A popular nightclub hypnotist is discovered murdered during a private press-call.A popular nightclub hypnotist is discovered murdered during a private press-call.A popular nightclub hypnotist is discovered murdered during a private press-call.
Photos
José Ferrer
- Cagliostro
- (as Jose Ferrer)
Dianne Travis
- Helsema
- (as Dianne Turley Travis)
Marylou Kenworthy
- Liz
- (as Mary Lou Kenworthy)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe two voices Jessica uses while hypnotized are imitations of Bette Davis and Mae West.
- GoofsObvious stunt double in one of the scenes of Jessica on the back of the motorcycle. The stunt double's face is visible and does not look like Angela Lansbury.
- Quotes
[first lines]
Cagliostro: Ladies and gentlemen, observe the power of hypnosis! Now, volunteers, when I clap my hands, you will each become your favorite animal.
- ConnectionsReferences The Thirteenth Chair (1937)
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
Jessica Fletcher and the hypnotist
Have always been quite fond of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is a fun and relaxing watch that makes you think as you try to unwind in the evening. If one wants more complex, twisty mysteries with lots of tension and suspense 'Murder She Wrote' may not be for you, but if you want something light-hearted and entertaining but still provide good mysteries 'Murder She Wrote' fits the bill just fine.
As far as Season 1 episodes go (a decent season overall but understandably with a still settling vibe), "Death Casts a Spell" for me was one of the best up to this point alongside "The Murder of Sherlock Holmes", "Lovers and Other Killers" and "Hit, Run and Homicide", though up to this point not one of the episodes has been a stinker.
"Death Casts a Spell" is very slickly filmed with typically attractive locations and fashions. The music has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
The writing, apart from one line, is charmingly light-hearted, gently amiable and down to earth but provokes thought too. The quote of "Death Casts a Spell" has got to be "I took my clothes off on a swing, that doesn't make me a daredevil!". Just priceless. The story is compelling, with a great set up and clever murder, which for the show before and since pretty unique.
Angela Lansbury is terrific in one of her best remembered roles (one of the roles that is most closely associated with me at any rate). Jose Ferrer (playing a scumbag to classy perfection), Robert Loggia, Murray Hamilton and Diane Canova give the best support performances.
My only complaint for the episode was the sloppiness of how the motive was revealed, a fairly obvious motive and one that Jessica should have been able to figure out easily.
Otherwise, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
As far as Season 1 episodes go (a decent season overall but understandably with a still settling vibe), "Death Casts a Spell" for me was one of the best up to this point alongside "The Murder of Sherlock Holmes", "Lovers and Other Killers" and "Hit, Run and Homicide", though up to this point not one of the episodes has been a stinker.
"Death Casts a Spell" is very slickly filmed with typically attractive locations and fashions. The music has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
The writing, apart from one line, is charmingly light-hearted, gently amiable and down to earth but provokes thought too. The quote of "Death Casts a Spell" has got to be "I took my clothes off on a swing, that doesn't make me a daredevil!". Just priceless. The story is compelling, with a great set up and clever murder, which for the show before and since pretty unique.
Angela Lansbury is terrific in one of her best remembered roles (one of the roles that is most closely associated with me at any rate). Jose Ferrer (playing a scumbag to classy perfection), Robert Loggia, Murray Hamilton and Diane Canova give the best support performances.
My only complaint for the episode was the sloppiness of how the motive was revealed, a fairly obvious motive and one that Jessica should have been able to figure out easily.
Otherwise, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 8, 2017
- Permalink
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