Matlock (TV Series) Diary of a Perfect Murder (1986) User Reviews

Good Comments

[MovieMan-163 · 6/10 · 30 July 1999]

If you are a fan of the original series, you should see this movie. This was the movie that turned into a TV Show. This is a good setting for the series, plus it's a good mystery too!! The best part in the whole movie is when we first meet Ben Matlock and he makes his point almost as good as you would ever see him win a case throughout the 9 year run of the show.

Diary of a perfect murder

[coltras35 · 7/10 · 17 June 2022]

A good start to this crime/courtroom drama finds Ben Matlock defending a television reporter, who was approached by his ex-wife about an important story. She is later murdered and he gets accused of killing her. Aiding Ben is his daughter, Charlene, another lawyer, and his legman, Tyler Hudson. A fairly enjoyable feature episode that introduces the eccentric lawyer and ends with a neat courtroom finale.

Great Pilot Movie

[JenCon · 16 June 2000]

Diary of a Perfect Murder is a fun and interesting movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The real killer is never known until the very end when Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) brings to light the identity of the murderer. In case your not aware, Diary of a Perfect Murder served as the pilot for the long running series Matlock that ran from 1986-1995. Everything's pretty much the same except for the character of Charlene is played by actor Lori Lethen and there is also a secretary that never appears later on. Ben to me seems to be more spry in this movie and very exciting to watch as he tries to solve the case. This movie ranks up there with Columbo!

Matlock defends client in an impossible to win situation.

[mdeit7 · 9 August 2011]

The beginning of a wonderful 9 years ahead. Avid fans of the series will find a critical mistake when Matlock speaks with the detective about his daughter. I viewed a lot of these shows when they first were shown and enjoy them even more the second time around. This was the first in a long line of impossible to win murder cases that has you becoming a detective to see if the killer left clues the police were unable to find. Quick synopsis--Famous reporter's wife wants to give information to him--she gets killed--he is arrested for her murder--after that--lots of twists and turns and guilty looking people--try to find the killer.Crucial point to remember--Matlock almost, always wins so assume nothing.