"Murder By Death" is a very silly and often stupid film. Now this is NOT meant as criticism--just an observation about the type of humor in the film. So, if you are looking for an arty or sophisticated film, then you should definitely not watch this film! But, if you can simply watch and accept it as it is, then you probably will have a nice time watching.
The film begins with several detectives being invited to Mr. Twain's house. All the guests are caricatures of literary and movie detectives--such as Miss Marple, Sam Spade, Charlie Chan and the like. All are played rather broadly--again, this WAS the intention of the filmmakers. Their host (Truman Capote) then enters in a VERY dramatic fashion and challenges them all to solve a murder that is ABOUT TO HAPPEN! What's next is, naturally, nonsensical and silly....but who cares? Overall, the film is filled with bad jokes, puns and a few genuine laughs. It's not brilliant by any means but it will most likely make you laugh. And, for that reason, it's well worth your time provided you can enjoy such a fantastically stupid film!
By the way, the ultra-politically correct might blanch at some of the film's humor--such as the blind butler (Alec Guinness) and the Chinese detective (Peter Sellers). It's all in fun but with today's changing sensibilities, you may want to avoid showing it to your friends and family members as there is a lot to potentially offend.
The film begins with several detectives being invited to Mr. Twain's house. All the guests are caricatures of literary and movie detectives--such as Miss Marple, Sam Spade, Charlie Chan and the like. All are played rather broadly--again, this WAS the intention of the filmmakers. Their host (Truman Capote) then enters in a VERY dramatic fashion and challenges them all to solve a murder that is ABOUT TO HAPPEN! What's next is, naturally, nonsensical and silly....but who cares? Overall, the film is filled with bad jokes, puns and a few genuine laughs. It's not brilliant by any means but it will most likely make you laugh. And, for that reason, it's well worth your time provided you can enjoy such a fantastically stupid film!
By the way, the ultra-politically correct might blanch at some of the film's humor--such as the blind butler (Alec Guinness) and the Chinese detective (Peter Sellers). It's all in fun but with today's changing sensibilities, you may want to avoid showing it to your friends and family members as there is a lot to potentially offend.