could not meet its obligations,  the Company would reassume the liability. The
likelihood of a material reinsurance  liability being reassumed by the Company
is considered to be remote.

Benefits  paid  and  future  policy  benefits  related  to  ceded  reinsurance
contracts are recorded as reinsurance receivables.  The cost of reinsurance is
recognized  over  the  life  of  the  underlying   reinsured   policies  using
assumptions consistent with those used to account for the underlying policies.


                                      62



1.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

1.12  PARTICIPATING POLICY CONTRACTS

Participating  life insurance  contracts  contain dividend payment  provisions
that entitle the policyholder to participate in the earnings of the contracts.
Participating life insurance  contracts  accounted for 2.22% and 2.47% of life
insurance in force at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.  Such business
is  accounted  for  in  accordance  with  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 120.

1.13  INCOME TAXES

The Company and its life insurance  subsidiaries,  together with certain other
life  insurance  subsidiaries  of  the  Parent  Company,  are  included  in  a
life/non-life  consolidated  tax  return  with  the  Parent  Company  and  its
noninsurance subsidiaries. The Company participates in a tax sharing agreement
with other  companies  included in the  consolidated  tax  return.  Under this
agreement,  tax  payments are made to the Parent  Company as if the  companies
filed separate tax returns;  and companies  incurring operating and/or capital
losses are reimbursed for the use of these losses by the  consolidated  return
group.

Income  taxes are  provided for in  accordance  with SFAS No. 109.  Under this
standard,  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  calculated  using the
differences  between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets
and  liabilities,  using the enacted tax rate. The effect of a tax rate change
is recognized in income in the period of enactment.  Under SFAS No. 109, state
income taxes are included in income tax expense.

1.14  NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD NOT YET ADOPTED

In June 1997, the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued SFAS No. 130,
REPORTING  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, which establishes standards for reporting and
displaying   comprehensive   income  and  its   components  in  the  financial
statements.  Beginning in 1998,  the Company must adopt this statement for all
periods  presented.  Application of this statement will not change recognition
or  measurement  of net income and,  therefore,  will not impact the Company's
consolidated results of operations or financial position.


                                      63



2.    INVESTMENTS

2.1   INVESTMENT INCOME

Investment income by type of investment was as follows:



                                                         1997            1996           1995
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                             
Investment income:
   Fixed maturities                                 $  1,966,528     $  1,846,549     $  1,759,358
   Equity securities                                       1,067            1,842            6,773
   Mortgage loans on real estate                         157,035          175,833          185,022
   Investment real estate                                 22,157           22,752           16,397
   Policy loans                                           62,939           58,211           52,939
   Other long-term investments                             3,135            2,328            1,996
   Short-term investments                                  8,626            9,280            6,234
   Investment income from affiliates                      11,094           11,502           12,570
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Gross investment income                                2,232,581        2,128,297        2,041,289
Investment expenses                                       33,958           33,225           30,201
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Net investment income                               $  2,198,623     $  2,095,072     $  2,011,088
                                                    ===============================================



The carrying  value of  investments  that have produced no  investment  income
during  1997  was  less  than  1%  of  total  invested  assets.  The  ultimate
disposition of these  investments is not expected to have a material effect on
the Company's results of operations and financial position.


                                      64



2.    INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.2   NET REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS (LOSSES)

Realized gains (losses) by type of investment were as follows:



                                                         1997            1996           1995
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                             
Fixed maturities:
   Gross gains                                      $     42,966     $     46,498     $     38,657
   Gross losses                                          (34,456)         (47,29           (41,022)
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Total fixed maturities                                     8,510             (795)          (2,365)
Equity securities                                          1,971           18,304            9,710
Other investments                                         19,384           10,993           (9,287)
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Net realized investment gains (losses)
  before tax                                              29,865           28,502           (1,942)
Income tax expense                                        10,452            9,976              547
                                                    -----------------------------------------------
Net realized investment gains (losses)
    after tax                                       $     19,413     $     18,526     $     (2,489)
                                                    ================================================



                                      65



2.    INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.3   FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES

All fixed maturity and equity securities are classified as  available-for-sale
and  reported at fair value (see Note 1.4).  Amortized  cost and fair value at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:



                                                                 GROSS           GROSS 
                                           AMORTIZED COST      UNREALIZED      UNREALIZED          FAIR
                                                                  GAIN            LOSS             VALUE
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                     
DECEMBER 31, 1997
Fixed maturity securities:
   Corporate securities:
      Investment-grade                     $ 17,913,942       $   906,235       $     17,551     $ 18,802,626
      Below investment-grade                    950,438            34,290              4,032          980,696
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
   Mortgage-backed securities*                6,614,704            278,143             4,260        6,888,587
   U.S. government obligations                  289,406             46,529                74          335,861
   Foreign governments                          318,212             18,076             3,534          332,754
   State and political subdivisions              44,505              1,686                 -           46,191
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total fixed maturity securities         $ 26,131,207       $  1,284,959      $     29,451     $ 27,386,715
                                           ===================================================================

   Equity securities                       $     19,208       $      2,145      $        239     $     21,114
                                           ===================================================================

   Investment in Parent Company            $      8,597       $     29,226      $          -     $     37,823
                                           ===================================================================



                                      66



2.    INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.3   FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES (CONTINUED)



                                                                 GROSS           GROSS 
                                           AMORTIZED COST      UNREALIZED      UNREALIZED          FAIR
                                                                  GAIN            LOSS             VALUE
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                     
DECEMBER 31, 1996
Fixed maturity securities:
   Corporate securities:
      Investment grade                     $ 15,639,170       $    528,602      $     90,379     $ 16,077,393
      Below investment grade                    898,187             29,384             5,999          921,572
   Mortgage-backed securities*                7,547,616            186,743            54,543        7,679,816
   U.S. government obligations                  313,759             26,597             1,050          339,306
   Foreign governments                          313,655             13,255               248          326,662
   State and political subdivisions              48,553              1,003               226           49,330
   Redeemable preferred stocks                    1,194                108                 -            1,302
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fixed maturity securities            $ 24,762,134       $    785,692      $    152,445     $ 25,395,381
                                           ===================================================================

Equity securities                          $     17,642       $      3,021      $        108     $     20,555
                                           ===================================================================

Investment in Parent Company               $      8,597       $     20,000      $          -     $     28,597
                                           ===================================================================
<FN>
*     Primarily  include  pass-through  securities  guaranteed by and mortgage
      obligations   ("CMOs")   collateralized  by  the  U.S.   government  and
      government agencies.
</FN>



                                      67



2.    INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.3   FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES (CONTINUED)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities  included in shareholders'  equity
at December 31 were as follows:



                                                                             1997              1996
                                                                       ------------------------------------
                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                    
Gross unrealized gains                                                   $  1,316,330     $    808,713
Gross unrealized losses                                                       (29,690)        (152,553)
DPAC and other fair value adjustments                                        (621,867)        (315,117)
Deferred federal income taxes                                                (237,247)        (121,892)
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Net unrealized gains on securities                                       $    427,526          219,151
                                                                       ====================================


The contractual  maturities of fixed maturity  securities at December 31, 1997
were as follows:




                                                                           AMORTIZED             FAIR
                                                                             COST                VALUE
                                                                       ------------------------------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                    
Fixed maturity securities, excluding mortgage-backed securities:
    Due in one year or less                                              $    205,719     $    207,364
    Due after one year through five years                                   5,008,933        5,216,174
    Due after five years through ten years                                  9,163,681        9,604,447
    Due after ten years                                                     5,138,169        5,470,143
Mortgage-backed securities                                                  6,614,705        6,888,587
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Total fixed maturity securities                                          $ 26,131,207     $ 27,386,715
                                                                       ====================================


Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities,  since borrowers may
have  the  right  to  call  or  prepay  obligations.  In  addition,  corporate
requirements  and investment  strategies may result in the sale of investments
before  maturity.  Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities were $14.8 billion,
$16.2 billion, and $7.3 billion during 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.


                                      68



2. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.4 MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE

Diversification   of  the   geographic   location   and   type   of   property
collateralizing  mortgage loans reduces the  concentration of credit risk. For
new loans, the Company requires  loan-to-value ratios of 75% or less, based on
management's  credit  assessment of the borrower.  The mortgage loan portfolio
was distributed as follows at DECEMBER 31, 1997 and :



                                                    OUTSTANDING        PERCENT OF        PERCENT
                                                      AMOUNT             TOTAL         NONPERFORMING
                                                 -----------------------------------------------------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                  
DECEMBER 31, 1997
Geographic distribution:
   South Atlantic                                   $   456             27.5%               1.8%
   Pacific                                              340             20.5               14.4
   Mid-Atlantic                                         288             17.3                  -
   East North Central                                   186             11.2                  -
   Mountain                                             151              9.1                2.7
   West South Central                                   132              7.9                 .1
   East South Central                                    94              5.7                  -
   West North Central                                    19              1.1                  -
   New England                                           17              1.1                  -
Allowance for losses                                    (23)            (1.4)                 -
                                                 -------------------------------
Total                                               $ 1,660            100.0%               3.6%
                                                 ===============================


Property type:
   Office                                           $   622             37.5%               4.6%
   Retail                                               463             27.9                3.0
   Industrial                                           324             19.5                1.8
   Apartments                                           223             13.4                6.1
   Hotel/motel                                           40              2.4                  -
   Other                                                 11               .7                  -
Allowance for losses                                    (23)            (1.4)                 -
                                                 -------------------------------
Total                                               $ 1,660             100.0%              3.6%
                                                 ===============================



                                      69



2. Investments (continued)

2.4 Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (continued)



                                                    OUTSTANDING        PERCENT OF        PERCENT
                                                      AMOUNT             TOTAL         NONPERFORMING
                                                 -----------------------------------------------------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                  
DECEMBER 31, 1996
Geographic distribution:
   South Atlantic                                   $   522             30.6%               8.1%
   Pacific                                              407             23.8                8.1
   Mid-Atlantic                                         231             13.5                  -
   East North Central                                   168              9.8                  -
   Mountain                                             153              9.0                2.8
   West South Central                                   141              8.2                5.3
   East South Central                                   109              6.4                  -
   West North Central                                    13              0.8                  -
   New England                                           13              0.8                  -
Allowance for losses                                    (49)            (2.9)                 -
                                                 -------------------------------
Total                                               $ 1,708            100.0%               5.0%
                                                 ===============================


Property type:
   Office                                           $   590             34.5%                 -%
   Retail                                               502             29.4                2.5
   Industrial                                           304             17.8                6.0
   Apartments                                           264             15.5                8.3
   Hotel/motel                                           54              3.2                  -
   Other                                                 43              2.5               78.8
Allowance for losses                                    (49)            (2.9)                 -
                                                 -------------------------------
Total                                               $ 1,708          100.0%                 5.0%
                                                 ===============================



                                      70



2.    INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.4    MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE (CONTINUED)

Impaired  mortgage  loans on real estate and related  interest  income were as
follows:



                                                               DECEMBER 31
                                                         1997              1996
                                                   ------------------------------------
                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
                                                                       
Impaired loans:
   With allowance*                                       $   35           $   60
   Without allowance                                          -                -
                                                   ------------------------------------
Total impaired loans                                     $   35           $   60
                                                   ====================================

<FN>
*     Represents  gross amounts  before  allowance for mortgage loan losses of
      $10 million and $9 million, respectively.
</FN>





                                              1997             1996              1995
                                       ------------------------------------------------------
                                                          (IN MILLIONS)

                                                                      
Average investment                          $   48            $   72           $  102
Interest income earned                      $    3            $    6           $    8
Interest income -- cash basis               $    -            $    6           $    8



                                      71



2.    INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

2.5    INVESTMENT SUMMARY

Investments of the Company were as follows:



                                                                             December 31, 1997
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   FAIR              CARRYING
                                                                  COST             VALUE              AMOUNT
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                          
Fixed maturities:
   Bonds:
      United States government and government
       agencies and authorities                                 $    289,406       $    335,861    $    335,861
      States, municipalities, and political
       subdivisions                                                   44,505             46,191          46,191
      Foreign governments                                            318,212            332,754         332,754
      Public utilities                                             1,848,546          1,952,724       1,952,724
      Mortgage-backed securities                                   6,614,704          6,888,587       6,888,587
      All other corporate bonds                                   17,015,834         17,830,598      17,830,598
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
Total fixed maturities                                            26,131,207         27,386,715      27,386,715

Equity securities:
   Common stocks:
       Industrial, miscellaneous, and other                            5,604              5,785           5,785
   Nonredeemable preferred stocks                                     13,604             15,329          15,329
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
Total equity securities                                               19,208             21,114          21,114
Mortgage loans on real estate*                                     1,659,921                xxx       1,659,921
Investment real estate                                               129,364                xxx         129,364
Policy loans                                                       1,093,694                xxx       1,093,694
Other long-term investments                                           55,118                xxx          55,118
Short-term investments                                               100,061                xxx         100,061
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
Total investments                                               $ 29,188,573       $        xxx    $ 30,445,987
                                                           =====================================================

<FN>
*     Amount is net of a $23 million allowance for losses.
</FN>



                                      72



3. DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS

The balance of DPAC at DECEMBER 31 and the  components of the change  reported
in operating costs and expenses for the years then ended were as follows:




                                              1997             1996              1995
                                       ------------------------------------------------------
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                      
Balance at January 1                        $ 1,042,783       $    605,501     $ 1,479,115
   Capitalization                               219,339            188,001         203,607
   Amortization                                (115,467)          (102,189)        (68,295)
   Change in the effect of SFAS No. 115        (311,624)           351,470      (1,008,926)
                                       ------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31                      $   835,031       $  1,042,783     $   605,501
                                       ======================================================



 4. OTHER ASSETS

Other assets consisted of the following:



                                                                                   December 31
                                                                             1997              1996
                                                                       ------------------------------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                     
Goodwill                                                                  $     51,424     $    55,626
Other                                                                           81,235          78,663
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Total other assets                                                        $    132,659     $   134,289
                                                                       ====================================



                                      73



5.    FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

5.1   TAX LIABILITIES

Income tax liabilities were as follows:



                                                                                   December 31
                                                                             1997              1996
                                                                       ------------------------------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                              
Current tax (receivable) payable                                          $     7,676      $    (7,646)
Deferred tax liabilities, applicable to:
   Net income                                                                 298,456          288,115
   Net unrealized investment gains                                            237,247          121,892
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities                                                535,703          410,007
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Total current and deferred tax liabilities                                $   543,379      $   402,361
                                                                       ====================================



Components  of  deferred  tax  liabilities  and assets at  December 31 were as
follows:



                                                                             1997              1996
                                                                       ------------------------------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                     
Deferred tax liabilities applicable to:
   Deferred policy acquisition costs                                      $  226,653       $  308,802
   Basis differential of investments                                         486,194          254,402
                                                                       ------------------------------------
    Other                                                                    139,298          130,423
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities                                               852,145          693,627

Deferred tax assets applicable to:
   Policy reserves                                                          (232,539)        (219,677)
   Other                                                                     (83,903)         (63,943)
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets before valuation 
 allowance                                                                  (316,442)        (283,620)
Valuation allowance                                                                -                -
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation
    allowance                                                               (316,442)        (283,620)
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Net deferred tax liabilities                                              $  535,703       $  410,007
                                                                       ====================================



                                      74



5.    FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

5.1   TAX LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)

A portion of life insurance  income earned prior to 1984 is not taxable unless
it exceeds certain statutory limitations or is distributed as dividends.  Such
income,  accumulated in policyholders' surplus accounts, totaled $93.6 million
at December 31, 1997. At current corporate rates, the maximum amount of tax on
such income is  approximately  $32.8 million.  Deferred  income taxes on these
accumulations are not required because no distributions are expected.

5.2   TAX EXPENSE

Components of income tax expense for the year were as follows:



                                                            1997             1996              1995
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                  
Current expense                                         $    185,460      $    164,272     $    153,720
Deferred expense (benefit):
   Deferred policy acquisition cost                           27,644            21,628           38,275
   Policy reserves                                           (27,496)          (27,460)         (49,177)
   Basis differential of investments                           3,769             4,129            3,710
   Other, net                                                  9,347            14,091           (2,581)
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred expense (benefit)                              13,264            12,388           (9,773)
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense                                      $    198,724       $   176,660      $    143,947
                                                     ======================================================


A  reconciliation  between  the income tax expense  computed  by applying  the
federal  income  tax rate  (35%) to income  before  taxes and the  income  tax
expense reported in the financial statement is presented below.




                                                            1997             1996              1995
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                  
Income tax at statutory percentage of GAAP
  pretax income                                         $    200,649      $    178,939     $    149,185
Tax-exempt investment income                                  (9,493)           (9,347)         (10,185)
Goodwill                                                         723               759              768
Tax on sale of subsidiary                                          -                 -             (661)
Other                                                          6,845             6,309            4,840
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense                                      $    198,724      $    176,660          143,947
                                                     ======================================================



                                      75



5.    FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

5.3   TAXES PAID

Income taxes paid amounted to approximately  $168 million,  $182 million,  and
$90 million in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

5.4   TAX RETURN EXAMINATIONS

The Parent  Company and the majority of its  subsidiaries  file a consolidated
federal  income  tax  return.  The  Internal  Revenue  Service  has  completed
examinations  of the  Company's  tax  returns  through  1988 and is  currently
examining tax returns for 1989 through  1996. In addition,  the tax returns of
companies  recently  acquired  are also  being  examined.  Although  the final
outcome of any issues raised in examination is uncertain, the Company believes
that the  ultimate  liability,  including  interest,  will not exceed  amounts
recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

6.    TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Affiliated notes and accounts receivable were as follows:




                                                 December 31, 1997                   December 31, 1996
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            PAR VALUE        BOOK VALUE        PAR VALUE        BOOK VALUE
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                    
American General Corporation,
   9 3/8%, due 2008                        $     4,725      $     3,288       $      4,725      $      3,239
American General Corporation, 
   8 1/4%, due 2004                             17,125           32,953             19,572            19,572
American General Corporation,
   Restricted Subordinated Note,
   13 1/2%, due 2002                            31,494           31,494             33,550            33,550
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total notes receivable from
   affiliates                                   53,344           67,735             57,847            56,361
Accounts receivable from affiliates                  -           28,784                  -            30,127
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Indebtedness from affiliates               $    53,344      $    96,519       $     57,847      $     86,488
                                        =======================================================================



                                      76



6.    TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (CONTINUED)

Various   American  General   companies   provide  services  to  the  Company,
principally  mortgage servicing and investment advisory services.  The Company
paid approximately $33,916,000, $22,083,000, and $21,006,000 for such services
in 1997, 1996, and 1995,  respectively.  Accounts payable for such services at
December  31, 1997 and were not  material.  In  addition,  the  Company  rents
facilities and provides  services to various American General  companies.  The
Company received approximately $6,455,000, $1,255,000, and $2,086,000 for such
services and rent in 1997, 1996, and 1995,  respectively.  Accounts receivable
for rent and services at December 31, 1997 and were not material.

The  Company has 8,500  shares of $100 par value  cumulative  preferred  stock
authorized and outstanding with an $80 dividend rate, redeemable at $1,000 per
share after  December 31, 2000.  The holder of this stock,  the Franklin  Life
Insurance Company ("Franklin"), an affiliated company, is entitled to one vote
per share, voting together with the holders of common stock.

During 1996, the Company's  residential mortgage loan portfolio of $42 million
was sold to American General Finance at carrying value plus accrued interest.

7.     STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Certain officers of the Company participate in American General  Corporation's
stock and  incentive  plans  which  provide  for the  award of stock  options,
restricted  stock awards,  performance  awards,  and  incentive  awards to key
employees.  Stock  options  constitute  the majority of such  awards.  Expense
related to stock  options is measured as the excess of the market price of the
stock at the measurement date over the exercise price. The measurement date is
the  first  date on which  both the  number  of shares  that the  employee  is
entitled to receive and the exercise  price are known.  Under the stock option
plans,  no expense is  recognized,  since the market price equals the exercise
price at the measurement date.


                                      77



7.    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

Under an alternative  accounting  method,  compensation  expense  arising from
stock options would be measured at the estimated  fair value of the options at
the date of  grant.  Had  compensation  expense  for the  stock  options  been
determined using this method, net income would have been as follows:




                                                            1997             1996              1995
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                  
Net income as reported                                  $    374,557      $     334,595    $     282,295
Net income pro forma                                         373,328            334,029          281,821



The average fair values of the options  granted  during 1997,  1996,  and 1995
were $10.33, $7.07, and $6.93, respectively. The fair value of each option was
estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The
weighted  average  assumptions  used to  estimate  the fair value of the stock
options were as follows:



                                                            1997             1996              1995
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  
Dividend yield                                           3.0%              4.0%             4.0%
Expected volatility                                     22.0%             22.3%            23.0%
Risk-free interest rate                                  6.4%              6.2%             6.9%
Expected life                                           6 YEARS           6 years          6 years



8.    BENEFIT PLANS

8.1   PENSION PLANS

The Company has  noncontributory,  defined benefit pension plans covering most
employees.  Pension  benefits are based on the  participant's  average monthly
compensation  and length of credited service offset by an amount that complies
with  federal  regulations.  The  Company's  funding  policy is to  contribute
annually no more than the maximum  amount  deductible  for federal  income tax
purposes.  The Company uses the  projected  unit credit  method for  computing
pension expense.


                                      78



8.   BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

8.1  PENSION PLANS (CONTINUED)

The components of pension expense and underlying assumptions were as follows:



                                                            1997             1996              1995
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                        
Service cost - benefits earned during period                 $  1,891          $  1,826         $  1,346
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation                   2,929             2,660            2,215
Actual return on plan assets                                  (15,617)           (9,087)         (10,178)
Amortization of unrecognized net asset                              -              (261)            (888)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost                   195               197              197
Deferral of net asset gain                                     10,148             4,060            5,724
Amortization of gain                                                -                68               38
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
Total pension income                                         $   (454)        $    (537)        $ (1,546)
                                                     ======================================================


Assumptions:
 Weighted average discount rate on benefit
   obligation                                                    7.25%             7.50%            7.25%
 Rate of increase in compensation levels                         4.00%             4.00%            4.00%
 Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets               10.00%            10.00%           10.00%



                                      79



8.    BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

8.1   PENSION PLANS (CONTINUED)

The funded status of the plans and the prepaid  pension  expenses  included in
other assets at DECEMBER 31 were as follows:



                                                                                   December 31
                                                                             1997              1996
                                                                       ------------------------------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                     
Actuarial present value of benefit obligation:
    Vested                                                                $  32,926        $  27,558
    Nonvested                                                                 3,465            4,000
    Additional minimum liability                                                  -              205
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Accumulated benefit obligation                                               36,391           31,763
Effect of increase in compensation levels                                     7,002            5,831
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation                                                 43,393           37,594
Plan assets at fair value                                                    80,102           65,159
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation                        36,709           27,565
Unrecognized net gain                                                       (23,548)         (15,881)
Unrecognized prior service cost                                                  78              274
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Prepaid pension expense                                                   $  13,239        $  11,958
                                                                       ====================================


More than 85% of the plan assets were  invested in fixed  maturity  and equity
securities at the plan's most recent balance sheet date.

8.2   POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS

The Company and its life insurance  subsidiaries,  together with certain other
insurance subsidiaries of the Parent Company, have life, medical, supplemental
major medical, and dental plans for certain retired employees and agents. Most
plans are contributory,  with retiree contributions adjusted annually to limit
employer  contributions to predetermined amounts. The Company has reserved the
right to change or eliminate these benefits at any time.


                                      80



8.    BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

8.2   POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS (CONTINUED)

The life plans are fully insured.  A portion of the retiree medical and dental
plans  are  funded  through a  voluntary  employees'  beneficiary  association
("VEBA") established in 1994; the remainder is unfunded and self-insured.  All
of the retiree medical and dental plans  assets held in the VEBA were invested
in readily marketable securities at its most recent balance sheet date.

The plans' combined funded status and the accrued  postretirement benefit cost
included in other liabilities were as follows:



                                                                                   December 31
                                                                             1997              1996
                                                                       ------------------------------------
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                     
Actuarial present value of benefit obligation:
   Retirees                                                               $  2,469         $  5,199
   Fully eligible active plan participants                                     259              251
   Other active plan participants                                            3,214            2,465
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation                                5,942            7,915
   Plan assets at fair value                                                   159              106
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess
  of plan assets at fair value                                               5,783            7,809
Unrecognized net gain                                                       (1,950)            (243)
                                                                       ------------------------------------
Accrued postretirement benefit cost                                       $  3,833         $  7,566
                                                                       ====================================

Weighted-average discount rate on postretirement benefit
    obligation                                                                7.25%            7.50%


The components of postretirement benefit expense were as follows:



                                                            1997             1996              1995
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                  
Service cost-- benefits earned                          $  211            $   218          $  171
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
 benefit obligation                                        390                626             638
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------
Postretirement benefit expense                          $  601            $   844          $  809
                                                     ======================================================



                                      81



9.    DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

9.1   USE OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company's use of derivative financial  instruments is generally limited to
interest rate and currency swap agreements, and options to enter into interest
rate swap agreements (call swaptions). The Company accounts for its derivative
financial  instruments as hedges. Hedge accounting requires a high correlation
between  changes  in fair  values or cash  flows or the  derivative  financial
instruments  and the  specific  items  being  hedged,  both at  inception  and
throughout the life of the hedge.

9.2   INTEREST RATE AND CURRENCY SWAP AGREEMENTS

Interest  rate  swap  agreements  are  used  to  convert  specific  investment
securities from a floating to a fixed-rate  basis, or vice versa, and to hedge
against  the  risk  of  rising  prices  on  anticipated   investment  security
purchases.  Currency swap  agreements  are  infrequently  used to  effectively
convert cash flows from specific investment securities  denominated in foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars at specified exchange rates, and to hedge against
currency rate fluctuations on anticipated investment security purchases.

The  difference  between  amounts  paid and  received  on swap  agreements  is
recorded on an accrual  basis as an  adjustment  to net  investment  income or
interest expense, as appropriate,  over the periods covered by the agreements.
The related amount payable to or receivable from counterparties is included in
other liabilities or assets.

The fair values of swap agreements are recognized in the consolidated  balance
sheet  if they  hedge  investments  carried  at fair  value  or if they  hedge
anticipated purchases of such investments.  In this event, changes in the fair
value of a swap agreement are reported in net  unrealized  gains on securities
included in shareholders' equity, consistent with the treatment of the related
investment  security.  For  swap  agreements  hedging  anticipated  investment
purchases,  the net  swap  settlement  amount  or  unrealized  gain or loss is
deferred and included in the measurement of the anticipated  transaction  when
it occurs.

Swap  agreements  generally  have terms of two to ten years.  Any gain or loss
from early  termination  of a swap  agreement is deferred and  amortized  into
income over the remaining  term of the related  investment.  If the underlying
investment  is  extinguished  or  sold,  any  related  gain  or  loss  on swap
agreements  is  recognized  in  income.  Average  floating  rates  may  change
significantly, thereby affecting future cash flows.


                                      82



9.    DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

9.2   INTEREST RATE AND CURRENCY SWAP AGREEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Interest rate and currency swap agreements related to investment securities at
December 31 were as follows:



                                                                             1997              1996
                                                                       ------------------------------------
                                                                              (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                           
Interest rate swap agreements to pay fixed rate:
   Notional amount                                                           $ 15              $ 60
   Average receive rate                                                      6.74%             6.19%
   Average pay rate                                                          6.48%             6.42%
Interest rate swap agreements to receive fixed rate:
   Notional amount                                                           $144              $ 44
   Average receive rate                                                      6.89%             6.84%
   Average pay rate                                                          6.37%             6.01%
Currency swap agreements (receive U.S. dollars/pay Canadian
 dollars):
   Notional amount (in U.S. dollars)                                         $139              $ 99
   Average exchange rate                                                     1.50              1.57



9.3   CALL SWAPTIONS

Options  to enter into  interest  rate swap  agreements  are used to limit the
Company's  exposure to reduced spreads between  investment yields and interest
crediting  rates should  interest rates decline  significantly  over prolonged
periods.  During  such  periods,  the  spread  between  investment  yields and
interest crediting rates may be reduced as a result of certain  limitations on
the Company's ability to manage interest crediting rates. Call swaptions allow
the Company to enter into interest rate swap agreements to receive fixed rates
and pay lower  floating  rates,  effectively  increasing  the  spread  between
investment yields and interest crediting rates.

Premiums paid to purchase call swaptions are included in  investments  and are
amortized to net investment  income over the exercise period of the swaptions.
If a call  swaption is  terminated,  any gain is  deferred  and  amortized  to
insurance  and annuity  benefits  over the expected  life of the insurance and
annuity contracts and any unamortized  premium is charged to income. If a call
swaption  ceases  to be an  effective  hedge,  any  related  gain  or  loss is
recognized in income.


                                      83



9.    DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

9.3   CALL SWAPTIONS (CONTINUED)

During 1997, the Company  purchased call swaptions which expire in 1998. These
call swaptions had a notional amount of $1.35 billion and strike rates ranging
from 4.5% to 5.5% at December 31,  1997.  Should the strike rates remain below
market rates, the call swaptions will expire and the Company's  exposure would
be limited to the premiums paid.

9.4   CREDIT AND MARKET RISK

Derivative  financial  instruments  expose the  Company to credit  risk in the
event of non-performance  by counterparties.  The Company limits this exposure
by entering into agreements with counterparties having high credit ratings and
by  regularly  monitoring  the  ratings.  The  Company  does  not  expect  any
counterparty to fail to meet its obligation;  however,  non-performance  would
not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations
and financial position.

The Company's  exposure to market risk is mitigated by the offsetting  effects
of changes in the value of the agreements and the related items being hedged.

Derivative financial instruments related to investment securities did not have
a material effect on net investment income in 1997, 1996 or 1995.

10.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

SFAS No. 107, DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS,  requires
disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments.  This standard excludes
certain  financial  instruments and all  nonfinancial  instruments,  including
policyholder  liabilities  for life  insurance  contracts  from its disclosure
requirements.  Care should be exercised in drawing  conclusions  based on fair
value, since (1) the fair values presented do not include the value associated
with all of the  Company's  assets and  liabilities  and (2) the  reporting of
investments  at fair  value  without a  corresponding  revaluation  of related
policyholder liabilities can be misinterpreted.


                                      84



10.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

Carrying  amounts and fair values for those financial  instruments  covered by
SFAS 107 at DECEMBER 31, 1997 are presented below:



                                                                             FAIR            CARRYING
                                                                             VALUE            AMOUNT
                                                                       ------------------------------------
                                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
                                                                                     
Assets:
   Fixed maturity and equity securities *                                 $    27,408      $    27,408
Mortgage loans on real estate                                             $     1,702      $     1,660
Policy loans                                                              $     1,127      $     1,094
Investment in parent company                                              $        38      $        38
   Indebtedness from affiliates                                           $        97      $        97
   Liabilities:
Insurance investment contracts                                            $    24,011      $    24,497

<FN>
*     Includes  derivative  financial  instruments with negative fair value of
      $4.2 million and $10.8  million and positive  fair value of $7.2 million
      and $.6 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
</FN>


The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of
financial instruments:

      FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES

      Fair values of fixed maturity and equity securities were based on quoted
      market prices,  where  available.  For investments not actively  traded,
      fair  values were  estimated  using  values  obtained  from  independent
      pricing  services  or,  in the  case  of  some  private  placements,  by
      discounting  expected  future  cash flows  using a current  market  rate
      applicable to yield, credit quality, and average life of investments.

      MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE

      Fair value of mortgage loans was estimated  primarily  using  discounted
      cash flows based on contractual  maturities and  risk-adjusted  discount
      rates.


                                      85



10. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

      POLICY LOANS

      Fair value of policy loans was estimated using discounted cash flows and
      actuarially determined assumptions incorporating market rates.

      INVESTMENT IN PARENT COMPANY

      The fair value of the  investment  in Parent  Company is based on quoted
      market prices of American General Corporation common stock.

      INSURANCE INVESTMENT CONTRACTS

      Insurance investment contracts do not subject the Company to significant
      risks arising from policyholder mortality or morbidity.  The majority of
      the  Company's  annuity  products are  considered  insurance  investment
      contracts.  Fair value of insurance  investment  contracts was estimated
      using cash flows discounted at market interest rates.

      INDEBTEDNESS FROM AFFILIATES

      Indebtedness  from  affiliates  is composed of accounts  receivable  and
      notes  receivable  from  affiliates.  Due to the  short-term  nature  of
      accounts receivable, fair value is assumed to equal carrying value. Fair
      value of notes  receivable  was estimated  using  discounted  cash flows
      based on  contractual  maturities  and discount rates that were based on
      U.S. Treasury rates for similar maturity ranges.

11.   DIVIDENDS PAID

American General Life Insurance Company paid $402 million,  $189 million,  and
$207 million in dividends  on common  stock to AGC Life  Insurance  Company in
1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.  The 1995 dividends included $701 thousand
in the form of furniture and equipment. In addition, in 1996, the Company paid
$680 thousand in dividends on preferred stock to Franklin.


                                      86



12.   RESTRICTIONS, COMMITMENTS, AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company and its insurance  subsidiaries  are restricted by state insurance
laws as to the amounts they may pay as dividends  without prior  approval from
their   respective  state  insurance   departments.   At  December  31,  1997,
approximately $2.6 billion of consolidated shareholders' equity represents net
assets of the Company which cannot be  transferred,  in the form of dividends,
loans,  or  advances  to the Parent  Company.  Approximately  $2.0  billion of
consolidated  shareholders' equity is similarly restricted as to transfer from
its subsidiaries to the Company.

Generally, the net assets of the Company's subsidiaries available for transfer
to the Parent are limited to the amounts that the subsidiaries' net assets, as
determined in accordance with statutory accounting  practices,  exceed minimum
statutory capital requirements. However, payments of such amounts as dividends
may be subject to approval by regulatory authorities and are generally limited
to the  greater  of 10%  of  policyholders'  surplus  or the  previous  year's
statutory net gain from operations.

The  Company  has various  leases,  substantially  all of which are for office
space and facilities.  Rentals under financing leases, contingent rentals, and
future minimum rental  commitments and rental expense under  operating  leases
are not material.

In  recent  years,  various  life  insurance  companies  have  been  named  as
defendants in class action lawsuits  relating,  to life insurance  pricing and
sales  practices,  and a number of these  lawsuits has resulted in substantial
settlements.  The  Company  is a  defendant  in such  purported  class  action
lawsuits,  asserting  claims  related to pricing  and sales  practices.  These
claims are being  defended  vigorously  by the  Company.  Given the  uncertain
nature of litigation and the early stages of this  litigation,  the outcome of
these  actions  cannot be  predicted  at this time.  The Company  nevertheless
believes that the ultimate outcome of all such pending  litigation  should not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial  position;  however,
it is possible that  settlements or adverse  determinations  in one or more of
these actions or other future proceedings could have a material adverse effect
on results of operations for a given period. No provision has been made in the
consolidated  financial  statements related to this pending litigation because
the amount of loss, if any, from these actions cannot be reasonably  estimated
at this time.

The Company is a party to various other  lawsuits and  proceedings  arising in
the ordinary course of business.  Many of these lawsuits and proceedings arise
in jurisdictions,  such as Alabama, that permit damage awards disproportionate
to the actual economic damages


                                      87



12.   RESTRICTIONS, COMMITMENTS, AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

incurred.  Based upon information  presently  available,  the Company believes
that the total  amounts that will  ultimately  be paid,  if any,  arising from
these lawsuits and proceedings  will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial position.  However, it should be
noted that the  frequency of large damage  awards,  including  large  punitive
damage  awards,  that bear little or no relation  to actual  economic  damages
incurred by plaintiffs in jurisdictions like Alabama continues to increase and
creates the potential for an unpredictable judgment in any given suit.

The increase in the number of insurance  companies  that are under  regulatory
supervision has resulted,  and is expected to continue to result, in increased
assessments  by state  guaranty  funds to cover  losses  to  policyholders  of
insolvent or rehabilitated  insurance companies.  Those mandatory  assessments
may be  partially  recovered  through a reduction in future  premium  taxes in
certain  states.  At December  31,  1997 and , the  Company  has accrued  $7.6
million and $16.1 million, respectively, for guaranty fund assessments, net of
$4.3 million and $4.1 million,  respectively,  of premium tax deductions.  The
Company has recorded receivables of $9.7 million and $10.9 million at December
31, 1997 and 1996,  respectively,  for expected recoveries against the payment
of future premium taxes.  Expenses incurred for guaranty fund assessments were
$2.1  million,  $6.0  million,  and $22.4  million  in 1997,  1996,  and 1995,
respectively.


                                      88



13.   REINSURANCE

Reinsurance transactions for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
were as follows:



                                                                                                             PERCENTAGE
                                                       CEDED TO OTHER    ASSUMED FROM                         OF AMOUNT
                                      GROSS AMOUNT       COMPANIES      OTHER COMPANIES     NET AMOUNT      ASSUMED TO NET
                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                   
December 31, 1997
Life insurance in force               $   45,963,710   $   10,926,255      $  4,997       $   35,042,452          0.01%2
                                    =======================================================================
Premiums:
   Life insurance and annuities       $      100,357   $       37,294      $     75       $       63,138          0.12%
   Accident and health insurance               1,208              172             -                1,036          0.00%
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums                        $      101,565   $       37,466      $     75       $       64,174          0.12%
                                    =======================================================================

Premiums:
   Life insurance and annuities       $      104,225   $       34,451      $     36       $       69,810          0.05%
   Accident and health insurance               1,426               64             -                1,362          0.00%
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums                        $      105,651   $       34,515      $     36       $       71,172          0.05%
                                    =======================================================================

December 31, 1995
Life insurance in force               $   44,637,599   $    7,189,493      $  5,771       $   37,453,877          0.02%
                                    =======================================================================
Premiums:
   Life insurance and annuities       $      103,780   $       26,875      $    171       $       77,076          0.22%
   Accident and health insurance               1,510               82             -                1,428          0.00%
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums                        $      105,290   $       26,957      $    171       $       78,504          0.22%
                                    =======================================================================



                                      89



13.   REINSURANCE (CONTINUED)

Reinsurance   recoverable  on  paid  losses  was   approximately   $2,278,000,
$6,904,000, and $6,190,000 at December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.
Reinsurance  recoverable  on  unpaid  losses  was  approximately   $3,210,000,
$4,282,000, and $2,775,000 at December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.

14.   ACQUISITIONS

Effective  December  31,  1995,  the Company  purchased  Franklin  United Life
Insurance  Company,  a  subsidiary  of  Franklin,  which  is  a  wholly  owned
subsidiary of the Parent Company.  This purchase was effected through issuance
of $8.5 million in preferred stock to Franklin.  The acquisition was accounted
for using  the  purchase  method  of  accounting  and is not  material  to the
operations of the Company.

15.   YEAR 2000 CONTINGENCY (UNAUDITED)

Management  has been  engaged in a program to render  the  Company's  computer
systems (hardware and mainframe and personal applications  software) Year 2000
compliant.  The Company will incur internal staff costs as well as third-party
vendor and other  expenses to prepare  the systems for Year 2000.  The cost of
testing  and  conversion  of  systems  applications  has not  had,  and is not
expected  to have,  a  material  adverse  effect on the  Company's  results of
operations or financial condition.  However,  risks and uncertainties exist in
most significant systems development  projects. If conversion of the Company's
systems  is  not  completed  on a  timely  basis,  due  to  nonperformance  by
third-party vendors or other unforeseen  circumstances,  the Year 2000 problem
could have a material adverse impact on the operations of the Company.
    

                                      90



                          INDEX OF WORDS AND PHRASES

      This index should help you to locate more information  about some of the
terms and phrases used in this prospectus.

   


                                    Page to See                                           Page to See
Defined Term                            in            Defined Term                            in
                                       this                                                  this
                                    Prospectus                                            Prospectus
                                                                                 
accumulation value                     6              Option 1, 2                          7
AGL                                   28              our                                  2
AGSPC                                 11              owner                               22
amount at risk                         8              partial surrender                   18
automatic rebalancing                  6              payment option                      20
basis                                 31              planned periodic premium            12
beneficiary                           35              Platinum Investor                    3
cash surrender value                  18              Platinum Investor I and II           3
close of business                     37              Policy                               1
Code                                  29              Policy anniversary                  15
cost of insurance rates               37              Policy loan                         19
daily charge                           8              Policy month, year                  38
date of issue                         38              preferred loan interest             19
death benefit                          7              premiums                             5
declared fixed interest account
  option                               1              premium payments                     5
division                              29              prospectus                           2
dollar cost averaging                  5              reinstate, reinstatement            12
Five year no-lapse guarantee          13              rider                               16
Fund                                   2              SEC                                  2
full surrender                        18              separate account                    29
grace period                          12              Separate Account VL-R               29
guarantee premiums                    13              seven-pay test                      30
insured person                         7              specified amount                     7
investment option                      1              surrender                           18
lapse                                 12              surrender charge                     9
loan, loan interest                   19              target                              40
maturity, maturity date               19              telephone transfers                 22
modified endowment contract           30              transfers                           14
monthly deduction day                 38              valuation date, period              37
monthly guarantee premiums            13              we                                  28
monthly insurance charge               8              you, your                            1
Mutual Fund                            2

    


                                      91



      We have filed a registration statement relating to Separate Account VL-R
and the Policies with the SEC. The registration  statement,  which is required
by the Securities Act of 1933,  includes  additional  information  that is not
required in this prospectus. If you would like the additional information, you
may obtain it from the SEC's main office in Washington,  D.C. You will have to
pay a fee for the material.

      NO PERSON HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE ANY  INFORMATION  OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS  OTHER THAN THOSE  CONTAINED IN THIS  PROSPECTUS (OR ANY SALES
LITERATURE  APPROVED  BY AGL) IN  CONNECTION  WITH THE  OFFER OF THE  POLICIES
PROSPECTUS,  AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR  REPRESENTATIONS  MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN  AUTHORIZED.  THE POLICIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE
IN ALL JURISDICTIONS,  AND THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY
JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM SUCH OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL THEREIN.


                                      92



                               SERVICE REQUEST

                              PLATINUM INVESTOR

                            AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE

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

Platinum Investor - Variable Divisions

AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.

    AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
         Division 128 - AIM V.I. International Equity
         Division 127 - AIM V.I. Value
    American General Series Portfolio Company
         Division 128 - International Equities
         Division 129 - MidCap Index
         Division 131 - Stock Index
    Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
         Division 132 - Quality Bond
         Division 133 - Small Cap
    MPS Variable Insurance Trust
         Division 134 - MPS Emerging Growth
    Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc.
         Division 135 - Equity Growth
         Division 136 - High Yield
    Putnam Variable Trust
         Division 137 - Putnam VT Diversified Income
         Division 138 - Putnam VT Growth and Income
         Division 139 - Putnam VT Int'l Growth & Income
    SAFECO Resources Series Trust
         Division 140 - Equity
         Division 141 - Growth
    Van Kampen Amer. Cap. Life Investment Trust
         Division 142 - Strategic Stock

    Platinum Investor - Fixed Division
         Division 125 - Declared Fixed Interest Account




                AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY ("AGL")
                 --------------------------------------------
                 A Subsidiary of American General Corporation
                 --------------------------------------------
                                Houston, Texas
                               -SERVICE REQUEST-

                           [American General Logo]

              VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE SERVICE REQUEST

                     COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS REQUEST TO:
                      Variable Universal Life Operations
                                 P.O. Box 4880
                            Houston, TX 77210-3443
                        (800)325-9315 or (713) 831-3443
                             Fax: (713) 620-3657

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.  [ ]  POLICY  INDENTIFICATION  (COMPLETE  THIS SECTION  FOR  ALL
    REQUESTS.)

    POLICY #:_________________________   INSURED:_____________________________

    ADDRESS: __________________________________________ New Address (yes) (no)


    PRIMARY OWNER (If other than insured)

    __________________________________________________________________________

    ADDRESS: __________________________________________ New Address (yes) (no)


    JOINT OWNER (If applicable):

    __________________________________________________________________________

    ADDRESS: __________________________________________ New Address (yes) (no)

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.  [ ]  NAME CHANGE

    Complete  this  section  if the  name  of the  Insured,  Owner,  Payor  or
    Beneficiary  has changed.  (Please note, this does not change the insured,
    Owner, Payor or Beneficiary designation)

    Change Name of: (Circle One)    Insured    Owner    Payor    Beneficiary

    Change Name From: (First, Middle, Last)

    ________________________________________________

    Change Name To:   (First, Middle, Last)

    ________________________________________________


   Reason for Change: (Circle One)

   Marriage   Divorce   Correction   Other (Attach copy of legal proof)

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

3.  [ ] MODE OF PREMIUM  PAYMENT/BILLING  METHOD CHANGE 

    Use this section to change the billing  frequency and/or method of premium
    payment.  Note,  however,  that AGL will not bill you on a direct  monthly
    masis.  Refer  to  your  policy  and it  related  prospectus  for  further
    information concerning minimum premiums and billing options.

    Indicate frequency and premium amount desired:

    $__________ Annual     $__________ Semi-Annual     $__________ Quarterly

                           $__________ Monthly (Bank Draft Only)

    Indicate billing method desired: 

    _____________ Direct Bill    _____________ Pre-Authorized Bank Draft
                                 (attach a Bank Draft Authorization Form and
                                  "Void" Check)

    Start Date: _____/_____/_____

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

4.  [ ] LOST POLICY CERTIFICATE

    Complete  this  section if applying  for a  Certificate  of  Insurance  or
    duplicate  policy  to  replace  a  lost  or  misplaced  policy.  If a full
    duplicate  policy  is being  requested,  a check or  money  order  for $25
    payable to AGL must be submitted with this request.

    I/we hereby certify that the policy of insurance for the listed policy has
    been _____ LOST _____ DESTROYED _____ OTHER.

    Unless I/we have directed cancellation of the policy, I/we request that a:

    _______ Certificate of Insurance at no charge

    _______ Full duplicate policy at a charge of $25

    be issued to me/us.  If the original  policy is located,  I/we will return
    the Certificate or duplicate policy to AGL for cancellation.

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

5.  [ ] DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

    ($5,000  minimum  initial  accumulation  value) An amount may be  deducted
    periodically  from the Money Market  Division and placed in one or more of
    the Divisions listed. The Declared Fixed Interest Account is not available
    for  Dollar  Cost  Averaging.  Please  refer  to the  prospectus  for more
    information on the Dollar Cost Averaging Option.

    Designate the day of the month for  transfers:  ______  (choose a day from
                                                             1-28)
    Frequency  of  transfers  (check  one):
           ___ Monthly ___ Quarterly ___ Semi-Annually ___ Annual
    I want: $ _______ ($100 minimum) taken from the Money Market
    Division and transferred to the following Divisions:
    AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
    $__________(126) AIM V.I. International Equity
    $__________(127) AIM V.I. Value
    American General Series Portfolio Company
    $__________(128) International Equities
    $__________(129) MidCap Index
    $__________(131) Stock Index
    Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
    $__________(132) Quality Bond
    $__________(133) Small Cap
    MPS Variable Insurance Trust
    $__________(134) MPS Emerging Growth
    Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc.
    $__________(135) Equity Growth
    $__________(136) High Yield
    Putnam Variable Trust
    $__________(137) Putnam VT Diversified Income
    $__________(138) Putnam VT Growth and Income
    $__________(139) Putnam VT Int'l Growth & Income
    SAFECO Resources Series Trust
    $__________(140) Equity
    $__________(141) Growth
    Van Kampen Amer. Cap. Life Investment Trust
    $__________(142) Strategic Stock

    _____INITIAL HERE TO REVOKE DOLLAR COST AVERAGING ELECTION

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
L 8893                            Page 2 of 4




6.  [ ] TELEPHONE PRIVILEGE AUTHORIZATION

    Complete  this  section  if  you  are  applying  for or  revoking  current
    telephone privileges

    I/(we  if  Joint  Owners)  hereby   authorize  AGL  to  act  on  telephone
    Instruction to transfer  values among the Variable  Divisions and Declared
    Fixed  Interest  Account  and to change  allocations  for future  purchase
    payments and monthly deductions.

    Initial the designation you prefer:

_____ Policy Owner(s) only - If Joint Owners, either one acting independently.
_____ Policy Owner(s) and Agent/Registered  Representative who is appointed to
      represent AGL and the firm authorized to service my policy.

    AGL  and  any  person  designated  by  this   authorization  will  not  be
    responsible for any claim,  loss or expense based upon telephone  transfer
    or  allocation  instructions  received  and  acted  upon  in  good  faith,
    including losses due to telephone instruction  communication errors. AGL's
    liability for erroneous transfers or allocations,  unless clearly contrary
    to instructions received, will be limited to correction of the allocations
    on a current basis.  I an error,  objection or other claim arises due to a
    telephone  transaction,  I will notify AGL in writing  within five working
    days from the receipt of the  confirmation of the transaction  from AGL. I
    understand that this  authorization is subject to the terms and provisions
    of my policy and its related prospectus. This authorization will remain in
    effect until my written notice of its revocation is received by AGL at the
    address printed on the top of this service request form.

_____ INITIAL HERE TO REVOKE TELEPHONE PRIVLEGE AUTHORIZATION.

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

7.  [ ] CORRECT AGE

    Use this  section  to  correct  the age of any  person  covered  under the
    policy. Proof of the correct date of birth must accompany this request.

    Name of Insured for whom this correction is
    submitted:_________________________________

    Correct DOB: _____/_____/_____

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

8.  [ ] TRANSFER OF ACCUMULATED VALUES

    Use this section if you want to move money between divisions.  Withdrawals
    from the Declared Fixed Interest  Account are limited to 60 days after the
    policy  anniversary and to no more than 25% of the total unloaned value of
    the  Declared  Fixed  Interest  Account  on the policy  anniversary.  If a
    transfer  causes the  balance in any  division  to drop  below  $500,  AGL
    reserves  the right to  transfer  the  remaining  balance.  Amounts  to be
    transferred   should  be  indicated  in  dollar  or  percentage   amounts,
    maintaining consistency throughout.


                                 (Division Name            (Division Name
                                    or Number)               or Number)
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________
Transfer $_____ or  %_____from_______________________ to_______________________

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

9.  [ ] CHANGE IN ALLOCATION PERCENTAGES

Use this  section to indicate  how  premiums or monthly  deductions  are to be
allocated. Total allocation in each column must equal 100%; who numbers only.

     INVESTMENT DIVISION                        PERM %          DED %

(125)  Declared Fixed Interest Account          ______          ______

AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
(126)  AIM V.I. Int'l Equity                    ______          ______
(127)  AIM V.I. Value                           ______          ______

American General Series Portfolio Co.
(128)  International Equities                   ______          ______
(129)  MidCap Index                             ______          ______
(130)  Money Market                             ______          ______
(131)  Stock Index                              ______          ______

Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
(132)  Quality Bond                             ______          ______
(133)  Small Cap                                ______          ______

MPS Variable Insurance Trust
(134)  MPS Emerging Growth                      ______          ______

Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc.
(135)  Equity Growth                            ______          ______
(136)  High Yield                               ______          ______

Putnam Variable Trust
(137)  Putnam VT Diversified Income             ______          ______
(138)  Putnam VT Growth & Income                ______          ______
(139)  Putnam VT Int'l Growth & Income          ______          ______

SAFECO Resources Series Trust
(140)  Equity                                   ______          ______
(141)  Growth                                   ______          ______

Van Kampen Amer. Cap. Life Investment Trust
(142)  Strategic Stock                          ______          ______

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
L 8893                            Page 3 of 4




10. [ ] AUTOMATIC REBALANCING

    ($5,000 minimum accumulation values) Use this section to apply for or make
    changes to Automatic  Rebalancing of the variable divisions.  Please refer
    to the  prospectus  for  more  information  on the  Automatic  Rebalancing
    Option.  This  option in not  available  while the Dollar  Cost  Averaging
    Option is in use.

Indicated frequency:  _____ Quarterly   _____ Semi-Annually   _____ Annually

                         (Division Name or Number)
%----------: ------------------------------------------------------
%----------: ------------------------------------------------------
%----------: ------------------------------------------------------
%----------: ------------------------------------------------------
%----------: ------------------------------------------------------
%----------: ------------------------------------------------------
%----------: ------------------------------------------------------
%----------: ------------------------------------------------------
%----------: ------------------------------------------------------

_____ INITIAL HERE TO REVOKE AUTOMATIC REBALANCING ELECTION.

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

11. [ ] REQUEST FOR PARTIAL SURRENDER/POLICY LOAN

    Use this  section  to apply for a partial  surrender  from or policy  loan
    against  policy  values.  For detailed  information  concerning  these two
    options please refer to your policy ad its related prospectus. If applying
    for a partial  surrender,  be sure to complete  the Notice of  Withholding
    section of this Service Request in addition to this section.

_____ I  request a partial  surrender  of $ _____ or % _______  of the net case
surrender  value _____

_____ I  request a loan in the amount of $ __________.

_____ I request the maximum loan amount available from my policy.

    Unless you direct otherwise below, proceeds are allocated according to the
    deduction allocation  percentages in affect, if available;  otherwise they
    are taken pro-rata from the Declared  Fixed Interest  Account and Variable
    Divisions in use.

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

12. NOTICE OF WITHHOLDING

    Complete  this  section if you have  applied  for a partial  surrender  in
    Section 11.

    The taxable  portion of the  distribution  you receive from your  variable
    universal  life  insurance   policy  to  subject  to  federal  income  tax
    withholding unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Withholding of
    state income tax may also be required by your state of residence.  You may
    elect not to have withholding apply by checking the appropriate box below.
    If you elect not to have withholding  apply to your distribution or if you
    do not have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment
    of estimated tax. You may incur  penalties  under the estimated tax rules,
    if your withholding and estimated tax are not sufficient.

    Check one:_____ I do want income tax withheld from distribution.
              _____ I do not want income tax withheld from this distribution.

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

13. [ ] AFFIRMATION/SIGNATURE

    Complete this section for ALL requests.

    CERTIFICATION:  Under penalties of perjury,  I certify (1) that the number
    shown on this form is my correct taxpayer  Identification  number and; (2)
    that I am not subject to backup withholding under Section 340B(a)(1)(C) of
    the Internal  Revenue Code. The Internal  Revenue Service does not require
    your  consent  to  any   provision  of  this   document   other  than  the
    certification required to avoid backup withholding.

Date at ________________________this _________ day of  _____________, 19_____


 x________________________                   x________________________
  SIGNATURE OF OWNER                          SIGNATURE OF WITNESS

 x________________________                   x________________________
  SIGNATURE OF JOINT OWNER                    SIGNATURE OF WITNESS

 x________________________                   x________________________
  SIGNATURE OF ASSIGNEE                       SIGNATURE OF WITNESS

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
L 8893                            Page 4 of 4



                                    PART II

            (INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED TO BE FILED IN A PROSPECTUS)

       

REPRESENTATION  REGARDING  THE  REASONABLENESS  OF AGGREGATE  FEES AND CHARGES
DEDUCTED UNDER THE POLICIES PURSUANT TO SECTION  26(e)(2)(A) OF THE INVESTMENT
COMPANY ACT OF 1940

      AGL 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 AGL under the
Policies.  AGL bases its  representation on its assessment of all of the facts
and circumstances,  including such relevant factors, as: the nature and extent
of such services,  expenses and risks; the need for AGL to earn a profit;  the
degree to which the Policies include innovative  features;  and the regulatory
standards for exemptive  relief under the Investment  Company Act of 1940 used
prior to  October  1996,  including  the  range  of  industry  practice.  This
representation  applies to all  Policies  sold  pursuant to this  Registration
Statement,  including  those sold on the terms  specifically  described in the
prospectus contained herein, or any variations therein,  based on supplements,
endorsements, or riders to any Policies or prospectus, or otherwise.

                      CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This Registration Statement contains the following papers and documents:

The facing sheet.

Cross-Reference Table.

   
Prospectus, consisting of 92 pages.

Form of Service Request.

Undertaking  to  file  reports.  (Included  in the  original  filing  of  this
Registration Statement on December 18, 1997.)

Undertaking  pursuant  to Rule  484(b)(1)  under the  Securities  Act of 1933.
(Included in the original  filing of this  Registration  Statement on December
18, 1997.)
    

Representation with respect to fees and charges.

The signatures.

Written Consents of the following persons:

   
      Steven A. Glover,  Senior  Counsel of the American  General  Independent
      Producer Division (see Exhibit 2(a)).

      AGL's actuary (see Exhibit 2(b)).

      Independent Auditors (see Exhibit 6).
    

The following exhibits:

      1.    Exhibits required by Article IX, paragraph A of Form N-8B-2:

   

                     
            (1)(a)      Resolutions  of Board of Directors of AGL  authorizing
                        the establishment of Separate Account VL-R. (3)

            (1)(b)      Resolutions  of Board of Directors of AGL  authorizing
                        the establishment of variable life insurance standards
                        of suitability and conduct. (1)

            (2)         Inapplicable.

            (3)(a)(i)   Distribution  Agreement dated October 3, 1991, between
                        American General Securities  Incorporated and American
                        General Life Insurance Company. (2)

            (3)(a)(ii)  Form of First  Amendment  to  Distribution  Agreement.
                        (Filed herewith.)

            (3)(b)      Form of Selling Group Agreement. (Filed herewith.)

            (3)(c)      Schedule of  Commissions  (incorporated  by  reference
                        from the text included under the heading "Distribution
                        of the  Policies" in the  prospectus  that is filed as
                        part of this amended Registration Statement).

            (4)         Inapplicable.


                                      S-2



            (5)(a)(i)   Specimen  form of the  "Platinum  Investor I" Variable
                        Universal  Life  Insurance  Policy  (Policy  Form  No.
                        97600). (1)

            (5)(a)(ii)  Specimen form of the  "Platinum  Investor II" Variable
                        Universal  Life  Insurance  Policy  (Policy  Form  No.
                        97610). (1)

            (6)(a)      Amended  and  Restated  Articles of  Incorporation  of
                        American  General Life  Insurance  Company,  effective
                        December 31, 1991. (2)

            (6)(b)      Bylaws of American  General  Life  Insurance  Company,
                        adopted January 22, 1992. (3)

            (7)         Inapplicable.

            (8)(a)      Form  of  Participation  Agreement  by and  Among  AIM
                        Variable  Insurance  Funds,  Inc.,  AIM  Distributors,
                        Inc.,  American  General Life  Insurance  Company,  on
                        Behalf  of  Itself  and  its  Separate  Accounts,  and
                        American  General  Securities   Incorporated.   (Filed
                        herewith.)

            (8)(b)      Form of  Participation  Agreement  by and  between the
                        Variable  Annuity Life Insurance  Company and American
                        General Life Insurance Company. (4)

            (8)(c)      Form  of  Participation   Agreement  Between  American
                        General Life  Insurance  Company and Dreyfus  Variable
                        Investment  Fund,  The  Dreyfus  Socially  Responsible
                        Growth Fund,  Inc. and Dreyfus Life and Annuity  Index
                        Fund, Inc.. (Filed herewith.)

            (8)(d)      Form of  Participation  Agreement  Among MFS  Variable
                        Insurance  Trust,   American  General  Life  Insurance
                        Company and Massachusetts  Financial Services Company.
                        (Filed herewith.)

            (8)(e)      Amendment  Number 2 to  Participation  Agreement Among
                        Morgan  Stanley  Universal  Funds,  Inc.,  Van  Kampen
                        American Capital  Distributors,  Inc.,  Morgan Stanley
                        Asset  Management,  Inc.,  Miller Anderson & Sherrerd,
                        LLP,  American  General Life  Insurance  Company,  and
                        American  General  Securities   Incorporated.   (Filed
                        herewith.)

            (8)(f)      Form of Participation  Agreement Among Putnam Variable
                        Trust, Putnam Mutual Funds Corp., and American General
                        Life Insurance Company. (Filed herewith.)


                                      S-3



            (8)(g)      Form of Participation Agreement Among American General
                        Life Insurance  Company,  American General  Securities
                        Incorporated,   Safeco  Resources  Series  Trust,  and
                        Safeco Securities, Inc. (Filed herewith.)

            (8)(h)      Form of  Amendment  Number 2 to Amended  and  Restated
                        Participation  Agreement  among  Van  Kampen  American
                        Capital Life  Investment  Trust,  Van Kampen  American
                        Capital   Distributors,   Inc.,  Van  Kampen  American
                        Capital Asset Management,  Inc., American General Life
                        Insurance  Company,  and American  General  Securities
                        Incorporated. (Filed herewith.)

            (8)(i)      Form of Administrative  Services Agreement between AGL
                        and fund distributor. (Filed herewith.)

            (9)         All other  material  contracts not entered into in the
                        ordinary  course  of  business  of the trust or of the
                        depositor concerning the trust.

                        Not applicable.

            (10)(a)     Specimen form of application for life insurance issued
                        by AGL. (1)

            (10)(b)     Specimen form of supplemental application for variable
                        life insurance  issued by AGL on Policy Form No. 97600
                        and Policy Form No. 97610. (1)

      Other Exhibits

            2(a)        Opinion  and  Consent  of  Steven  A.  Glover,  Senior
                        Counsel  of  American  General  Independent   Producer
                        Division (Filed herewith.)

            2(b)        Opinion   and   Consent  of  AGL's   actuary.   (Filed
                        herewith.)

            3           Inapplicable.

            4           Inapplicable.

            5           Financial Data Schedule. (See Exhibit 27 below.)

            6           Consent of Independent Auditors. (Filed herewith.)

            7           Powers of Attorney. (1)


                                      S-4



            27          Financial  Data  Schedule.  (Inapplicable,  because no
                        financial statements of the Separate Account are being
                        filed herewith)

<FN>
(1)   Included in the original filing of this Form S-6 Registration  Statement
      on December 18, 1997.

(2)   Incorporated  herein by reference to the initial  filing of the Form N-4
      Registration  Statement (File No. 33-43390) of Separate Account D of AGL
      on October 16, 1991.

(3)   Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  the  filing  of  Post-Effective
      Amendment  No.  1 of the  Form  N-4  Registration  Statement  (File  No.
      33-43390) of Separate Account D of AGL on April 30, 1992.

(4)   Incorporated by reference to the filing of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
      of the Form N-4 Registration  Statement (File No. 333-40637) of Separate
      Account D of AGL on February 12, 1998.
</FN>

    

                                      S-5



                                  SIGNATURES

   
      Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  the
Registrant, American General Life Insurance Company Separate Account VL-R, has
duly caused this amended registration  statement to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, and its seal to be hereunto affixed
and attested,  all in the City of Houston, and State of Texas, on the 16th day
of March, 1998.

                                      AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE
                                      COMPANY SEPARATE ACCOUNT VL-R
                                     (Registrant)

                                 BY:  AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE
                                      INSURANCE COMPANY
                                      (On behalf of the Registrant and itself)

                                      BY: /s/ROBERT F. HERBERT JR.
                                          ------------------------
                                          Robert F. Herbert, Jr.
                                          Senior Vice President

[SEAL]


ATTEST: /s/STEVEN A. GLOVER
        -------------------
        Steven A. Glover
        Assistant Secretary

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



         Signature                          Title
        -----------                        -------
                                        
 RODNEY O. MARTIN, JR.*                    Principal Executive Officer
 -------------------------- 
 (Rodney O. Martin, Jr.)

 ROBERT F. HERBERT, JR.*                   Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
 --------------------------
 (Robert F. Herbert, Jr.)






 Directors
 ---------

                                              

 JAMES S. D' AGOSTINO, JR.*                      RODNEY O. MARTIN, JR.*
 --------------------------                      --------------------------
 (James S. D' Agostino, Jr.)                     (Rodney O. Martin, Jr.)

 DAVID A. FRAVEL*                                JON P. NEWTON*
 --------------------------                      --------------------------
 (David A. Fravel)                               (Jon P. Newton)

 ROBERT F. HERBERT, JR.*                         PHILIP K. POLKINGHORN*
 --------------------------                      --------------------------
 (Robert F. Herbert, Jr.)                        (Philip K. Polkinghorn)

 ROYCE G. IMHOFF, II*                            PETER V. TUTERS*
 --------------------------                      --------------------------
 (Royce G. Imofft, II)                           (Peter V. Tuters)

 JOHN V. LAGRASSE*
 --------------------------
 (John V. Lagrasse)


 /s/STEVEN A. GLOVER
 --------------------------
 *By Steven A. Glover, Attorney-in-Fact          March 16, 1998