Murder in Venice

6-8 Players

Death in Venice

September 1946 and Italy is starting to return to normal after two decades of fascism and a World War. In Venice the oldest Film Festival in the world is being staged once again, and the stars of Hollywood and world cinema have gathered once more in the most romantic of cities.

Some of those stars are gathered here in the home of the Bechini family. Except that unfortunately one of your number has just been found dead. Leonardo Di Capulet was one of the brightest hopes of Hollywood, but his light has been snuffed out.

One of you is a murderer. Your task is to identify that person. Or, of course, to evade detection. Luckily, you have the benefit of Don McClue, the celebrated private dick, to assist you in your investigations.

The suspects are:

Romeo Bechini - Host of this evening's dinner, you are a captain in the Italian Army, something of a playboy and the most eligible bachelor in Venice.
Costume Suggestion - A classic, elegant dinner suit, with subtly elegant touches, such as ornate cufflinks

Alessandra Macaroni - Romeo's sister, you have lived in this house since the tragic death of your husband in unexplained circumstances. You are now involved in politics.
Costume Suggestion - Since you're in mourning, you should perhaps wear black, but since you're also fabulously wealthy, make sure it's nothing less than the height of chic.

Madonna Medici - You have returned to your homeland as the star of a major new movie. A wonderful career in Hollywood seems inevitable.
Costume Suggestion - A glamorous but slightly too ostentatious evening dress.

Sam Gelding - The most powerful (and some day the most stupid) producer in Hollywood. Your word is law, even if people don't always understand what you're saying.
Costume Suggestion - A very loud hound-tooth check suit. There should be a hint of good taste.

Sylvester Burlesque - originally of Italian extraction, you now live in America where you are a businessman dealing in import/export.
Costume Suggestion - A dinner-suit, worn and frayed with a flashy, inappropriate tie.

Marlene Matrix - Formerly the leading light of the Berlin cabaret circuit, you became a star in Hollywood. But that was before the War and things aren't looking quite so good for you now.
Costume Suggestion - A sophisticated evening-dress, preferably with furs.

Extra guests include: (non-suspects)

Judy Graceland - A child star just a decade ago, you are young and beautiful but it looks as though your best years may already be behind you.
Costume Suggestion - Dressed slightly younger than your years, in an attempt to recapture your lost stardom.

Frankie Coward - You're a loud, saucy comedian who made his name on the English Music Hall and is now trying to break into an international market.
Costume Suggestion - Tasteless and vulgar. As bright a suit as possible, with a clashing bowtie.