Hollywood Murder Mystery where you do the acting

Murder at the Movies

The year is 1928, and the setting is The Golden Globe Hotel, Hollywood’s most luxurious location. Rod Ducer is the genius behind the hugely successful Little House of Horrors film, one of the first ‘talkies’. This is set to win a multitude of awards and Rod has gathered the cast, investors and supporting crew for a celebratory party. These guests include the male lead Russell Sprout, and leading female Vicky Vicious. An Italian American investor Herbie Ravioli is present, along with a wealthy investor from the Middle East, Sheikh Mabooty. From the film set makeup artiste Faye Kylash makes an appearance, with stuntman Scott Chegg and the ever-present set security, Salim Shadey. All of these characters gather for a celebration and Christmas party for the film of the year. But a body has been discovered on the film set, and Inspector Catchem arrives to announce that a murderer may be present at the party!

Those marked with an asterisk are essential characters.

Tricia Trove* F

The famous film actress, whose recent films have not been so successful. Her husband, always supportive, gave her a leading role in the latest film. Critics, however, have been more focussed on the other star of the film, Vicky Vicious.

Vicky Vicious* F

A rising star. Little House of Horrors was her first film. She was a waitress in a restaurant where Rod had dinner two years ago, and now she is a major star. Gossips have been talking about the chemistry between her and Rod.

Russell Sprout* M

The male lead actor in the film. Russell is in competition with Anton Deque, and he is worried that Rod Ducer was going to give Deque character more screen time in the film.

Anton Deque* M

Male actor. Anton has his sights on Russell Sprout’s roles, and he will stop at nothing to further his career. Was he blackmailing Rod to gain advancement in his roles and screen time?

Herbie Ravioli* M

An Italian American investor. Herbie is legitimising a cash hoard from his waste management business based in Brooklyn.  He sees a future in the talkies. He has heard that Rod is writing an autobiography that will expose his family as Mafia.

Luca Tagliatelle* M

Herbie’s right hand man. He is loyal to the family, but thinks Herbie is taking too many risks in the movie business. If he can get Herbie out of the way he could take over as head of the family.

Dick Shinnery* M

A writer who claims that he wrote the script for Little House of Horrors. Rod Ducer stole his idea, and he is determined to get the recognition and wealth that he deserves. 

Faye Kylash* F

Makeup artist. She wants to be a film star, and has been sleeping her way to the top. Rumours are going around the set that the victim was spending a lot of time in her makeup trailer, and as the director he did not need makeup.

Gerry Bakewell* M / F

Assistant director, working under Rod. Little House of Horrors is due to start filming in two months’ time, and Gerry is capable of taking over as director now that Rod is dead.

Victoria Sponge F

Vicky Vicious’ best friend. They are known as the two Vickis in the media, as they are always appearing together at parties. Victoria knows everything about Vicki, including the truth about her rumoured pregnancy.

Sheikh Mabooty M

The Sheikh made a fortune from gas in the Middle East, and he is another investor in the film. He has heard that the investment for the sequel of the film has all been sewn up, and without him. The Sheikh is a powerful man, and will not take this lying down.

Anna Gram F

The writer who edited Rod’s original screen play. Anna has plans for the sequel, and ambitions to become a director herself. She will take no nonsense from anyone who tries to claim a right to this successful script.

Salim Shadey M

Security on the film set, and part time body guard of Rod Ducer. He was Rod’s fixer, and covered for his indiscretions. He also worked with Scott Chegg supplying the uppers and downers needed on the set, all herbal of course.

Scott Chegg M

Stunt man, and the main source of illicit substances on the set. He works alongside Salim Shadey, but Shadey has been taking more than his fair cut from the proceed lately, and now might be a good time to stitch him up.

Burt Nurney M

Agent to the stars. Rod had recently stopped using him. Nurney’s career is on the slide and he needs to assert his authority this evening by letting everyone know that he still gets the best casting opportunities.

Sam Hamwich M / F

Burt Nurney’s main competition. Sam has a growing list of stars on their books, and more are crossing over to them every day. Rod was about to sign Sam up for the sequel film, and his death is a problem. 

Laura Nardy F

‘Nads’ to her millions of fans. Laura had a hot with her song ‘In The Shadows’ which was used as the theme song for Little House of Horrors. She expected to be asked to write the theme song for the sequel, but recently heard a rumour that Rod was going to choose a track by Tommy Gunn.

Tommy Gunn M

Tommy is an up and coming recording artist, who is renowned for being able to produce an improvised jazz rap in any situation. All of the newspaper columnists are raving about his exciting new form of music. He had a meeting with Rod last week to discuss the theme tune for the sequel to Little House of Horrors.

Kate Pye F

Half of a power couple with her husband Sydney. The Pyes are the leading columnists in the world when it comes to Hollywood films and new releases. They have all of the inside information, and news often breaks in their leaders.

Sydney Pye

The other half of the powerful Pye couple. Anyone would tell you that Kate is the powerhouse, and Sydney is frankly tired of playing second fiddle in the relationship. Perhaps tonight is the perfect opportunity to throw his wife under the bus!

Gemma Pell F

Gemma was the star of Rod Ducer’s previous film. They fell out, and Rod told Gemma that she would never work in Hollywood again. Now she works under the pseudonym of Helen Highwater as a voice coach helping starts of silent movies get into the new talkies.

Barbara Seville F

Hair dresser to the stars, Barbara is renowned for her bobs and flapper hairstyles. All of the stars come to her salon, and there is something about that environment that makes them spill the beans. Barbara knows all of the gossip!

Frances Near M / F

Partner in Near & Farr, the leading divorce lawyers in Hollywood. Near was recently photographed leaving a restaurant with Tricia Trove, and rumours are abounding about the state of Rod and Tricia’s marriage.

Donatella McClatchey F

Hollywood’s leading fashion designer. Donatella dresses all of the stars, and she knows them inside out. If someone’s body shape were to change, for example because they were pregnant, Donatella would know about it.

Sandy Beaches M / F

Rod Ducer’s chauffeur. Sandy drove Rod around Hollywood to business and personal appointments. Sandy is quiet and discreet, but as a strict Mormon bound to tell the truth. If anyone knows where Rod has been it is Sandy, but will anyone ask?

Our other Murder Mystery where you act the roles is The Littleton Affair. It is a traditional plot set in a manor house.