Now on DVD: Murder by Death

Synopsis: Five famous detectives and their sidekicks are invited to a mansion and are given the challenge of solving a murder before daybreak.

What I liked about this movie: I had heard of this 1976 movie before but never watched it until today. When I did, I was surprised by how many actors I knew. Among them were Truman Capote, Peter Sellers, Peter Falk, Eileen Brennan and Alec Guinness. There were also a few more I recognized but couldn't quite place the movies I had seen them in before.

The plot itself reminded me a bit of the movie "Clue" both because you have the host (Capote) being murdered and because each of the detectives had some connection to the victim that would give them motive to commit the crime.

Despite the A-list stars in the movie, I think Guinness is the one that steals the show as the blind butler Bensonmum. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the jokes that were set up by his character; especially when he meets the deaf/mute cook who can only communicate by handwritten notes (and can't read English).

What I didn't like about the movie: Each of the detectives in this movie is supposedly based off of a famous literary detective. But, outside of Falk's character, which is obviously based on detective Sam Spade (the character's name was Sam Diamond); it's a bit hard to figure out who each of the actors is supposed to be portraying.

The ending is also a bit confusing. I was able to figure it out after a few moments reflection but you do have to pay close attention.

Final opinion: Clue (which also starred Eileen Brennan) was a bit funnier but this movie has quite a few moments and is definitely worth watching if you get a chance.

On a scale from one to 10: I would give the movie a 7.