Although the idea was conceived at the same time as Annie Hall (1977), it took Woody Allen fifteen years to get around to making Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993). Allen felt the initial draft was too light and he had Marshall Brickman come in to assist in adding more substantial story elements. The part of Carol was originally intended for Allen's real-life wife, Mia Farrow, but their marriage had come to a bitter, non-amicable end. Allen offered the part to his old flame/friend, Diane Keaton, and she readily accepted the role. Art does imitate life, somewhat, in Manhattan Murder Mystery. The emotions Allen shows in the film in relation to marriage troubles seems heartfelt and genuine. The supporting cast in wonderful, including Alan Alda, Anjelica Huston, Jerry Adler and Zach Braff in his brief one-scene debut. An underrated Gem in the Allen catalogue, Manhattan Murder Mystery is smart and elegant... complete with a brilliantly fitting homage/reference to Orson Welles' 1947 film, The Lady from Shanghai.
Larry and Carol Lipton (Woody Allen and Diane Keaton) are a middle aged couple living in Manhattan... |
| Manhattan Murder Mystery. 1993. Woody Allen |
When they meet their neighbors, a kind old couple living down the hall, nothing seems strange. That is, until the old woman dies of an apparent heart-attack. The old man seems a bit too cheery, triggering Carol's suspicion. She begins to investigate, sneaking into his apartment, looking for clues...
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| Manhattan Murder Mystery. 1993. Woody Allen |
Although Larry is highly skeptical, and downright irritated by her obsession, even he can't help but get involved when it becomes apparent that something sinister is going on...
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| Manhattan Murder Mystery. 1993. Woody Allen |
Meanwhile, Carol is being assisted by friend, Ted (Alan Alda), who has a crush on her...
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| Manhattan Murder Mystery. 1993. Woody Allen |
and Larry's client, Marcia (Anjelica Huston) joins the group as they come up with a plan to trap the murderous old man...
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| Manhattan Murder Mystery. 1993. Woody Allen |
It leads to a tense build-up...
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| Manhattan Murder Mystery. 1993. Woody Allen |
and show-down...
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| Manhattan Murder Mystery. 1993. Woody Allen |
in a fantastic Orson Welles homage, a la The Lady of Shanghai...
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| Manhattan Murder Mystery. 1993. Woody Allen |
