Search - The Murders in the Rue Morgue on DVD

The Cover Is Worth The Price of This DVD.

Betty Burks | Knoxville, TN | 07/20/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's amazing how poor, alcoholic, destitute Poe could write about Paris in 1889. The fog made it appear eerily like London. Perhaps he lived in Paris, the beautiful City of Love, before ending up as he did in Baltimore (America).

Young Val Kilmer played the understated Philippe who has fallen in love with Claire but tries to prove that her fiance is innocent of the murders. As he and her detective father discover who (or what) the murderer is, he uncovers the truth about Claire's fiance (also engaged to other wealthy women). Alas and alack.

George C. Scott does a commendable job as the French retired police detective who comes alive again. Sometimes, you might imagine that he is the one! The ending has a twist which is so Edgar Allen Poe, it surprises the viewer just the same. And I've been a fan of Poe's 'Ligeia' since 1960.

Rebecca DeMornay was perfect as Claire. The way the murderer is trapped makes you wonder if it could possibly be a cover up for the real one. With Poe, who knows?"

MONKEY BUSINESS

Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 03/18/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Edgar Allan Poe's classic detective story has been filmed so many times that the identity of the murderer is known before you watch the film. So the key ingredient in a successful translation of this story is how well it is presented. Unfortunately, this made for TV production is so methodically dull, no suspense can be generated, and the final scenes become unintentionally hilarious. Directed with little imagination by NIGHT GALLERY stalwart Jeannot Szwarc, MURDERS offers us George C. Scott in a painfully inept performance as the disgraced detective; a young Val Kilmer strutting his stuff in a completely useless role; and Rebecca DeMornay as Scott's level-headed and spirited daughter. Emmy winner Ian McShane (Deadwood) plays Scott's nemesis, the precept responsible for Scott's disgraceful banishment from the force. The murders are staged haphazardly and the whole production is ultimately embarrassing to all involved. Fans of Poe's story will be disappointed in this lifeless movie."

Positively Scary

J. McAndrew | USA | 05/28/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This movie gave me nightmares many nights after seeing it as a teenager. Yikes! I've never quite figured out why some people like to get scared out of their wits! Some things are so frightening, there is no pleasure to be found in the experience."