A bomb kills a TV producer who stole a plot from one of Jessica's books.A bomb kills a TV producer who stole a plot from one of Jessica's books.A bomb kills a TV producer who stole a plot from one of Jessica's books.
Photos
- Sergeant Gates
- (as Joe Horvath)
- Second Assistant Director
- (as Jay Roberts)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe premise of the show that is central to this episode, a Doctor that solves crime, is very similar to the basis of 'Diagnosis Murder' which began in 1993.
- GoofsInstead of confronting the producer herself for stealing the plot from her book, Jessica should have just sued for copyright infringement since her book would have copyright protection. Jessica should have no reason to personally confront him yet alone kill him since she could simply hurt him with a civil suit.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Kate Hollander: Forget the mini. I've a much better idea.
Jessica Fletcher: Oh?
Kate Hollander: A weekly series. The Jessica Fletcher Mystery Hour.
Jessica Fletcher: What?
Kate Hollander: The real-life adventures of a crime-busting mystery writer.
Jessica Fletcher: No, no, no, no.
Kate Hollander: Oh, yes, yes. It'll be sensational. New, different, original, but familiar.
Jessica Fletcher: [sighs] Miss Hollander, I don't write gunfights, car chases or bedroom scenes, so who would watch? I'm sorry, but that is absolutely the worst idea I have ever heard.
- ConnectionsReferences Citizen Kane (1941)
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
"Steal Me a Story" may not quite be one of my favourite episodes of Season 4 (with gems like "Witness for the Defense" as far as previous episodes go, "Old Habits Die Hard" likewise and also remember thinking highly of "Trouble in Eden" and "Mourning Among the Wisterias"). Nor of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is however a great episode still, and of the many episodes dealing with one of Jessica's book being adapted, or plagiarised, for stage, screen, television or what not, as well as being one of the earliest examples "Steal Me a Story" is also one of the best.
This is saying a lot seeing as this was a theme that happened quite a lot on 'Murder She Wrote' with very mixed success. As is often the case, figuring out who the victim would be was very obvious from the get go, being often the most unpleasant and widely disliked character (apart from the solutions involving mistaken identities). Not that that stopped me from loving the episode, being something expected. In fact, "Steal Me a Story" doesn't do anything wrong as such, just that some Season 4 episodes have a special quality, like particularly special performances, particularly well done mysteries and particularly memorable lines ("Witness for the Defense" is a strong examples of the first and third), and "Steal Me a Story" doesn't quite reach it.
It does have a very engaging mystery, with lots of suspects, a clever final solution with a surprising culprit identity (though a not too tough to figure out motive) and a violent murder method (being blown up is a brutal way of being killed, doesn't anybody think?). It has an excellent supporting cast, particularly Bradford Dillman, Ken Swofford and the standout Fionnula Flanagan as a tricky character to pull off (something she does superbly). Kim Myori is not quite as good, but does just fine.
Production values 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 doesn't have a dull moment and engages throughout.
Angela Lansbury doesn't disappoint either.
In summation, great and one of the best episodes based on a often visited theme on the show. 9/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 22, 2017