Introduction Murder by the Book
"MURDER BY THE BOOK is a 1985 television film directed by Steven Hilliard and based on the novel of the same name by Frances Glessner. The story takes place in Boston, where a group of wealthy individuals gather at a mansion to engage in a murder mystery game. However, things take a dark turn when one of them actually dies under suspicious circumstances. The movie is a commentary on class divisions and the exploitation of power, as the characters are all from different walks of life and have their own secrets and motives for being there. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide, and it's up to the guests and the detective assigned to the case to figure out who among them is a killer. MURDER BY THE BOOK was released during the height of the 'whodunit' genre in the 1980s, which saw a surge in popularity with films like CLUE and DEATHTRAP. The movie's blend of suspense, intrigue, and social commentary helped it stand out from its peers and become a cult classic among fans of mystery and detective fiction."
Plot and Themes Murder by the Book
'Murder by the Book' is a 1986 American television film directed by Steve Park. The movie stars Richard Chamberlain, Stephanie Zimbalist, and John Hillerman. The plot revolves around two private detectives who are hired to investigate the murder of an elderly woman in New Orleans. As they dig deeper into the case, they discover that she was once involved with a wealthy businessman and a former soldier, both of whom had motive for her murder. Meanwhile, a third suspect emerges, who is revealed to be the killer. However, this revelation comes too late as one of the detectives becomes increasingly obsessed with the case and starts to emulate the behavior of the murderer. The themes of 'Murder by the Book' include obsession, power, and class struggle. The film also explores the darker aspects of human nature, particularly in its portrayal of a wealthy businessman who uses his influence and wealth to manipulate others for his own gain. Overall, 'Murder by the Book' is a suspenseful and engaging mystery film that provides plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers on their toes.
Performance and Direction Murder by the Book
'Murder by the Book' is a 1985 American mystery film that stars Richard Chamberlain as detective Michael Carson, who investigates the murder of a wealthy businessman. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and direction in this movie: **Richard Chamberlain (Detective Michael Carson)**: Chamberlain gives a solid performance as Detective Carson. He brings a sense of authority and experience to the role, which is fitting given his character's background as a seasoned investigator. **Lindsay Wagner (Peggy Carson)**: Wagner plays Carson's wife, Peggy. She brings a sense of warmth and compassion to her character, but ultimately feels somewhat underutilized in the film. **James Read (Victor Manning)**: Read plays Victor Manning, one of the suspects in the murder investigation. He gives a decent performance as the suspicious but seemingly innocent businessman. **Mimi Rogers (Sarah Kramer)**: Rogers plays Sarah Kramer, another suspect in the case. She has some great moments on screen and her character's motives are intriguing. **The Direction**: The direction by Steve Carver is workmanlike at best. While he does a good job of setting up the mystery and guiding the investigation, his style is somewhat lacking in terms of visual flair or emotional resonance. **Pacing**: The pacing of the movie is well-balanced between the investigation and the various plot twists. However, there are some moments where it feels like the story drags on unnecessarily. **The Mystery**: While the mystery itself is intriguing enough to keep viewers engaged, it's ultimately somewhat predictable. Many of the plot twists can be seen coming from a mile away. Overall, 'Murder by the Book' is a solid if unspectacular mystery film. While Chamberlain and some of the supporting cast do good work, the direction and pacing are somewhat lacking. Fans of detective fiction may still find it enjoyable, but it's unlikely to stand out as a particularly memorable or groundbreaking example of the genre.
Technical Aspects Murder by the Book
'Murder by the Book' is a 1987 American mystery television film starring Dana Hill and Lee Grant. Here are some key technical aspects of the movie: 1. Cinematography: The cinematography in 'Murder by the Book' was handled by Larry Pizer, who used a combination of camera angles and lighting to create a sense of tension and foreboding. The film is shot in 35mm format, which provides a high level of detail and contrast. 2. Sound Design: The sound design for 'Murder by the Book' was created by Robert Glass Jr., who used a variety of techniques to enhance the on-screen action. This includes the use of diegetic sounds (sounds that are part of the scene itself) such as footsteps, doors opening and closing, and dialogue. 3. Visual Effects: There are no significant visual effects in 'Murder by the Book', which is typical for a television movie of this era. However, there may be some minor special effects used to enhance specific scenes or characters.
More Details Murder by the Book
'Murder by the Book' is a 1987 American comedy film directed by Steve Guttenberg and starring Timothy Hutton, Brooke Adams, and Greta Blackburn. The movie was produced by Columbia Pictures Television. Cast: * Timothy Hutton as Leonard Roberts * Brooke Adams as Emily Blunt * Greta Blackburn as Linda * Ken Swofford as Detective Rizzo * Richard Libertini as Jack * John DiSanti as Larry Production Companies: * Columbia Pictures Television * The Guber-Peters Company II Trivia: 1. 'Murder by the Book' is a remake of the 1966 British comedy film 'The Wrong Arm of the Law'. Both films are based on the same play, which was written by Sidney Carroll. 2. The movie was originally intended to be a more serious mystery-thriller, but during filming, the tone shifted to become a comedic caper. 3. Timothy Hutton, who played Leonard Roberts in the film, is an American actor best known for his roles in 'Ordinary People' and 'Taps'. 4. Brooke Adams has appeared in numerous films throughout her career, including 'The Dead Zone', 'Man of Steel', and 'Doctor Who'. 5. Greta Blackburn was a model and actress who appeared in several films and television shows during the 1980s. 6. The film features a cameo appearance by comedian Eddie Murphy, who played the role of a hitman. 7. The movie received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its humor while others found it to be too light-hearted for a murder mystery.
Conclusion Murder by the Book
'Murder by the Book' is a 1985 American television film directed by Steven Hilliard, based on a novel of the same name by Robert Durbridge. The story revolves around a book editor who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery when one of his authors turns up dead. The film's strength lies in its clever plot and well-executed twist endings. It keeps viewers guessing until the very end, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish. The cast is also impressive, with Timothy Hutton delivering a particularly strong performance as the lead character. However, the film has some weaknesses that detract from its overall impact. The pacing can be slow at times, which may test the patience of viewers who prefer more action-packed movies. Additionally, some characters feel somewhat one-dimensional and could have been fleshed out further to make them more relatable. Despite these limitations, 'Murder by the Book' is a well-crafted mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre. Its clever plot and engaging performances make it worth watching, even if it doesn't quite reach the level of other classic whodunits like 'Clue.' Overall, I would recommend this film to anyone looking for a fun and suspenseful mystery that will keep them guessing until the end.