Murder by Death

:Murder by Death is also an independent rock band, named after the movie. See Murder by Death (band).

Plot

The plot combines a convoluted, highly improbable murder-mystery arc with plenty of farce, slapstick, witty banter and self-referential humour (the IMdB carries a substantial quote page). Having lured his guests to his mansion, Twain announces that, as a test of their sleuthing prowess, they are expected to solve a murder which will take place in the house at 12 o'clock that very night, with a reward of $1 million to the winner. The party spend the rest of the weekend investigating, dining and bickering, manipulated by a mysterious behind-the-scenes force, confused by red herrings, baffled by the "mechanical marvel" that is Twain's house, and ultimately finding their own lives threatened. The ending piles in twist after twist as each surviving sleuth presents their theory on the case.

Related Topics:
Farce - Slapstick - Witty banter - Self-referential humour - Red herrings - Twist

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A brief late appearance by Sherlock Holmes in early versions of the movie was removed at some point.

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Many of the cast returned for a later Simon/Moore collaboration, The Cheap Detective.

Related Topics:
Simon - Moore - The Cheap Detective

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