A Slight Case of Murder
In the midst of a spat, film critic Terry Thorpe accidentally kills his lover. Though Thorpe covers his tracks, he raises the suspicions of a private investigator, who then tries to blackmail him. Thorpe also falls under the watchful eye of Detective Fred Stapelli, a cop who is intent on becoming a screenwriter. Before long, Thorpe's girlfriend, Kit, and Stapelli's wife, Patricia, are roped into the case.
Insights
Plot Summary
When a retired detective, Sam Gillis, is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he decides to take on one last case that has haunted him for years. The case involves the disappearance of a young woman and a possible connection to a local mob boss. Sam enlists the help of his daughter and a former colleague to uncover the truth, confronting old demons and the possibility that he might have been responsible for the woman's demise.
Critical Reception
A Slight Case of Murder was generally well-received by critics, who praised its witty dialogue, solid performances, and engaging mystery plot. While not a major box office hit, it found a niche audience that appreciated its blend of dark humor and compelling storytelling. The film was particularly noted for William H. Macy's compelling performance as the ailing detective.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its sharp, witty dialogue and engaging mystery.
- William H. Macy's performance as the weary detective was a standout.
- Successfully balances dark humor with a compelling crime narrative.
Google audience: Audience reviews are not readily available in a consolidated format, but general sentiment suggests appreciation for the film's clever script and strong acting, particularly from the lead.
Fun Fact
William H. Macy had previously worked with director Steven Schachter on the critically acclaimed film 'Bongwater' released in the same year.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources