The Westing Game (1997)

The tenants of the Sunset Towers must compete to learn who killed an eccentric millionaire and win a $20 million inheritance.

Director:

Terence H. Winkless

Writers:

Dylan Kelsey Hadley (as D.K. Hadley), Ellen Raskin (novel)

Stars:

Ray Walston, Ashley Peldon, Diane Ladd

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ray Walston	...	Sandy McSouthers
Ashley Peldon	...	Tabitha Ruth 'Turtle' Wexler
Diane Ladd	...	Berthe Erica Crow
Sally Kirkland	...	Sydelle Pulaski
Cliff De Young	...	Jake Wexler
Sandy Faison	...	Grace Wexler
June Christopher	...	Judge J.J. Ford
Lewis Arquette	...	Otis Amber
Diane Nadeau	...	Angela Wexler
Billy Morrissette	...	Edgar Plum
Jim Lau	...	James Shin Hoo
Shane West	...	Chris Theodorakis
Ernest Liu	...	Doug Hoo
Wilson Davis	...	Bookle
Terence H. Winkless	...	Dr. Denton Deere

Storyline

A girl is angry about having to move to the city, but gets involved in a mystery when a rich neighbor is found dead. His will suggests that one of the people in her apartment house is his killer and doles out clues to find the culprit - as well as win $20 million. The weird neighbors include Berthe Erica Crow, Sydelle Pulaski, and Sandy McSouthers.

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Plot Keywords:

child detective | family relationships | based on novel | 

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Genres:

Family | Horror | Mystery

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild thematic elements

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 September 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Get a Clue

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hallmark Entertainment, Showtime Networks, Showtime Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Arranged by Odette Springer
Published by Roger & Julie Music (ASCAP)

User Reviews

Why Did They Mess Up A Great Children's Book?

I just finished reading the Westing Game a couple years ago, and one day when I was searching on the IMDb for a completely different topic, this movie turned up. I have not seen it, but by simply looking at the cast list, I know they did something wrong. How did they louse it up? Let me count the ways.

CHARACTERS 1 Got Rid Of Madame Hoo (& Thus The Burglary Plot) 2 Got Rid Of Flora Baumbach (& Thus Turtle's Confidante) 3 Got Rid Of Mister Theodorakis (& Thus Violet Westing Connection) 4 Got Rid Of Theo Theodorakis (& Thus Chris' Caretaker) 5 Got Rid Of Edgar Plum (& Thus Somewhat Humorous Idiotic Lawyer)

SUBPLOTS 1 Burglary 2 Stocks 3 Violet Westing & Mister Theodorakis

MISCELLANEOUS 1 And So On

Why Did They Let This Happen To A Great Children's Book? Shame On Whoever Did This!