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Murder by Death
1976 94 min United States of America PG 6+
★6.9
Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Director: Robert Moore
Trailers
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EN
Description
Lionel Twain invites the world's five greatest detectives to a 'dinner and murder'. Included are a blind butler, a deaf-mute maid, screams, spinning rooms, secret passages, false identities and more plot turns and twists than are decently allowed.
Worldwide:
$32.51M
Starring
Peter Falk
Actor
Alec Guinness
Actor
Peter Sellers
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 1977
— Best Debut
Key opinion
Murder by Death is widely regarded as a clever and star-studded parody that lovingly deconstructs classic detective tropes. While most audiences appreciate the ensemble cast and witty atmosphere, some viewers find the humor dated or overly reliant on crude stereotypes.
| Acting | The star-studded ensemble cast, including Peter Sellers, Peter Falk, and Maggie Smith, delivers precise and charismatic performances that anchor the chaotic script. | |
| Production | The production design, featuring a classic gothic mansion atmosphere, successfully creates an immersive environment that enhances the parody of the "locked-room" mystery genre. | |
| Score | The score is noted for being both memorable and instrumental in building the film's mysterious and playful tone. | |
| Humor | The humor is deeply polarizing; while many celebrate its sharp, tongue-in-cheek homage to classic mysteries, others find the reliance on caricatures and dated stereotypes offensive or unfunny. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing divides viewers, with some finding the chaotic, dialogue-driven structure engaging, while others criticize it for a lack of narrative momentum. |