Murder by Death is a comedic murder mystery film directed by Robert Moore. A spoof of the murder-mystery genre, the characters are parodies of classic literary and movie detectives such as Sam Spade, Nick and Nora Charles, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple and Charlie Chan.
Plot Summary
Eccentric millionaire Lionel Twain (Truman Capote) invites several of the world's top detectives to his secluded mansion to solve the perfect murder. Once they arrive, the guests find that they are unable to escape and they quickly become the targets of an unknown assassin. The sleuths try to outwit each other and discover who the murderer is while avoiding their own untimely demises.
Cast
- Eileen Brennan: Tess Skeffington
- Truman Capote: Lionel Twain
- James Coco: Milo Perrier
- Peter Falk: Sam Diamond
- Alec Guinness: Bensonmum
- Elsa Lanchester: Jessica Marbles