Someone is found dead after the engagement party for the offspring of two estranged comics.Someone is found dead after the engagement party for the offspring of two estranged comics.Someone is found dead after the engagement party for the offspring of two estranged comics.
Photos
Ron Cey
- Member of the House Band
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhen Mack and Murray do the where are you, they 'borrowed' it from Abbott and Costello in Rio Rita (1929).
- GoofsThe missing paint on the door frame could be seen before Buddy Hackett wedged the knife in it.
- ConnectionsReferences Rage in Heaven (1941)
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
Murder is no laughing matter
Have always been quite fond of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is a fun and relaxing watch that makes you think as you try to unwind in the evening. If one wants more complex, twisty mysteries with lots of tension and suspense 'Murder She Wrote' may not be for you, but if you want something light-hearted and entertaining but still provide good mysteries 'Murder She Wrote' fits the bill just fine.
"No Laughing Murder" is a good if not great episode, not much wrong but somehow there's something missing. It is a touch lacking in the mystery aspects, but in terms of the guest star power and the character/cast interaction it scores very highly. The mystery has its good points certainly, the final solution is not foreseeable, it's fun to see how Jessica figures it all out and pieces it all together as well as how she investigates and the victim is very different to who one would expect it to be. It's just that the episode fares more memorably in other areas, one doesn't get to know the victim enough to properly invest in the mystery no matter how well executed it is.
The real joys of "No Laughing Murder" are the character/cast interaction (simply terrific all round) and the joy of seeing Buddy Hackett and Steve Lawrence sink their teeth into their roles and give it their enthusiastic all as warring former comedic partners reminiscent of the double act of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Hackett at times overdoes it but mostly it doesn't unbalance everything else. The performances in general and the guest star cast are other joys.
As always with playing Jessica Fletcher, Angela Lansbury is terrific while Hackett and Lawrence seem to be enjoying themselves thoroughly. David Knell is an appealing presence as are a young George Clooney and Beth Windsor. Pat Crowley and Sheree North are also good. Arte Johnson however has little to do and doesn't really register.
Production values are slick and stylish as ever with 'Murder She Wrote'. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
Writing is thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable and it and all the above help make the episode very watchable and at its best enjoyable even if the show has better mysteries.
Overall, enjoyable and good fun if more for the interaction, the comedy feud and the cast than the mystery itself. 7/10 Bethany Cox
"No Laughing Murder" is a good if not great episode, not much wrong but somehow there's something missing. It is a touch lacking in the mystery aspects, but in terms of the guest star power and the character/cast interaction it scores very highly. The mystery has its good points certainly, the final solution is not foreseeable, it's fun to see how Jessica figures it all out and pieces it all together as well as how she investigates and the victim is very different to who one would expect it to be. It's just that the episode fares more memorably in other areas, one doesn't get to know the victim enough to properly invest in the mystery no matter how well executed it is.
The real joys of "No Laughing Murder" are the character/cast interaction (simply terrific all round) and the joy of seeing Buddy Hackett and Steve Lawrence sink their teeth into their roles and give it their enthusiastic all as warring former comedic partners reminiscent of the double act of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Hackett at times overdoes it but mostly it doesn't unbalance everything else. The performances in general and the guest star cast are other joys.
As always with playing Jessica Fletcher, Angela Lansbury is terrific while Hackett and Lawrence seem to be enjoying themselves thoroughly. David Knell is an appealing presence as are a young George Clooney and Beth Windsor. Pat Crowley and Sheree North are also good. Arte Johnson however has little to do and doesn't really register.
Production values are slick and stylish as ever with 'Murder She Wrote'. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
Writing is thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable and it and all the above help make the episode very watchable and at its best enjoyable even if the show has better mysteries.
Overall, enjoyable and good fun if more for the interaction, the comedy feud and the cast than the mystery itself. 7/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•82
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 10, 2017
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