Flummery? Certainly not!! - I was contacted by A&E (via my contact with ACM) and they asked if I would like to review any of their products from their A&E online store. They let me select from their vast selection of items.
Let me pause right here and state that I had no idea that their online store was so prodigious in its selection of items. Up to this point I thought they only offered up select items that were televised on their stations.
Anyway, I happily affirmed that I would review some items for them and so I sent a list of four DVD's (some sets) that I would like to review. They are not paying me for reviewing these items though I do get the pleasure of keeping them.
And pleasure is an inadequate word for the first item I received. The fact is, when the man in the brown truck knocked on the door and I tore open the package, I became down right giddy!
That's right, I said, "GIDDY!" And I'm man enough to admit it! Phooey on you who don't think so.
In the box was A&E's Nero Wolfe: Complete Classic Whodunit Series.
When this show originally aired on A&E, I was glued to the tube during every moment. In the years that have intervened since it's cancellation - a fact with which I still harbor a measure of animosity toward the A&E honchos - my reasons for such devotion dimmed with time. Seeing again this incredible show has reminded me of my reasons. It's also reminded me that out of it came a great love for three things.
- Orchids.
- Rex Stout (the creator of Nero Wolfe).
- And tight quick dialogue.
This is an adult series as it does contain some prime-time "adult language." Though I will note that the writing is thought out well in that the use of swear words is in itself an indicator of the mental capacity of the characters. For instance you will not find the genius Nero Wolfe debasing himself with foul language because he has such a rich vocabulary allowing him to communicate his mind with distinction.
Characters:
For me, actors Timothy Hutton and Maury Chaykin will forever be Archie Goodwin and Nero Wolfe. These two men so well translate the essence of Rex Stout's two main characters, from their mannerisms to their dynamic interplay which defines their co-dependency. Colin Fox does an equally masterful role of portraying Fritz, Wolfe's five star in house cook. Also, Bill Smitrovich shines as the cigar mangling Inspector Cramer.
In truth all the actors in this series are deft in playing their roles. One of the most intriguing aspects to this series for me is the fact that those actors who didn't man key roles, like Hutton as Goodwin, would from show to show play different characters. And the transformations they underwent to play the wide variety of characters was amazing! This particular aspect leaves me feeling like I'm watching stage theater more than a television program.
Another aspect that adds to this effect of stage theater for me is the intelligent dialogue, much of which of course is owed to the skill of Rex Stout and wonderful screen writers. The dialogue is crisp and rhythmic, helping to pace the show while hooking the listener, holding him or her upon the edge of the seat with drama and humor in anticipation of the twists around the corner. One of the bonuses on the last DVD is "The Making of Nero Wolfe." In it Hutton notes how deliberate the rhythmic dialogue is because it stands in opposition to naturalism and sentimentalism.
Settings:
Simply delicious. How else can I describe it? The pride of detail is evident from the street scenes depicting the late 40's and 50's to the interior of the Brown Stone where Wolfe's yellow chair supports his 7th of a ton in the famous study. The stunning and colorful outfits that accentuate the femmes fatales, Wolfe's love for yellow, and Archie's sharp suits add such a flare that in themselves the costuming becomes part of the story (you have to love all those great ties).
If you're a classic car lover you will find your eyes twinkling with delight. There's a street scene in the first episode, "The Doorbell Rang", that just made my jaw drop. "How did they get that many classic cars on that street?" I wondered. And it just wasn't the cars that astounded me but it was the detail of the period dress carefully chosen and adorned upon all the people. Truly delicious for people who love the late 40's and 50's era.
The series isn't locked to this period either. Rex Stout wrote many Nero Wolfe mysteries and one of those that A&E did is a wonder to watch."Death of a Doxy," I believe is set in the 60's and the attire is appropriate. One of the women, Kari Matchett, who plays a number of roles in such a marvelous fashion actually plays two characters in this episode: a recurring lady friend of Archie's, Miss Rowan, and a coquettish blond dancer that is just way to cute.
Music and art are two more aspects that pop in this series. Each episode starts out with some wonderful period art work. Interesting bit of trivia: Timothy Hutton's wife, Aurore Giscard d'Estaing did some of the artwork for several of the episodes.
Music too, plays a role in setting, pacing of the story, and establishing mood.
The best thing about this series is that it is highly re-watchable. While writing this post I watched/listened to one of my favorites "Door to Death." It's such a great episode because it's about getting agoraphobic Wolfe out of his home and into the country. It makes me laugh every time I see Wolfe battle with a vine he claims is a "serpent"! I think I actually heard the actors laughing in that scene when Wolfe/Chaykin falls in the snow. I'm not so sure that it wasn't Chaykin laughing!
I highly recommend A&E's Nero Wolfe: Complete Classic Whodunit Series to anyone who is a mystery lover, a classic car lover, an orchid lover, or just a plain fan of great acting.
Scoring: I award it 5 Coffee Cups out of a possible of 5. It doesn't get any better than that.
Pick it up for that special someone. Christmas is coming!
