Thursday Television Review: Ellery Queen

Inspector Queen takes a call while Ellery writes his book

Ellery Queen (1975-1976)

Starring: Jim Hutton, David Wayne, Tom Reese, John Hillerman, and Ken Swofford.

Summary

Young college graduate and author, Ellery Queen (Jim Hutton) lives with his widowed father who is the police homicide inspector for New York City, Richard Queen (David Wayne). Quite absent-minded, Ellery frequently mails his keys, runs into parked cars, or puts on different colored socks. But when he’s not doing such things, he is helping his dad solve New York’s murder crimes.

Ellery usually finds a way to get a date, but somehow, the absent minded young man doesn’t keep them long. 😉 Nevertheless, they usually get involved with him in solving the murder.

Solving them with great skill, he often runs into either reporter Frank Flanagan (Ken Swofford) or well-to-do radio show host, Simon Brimmer (John Hillerman). Both of these men believe they can solve the crime before Ellery and do their best to outdo him, however, slow-and-steady Ellery always gets there first.

Ellery and his dad enjoy each other’s company and Inspector Queen, although sometimes crotchety at times, is very grateful for Ellery’s help on cases.

Reporter Frank Flanagan with Ellery and Sargent Velie

Review

Ellery Queen is a delightful series and does well in providing a mystery to solve. Each episode ends with Ellery asking if the viewer has the answer like he now has. The sweet relationship between Ellery and his dad make the series heartwarming and the playful banter that occurs between the two of them creates a fun atmosphere. The steadiness of Ellery as he simply wants to answer a question, makes him look so much better than his “so-called” rivals in Flanagan and Brimmer who are only out to make a name for themselves. Ellery’s interest is purely in solving the unanswered case.

Ellery Queen was done well in regards to era presentation. Made during the 1970s, they do one of the best jobs of recreating the 1940s in clothes, cars, sets, and more. There are a few times where some bellbottoms show up, but most often, you feel like you’re seeing the post-WWII era.

Riddled with cameo appearances by popular performers, both former and current, each episode has added interest due to who will be on next. Classy music adds to the ambiance of the mystery theme. Rough and ready police sergeant Velie (Tom Reese) also adds to it, with his cigar, long trench coat and fedora.

No “blood and guts”, Ellery Queen is good for the whole family to watch. Add mystery night to your family television nights.

Ellery with the ever-proud Simon Brimmer

Author’s favorite: The Adventure of the Mad Tea Party

Ellen Nolan

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