Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey into the realm of suspense and intrigue as we delve into the most captivating episodes of CBS Mystery Theater. This legendary anthology series has captivated audiences for decades with its gripping tales of murder, mystery, and thrilling adventures. From chilling whodunits to nerve-racking thrillers, CBS Mystery Theater has become synonymous with edge-of-your-seat entertainment. So, gather round and let us transport you to a world where the unexpected lurks around every corner, and the truth is often stranger than fiction.
One standout episode that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats is “The House of the Seven Gables,” based on the classic novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This haunting tale follows a young woman who inherits a mysterious mansion, only to find herself entangled in a web of family secrets and supernatural phenomena. As she digs deeper into the enigmatic past of the house, she uncovers a chilling truth that threatens to consume her entirely. The atmospheric storytelling and eerie ambiance create a palpable sense of dread that lingers long after the final scene.
Another unforgettable episode is “Come Dance with Me,” a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark recesses of the human mind. A young woman is terrorized by a relentless stalker who seems to know her every move. As the stakes rise, she must confront her own inner demons and uncover the twisted motivations behind her pursuer’s sinister obsession. The intricate plot and intense performances keep viewers enthralled from beginning to end, leaving them questioning the nature of reality and the fragility of their own sanity.
The Case of the Deadly Show
In “The Case of the Deadly Show,” Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) attends a reunion of her college classmates. However, the festivities quickly turn sinister when one of the classmates is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Jessica investigates and uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives among her former peers. She delves into the past of each suspect, exposing their connections to the victim and their potential role in his demise. With her keen eye for detail and relentless pursuit of the truth, Jessica unravels the truth behind the deadly show, revealing a shocking killer and their twisted plan.
Key Details
| Episode Title | Original Air Date | Director | Writer | Main Cast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Case of the Deadly Show | January 14, 1993 | Chuck Bowman | J. Michael Straczynski | Angela Lansbury, John Schuck, Mel Ferrer, Peggy McCay, Kate Mulgrew |
The Case of the Nervous Accomplice
This episode of CBS Mystery Theater features Jessica Fletcher as a guest star, playing the role of mystery writer Jessica Beatrice Fletcher. When a woman named Emily Turner is found dead in her apartment, Jessica is called in to investigate. The police suspect Emily’s husband, George, of the crime, but Jessica is not so sure. She begins to investigate the case herself and soon discovers that there is more to this case than meets the eye.
The Evidence
The police have a number of pieces of evidence that they believe link George Turner to his wife’s murder. These include a bloody fingerprint found on the murder weapon, a pair of his shoes that were found near the crime scene, and a statement from a neighbor who saw him arguing with his wife on the night of the murder.
| Evidence | Significance |
|---|---|
| Bloody fingerprint | Found on the murder weapon |
| Shoes | Found near the crime scene |
| Neighbor’s statement | Saw George Turner arguing with his wife on the night of the murder |
Jessica’s Investigation
Jessica begins her investigation by talking to George Turner. He tells her that he and his wife had been having some problems lately, but he insists that he did not kill her. Jessica believes him and sets out to find the real killer. She soon discovers that Emily Turner had been involved in a number of shady business dealings, and she suspects that her murder may have been related to her business activities. Jessica follows the clues and eventually uncovers the identity of the killer. It turns out that Emily Turner had been blackmailing a local businessman, and when he found out, he killed her to silence her.
The Case of the Murdered Madam
When a wealthy widow is found murdered in her home, Lt. Columbo investigates the case and suspects her butler, Alistair. However, Alistair has a solid alibi, leaving Columbo to search for other clues.
The Clues
Columbo notices several inconsistencies in the butler’s alibi, including a discrepancy in his watch and a missing button on his jacket. He also discovers a torn piece of paper in the victim’s wastebasket, which turns out to be a fragment from a rare stamp collection.
The Suspect’s Motive
As Columbo digs deeper, he uncovers a hidden motive for murder. Alistair, who had been secretly in love with the victim, had been embezzling money from her to support his extravagant lifestyle. When she threatened to expose him, he silenced her permanently.
The Resolution
Columbo’s meticulous investigation leads him to conclude that Alistair was the killer. He confronts Alistair, who initially denies involvement but eventually confesses when presented with overwhelming evidence.
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Lt. Columbo | Peter Falk |
| Alistair | David Birney |
| Mrs. Howard | Ruth Gordon |
The Case of the Cracked Crystal
Tensions run high when an elderly woman with a fragile mental state becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her wealthy husband. As private investigator Donald Lam and his associate Bertha Cool delve into the enigma, they uncover a tangled web of financial deceit, family secrets, and long-buried resentments.
Unraveling the Mystery
Through meticulous investigation and sharp deduction, Lam and Cool piece together the intricate puzzle. The cracked crystal, a seemingly insignificant clue, holds the key to unlocking the truth. The murder weapon, a twisted candlestick, bears the distinctive markings of a family heirloom. As they connect the dots, they realize that the elderly widow is a victim, not a perpetrator, coerced into a desperate scheme by her manipulative daughter.
The Daughter’s Motive
| Character | Motive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daughter | Greedy and resentful, seeks inheritance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stepfather | Wealthy husband, controlling and manipulative | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elderly Widow | Victim of coercion, used as a pawn
Driven by an insatiable desire for wealth, the daughter plotted to eliminate her stepfather, who tightly controlled the family fortune. She exploited her mother’s vulnerability, using her as an unwitting accomplice to divert suspicion. The cracked crystal, a cherished object from her mother’s past, became a symbolic representation of the shattered family and the twisted plot that unfolded. Justice PrevailsIn a dramatic climax, Lam and Cool confront the daughter, exposing her deceit and revealing the intricate web of her machinations. The truth sets the elderly widow free, as she is finally released from the torment of her manipulative daughter. Justice prevails, but not without leaving behind a trail of broken hearts and shattered lives. The Case of the Drowning PoolIn this thrilling episode, Ken Howard stars as famed mystery writer Ellery Queen. When a beautiful young woman is found drowned in a swimming pool, Queen suspects foul play. As he investigates, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets and lies, leading him to a shocking revelation about the victim’s past. Uncovering Hidden SecretsQueen’s investigation takes him deep into the victim’s life, revealing a trail of broken hearts and shattered dreams. He interviews her friends, family, and acquaintances, uncovering a hidden world of forbidden love and betrayal. Entangled RelationshipsAs Queen digs deeper, he discovers that the victim was involved in a complex web of relationships. Each person has their own motives and secrets, making it difficult to determine who could have committed the murder. Suspects EmergeQueen identifies several suspects, including the victim’s wealthy husband, a jealous ex-lover, and a mysterious stranger with a shady past. Each suspect has their own alibi and hidden agendas, making it challenging to determine who is telling the truth. Surprising RevelationsAs Queen pieces together the clues, he uncovers a startling revelation about the victim’s past. A long-buried secret emerges, casting doubt on everything he thought he knew. With this new information, Queen must re-examine his theories and find the true killer. Unsolved MysteryIn a shocking twist, the episode ends with the mystery unsolved. Queen is left to confront the haunting questions and the realization that sometimes, the truth remains hidden forever. The case of the drowning pool becomes a chilling reminder of the complexities of human nature and the elusive nature of justice. The Case of the Haunted LighthouseThe BasicsThe Case of the Haunted Lighthouse is a classic episode of CBS Mystery Theater that first aired in 1974. It tells the story of a young woman who inherits a lighthouse from her late father and soon finds herself haunted by a mysterious presence. The PlotThe episode begins with Sarah (played by Lisa Banes) inheriting the lighthouse from her father and moving into it. She soon begins to experience strange and frightening events, including hearing strange noises, seeing ghostly apparitions, and feeling like she’s being watched. The CharactersThe episode features a cast of well-developed characters, including:
The SettingThe episode is set in a remote lighthouse on the coast of Maine. The isolated setting creates a sense of suspense and foreboding. The ConclusionThe episode builds to a gripping climax in which Sarah finally confronts the mysterious presence that has been haunting her. The outcome is both unexpected and satisfying. The VerdictThe Case of the Haunted Lighthouse is a classic episode of CBS Mystery Theater that is still enjoyable today. The well-developed characters, suspenseful plot, and eerie setting make it a must-see for fans of the genre. Additional InformationThe episode is 24 minutes long and aired on September 27, 1974.
The Case of the Late Dr. LindstromIn this episode, Jessica Fletcher investigates the murder of a prominent surgeon, Dr. Lindstrom. As she delves into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that involve the victim’s colleagues, patients, and family.
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| Perry Mason | Raymond Burr |
| Della Street | Barbara Hale |
| Paul Drake | William Hopper |
| Dr. Legget | John Hoyt |
| Mildred Strang | Diane Baker |
| Judge | Byron Sanders |
The Case of the Nun in the Closet
In this episode, an elderly nun is found dead in her convent, and Jessica Fletcher is called in to investigate. As she delves into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and suspicions surrounding the nun’s death.
The Victim
Sister Mary Margaret was a beloved figure in her community, but she also had a few secrets. She was known to have a gambling problem, and she was also rumored to be having an affair with the local priest.
The Suspects
There are a number of suspects in the case, including:
| Suspect | Motive |
|---|---|
| Mother Superior | Sister Mary Margaret was blackmailing her |
| Father Michael | He was having an affair with Sister Mary Margaret |
| Sister Mary Catherine | She was jealous of Sister Mary Margaret |
The Investigation
Jessica Fletcher interviews each of the suspects and uncovers a number of conflicting stories. She also discovers that Sister Mary Margaret had been receiving anonymous threats in the weeks leading up to her death.
The Killer
In the end, Jessica Fletcher solves the case and reveals that the killer was Sister Mary Catherine. She had been jealous of Sister Mary Margaret’s popularity and had decided to kill her.
The Case of the Red Herring
In this intriguing episode, Jason King investigates the murder of a wealthy widow. The prime suspect is her estranged husband, who has a history of violence and a motive for the crime. However, as Jason digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deception and dark secrets that blur the lines between truth and fiction.
As Jason pieces together the clues, he encounters a host of suspicious characters, including a scheming housekeeper, a jealous lover, and a secretive business partner. Each person has their own motive for wanting the widow dead, and Jason must carefully unravel their lies to expose the true killer.
The investigation takes several twists and turns, as Jason uncovers a hidden affair, a stolen diamond necklace, and a long-buried grudge. With each revelation, the pool of suspects grows smaller, but the identity of the red herring remains elusive.
In a dramatic climax, Jason confronts the true killer, a cunning and manipulative individual who has been playing everyone for a fool. The motive for the murder is finally revealed, and justice is served in a satisfying resolution that leaves no loose ends.
Suspects
| Name | Relationship to Victim | Motive |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Hamilton | Estranged husband | Financial gain, history of violence |
| Martha Jenkins | Housekeeper | Unrequited love for victim |
| Roger Harper | Business partner | Victim threatened his business dealings |
| Patricia Carter | Jealous lover | Victim was dating someone else |
CBS Mystery Theater: A Retrospective on the Best Episodes
The CBS Mystery Theater, an acclaimed anthology series that aired from 1974 to 1989, captivated audiences with its captivating mysteries, stellar performances, and thought-provoking themes. With over 450 episodes, the series boasts an impressive collection of memorable installments. Here are a few of the most outstanding episodes:
“The Deadly Game” (Season 4, Episode 9): A wealthy man is brutally murdered, leaving behind a trail of suspects with murky motives. The investigation uncovers a web of greed, deceit, and twisted relationships in a small town.
“The House on Garibaldi Street” (Season 8, Episode 18): A young woman inherits a Victorian mansion haunted by a ghostly figure. As she unravels the secrets of the past, she becomes the target of a deadly conspiracy.
“The Trouble with Harry” (Season 12, Episode 5): A man is found murdered in a secluded cabin. An eccentric writer becomes entangled in the investigation and unravels a series of bizarre clues that point to an unexpected killer.
People Also Ask
What are the most popular episodes of CBS Mystery Theater?
According to fan reviews and ratings, the most popular episodes include “The Deadly Game,” “The House on Garibaldi Street,” “The Trouble with Harry,” and “The Night Stalker.”
Who were some of the guest stars on CBS Mystery Theater?
The series featured a wide range of guest stars, including Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Falk, Ruth Gordon, and Jessica Walter.
How many episodes of CBS Mystery Theater were produced?
A total of 455 episodes were produced over 15 seasons.
