Ellery Queen Mysteries

No detective was better known in 1940s and '50s America than Ellery Queen, a fictional creation who was both the pseudonymous author of and main character in scores of novels and short stories. Set in the late '40s, this 1975–76 TV series stars Jim Hutton as the bestselling mystery writer who steps away from his typewriter to help out his police detective father (David Wayne) with particularly intriguing cases. The rapport between the flinty old pro who grudgingly admires his son's talents and the modest (often distracted) scribe with a knack for unraveling complicated mysteries adds personality to the clever plots. Richard Levinson and William Link (creators of Columbo) added an ingenious twist to each episode: just before he divulges his solution, Ellery turns to the audience and gives them a hint to solve the crime before he does. Assorted Hollywood luminaries made guest-star appearances, including “victims” George Burns, Eve Arden, Rudy Vallee, and Walter Pidgeon, and “suspects” Ray Milland, Ida Lupino, Vincent Price, Vera Miles, and Mel Ferrer. Compiling all 22 regular episodes and the TV-movie pilot, DVD extras include a new video interview with Link and a booklet with essays. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)