Series producer and writer Robert Sherman may have borrowed an idea or two from the classic COLUMBO episode called "Suitable for Framing," starring Ross Martin, a few years earlier. In that episode, Martin kills his uncle who has a priceless collection of paintings --only he's not in the will. Surprise!
In this case, lovely Donna Mills (as Abby Reinhart) is married to a rich, older gent (played by veteran actor Kent Taylor), who also collects paintings, but drops dead. Quite similarly, Abby is NOT in his will. The clever catch is that her boyfriend, who happens to be an artist, will switch the real paintings with forgeries. Not really a bad idea, if you're a crook, that is.
To note, this is a rare episode where the suspects are not guilty of murdering the wife's husband, which was a common thread in the series. That said, they are nevertheless sinister and, even, hide Abby's husband in a refrigerator to preserve his dead body to carry out their plans.
Former movie star Kent Taylor has a bit part here as the victim, star of some classic films in the 1930s, of course remembered to all of us kids as BOSTON BLACKIE on tv. This was his final screen appearance. An outstanding actor, at one time compared to Clark Gable.
Also in the cast is popular dramatic actor Shelly Novack as Ralph. Shelly was a famous football player who switched to acting, but died suddenly a few years after this episode. Producer Quinn Martin later said his death may have been drug related. Making another appearance is Neva Patterson as Liza. Neva was always fun to watch, both in good lady and bad lady roles, frequently used by producer Quinn Martin.
Watch Barnaby match wits with this strange couple.
SEASON 4 EPISODE 14 remastered CBS dvd box set.
In this case, lovely Donna Mills (as Abby Reinhart) is married to a rich, older gent (played by veteran actor Kent Taylor), who also collects paintings, but drops dead. Quite similarly, Abby is NOT in his will. The clever catch is that her boyfriend, who happens to be an artist, will switch the real paintings with forgeries. Not really a bad idea, if you're a crook, that is.
To note, this is a rare episode where the suspects are not guilty of murdering the wife's husband, which was a common thread in the series. That said, they are nevertheless sinister and, even, hide Abby's husband in a refrigerator to preserve his dead body to carry out their plans.
Former movie star Kent Taylor has a bit part here as the victim, star of some classic films in the 1930s, of course remembered to all of us kids as BOSTON BLACKIE on tv. This was his final screen appearance. An outstanding actor, at one time compared to Clark Gable.
Also in the cast is popular dramatic actor Shelly Novack as Ralph. Shelly was a famous football player who switched to acting, but died suddenly a few years after this episode. Producer Quinn Martin later said his death may have been drug related. Making another appearance is Neva Patterson as Liza. Neva was always fun to watch, both in good lady and bad lady roles, frequently used by producer Quinn Martin.
Watch Barnaby match wits with this strange couple.
SEASON 4 EPISODE 14 remastered CBS dvd box set.
