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The case of the missing TV series has finally been cracked, but why Ellery Queen lasted only one season (1975-76) and fell into obscurity is a real mystery. Based on the evidence in this six-disc set, this loving homage to the classic murder mystery created by Richard Levinson and William Link was, like their Columbo and Murder, She Wrote, nonviolent and intelligent television of the first order. Set in the 1940s, Ellery Queen stars boyishly charming Jim Hutton, one of the screen's most likable leading men, as the famed mystery writer and sleuth who helps his father, Inspector Richard Queen (David Wayne), solve the most baffling of cases. The pleasures this series affords are anything but guilty. Each intriguing episode begins with the preview of a murder, a roundup of the suspects (Was it the jealous wife? The dictatorial director?), and an irresistible challenge to viewers to "match wits with Ellery Queen and see if you can guess whodunit." Before revealing the killer, Ellery breaks the fourth wall to ask if we amateur sleuths at home have the mystery figured out, offering last-minute clues such as, "Once you figure out how, you'll know who." As with Burke's Law, each episode of Ellery Queen is packed with enough Hollywood legends, venerable character actors, and TV faves to fill The Love Boat. "The Adventure of Veronica's Veils" features George Burns as the victim ("I didn't die of natural causes," he announces via a filmed presentation following his demise), William Demarest, Don Porter, comedian Jack Carter, Hayden Rorke (Dr. Bellows on I Dream of Jeannie), and John Hillerman in his recurring role as radio detective Simon Brimmer, forever trying to one-up Queen. Queen himself makes it a point "to be observant and pay attention to details," particularly for that "dying clue which makes absolutely no sense." You'd be advised to do the same. The intricately plotted stories turn on the most arcane of clues and circumstances, as in the pilot episode "Too Many Suspects," in which solving a fashion designer's murder hinges on the reenactment of a TV news broadcast (maybe that explains the one-season run). An interview with Link, not very lively, but interesting, is included as a bonus feature. --Donald Liebenson
Description
Match wits with Ellery Queen in all 22 episodes of this classic NBC series following the exploits of the famed writer as he assists his father, Inspector Richard Queen, in solving the mysteries that baffle the New York City police force. Starring Jim Hutton, David Wayne and Barbara Rush.
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Most helpful customer reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Calling All Mystery Lovers,
By
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This review is from: Ellery Queen Mysteries - Complete Series (DVD)
For those of you who were too young to read Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine as a child, you're in for a real treat w/ these DVD's based on those short stories. Like a true mystery, the viewer is introduced to the suspects at the beginning as well as the victim. Then throughout the hour the viewer is presented w/ clues, some obvious, some more subtle. Then Ellery (Jim Hutton) faces the camera reviews the clues and challenges the viewer to solve the mystery, before him. Finally, the suspects are gathered in a room and like Poirot, one by one they are eliminated until the murderer is revealed. Suddenly the clues seem obvious and the mystery ridiculously easy to solve. This set is fun and a real brain-teaser.!This is the 3rd and best adeptation of Ellery Queen brought to TV and the most irrisistable. First heard on the radio in the '30's, the series came to TV during the war and this final series featured on the small screen from 1975-76 is set in 1947. For some there is the air of nostalga about the setting others a (painless) lesson in history of post-war New York. Ellery (Jim Hutchinson) is portrayed as an absent-minded, but brillian sleuth who helps his father Inspector Queen (David Wayne) to solve murders. As well as the cast of characters from the E. Q. novels and short stories, there is a famous supporting cast including Vincent Price, Don Ameche, Dana Andrews, George Burns, Vera Miles, Eva Gabor, Roddy McDowall, Ed McMahon, Sal Mineo, Donald O'Conner, Ida Lupino, Cesar Romaro, Eve Arden, Ray Milland, Betty White, Joan Collins and many others. DVD set contains 6 discs, digitally remastered and includes a booklet outlining the authors, history of Ellery Queen, pictures of the cast and a synopsis of each story. There is also a special feature by the co-producer, William Link who with his partner Levison will go on to create Columbo and Murder She Wrote.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ellery Queen Mysteries,
This review is from: Ellery Queen Mysteries - Complete Series (DVD)
I am a great fan of Jim Hutton's son Timothy, in his role as Archie Goodwin in the Nero Wolfe series, so I wanted to revisit the Ellery Queen Mysteries. They are the kind of murder/mystery I prefer - no gratuitous violence, a little comedic element and being able to watch a number of older actors who are no longer with us. I have no regrets about buying this series and would highly recommend it.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Charming, but...,
By Rubaiyat Desmond (New Westminster, BC) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ellery Queen Mysteries - Complete Series (DVD)
must be taken with a grain of salt, actually several grains of salt. First the good: It's very watchable, has all the elements of a classic whodunit - the murder, the introduction of suspects, carefully laid out clues, and then the gathering of all the suspects to finally reveal the culprit. Jim Hutton is awesome as the absent minded, acutely observant, brilliantly dot-connecting, good natured Ellery Queen. Simon Brimmer is his pretentious, ascot wearing, always wrong rival, hilariously portrayed by John Hillerman. The relationship between Ellery and his dad (David Wayne) is always fun to watch..."why don't you go burn yourself some lunch?" Ha! Ha!Now here are the list of things that make this show quite silly (and thus unrealistic): (These are not spoilers, no worries.) 1. Why is Inspector Queen so inept and clueless? I am sure he wasn't always like this, or he would have been fired from the force a long time ago. You almost think that he tries to mask his inability to figure out the clues, and the fact that he uses his son shamelessly, with a whole lot of sass and pointy, pointy remarks. 2. How does almost every one of the victims manage to leave a dying clue? Now if I were the murderer, you can bet that I would stick around long enough to finish the job. For crying out loud - just shoot/stab/smash in the head. 3. After Ellery points out the culprit, half of them break down and confess while the other half tries to bolt, even though the only exit is being flanked by cops. Now you would think the murderers, after being accused, would say - "I am not saying another word, I want my damn lawyer." 4. Ellery is NOT a member of the police force. The suspects DO NOT have to answer his questions or let him in the house or accommodate him anyway! 5. How long will it take and how much humiliation must Simon suffer before he figures out that he is ALWAYS wrong and that Ellery is ALWAYS right? Give it up dude. 6. Two words: Rosh Kaleel. (Seriously?) 7. Why does all the episode names start with "The Adventure of...", what adventure, questioning suspects? They should be called "The Mystery of..." Try it out: which sounds better? "The Adventure of the Judas Tree?" or "The Mystery of the Judas Tree?" You will notice that I have only taken out one star for all the silliness, because the show is really that good and a pleasure to watch. Another plus is the gorgeous DVD case. It's red and shiny and comes with a neat little episode guide. Get it now! Or wait till the price drops, whichever suits you more.
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