For a time during the 1970s writer Neil Simon was so hot that his name alone was enough to ensure box office success--and one of the results of that fame was MURDER BY DEATH, a parody of murder mysteries of earlier decades.
The concept is quite clever, bringing together celebrated detectives of fiction and film: Dick and Dora Charleston (based on Nick and Nora Charles of the celebrated THIN MAN films); Milo Perrier and Jessica Marbles (Hercules Poriot and Jane Marple of Agatha Christie's celebrated novels); Sidney Wang and son Willie (Charlie Chan and son of the fondly remembered film series); and Sam Diamond (Sam Spade of THE MALTESE FALCON.) Each has been invited for an overnight party at the home of the eccentric Lionel Twain--but upon arrival their hosts seals the mansion and informs them that a vicious murder will occur at midnight. Can the world's greatest detectives solve their way out of this one? The casting is inspired, particularly so re Lionel Twain, who is played by Truman Capote, an individual every bit as eccentric as the character he plays. David Niven and Maggie Smith do the honors as Dick and Dora; James Coco and the ever-memorable Elsa Lanchester appear as Perrier and Miss Marbles; Peter Sellers dons Asian attire for Inspector Wang; and Peter Faulk runs wild as tough-talking Sam Diamond. Alec Guiness, Nancy Walker, Eileen Brennar, and Estelle Winwood also offer memorable support. The dialogue is quite clever, referencing the various source material of the characters, and is quite often laugh-out-loud funny in its absurdity.
What is not particularly interesting is the plot. After a certain point the film becomes distinctly one-note, and to describe the conclusion as unfortunate would be an understatement; indeed, it would be difficult to say that the film has any conclusion at all. Even so, the performers make it a fun affair, and it will particularly appeal to murder mystery fans who recall the original characters fondly. The DVD offers a choice of pan-and-scan or widescreen, trivial notes, and more interestingly a brief interview with Simon himself. Don't expect too much of it and you'll enjoy it quite a bit.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
The concept is quite clever, bringing together celebrated detectives of fiction and film: Dick and Dora Charleston (based on Nick and Nora Charles of the celebrated THIN MAN films); Milo Perrier and Jessica Marbles (Hercules Poriot and Jane Marple of Agatha Christie's celebrated novels); Sidney Wang and son Willie (Charlie Chan and son of the fondly remembered film series); and Sam Diamond (Sam Spade of THE MALTESE FALCON.) Each has been invited for an overnight party at the home of the eccentric Lionel Twain--but upon arrival their hosts seals the mansion and informs them that a vicious murder will occur at midnight. Can the world's greatest detectives solve their way out of this one? The casting is inspired, particularly so re Lionel Twain, who is played by Truman Capote, an individual every bit as eccentric as the character he plays. David Niven and Maggie Smith do the honors as Dick and Dora; James Coco and the ever-memorable Elsa Lanchester appear as Perrier and Miss Marbles; Peter Sellers dons Asian attire for Inspector Wang; and Peter Faulk runs wild as tough-talking Sam Diamond. Alec Guiness, Nancy Walker, Eileen Brennar, and Estelle Winwood also offer memorable support. The dialogue is quite clever, referencing the various source material of the characters, and is quite often laugh-out-loud funny in its absurdity.
What is not particularly interesting is the plot. After a certain point the film becomes distinctly one-note, and to describe the conclusion as unfortunate would be an understatement; indeed, it would be difficult to say that the film has any conclusion at all. Even so, the performers make it a fun affair, and it will particularly appeal to murder mystery fans who recall the original characters fondly. The DVD offers a choice of pan-and-scan or widescreen, trivial notes, and more interestingly a brief interview with Simon himself. Don't expect too much of it and you'll enjoy it quite a bit.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer