CROSSWORD MYSTERIES: A PUZZLE TO DIE FOR
Canada, 2019, 90 minutes, Colour.
Lacy Chabert, Brennan Elliott, John Kapelos, Barbara Niven, Victor A.Young.
Directed by Don Mc Cutcheon.
First in a series of Crossword Mysteries, Canadian productions but New York set. They introduce crosswords expert played by Lacy Chabert. With her skills, she notices that that there are clues to a number of robberies indicated by particular crosswords. While she pursues her investigations, with the help of her aunt, Barbara Niven, the detective on the case, Brennan Elliott, initially does not see any value in the clues. Needless to say, after another murder, he listens more sympathetically. He is also encouraged by his father, the police chief, John Kapelos.
The story is set in an affluent New York society, the world of art galleries and agents. The setting also has an advanced crossword competition and festival.
If one puts one’s mind to analysing the suspects, it is not difficult to spot who will turn out to be the murderer. On the other hand, there is a suspicious couple, avoiding any publicity, wanting to avoid being photographed – and nice twist that they are not the criminals but are in witness protection.
This is a popular television film, light undemanding entertainment.
1. The title, expectations? Murder?
2. The title, expectations? Murder? The detectives and investigation? Tess Harper, her crossword expertise, clues, investigations, dangers?
3. The New York setting, affluent, newspapers, crossword departments, crime reporting, detective work? Art galleries? Social events? The crossword competition? The musical score?
4. Tess, her personality, skills, at the paper, her relationship with her aunt, using her for social contacts? Harris, friendship, working together? His investigations? His murder? The discussions with Logan, his lack of interest, her perseverance, clashes, bonds, his beginning to listen? His father? Tess and her interviews, with the wife of the dead gallery owner?
5. Crosswords, clues, compositions, the rally, Pierre and his giving up the leadership, Tess taking over, Pierre and his charming manner? The meetings, preparations, the rally, crosswords and tests, the competition? Tess and the setting of the sailing competition crossword? Tess and her realisation about Pierre, his being the brother of the dead gallery owner, the newspaper and photos, Harris discovering this? His visit to the dead man’s wife, information? Pierre, the confrontation with Tess, saying he did not want to harm her?
6. The thief, the surveillance, the time framework of the death? Tracking down the thief, the interviews, his following orders, the clues and the crosswords?
7. An enjoyable blend of crime, detection, unmasking a criminal, with an up-and-down romantic relationship?
