Murder by Death (1976)

"Room filled with empty people.", 23 August 2006

There are three movies that, for whatever reason, I have watched literally 100s of times. Murder By Death is one of the three movies. The great thing is that I never get tired of it. It never gets old with me. The comedy is as fresh today as it was in 1976 when I saw Murder By Death in the theater. I think the movie appeals to me because I grew up reading Agatha Christie and watching Charlie Chan on The Late Show. Later, when I discovered the Humphrey Bogart movies and the Thin Man movies, I became an instant fan. I get a real kick out watching Neil Simon poke fun at the characters from these books and movies. The screenplay is clever, intelligent, and, most importantly, funny. I all but laugh out loud every time I watch the "dead, naked butler" bit or listen to Peter Selles arguing with the "cow" on the wall. It's good stuff!

In addition to Simon's writing, the acting in Murder By Death is a real highlight. The cast is a Who's Who of some of the best actors of the 60s and 70s. David Niven, Peter Sellers, Alec Guinness, Peter Falk, and every other member of the cast (including the usually annoying James Coco) are all wonderful. Their parodies of the famous detectives are dead-on perfect. But the best, in my opinion, is Maggie Smith. It's amazing that in a group of such renowned actors, Smith is able to steal almost every scene and become the center of attention. She is simply amazing in Murder By Death. I could watch her all day.

So, here's to another 100 viewings of Murder By Death! I can't get enough of it.

9/10