Ray Milland's character in this episode goes out drinking and can't remember where he's been; a nod to Milland's role in "The Lost Weekend."
This pilot tele-film was originally aired as part of the NBC Sunday Mystery Movie from 8:30pm-10:30pm on March 23, 1975.
In addition, the episode - as it was originally shown as a pilot, under the NBC Sunday Mystery banner, is now shown with its original opening; the Henry Mancini Subday Mystery theme plays, with visuals - a magnifying glass lying on a piece of paper, whilst the title and the show's stars - are shown.
All following episodes (which were shown under the Ellery Queen banner, as a sole series) are shown with the series' specific music - by Elmer Bernstein - along with visuals specific to the series.
In addition, the episode - as it was originally shown as a pilot, under the NBC Sunday Mystery banner, is now shown with its original opening; the Henry Mancini Subday Mystery theme plays, with visuals - a magnifying glass lying on a piece of paper, whilst the title and the show's stars - are shown.
All following episodes (which were shown under the Ellery Queen banner, as a sole series) are shown with the series' specific music - by Elmer Bernstein - along with visuals specific to the series.
This is the only time you get to see a Queen relative. You get to see Ellery's cousin Penny.
Critics looked down on Mr. Hutton's portrayal. However, during an interview Mr. Dannay said that Mr. Hutton reminded him of a younger version of himself. Great praise from the author himself!
The address of the apartment building where Monica Gray and the McKells live is given as 441 Park Avenue. The building was built in 1947 (Ellery states it's a "new building"), and is located between East 56th and 57th Streets.