MFH

If you're looking for cinematic perfection or art, this movie is not for you. It involves a monster going on a murderous rampage through the natural history museum in Chicago. Penelope-Ann Miller plays Dr. Green, who along with her mentor, wheel-chair bound Dr. Frock (James Whitmore), and police Lt. D'Agosta (Tom Sizemore) investigates several murders that have taken place in the museum. Although one would think these murders would shut down the museum, Dr.Cuthbert (Linda Hunt), the museum director, insists that it stay open in order to hold a much needed fundraising gala. This party is the film's climax and involves Frock, D'Agosta and Green trying to kill the monster while Dr. Cuthbert, the Mayor and several guests and police attempt to wade through chest deep water in dark tunnels under the museum in order to escape (but of course there's something in the water). I would say this movie is a mix between The Poseidon Adventure and Predator. The acting is very good and is aided by the chemistry between Miller and Sizemore and veteran actors Hunt (who won best supporting actress 1983) and past best actor oscar nominee Whitmore.

This is the best of the made-for-tv movies done by CBS. There is no video avaliable, but it does sometimes come on the Fox Family Channel or Encore Mystery Channel. More of an adventure story than a mystery, the action keeps up well until it lags towards the end. Randall provides comic relief appearing as an elderly vicar lugging a suit case full of bibles around and as a female secretary. 3 stars out of 4. Certainly better than any of the Helen Hayes & Peter Ustinov Tv Movies.

This is the most under-appreciated Agatha Christie film in my opinion. The movie has a top grade cast (for the most part) including Peter Ustinov, Lauren Bacall, Piper Laurie & Hayley Mills. Mills and Bacall give the best supporting performances as an Archeologist and Member of Parliment respectively. The solution to the murder of evil mother Laurie isn't an easy one, but it all makes sense in the end. The plot moves along at a good pace, and features beautiful locations. If you want a good mystery, go and rent Appointment with Death!