SUMMARY: APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 47:00 Min.
First broadcast by CBS-TV, on October 28, 1984, Richard A. Colla directed this early episode. A mortified Jessica Fletcher (Lansbury) is in Hollywood to protest a movie’s studio’s sleazy approach filming her signature novel, The Corpse Danced at Midnight. Frustrated that she faces protracted legal action to force necessary changes, Jessica soon stumbles across abrasive producer Jerry Lydecker’s (Saxon) own corpse on the set.
Initially deemed the prime suspect, Jessica tries to clear her own name by probing others in proximity. Apparently, they are several viable suspects who despised Lydecker’s manipulative bullying.
Jessica Fletcher: Angela Lansbury
Eve Crystal: Melissa Sue Anderson
Marty Strindberg: Lyle Waggoner
LAPD Detective Mack Brody: Erik Holland
Marta Quintessa: Samantha Eggar
Norman Lester: Ron Palillo
Scott Bennett: Morgan Stevens
Jerry Lydecker: John Saxon
Ross Hagley: John Astin
Allan Gebbart: James MacArthur
Elinor: Virginia Mayo
Captain Ethan Cragg: Claude Akins
Paddy: Hank Rolike
LAPD Lt. Mike Hernandez: José Pérez
Sunny Finch: Marianne McAndrew
Ted Lafferty: Paul Ryan
REVIEW:
Despite a guest cast filled with familiar TV faces, the episode’s rudimentary plot won’t impress anyone. More so, the paycheck acting is indicative of how everyone is coasting through a blah script. Still, Melissa Sue Anderson does fine work, as far as getting the best opportunity amongst an array of clichéd characters.
If one is seeking a forgettable forty-seven minutes, then “Hooray for Homicide” sure fits the bill. Otherwise, considering how it playfully tweaks a similar premise, Season 4 – Episode 8 ‘s self-parodying “Steal Me a Story” is a satisfying alternative by comparison.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars
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