As long as the material is not objectionable, film fans would rather their favorites continue to make a film or 2 no matter how bad they are.When you're used to seeing them for so many years, you miss them if they give up, and that's one thing Bob Hope never did! Unfortunately he had only one major film role in 16 years before Masterpiece of Murder, and that was in 1972. His other work of course was TV in which he was always active. And because of that, this 1986 movie suffered because he was just so used to his rapid fire quips which didn't require any real acting that in the movie he didn't act. The rest of the cast, in particular his co-star Don Ameche(who stayed active in films)came off very well in the acting department. The story is interesting too, it's just Bob that makes the movie poor overall. There are some isolated moments that are OK, but it just remains a curiosity piece. It must have been frustrating for Hope, though, and yet it shows that persistence pays off. After Cancel My Reservation(1972) Bob was going to co-star with Bing Crosby in The Road to the Fountain of Youth. Then it was shelved of course because of Crosby's death. Then there was the cameo only in The Muppet Movie(1979). Next was going to be the film Menage a Trois with David Niven, but that was cancelled. After that, The Walter Winchell Story was announced. Hope said he had to put on some wait for the role. Then that was cancelled as well. Then there was going to be a TV biography feature. Cancelled! Only another cameo was available with Spies Like Us(1985). He probably thought Masterpiece of Murder would never be completed either! This movie(which seems to have gotten only one late night repeat showing)shouldn't be looked on as a failure, but as an accomplishment of Mr. Hope's to star in ONE MORE MOVIE!
