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.
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.