DEAD MEN DON’T DIE (director/writer: Malcolm Marmorstein; screenwriter: from the play by Marmorstein; cinematographer: Tom Fraser; editor: Michael D. Ornstein; music: David C. Williams//Mark Koval; cast: Elliott Gould (Barry Barron), Mabel King (Chafuka), Melissa Anderson (Dulce Niles), Marl Moses (Jordan Penrose), Jack Betts (Alex Cavanaugh), Philip Bruns (Nolan), Robert Dryer (Mungo); Runtime: 94; MPAA Rating: PG-13; producer: Wayne Marmorstein; Academy Entertainment; 1990)
“The awkward horror film is a toothless parody on TV news that is too childish to give it a second thought.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

So-so TV screenwriter Malcolm Marmorstein (“Love Bites”) directs and writes this absurd comedy about arrogant TV newsman Barry Barron (Elliott Gould), who uncovers a major scoop on drug dealing at the workplace and is rubbed out by the mob before he can break the story The workplace cleaning lady (Mabel King) brings him back to life through voodoo chants. When the mob see him on TV, they tries to kill him again backstage.

The awkward horror film is a toothless parody on TV news that is too childish to give it a second thought. Gould stumbles along, playing it as slapstick and a reminder of how his once promising career has all but died.

Melissa Anderson has the thankless part of Gould’s co-anchor.

It’s set in one night and one day, almost entirely in one studio.

REVIEWED ON 4/29/2016 GRADE: C-

Dennis Schwartz: “Ozus’ World Movie Reviews”

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