Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) Witness for the Defense (1987) User Reviews

Fireplace Poker Cometh before the Crown

[WeatherViolet · 9/10 · 22 October 2009]

This episode marks one of the last appearances by Classic film star Claire Trevor, who has starred in many films since 1933. Christopher Allport, Ivan Bonar and Patrick McGoohan has also since passed.

One year earlier than the current day, author Jim Harlan (Christopher Allport) had completed the manuscript draft for what would become his second novel, and he invites to the Quebec family residence which he shares with mother, Judith Harlan (Claire Trevor), his write colleague Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury).

At the Harlan residence, Jessica observes Jim's wife, Patricia Harlan (Marilyn Hassett), arriving with her old acquaintance Monica Blane (Dianne Kay), while Patricia winks toward the Harlans' gardener, Clay McCloud (Richard Cox).

That evening, dinner is interrupted by a murder, when a body is found in the Harlans' country house, bludgeoned before or during the fire which destroys the edifice.

And now, Jim Harlan faces homicide charges in a trial judged by His Lordship (Ivan Bonar) and prosecuted by Annette Pirage (Juliet Mills) in the name of the Crown.

Attorney Oliver Quayle (Patrick McGoohan) represents Jim on the defense of accidental negligence and, under the advice of Judith Harlen, prepares Jessica to testify as a character "Witness for the Defense."

Oliver Quayle's legal office is staffed by his capable assistant, Barnaby Friar (Simon Jones), and his efficient Secretary (Dori Arnold), each of whom befriend Jessica to advance clues which she seeks to attempt to clear his name. (Dori Arnold doesn't, but ought to receive an acting credit in the Cast List for her speaking role as Quayle's Secretary, who helps Jessica to realize a clue.)

Expert witnesses testify at the trial, including Doctor Cornwall (Stefan Gierasch), Mr. Fouchet (James Staley) and Nathan Klebber (Sean G. Griffin), plus the gardener, Clay McCloud.

In a challenge between defense and prosecution to locate the missing Monica Blane, Jessica attempts to outmaneuver Oliver Quayle to meet with Rudy Plansky, Private Investigator (Charlie Brill), who has been acting as an intermediary.

In the process, Jessica Fletcher befriends Annette Pirage to learn of the Crown's intentions, as Judith decides Jessica an unfitting witness and demands that Oliver Quayle dismiss her, and to send her packing.

A great mystery.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 23 November 2019]

Jessica lands in Quebec, she ends up having to defend a friend in need, who's accused of murder.

This is a very, very good mystery, Jessica is out of her comfort zone, indeed in a different country, with a different legal system, she truly does come up against the powers that be. Lansbury is at her absolute best here.

Despite being set in Canada, there is a wonderful Englishness in the form of Simon Jones, Juliet Mills and (a shock to many he isn't English) Patrick McGoohan. McGoohan is wonderfully charismatic here, some may argue he's a little over the top, but it's the part he played, just wonderful. Every British actor that appeared on this show had clearly studied the art of rp English.

Super fun, it's a very memorable storyline. 9/10

Canadian justice

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 28 July 2017]

This episode of Murder She Wrote takes Jessica Fletcher to Quebec where in fact she is returning to be a witness at the trial of young writer Christopher Allport. She was in Quebec a year before when Allport's wife Marilyn Hassett disappears burned up in a fire at their house. Now Allport is charged with arson and murder.

Angela Lansbury is under subpoena from Crown attorney Juliet Mills and her friend's lawyer Patrick McGoohan is an Alpha male of the first order. He tries to attack her character on the witness stand bringing up incidents from previous episodes of the show. He's one arrogant fool. All of which makes Lansbury more determined to find the real story on her own.

I have to say that Angela Lansbury's scenes with McGoohan and with his assistant Simon Jones are outstanding. Claire Trevor plays Allport's mother and Charlie Brill has an important small part as the sleaziest of sleazy private eyes.

Please Sir! I Want More!

[Moor-Larkin · 10/10 · 31 July 2008]

What a joy this was. Angela Lansbury is of course divine, but this episode includes another New American, Patrick McGoohan, not to mention yet a third, Juliet Mills! This 'British' Trio combine to make a most brilliant American show. The old and new worlds sometimes combine to the most marvellous effect.

Some years ago, I almost saw this episode. I walked into the kitchen one day where some American popular show was almost finishing. Paying no attention to the babbling television, a voice suddenly broke into my mind. I knew that voice. It was unmistakable! I had conspired to see the final scene of "Witness for the Defense". I had no sooner convinced my house guests that the guy with the beard was in fact none other than Patrick McGoohan, late of these shores.... than it was over. I had missed the whole thing!! Knowing the frequency with which these shows are repeated I didn't worry too much. It would soon be on again.

Ten or so years later, a friend tipped me off it would finally be on BBC2, on a certain day. The video was primed. I hoped it would be worth the wait.

It is a triumph! McGoohan first appears as a tailors dummy... and it just gets better and better. His entire performance is as overblown as any hugely expensive American Defense Attorney should be! Angela Lansbury has a great time responding to his hugeness. How refreshing she must have found him, I thought. The hidden gem was Juliet Mills. She plays a pretty, but clever Prosecutor. She knows she is up against a tough cookie in Oliver Quayle and she takes her early punishment in good humour. Jessica Fletcher of course is soon on the case as, in a curious case of role reversal, she supplies the Prosecutor with key information in order to demonstrate the innocence of the accused! McGoohan as Quayle enjoys a series of glorious cameos in the court-room. My particular favourite was when he undermined Jessica herself as a credible witness. Quayle enumerated all the many close relatives of Ms. Fletcher who had stood trial for murders and other heinous crimes, whilst Ms. Fetcher herself had once been committed to a Lunatic Asylum! The long history of a programme like 'Murder She Wrote' left Jessica with no choice other than to submit and acquiesce to Quayle's character assassination! The perils of a successful TV Show!! Most famously, later, McGoohan tells Ms. Lansbury that her Jessica is nothing but a "meddlesome busybody"..... something many of us may have thought for some time! However by this time this blousey but honest lawyer is already becoming worried that something about his case, provided to him by the defendants mother, is not quite as it should be.

All this glory is brought to a delightfully tidy ending. The real villain of the piece is a Pantomime Dame of a domineering mother, whose guilt was pretty evident to this viewer from the moment she walked on the set! It is best to get the plot of these shows out of the way at as early a stage as possible, for then you can kick back and enjoy three superb actors making the best television.

McGoohan may not quite be a hero as Oliver Quayle, but he isn't the bad guy and this refreshing change makes the programme a particular favourite of mine, starting from now. I must watch it again soon.....

Jessica Fletcher takes the stand

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 19 August 2017]

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.

"Witness for the Defense" is one of the jewels of one of 'Murder She Wrote's' best overall seasons. Not just that, it has always been one of my favourite episodes of the show. Suspension of disbelief is needed for the portrayal of Quebec in general, which is less than accurate to say the least, but to me this was insignificant and easily forgotten when there are so many pleasures elsewhere.

Production values, however, are slick and stylish as ever with 'Murder She Wrote'. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.

Writing is thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable and the story has some well executed twists and turns and is never dull.

Quayle's interrogation of Jessica on the witness stand sees some of the best lines in 'Murder She Wrote' history, showing the character's sharp observation and arrogance to the hilt as he dares to utter what's on viewers' lips. The courtroom scenes are very compelling, just as much as those in "Trial By Error" but for different reasons.

The always dependable Angela Lansbury is terrific, Jessica Fletcher is one of her most remembered roles for very good reason. Claire Trevor classes it up hugely, while Juliet Mills is suitably sharp and Charlie Brill has a ball as a total sleazebag. Marilyn Hassett and Dianne Kay are fine. Stealing the show is the brilliant turn of Patrick McGoohan, one of my favourite guest star performances on 'Murder She Wrote' without a shadow of a doubt.

In summation, a gem and one of the best episodes. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Patrick McGoohan bearded is a delight

[bigwhiskers-12170 · 10/10 · 6 October 2023]

Im watching this episode and I found Patrick McGoohan so charming and handsome that I almost forgot about Angela Lansbury and Juliet Mills. His performance as the defense attorney is a delight as how handsome he looks in a beard. I wish he had done more roles bearded. His quaint and pompous attorney is the perfect foil for Lansbury and Mills. It's nice to see stars like this guest starring in a TV show and giving a top notch performance especially McGoohan and Mills.

Would have liked to see McGoohans lawyer character written into more episodes. Watching him made me want him to hold me in his arms.

Tour De Force

[stevegibbons1971 · 9/10 · 26 February 2022]

Murder, She Wrote can be variable and, at times, predictable, and can depend upon the different aspects (script, performances, use of humour) being married together.

This episode is dominated by an excellent, egomaniacal and overbearing performance by Patrick MacGoohan as the counsel for the defence, playing every scene with relish.

He is ably supported by Angela Lansbury's enthusiasm (seeking the truth, she pries cleverly); Juliet Mills for the prosecution (holding her own against MacGoohan's charismatic grandstanding) and, in a small role which involves wry responses, Simon Jones.

It's also nice seeing Claire Trevor in a later role, subtly underpaying her role.

There's a real sense of people enjoying themselves here, and it's well worth revisiting.

It's all French to me

[safenoe · 7/10 · 7 March 2021]

Here Jessica is in Quebec, which is part of Canada constitutionally. I was hoping to see an abundance of French accents and even guest appearances by famous French actors such as Gérard Depardieu. But not to be. Instead we have Anglo actors like Patrick McGoohan and Juliet Mills (famous no doubt) who sport English accents as lawyers! Not even a trace of French! None of the characters even say "aboot"!

This episode was screened the same year that another famous Canadian series, Degrassi Junior High, screened.

Anyway, if this episode was rebooted then perhaps there would be more of a French element please.

Patrick MacGoohan's bravura performance

[coltras35 · 8/10 · 24 May 2022]

When her friend is charged with murder, Jessica is summoned to Quebec to serve as a witness for the defence. But she finds Attorney to be a real arrogant and pompous man as well as seeking out the real killer.

Very good mystery with excellent courtroom scenes, but it's Patrick MacGoohan's bravura performance that elevates this a few notches, not that Claire Trevor and Juliet Mills are slouches with their roles. It's just that the interaction ( or showdown) between Jessica and attorney and their dialogues is a real hoot.

Jessica deals with a real hoser!

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 17 November 2022]

Jessica is summoned to Canada to be a character witness for a man accused of murdering his wife. Oddly, however, the very haughty defense attorney (Patrick McGoohan) soon changes his defense strategy....and instead of working with Jessica, he begins treating her like a criminal. Amazingly, despite this, she remains in Ontario and works on solving the case...when you'd think she'd tell everyone involved to get lost.

This is not a great episode, but it really is fun to watch McGoohan in an over the top but enjoyable performance. It's also nice to see Claire Trevor in one of her last performances. As for the mystery, it's fair to middling....but worth seeing.

Not the best one....

[SinnaMGrrl · 4/10 · 7 June 2022]

Why on EARTH is everyone in Quebec British...lol. If you're going to write about a location maybe knows something about it.... je suis désolée.

People in Quebec are PRIMARILY french!! Its been that way for several years

I really love MSW. But this episode isn't good.

McGoohan is the best thing about this episode...

[NellsFlickers · 4/10 · 2 December 2019]

My family used to watch "Murder She Wrote" in it's first seasons. Since then, if it is on TV during lunch, I will have it on in the kitchen. So while I have not seen every episode, I have seen enough, I feel, to rate this one.

I sought this episode out to see Patrick McGoohan's performance. It is always a treat to watch him, even if he isn't in his best roles. Here we get to hear his British accent, but it is a wee-bit over the top for a story taking place in Canada. Still, his unique speech pattern is still a joy to hear. And he adds humor to the show. (Long-time McGoohan fans will chuckle at the mere idea of Oliver Quayle's telephone calls with his multiple ex-wives.)

Alas, there is not much else here that is any good. Plot is weak, acting is horrible. Even Lansbury seemed to have "phoned it in" this episode. Again, while I haven't seen every episode, I have seen enough to say this one is a stinker...

The Worst MSW?

[michaelmallory-57825 · 2/10 · 28 July 2023]

This rip-off of Agatha Christie's "Witness for the Prosecution" might just be the worst episode of "Murder, She Wrote" ever. The two stars are primarily for the eccentrically energetic performance of Patrick McGoohan as a flamboyant defense barrister, the level of class Juliet Mills as his court opponent brings to the proceedings, and the fact that Angela Lansbury is allowed multiple opportunities to present amusing "undercover" personae during the course of her investigation. The problem begins with the farcical depiction of a court case and ends with the fact that any fully awake viewer will have caught on to the murderer's identity much before it hits Jessica in the last five minutes. For some reason, this episode is set in Quebec, Canada, though there is nary a French-speaking or accented person, or any semblance of local color. Half the cast is American (including a stereotypical New York wiseguy), and the other half British. Another problem is that the ostensible hero, the man accused of murder, is such a wuss that you almost want him to be wrongly convicted anyway. As close to a total loss as the series came.

His performance

[appnzllr-1 · 1/10 · 3 October 2021]

Patrick McGoohan's performance in this episode is one of the reasons this series turned me off.