Murder by Death Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Five detectives walk into a mansion, and things get weird, like, *really* weird, but nobody actually solves anything except maybe how to overact convincingly.

🍿 Murder by Death: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Invitation

Eccentric millionaire Lionel Twain invites five famous detectives and their companions to his mansion for ‘dinner and a murder.’ The detectives, parodies of iconic literary figures, include Sam Diamond (Sam Spade), Sidney Wang (Charlie Chan), Dick and Dora Charleston (Nick and Nora Charles), Milo Perrier (Hercule Poirot), and Jessica Marbles (Miss Marple). They arrive at Twain’s isolated estate, greeted by a blind butler and a deaf-mute maid, setting the stage for a bizarre evening.

The Challenge

Twain reveals that a murder will occur at midnight, and he challenges the detectives to solve it, promising one million dollars and exclusive rights to the story to whoever succeeds. He then seals the house, trapping them inside. The detectives, each with their unique quirks and methods, begin to investigate, navigating the mansion’s secret passages and unusual features.

Twists and Turns

As midnight approaches, the detectives encounter a series of increasingly absurd events. Twain’s blind butler is found dead, then disappears, only to reappear in different states of dress. Rooms shift, and deadly traps threaten each detective pair in their bedrooms. Accusations fly as each detective suspects the others, revealing hidden motives and rivalries. The chaos builds to a crescendo as the clock strikes twelve.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lionel Twain (Truman Capote): The eccentric millionaire who invites the world’s greatest detectives to a dinner and a murder mystery challenge.
• Sam Diamond (Peter Falk): A cynical, hard-boiled detective who parodies Sam Spade and approaches the mystery with skepticism.
• Sidney Wang (Peter Sellers): A Chinese detective spoofing Charlie Chan, known for his mispronunciations and fortune cookie wisdom.
• Dick Charleston (David Niven): An upper-class amateur sleuth, parodying Nick Charles, who brings his witty charm to the investigation.
• Jessica Marbles (Elsa Lanchester): A frumpy British spinster detective, in the style of Miss Marple, who uses her observation skills to solve the puzzle.
• Milo Perrier (James Coco): A pompous and food-obsessed Belgian detective, parodying Hercule Poirot, relying on his ‘little grey cells’.
• Jamesir Bensonmum (Alec Guinness): The blind butler of Lionel Twain’s mansion, who adds to the chaotic atmosphere with his sight impairment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dora Charleston: “Saved only by the fact that I am incredibly well-bred.” – Dora says this with her usual upper-class British sarcasm.
• Lionel Twain: “The cow, the cow! Use your goddamn personal pronouns and prepositions!” – Twain is frustrated when Tess isn’t specific enough about who she suspects.
• Dick Charleston: “I want my Dickie! My husband.” – Dora calls out for Dick when he briefly disappears.
• Sidney Wang: “As Confucius say, man who drive like hell, bound to get there.” – Wang uses his faux-Chinese wisdom to explain his and his son’s fast driving.
• Willie Wang: “Holy Shanghai!” – Willie says this in shock and disbelief after finding a note in Twain’s hand.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,565,855
• Worldwide Gross: $38,200,000

💥 Murder by Death Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched ‘Murder by Death’ again, and it’s still a riot, but maybe not for everyone. The jokes are so over-the-top and some definitely haven’t aged well, but the cast is just incredible. Peter Sellers as Sidney Wang? Hilarious, but also, yikes. I laughed, I cringed, I had a good time. It’s like a time capsule of comedy, flaws and all. The scene where Alec Guinness is ‘serving’ soup? Classic. Overall, it’s a fun, silly movie if you don’t take it too seriously, but be warned: some of the humor is definitely…of its time.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic whodunit mysteries”
  • “Viewers who enjoy ensemble comedies”
  • “Fans of Neil Simon’s writing”
  • “Those interested in parodies and spoofs”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Potentially offensive racial stereotypes”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While the cast is undeniably stellar, the humor often misses the mark, relying on tired tropes. The initial setup is promising, but the plot unravels into a series of predictable gags. The performances are enthusiastic, but the material ultimately lets them down. A fun premise squandered by a weak script.
• The New York Times: “A comedy that relies on stereotypes and broad humor, sacrificing wit for cheap laughs. The talented ensemble cast is wasted on a screenplay that lacks subtlety and originality. The film’s attempts at satire fall flat, resulting in a tedious and uninspired viewing experience.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “A clever and entertaining spoof that pokes fun at the conventions of the detective genre. The ensemble cast is excellent, and the film’s witty dialogue and playful plot twists make for a delightful viewing experience. While some of the humor may be dated, the film’s charm and cleverness still shine through.

Audience Reactions

Alec Guinness’s performance as the blind butler is an absolute comedic goldmine.: The ensemble cast is the biggest draw, with viewers praising their comedic timing and dedication to their roles.

The movie is a nostalgic trip back to a different era of comedy, even if it is awkward sometimes.: Many appreciate the film as a parody of classic detective stories, even if the humor doesn’t always land.

Overall Consensus: A mixed bag. While some praise the cast and comedic elements, others find the humor dated and offensive. It’s a film that evokes strong opinions, but mostly people recognize its historical significance in comedy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The screaming woman sound used as a doorbell is Fay Wray’s screams from King Kong (1933).”
• “Neil Simon remained on set to take care of re-writes.”
• “Neil Simon took such a shine to Alec Guinness during the picture’s production that he told him if he did not like anything in the film, he’d immediately rewrite it for him.”

🖥️ How to Watch Murder by Death?

Currently, ‘Murder by Death’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as options may change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Murder by Death, you might like these similar films:

• Clue (1985): A comedic murder mystery with an ensemble cast, based on a board game, offering a similar blend of suspense and humor.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a star-studded cast and clever plot twists, appealing to those who enjoy a more contemporary take on the genre.
• The Cheap Detective (1978): Also written by Neil Simon, this film is another parody that has a similar humour, but it focuses more on film noir tropes.
• Deathtrap (1982): A play adaptation that has a whodunit element where people are trapped and dying.

🛒 Murder by Death Related Products

• Murder by Death [Blu-ray]: A pristine Blu-ray edition of the film, perfect for collectors who want to experience the comedic mystery in high quality. A must-have for serious fans.
• The Art of Neil Simon: A comprehensive look into the work of writer Neil Simon, including a deep dive into the script of ‘Murder by Death’. Features interviews and insights into his comedic genius.
• Detective Costume Kit: Embrace your inner sleuth with this costume kit! It includes a classic fedora, magnifying glass, and fake mustache, perfect for themed parties or Halloween.
• Murder Mystery Dinner Party Game: Host your own murder mystery party with this immersive game! Invite friends to play as characters inspired by the film’s detective archetypes, solve clues, and uncover the culprit.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title” – performed by Dave Grusin
• “Arrival At The Twain Estate” – performed by Dave Grusin
• “End Credits” – performed by Dave Grusin

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

7 deceased Murder by Death actors (part 1)

Ever wondered what happened to the amazing cast of Murder by Death? This video remembers some of the greats who are sadly no longer with us. It’s a short but touching tribute that’s worth a watch!

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