EXHIBIT 99.B.


[MASSMUTUAL LETTERHEAD]


June 24, 1998

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
1295 State Street
Springfield, MA 01111


RE:  Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-49475
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------
     filed on Form S-6


Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished in connection with the filing of Registration
Statement 333-49475 under the Securities Act of 1933 for Massachusetts Mutual
Life Insurance Company's ("MassMutual") Flexible Premium Adjustable Variable
Life Insurance Policies (the "Policies"). Massachusetts Mutual Variable Life
Separate Account I issues the Policies.

As 2nd Vice President & Associate General Counsel of Massachusetts Mutual Life
Insurance Company, I provide legal advice in connection with the operation of
its variable products. In such role I am familiar with the filing for the
Policies. In so acting, I have made such examination of the law and examined
such records and documents as in my judgment are necessary or appropriate to
enable me to render the opinion expressed below. I am of the following opinion:


1. MassMutual is a valid and subsisting corporation, organized and operated
   under the laws of the state of Massachusetts and is subject to regulation by
   the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance.
    
2. Massachusetts Mutual Variable Life Separate Account I is a separate account
   validly established and maintained by MassMutual in accordance with
   Massachusetts law.     

3. All of the prescribed corporate procedures for the issuance of the Policies
   have been followed, and all applicable state laws have been complied with.


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

Very truly yours,


/s/ Richard M. Howe
- ------------------------
Richard M. Howe
2nd Vice President & Associate General Counsel
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company