Jessica goes to Quebec to testify at the trial of a friend who is accused of killing his wife and burning his house.Jessica goes to Quebec to testify at the trial of a friend who is accused of killing his wife and burning his house.Jessica goes to Quebec to testify at the trial of a friend who is accused of killing his wife and burning his house.
Charles Cirillo
- Trial Spectator
- (uncredited)
Selby Dessner
- Tailor
- (uncredited)
Fritz Ford
- Trial Spectator
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaGrady, Victoria and Tracy (Jessica's nephew and nieces) are mentioned in this episode.
- GoofsEveryone speaks either British or mid-American English. Quebec City is a dominantly French-speaking area and most people if they speak English at all would have a French accent. Native English speakers have a very distinct Canadian accent. There are immigrants from Britain and the US but they are not the only people there.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Jessica Fletcher: Well, if you don't mind, this is one trial I would just as soon skip.
Attorney Oliver Quayle: Skip? Oh, no. No, no. You must appear. I'm going to call you as a witness.
- ConnectionsReferences Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
Jessica Fletcher takes the stand
Have always been quite fond of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is a fun and relaxing watch that makes you think as you try to unwind in the evening. If one wants more complex, twisty mysteries with lots of tension and suspense 'Murder She Wrote' may not be for you, but if you want something light-hearted and entertaining but still provide good mysteries 'Murder She Wrote' fits the bill just fine.
"Witness for the Defense" is one of the jewels of one of 'Murder She Wrote's' best overall seasons. Not just that, it has always been one of my favourite episodes of the show. Suspension of disbelief is needed for the portrayal of Quebec in general, which is less than accurate to say the least, but to me this was insignificant and easily forgotten when there are so many pleasures elsewhere.
Production values, however, 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 has some well executed twists and turns and is never dull.
Quayle's interrogation of Jessica on the witness stand sees some of the best lines in 'Murder She Wrote' history, showing the character's sharp observation and arrogance to the hilt as he dares to utter what's on viewers' lips. The courtroom scenes are very compelling, just as much as those in "Trial By Error" but for different reasons.
The always dependable Angela Lansbury is terrific, Jessica Fletcher is one of her most remembered roles for very good reason. Claire Trevor classes it up hugely, while Juliet Mills is suitably sharp and Charlie Brill has a ball as a total sleazebag. Marilyn Hassett and Dianne Kay are fine. Stealing the show is the brilliant turn of Patrick McGoohan, one of my favourite guest star performances on 'Murder She Wrote' without a shadow of a doubt.
In summation, a gem and one of the best episodes. 10/10 Bethany Cox
"Witness for the Defense" is one of the jewels of one of 'Murder She Wrote's' best overall seasons. Not just that, it has always been one of my favourite episodes of the show. Suspension of disbelief is needed for the portrayal of Quebec in general, which is less than accurate to say the least, but to me this was insignificant and easily forgotten when there are so many pleasures elsewhere.
Production values, however, 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 has some well executed twists and turns and is never dull.
Quayle's interrogation of Jessica on the witness stand sees some of the best lines in 'Murder She Wrote' history, showing the character's sharp observation and arrogance to the hilt as he dares to utter what's on viewers' lips. The courtroom scenes are very compelling, just as much as those in "Trial By Error" but for different reasons.
The always dependable Angela Lansbury is terrific, Jessica Fletcher is one of her most remembered roles for very good reason. Claire Trevor classes it up hugely, while Juliet Mills is suitably sharp and Charlie Brill has a ball as a total sleazebag. Marilyn Hassett and Dianne Kay are fine. Stealing the show is the brilliant turn of Patrick McGoohan, one of my favourite guest star performances on 'Murder She Wrote' without a shadow of a doubt.
In summation, a gem and one of the best episodes. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 19, 2017
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