Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

 

A young New York socialite becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment building, but her past threatens to get in the way. 

Not really a faithful adaptation of Truman Capote's novella, the plot is quite messy and the male lead a bland miscast; nevertheless, this movie became an instant classic thanks to a lively and witty direction and the irresistibly charming Audrey Hepburn.

On re-watching: Despite all its flaws this is a movie I come back to every soften mainly for Audrey and quite a few memorable scenes.

Halliwell*: "Impossibly cleaned up and asexual version of a light novel which tried to be the American I am a Camera (qv). Wild parties, amusing scenes and good cameos, but the pace is slow, the atmosphere is unconvincingly clean and luxurious, and the sentimentality kills it."

Maltin***1/2: "Charming film...Dated trappings don't detract from high comedy and winning romance." 

Murder by Death (1976)

 

 

Five famous literary detective characters and their sidekicks are invited to a bizarre mansion to solve an even stranger mystery. 

 

Likable crime mystery spoof with some occasional good jokes; somehow the motley star cast make it happen. 

Halliwell*: "Sometimes thin but generally likable spoof of a longstanding genre; the stars seize their opportunities avidly, and the film does not outstay its welcome."

Maltin***: "...enjoyable all-star comedy..."