EXHIBIT 2(a)

AMERICAN GENERAL
INDEPENDENT PRODUCER DIVISION

2727-A ALLEN PARKWAY, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77019

Writer's Direct Number
(713) 831-3633

                                March 16, 1998


American General Life Insurance Company
2727-A Allen Parkway
Houston, Texas 77019


Dear Sir:

      This  opinion  is  furnished  in   connection   with  the  filing  of  a
Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-6,  File  No.  333-42567   ("Registration
Statement")  of Separate  Account VL-R  ("Separate  Account VL-R") of American
General Life Insurance Company ("AGL").  The Registration  Statement covers an
indefinite  number of units of  interest in Separate  Account  VL-R  ("Units")
funding Platinum  Investor I (policy form No. 97600) and Platinum  Investor II
(policy form No. 97610)  individual  flexible  premium variable life insurance
policies issued by AGL ("Policies").  Net premiums received under the Policies
are allocated by AGL to Separate Account VL-R to the extent directed by owners
of the Policies.  Net premiums under other  variable life  insurance  policies
which may be issued by AGL may also be allocated to Separate Account VL-R.

      The Policies are designed to provide life  insurance  protection and are
to be offered in the manner  described in the  Prospectus  and the  prospectus
supplements included in the Registration Statement.  The Policies will be sold
only in  jurisdictions  authorizing  such  sales.  I have  examined  all  such
corporate  records  of AGL and such  other  documents  and laws as I  consider
appropriate as a basis for the opinion  expressed herein. On the basis of such
examination, it is my opinion that:

      l.    AGL is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the
            laws of the State of Texas.

      2.    Separate  Account VL-R was duly  established  and is maintained by
            AGL  pursuant  to the laws of the  State  of  Texas,  under  which
            income,  gains and losses,  whether or not  realized,  from assets
            allocated to Separate  Account VL-R,  are, in accordance  with the
            Policies,  credited to or charged  against  Separate  Account VL-R
            without regard to other income, gains or losses of AGL.

      3.    Assets  allocated  to Separate  Account VL-R will be owned by AGL.
            AGL is not a trustee with respect  thereto.  The Policies  provide
            that the portion of the assets of Separate  Account  VL-R equal to
            the reserves and other Policy liabilities with respect




            to Separate  Account VL-R will not be chargeable with  liabilities
            arising out of any other  business AGL may  conduct.  AGL reserves
            the right to transfer assets of Separate Account VL-R in excess of
            such reserves and other Policy  liabilities to the general account
            of AGL.

      4.    When issued and sold as described above,  the Policies  (including
            any Units duly credited  thereunder)  will be duly  authorized and
            will constitute  validly issued and binding  obligations of AGL in
            accordance with their terms.

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


                                               Very truly yours,


                                               /s/STEVEN A. GLOVER
                                               -------------------
                                               Steven A. Glover
                                               Senior Counsel


SAG:dt