Rehearsal for Murder

Rehearsal for Murder is a 1982 American made-for-television mystery thriller film. It was directed by David Greene and written by Richard Levinson and William Link, the noted creative-duo behind "Murder, She Wrote". The film features an ensemble cast including Robert Preston, Lynn Redgrave, Patrick Macnee, and many others.

Robert Preston stars as Alex Dennison, a successful Broadway playwright. Alex is a man consumed by grief, torment, and a burning quest for justice. His fiancée, the charismatic and popular Broadway actress Monica Welles (played by Lynn Redgrave ), was found dead and the play was closed before its premier night. The authorities ruled her death as a suicide, but Alex cannot accept this tragic ending. He is convinced his beloved Monica was murdered and sets out on his own pursuit of truth, convinced that someone in the theatre world is responsible for her death.

One year after the devastating incident, Alex invites the entire cast and crew from the fated play to a theatrical reunion at the very theatre they were supposed to open their show. As a reveal, Alex unveils a new play, based on Monica's death classified as a suicide. The intrigue intensifies as the lines between reality and performance are blurred, with each invited actor unknowingly auditioning for their part in the real-life tragedy.

The film has Patrick Macnee playing the role of Lloyd Andrews, the pragmatic producer with an uncanny knack for financial finesse. The quintessential man behind the scenes, his cynism contrasts starkly with Alex's determined idealism. The dynamic between Macnee as producer, and Preston as the writer, is earmarked by complex power-play and simmering tension.

Lynn Redgrave’s performance as Monica Wells is notable as well. Her characterization of Monica's spirit, ambition, and vulnerability serve to engulf the viewers, making the unfolding mystery of her death even more poignant. Redgrave embodies Monica’s ambitious rise in the world of theatre and her tragic demise with equal intensity, creating a character viewers connect with despite her limited time on screen.

A unique aspect of Rehearsal for Murder is its narrative style; the film is based on a play about a play. There’s a play within the play and the layers are intricately woven together to create a mystery that is both mind-boggling and captivating. The line between fiction and reality begins to blur, as the cast slowly begins to realize they might be being used to unwittingly re-enact the night of Monica’s alleged suicide.

The film’s setting in a New York theatre is an integral part of the movie, with the historic architecture, dare I say, a character in itself. From the creaking stage stairs to the looming balcony, every element of the theatre setting contributes to the sense of eerie mystery that begins to slowly descend over the characters in the film. It creates a specific, distinct atmosphere that allows viewers to almost feel as if they too are part of the chilling reunion.

Rehearsal for Murder is rich with suspense, intrigue, and theatrical flair. It’s a film that celebrates and criticizes the world of theatre, from the glitz and glamour to the betrayals and heavy personal costs. The script is replete with intelligent dialogue, dramatic irony, and plot twists that hold the viewers at the edge of their seats right until the end.

Considering the writer duo behind it and cast led by Preston, Redgrave, and Macnee, it's not surprising that the film has gained a cult following over the years. The performances are remarkable, the narrative innovative, and the suspense element masterfully orchestrated to ensure that this is more than just another mystery thriller. It serves as a love letter to theatre and an elaborate puzzle that would appeal to both theatre buffs and mystery fans alike.

In conclusion, Rehearsal for Murder is an enticing, suspense-filled drama that stands out for its unique storytelling and superb performances, showing that sometimes, reality can indeed echo the twist and turns of the most daring performance on stage. The blend of mystery, love, and theatre in the movie makes it a must-watch for those who love their thrillers served with a side of stage drama.