Manhattan Murder Mystery Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A neurotic couple’s marriage gets a jumpstart when they decide their neighbor definitely murdered his wife, leading to a wild goose chase involving stolen keys, urns, and a surprisingly elaborate blackmail scheme, all while trying to avoid Wagner-induced urges to invade Poland.

🍿 Manhattan Murder Mystery: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Sudden Death and Suspicion

Larry and Carol Lipton, a middle-aged couple in Manhattan, meet their neighbors, Paul and Lillian House. The very next day, Lillian suddenly dies of a heart attack. Carol, fueled by watching ‘Double Indemnity,’ finds Paul’s apparent lack of grief suspicious. Carol’s suspicion grows as she notices inconsistencies and odd behavior. Larry dismisses her concerns, attributing them to her overactive imagination and recent boredom. However, Carol is determined to uncover the truth, believing Paul is hiding something.

Amateur Sleuthing and Mounting Evidence

Carol enlists the help of their recently divorced friend, Ted, a playwright who is more receptive to her theories. Larry, feeling neglected and jealous of Ted’s attention to Carol, begrudgingly joins the investigation. The trio engages in amateur sleuthing, following Paul, breaking into his apartment, and gathering what they perceive as evidence. They discover plane tickets to Paris for Paul and a woman named Helen Moss, further solidifying Carol’s belief that Paul is having an affair and murdered Lillian.

Twists and Turns in the Mystery

The investigation takes several unexpected turns. Carol believes she spots Lillian alive on a bus. They discover a hotel where a woman matching Lillian’s description is staying under a false name, only to find her dead in her room. They find Lillian’s body in the hotel elevator and follow Paul to a junk yard where he disposes of her body in a furnace, destroying all evidence. The group then brainstorms a plan to expose Paul.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Larry Lipton (Woody Allen): A neurotic book editor who is initially skeptical of his wife’s murder suspicions but eventually gets involved.
• Carol Lipton (Diane Keaton): A curious and imaginative housewife who suspects her neighbor of murder and becomes an amateur detective.
• Paul House (Jerry Adler): The Liptons’ neighbor, whose wife’s sudden death sparks Carol’s suspicions, making him a prime suspect.
• Ted (Alan Alda): A divorced friend of the Liptons who assists Carol in her investigation and develops a romantic interest in her.
• Marcia Fox (Anjelica Huston): A sophisticated author and Larry’s client who provides insightful theories and helps devise a plan to expose the murderer.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Larry Lipton: “I can’t listen to that much Wagner, ya know? I start to get the urge to conquer Poland.” – Larry expresses his aversion to Wagnerian music, using hyperbole to connect it to aggressive historical events.
• Carol Lipton: “I’m gonna break this thing wide open!” – Carol declares her determination to solve the mystery, showcasing her enthusiasm and amateur detective spirit.
• Larry Lipton: “Claustrophobia and a dead body – this is a neurotic’s jackpot!” – Larry’s reaction to being trapped in an elevator with a corpse, combining his fears with dark humor.
• Larry Lipton: “What am I gonna do? I’m in a strange man’s apartment in my T-shirt and pajamas.” – Larry complains about his discomfort and lack of preparedness while sneaking into their neighbor’s apartment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13.5M
• Domestic Gross: $11.3M
• Worldwide Gross: $11.3M

💥 Manhattan Murder Mystery Reviews

Personal Review

I loved this movie! The moment the neighbor died, I was hooked. Carol’s obsession with proving foul play was hilarious, and I found myself totally invested in their amateur sleuthing. The elevator scene with the dead body was classic Woody Allen – perfectly absurd and uncomfortable. Plus, the ending with the hall of mirrors was a great tribute to classic film noir. It’s definitely one of my favorites!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen’s comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy mystery films with a comedic twist”
  • “Those who appreciate witty dialogue and character-driven stories”
  • “People who like films set in New York City”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive themes”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Thematic elements related to death and murder”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Manhattan Murder Mystery is a breezy and enjoyable romp through familiar Allen territory, elevated by the sparkling chemistry between Allen and Keaton. The mystery itself is secondary to the witty banter and character interactions, but it provides a solid framework for the comedy to shine.
• The New York Times: “Allen and Keaton are simply brilliant together. A charming and humorous exploration of marriage and suspicion. While the plot can feel somewhat contrived, the wit and performances make it a must-see for any fan of Allen’s work.
• RogerEbert.com: “It may not be top-tier Woody, but Murder Mystery is a consistent fun. Keaton is at her best as the slightly unhinged Carol, and Allen’s neurotic charm is ever-present. The film provides an engaging, fun experience.

Audience Reactions

Diane Keaton’s performance as the overzealous Carol Lipton is a standout and drives the movie.: The witty dialogue and chemistry between Keaton and Allen are the highlights for most viewers.

The homage to ‘The Lady from Shanghai’ at the end is both clever and visually stunning.: Viewers appreciate the film’s blend of humor and suspense, with many citing it as a comfort movie.

Overall Consensus: Manhattan Murder Mystery is a well-received comedy that showcases Woody Allen’s signature wit and benefits from the dynamic partnership of Allen and Keaton. It’s appreciated for its humor, engaging plot, and nods to classic cinema.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Diane Keaton stepped into the lead female role after Mia Farrow’s departure due to her personal split with Woody Allen.”
• “Woody Allen and Marshall Brickman conceived most of the screenplay while walking around New York City.”
• “The film features an homage to Orson Welles’s “The Lady from Shanghai” with its climactic mirror sequence.”

🖥️ How to Watch Manhattan Murder Mystery?

Manhattan Murder Mystery is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you may be able to rent or purchase the film. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options. You can also often find it for sale on physical media retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Manhattan Murder Mystery, you might like these similar films:

• Annie Hall (1977): Features Woody Allen and Diane Keaton in a quintessential New York romantic comedy with witty dialogue and neurotic characters.
• The Thin Man (1934): Another lighthearted murder mystery with a married couple playfully investigating a crime.
• Rear Window (1954): Share a theme of amateur sleuthing and suspicion of neighbors, though with a darker, suspenseful tone.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern ensemble mystery with comedic elements and eccentric characters investigating a suspicious death.

🛒 Manhattan Murder Mystery Related Products

• Woody Allen: A Documentary (DVD): A comprehensive look into the life and career of Woody Allen, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Diane Keaton: The Un-Official Photo Album: A collection of photos showing the life and career of this incredible actress
• The Lady from Shanghai (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A restored version of Orson Welles’s noir classic, famous for its hall of mirrors climax, paying homage to Manhattan Murder Mystery.
• Woody Allen Film Collection [Blu-ray]: A collection of Woody Allen’s timeless movie collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Manhattan Murder Mystery features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Happen to Like New York” – performed by Bobby Short
• “The Big Noise from Winnetka” – performed by Bob Crosby and the Bob Cats

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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