Classic & Cult Film & TV
I was lucky to be born in 1979 as this meant that I grew up with all the great TV shows and films of the 1980's (which in my opinion was the best era for most things!). Some of these shows and stars have now become quite a cult and remain as popular today as they did all those years ago. Sadly, despite many of these stars no longer being with us their shows and legacy live on.
Below are a few examples of my interests in this arena...
I became a huge fan of Angela Lansbury from being very young. I have very happy memories of watching 'Murder, She Wrote' at my grandma's house at weekends and in the school holidays.
In 2014 it was a dream come true to actually see and meet Dame Angela Lansbury in London's West End in 'Blithe Spirit'. Having been a life long 'Murder, She Wrote' & Angela Lansbury fan it was simply surreal to actually see this great lady in action on stage in person. Although she wasn't signing autographs after the show I wrote to her at the theatre and had a great success.
I have written to her a few times over the years and always received a great response. Here are a few bits from my personal collection...
Dame Angela Lansbury as her most famous character, 'Jessica Fletcher' in 'Murder, She Wrote'.
Dame Angela Lansbury as 'Madame Arcati' in 'Blithe Spirit' - London's West End 2014.
Ron Masak is perhaps best known for a recurring role in 'Murder, She Wrote' as the Cadillac convertible-driving Sheriff, Mort Metzger. He replaced the former Sheriff, played by Tom Bosley, from Season 5 of the show.
Mort Metzger was a former NYPD officer who replaced Amos Tupper as Cabot Cove's sheriff, in the mistaken anticipation of living in a more peaceful place with his wife Adele.
He did however make appearances as two other characters in the series, in "Footnote to Murder", as Lt. Meyer, and in "No Accounting for Murder" as Marty Giles.
In Summer 2018 I had the opportunity interview Ron and talk all things 'Murder, She Wrote'. It was quite unexpected and Ron was very happy to help me out with a small section for the website, which I am very grateful for. He also signed a few 'Murder, She Wrote' items for me and I was even lucky enought to get a further reply on offical 'Murder, She Wrote' stationary!
CP: You spent 8 years playing Sheriff Metzger in the wonderful ‘Murder, She Wrote’ – How did the role come about, and did you know at the time it would lead onto be a key role within the show?
RM: I had worked for Peter Fischer in the past. He just called and offered me the role and promised that I would do more than Tom Bosley (Tom played Sheriff Amos Tupper from Season 1 to 4).
CP: My personal favourite episodes are those set in and around ‘Cabot Cove’. What were your favourite episodes?
RM: I enjoyed them all- ‘Moving Violation’ was one I really liked and the one where my brother came back (‘Thicker Than Water’).
RM: I had worked for Peter Fischer in the past. He just called and offered me the role and promised that I would do more than Tom Bosley (Tom played Sheriff Amos Tupper from Season 1 to 4).
CP: My personal favourite episodes are those set in and around ‘Cabot Cove’. What were your favourite episodes?
RM: I enjoyed them all- ‘Moving Violation’ was one I really liked and the one where my brother came back (‘Thicker Than Water’).
Top: My official 'Murder, She Wrote' stationary - courtesy of Ron Masak.
Above: Ron signs my 'Murder, She Wrote' photo (2021).
CP: I was lucky enough to visit the former set of MSW several years ago on the Universal Studios backlot in Hollywood – Do you have any special memories from your time on the set?
RM: I just loved every minute that I was on set!
CP: I've read that they churned the episodes out pretty swiftly, was it hard work?
RM: Hard, but always rewarding work.
CP: Do you remember Mort’s final episode? Were you sad to leave the series?
RM: Not offhand as they were all like the first time. I was there until the end.
CP: Dame Angela is one of my favourite actresses. The on-screen relationship and chemistry between Mort and Jessica seemed very genuine which is what I think made the series all the more enjoyable. Have you kept in contact after MSW? What was it like working with Angela?
RM: Angie and I have kidded about it but no chance.
RM: I just loved every minute that I was on set!
CP: I've read that they churned the episodes out pretty swiftly, was it hard work?
RM: Hard, but always rewarding work.
CP: Do you remember Mort’s final episode? Were you sad to leave the series?
RM: Not offhand as they were all like the first time. I was there until the end.
CP: Dame Angela is one of my favourite actresses. The on-screen relationship and chemistry between Mort and Jessica seemed very genuine which is what I think made the series all the more enjoyable. Have you kept in contact after MSW? What was it like working with Angela?
RM: We are still in touch. She is the Rolls Royce of our Biz!
CP: It was rumoured quite recently that they were planning a resurrection of MSW with a new cast. Fortunately, it was scrapped. Do you think there is any chance of any new MSW’s or has that ship sailed? Would you get involved if you were approached?
RM: Angie and I have kidded about it but no chance.
Be well - God Bless.
My sincere thanks to Mr Ron Masak for taking the time to share his memories with me for this section of the website.
If it wasn't for this guy then we would never have even heard of Jessica Beatrice Fletcher!
Peter Steven Fischer is an American television writer and television producer, most notable for his work on 'Murder, She Wrote', which he co-created with Richard Levinson and William Link.
He was also the executive producer of the series for the first seven seasons. He wrote eight of the twenty two episodes the first season. He wrote or co-wrote nearly three dozen episodes of the show during its run.
He also wrote several episodes of another famous and well-loved crime show... Lieutenant Columbo!
In October 2018 I contact Mr Fischer to ask him all about the series, how it came about, what made it so popular, what the secret 'formula' was and if we would ever see a resurrection of the show. I was delighted to receive a response from him and here is what he had to say:
“When we learned that CBS was looking for a murder mystery with a female protagonist I thought a meld of Agatha Christie or P.D James actually becoming an armchair sleuth in addition to worldwide fame as a noted author seemed like a natural amalgam.
When CBS said that heroine need not be young but of a certain age we knew we were onto something. We were lucky in that Angela was simultaneously considering doing a television series. What do they call it, serendipity?
As for a winning formula, it was pretty simple; Angela plus some non-threatening story lines fit for family consumption on a Sunday evening. No, a feature film was never considered and no, ‘Murder, She Wrote’ will not be revived. Angela has made it clear she’s done with it. I’m sure you know her age, 93. Do you blame her?
On behalf of everyone connected with the show, we thank you for being a loyal and satisfied viewer all these years.”
Peter S.Fischer - October, 2018.
My sincere thanks to Mr Peter S. Fischer for taking the time to contribute to this section of the website.
Above: Peter kindly signs my copy of his autobiography. It is well worth a read by any fan of 'Murder, She Wrote' or with an interest in the productions of Universal Studios during the 1980's. It is packed with stories and anecdotes right from the shows conception to the end of the series.
Right: A brilliant cartoon caricature of Jessica created by the uber talented Alistair Stuart at Slightly Wobbly Designs.
During the 60's, 70's & 80's the most famous comedy drag duo was of course Hinge & Bracket.
Unfortunately I never had the chance to meet Patrick Fyffe before his death in 2002 but I have recently been in contact with Dr Evadne Hinge herself, the wonderful George Layton. George very kindly signed my 'Dear Ladies' DVD cover for me and a small publicity shot (in character) which I am very grateful for.
George is now happily retired and living in France but the wit and charm of Hinge & Bracket lives on in various DVD releases and fan sites.
In 2017 I attended a special event in London to celebrate to life and work of the great Len Insull. Mr Insull was the man behind the many famous ventriloquist dummys of the 60's, 70's and 80's including Titch & Quakers, Archie Andrews & Lord Charles.
It was a very nostalgic, if not surreal, day but to meet these TV legends was amazing! My favourite acquaintance was Lord Charles. As a kid Lord Charles terrified me for some reason. However, as I grew up and rediscovered the great Ray Alan & Lord Charles I realised what a genuis Ray was & actually how very clever & funny the act was.
Lord Charles is now privately owned and in safe hands since the death of Ray in 2010. I was lucky to correspond with Ray not long before he died and he sent me a very nice letter and an autograph which I treasure. I hope Lord Charles didn't find me too much of a 'Silly Arse!'.
In Spring 2022 I got the chance to catch up with his Lordship once again...he still thought I was a 'Silly Arse!'.
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