MURDER BY DEATH

CAPSULE REVIEW –– An all-star cast keeps one guessing until the end in this who-done-it, comedy romp that's more hilarious than mysterious. The film pits send-ups of all the world-famous sleuths of literature – Charlie Chan, Miss Marples, Hercule Poirot, Sam Spade and Nick and Nora Charles – against each other to solve a vicious murder that takes place right in front of their eyes. Trapped by an eccentric millionaire in his tricked out mansion of horrors, they have 24 hours to reveal the killer, for which they'll win a million dollars, or lose their reputations forever. Everyone has a secret they wish to keep hidden and a reason to do anything for the cold, hard cash. Enjoyment of the film is relative to how familiar one is with the classic characters represented within. Many of the jokes depend on this knowledge. However, there's plenty of physical, tasteless humor to tickle the funny bone of those who plead ignorance. Guinness is wickedly serious and seriously hilarious as the blind butler. He steals the show. The rest of the ensemble is wonderful as well, unfortunately, much of what they have to do isn't worth their talent. Great concept, less than intelligent plot, considering the characters involved. The film is meant to poke fun at the genre, but that doesn't mean it can't be clever as well as silly. Enjoyable enough.