NERO WOLFE (1959) – This was a failed pilot for a potential series about Rex Stout’s iconic detective – the rotund, snobbish but brilliant Nero Wolfe, portrayed by Kurt Kasznar. William Shatner played Archie Goodwin, the affable leg man for his reclusive boss.
It’s a shame this didn’t launch a series. Kasznar perfectly brought to life the eccentric, persnickety genius who virtually never left his home. And Shatner’s smiling, joking, but tough when he had to be Archie was a joy to watch. Needless to say, William expertly conveyed Goodwin’s eye for the ladies.
The chemistry between Kasznar and Shatner was remarkable, and at just 26 minutes without commercials, this would have been just the right length for each episode without Wolfe’s egotism and impatience with lesser minds wearing out their welcome with viewers.
Let’s examine the murder mystery in this pilot, subtitled Count the Man Down. Continue reading
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