MURDER THAT WOULDN'T DIE

US, 1980, 100 minutes, Colour.
William Conrad, Jose Ferrer, John Hillerman, Sharon Acker.
Directed by Ron Satloff.

The Murder That Wouldn't Die is a reasonably enjoyable telemovie. It was co-written by Glen Larson, writer and producer of so many television series at Universal Studios.

The film is a star vehicle for William Conrad. He is supported by a television cast and some guest stars including Jose Ferrer and John Hillerman.

The film has attractive Hawaiian settings, has a case of 1942 having its influence in 1980 and being resolved.

The film is an entertaining whodunnit, American style.

1. Entertaining telemovie? An amiable presentation of human nature? movie? Whodunnit? Characters? Mystery? Clues? Resolution?

2. The use of Hawaiian settings? Attractive? Authentic? Musical score? Editing and pace? The black and white photography of the 1940s? The restaurant, the Andrew Sisters? Court case? Black and white photography contrived for the film?

3. The title, indication of murder mystery? William Battle and his investigation?

4. William Conrad's style as Battle? Abrasive, sure ingenious? His brother's death? His return to Hawaii? Police background? Security job? Past relationship with Nancy? Friendship with Deacon? Helping Shelby? Getting Tuzi on the team? His special team, their tactics? The interviews with the suspects? The night out, nightclubs, the doctor and his wife, deep sea fishing? The photographing of Briggs, documentation? The dramatic set-up at the restaurant? The pursuit by Briggs? The finale of the football match?

5. Deacon and his studies, sport? His love for Shelby? Suspicions of Battle? The fire at the archives? Helping with the investigations? The sidekick character? Final sport victory? Shelby and her love for her father, helping, the re-enactment?

6. Tull and his criminal background, ingenuity, high kicks? On the football team?

7. The Coach and the comic touches? The Dean and her friendship with Battle, 20 years, her mother's influence, reunion?

8. Briggs and his investigations, his inner sanctum with the documentation? His removing the newspaper? At the re-enactment? His lies? Blackmail, the confrontation with Battle?

9. Ames and his role in the Hawaiian Police? Jensen as a retired General, deep sea fisherman? The PR man and their friendship? His smooth manner with Battle? Harrison and his work on the paper? Their not telling the truth? The re-enactment, the truth and the memory?

10. The doctor and his helping Battle's brother? Death and the overdose? His wife and her concern? The revelation of her identity?

11. The background of the war, marriage, infidelity, drunkenness, the rape situation, the blaming of the four Hawaiians, their being found not guilty, the victim's mother and the murder, the pardon from Washington? The upper classes of Hawaii?

12. Themes of human nature, passion and greed? Blackmail? The investigation and the resolution?