Books, Arts & Manners: The Truth Is in the Details

WOODY ALLEN’S latest, Manhattan Murder Mystery, was made under crisis conditions; intended for Mia Farrow, it was hastily readjusted for Diane Keaton. One could make excuses, but an artist such as Allen fancies himself to be doesn’t accept special pleading. Life is always difficult; making a movie is not a burden, but a respite.

If ever a picture seemed improvised, slapped together, disrespectful of the demands of the medium, this is it. Written by Allen with his off-and-on collaborator Marshall Brickman, it concerns a nice, civilized Manhattan couple who become involved with their immediate neighbors, the Houses. When Mrs. House dies the very next day, Carol Lipton (Diane Keaton) considers the circumstances suspicious, and decides to play Nancy Drew. Her husband, Larry (Allen), disagrees, and urges her to mind her business. Soon she is coming upon disturbing details, and eventually even the skeptical Larry joins in the sleuthing.

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John Simon

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WOODY ALLEN’S latest, Manhattan Murder Mystery, was made under crisis conditions; intended for Mia Farrow, it was hastily readjusted for Diane Keaton. One could make excuses, but an artist such as Allen fancies himself to be doesn’t accept special pleading. Life is always difficult; making a movie is not a burden, but a respite.

If ever a picture seemed improvised, slapped together, disrespectful of the demands of the medium, this is it. Written by Allen with his off-and-on collaborator Marshall Brickman, it concerns a nice, civilized Manhattan couple who become involved with their immediate neighbors, the Houses. When Mrs. House dies the very next day, Carol Lipton (Diane Keaton) considers the circumstances suspicious, and decides to play Nancy Drew. Her husband, Larry (Allen), disagrees, and urges her to mind her business. Soon she is coming upon disturbing details, and eventually even the skeptical Larry joins in the sleuthing.