Review of Murder by Death (1976) by Brian J — 11 Oct 2007

"Murder by Death" is a parody of murder mysteries written by Neil Simon. Lionel Twain, a strange millionaire, invites five characters based on famous detectives to his home for dinner and a murder mystery.

This film has a prestigious cast that delivers great performances. Truman Capote is amusing the mysterious and eccentric host at the mansion. Peter Sellers delivers a number of hilarious one-liners as Inspector Wang with a clichéd Chinese manner of speaking that mocks detective Charlie Chan. James Coco plays Milo Perrier, a comical send-up of Agatha Christie's famous overweight detective Hercule Poirot. David Niven and Maggie Smith are amusing as the socialite Charlestons, based on the Charles couple from "The Thin Man" (1934). Peter Falk effectively covers the hardboiled detective angle as Sam Diamond, a reference to detective Sam Spade. Alec Guinness also has an entertaining role as a blind butler and the rest of the performances are solid as well.

The story effectively parodies the Agatha Christie mold of murder mysteries set in mansions. There are a number of eccentric turns that support the film's performances and keep the story amusing. Ultimately the mystery itself proves interesting even though its primary function is to facilitate the cast's enjoyable performances. "Murder by Death" is an excellent comedy for those that want to see the mystery genre portrayed in a humorous light.