In 1938, Jewish rights activist Emma Sachs is targeted by the Nazis. When she dies, foul play is suspected. But was it the Nazis, or was it someone else? Detective Tony Rossini investigates,... Read allIn 1938, Jewish rights activist Emma Sachs is targeted by the Nazis. When she dies, foul play is suspected. But was it the Nazis, or was it someone else? Detective Tony Rossini investigates, along with Larry "Cash" Carter, a theatre director connected to Mrs. Sachs and her family... Read allIn 1938, Jewish rights activist Emma Sachs is targeted by the Nazis. When she dies, foul play is suspected. But was it the Nazis, or was it someone else? Detective Tony Rossini investigates, along with Larry "Cash" Carter, a theatre director connected to Mrs. Sachs and her family.
Photos
- Rudy Bernheim
- (as Daniel Serafini-Sauli)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
Gene Wilder has a special charming wit about him, even in his facial expressions and vocal inflections which make him perfect for the part. The portions of the movie which portrayed actors acting was done very well. I'm sure this is an additional challenge for the cast to pull off. I am not surprised to see that he did some of the writing for the movie. Even his singing was a delight. I like him in this role more than his former "sillier" roles like "The Young Frankenstein" and "Willy Wonka." I am hoping A & E will continue this series. They ought to call it something like "The A & E Gene Wilder Mysteries."
The music fit the period. I enjoyed the cool live combo and the swing tunes. I was a little unclear at the beginning whether we were seeing a flashback or whether the action was taking place in that time period. And I do not agree that the inclusion of profanity is necessary to the flow of the script. To me, that always distracts.
Overall, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this second in a well-crafted start in what we hope will be many others -- just like one of our other favorites: Raymond Burr's Perry Mason.
It does I do agree start off slowly complete with some draggy moments in the middle half, the plot does fall into predictability a little too much and the script has its weak spots.
However, I liked how it was filmed. The scenery, costumes, settings, hairstyles and make-up are authentic, charming and beautiful-looking. The soundtrack is nice and swinging and the direction is decent. The final solution did at least make some sense, and the film does have a somewhat appreciative nostalgic feel to it. The acting is nothing extraordinary but it was actually pretty good; Gene Wilder has been better, but he does a good job in the role of the theatre impresario turned detective. Claire Bloom is a nice touch as the anti-Nazi activist, while Mike Starr is surprisingly delightful as a detective and Barbara Sukowa is solid as a German sophisticate.
Overall, nothing brilliant, but I have to admit I quite liked it no matter how many faults it had. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Did you know
- TriviaGene Wilder's final film.
- Quotes
Klaus Gruber: Hel-lo beautiful! How'd you get that sunshine in your smile?
Mimi Barnes: Oh, my goodness, what a great line... but you really shouldn't waste that stuff, you know. May I ask you a question, Mr., uh...?
Klaus Gruber: Wheeler. John Wheeler.
Mimi Barnes: How many times have you used that line before? Now be honest.
Klaus Gruber: 17. But this was the first time I really meant it, honestly.
- ConnectionsFollows Murder in a Small Town (1999)
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Why Kill the Old Lady?
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro