Paint Me a Murder

This episode marks the last appearance of Pepe Hern, who has acted in film and on television since 1948. Alma Beltran, appearing since 1945; Capucine, since 1949; Robert Goulet, since 1954; Stewart Granger, since 1933; Steven Keats, since 1973; and Cesar Romero, since 1933, have also unfortunately since passed.

To mark the occasion of his 60th professional anniversary, artist Diego Santana (Cesar Romero) welcomes guest to a reception at his Mediterranean island.

Diego's young second wife, Margo Santana (Cristina Raines), his son from his previous marriage, Miguel Santana (Fernando Allende), and Housekeeper Rosa (Alma Beltran) fear for Diego's safety, as a series of "accidents" overshadows the festivities.

Belle Chaney (Capucine), Sir John Landry (Stewart Granger), Elaine McComber(Judy Geeson), Willard Kaufmann (Robert Goulet), Stefan Conrad (Steven Keats) and Inspector Henry Kyle (Ron Moody) comprise the guest list, along with old friend Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), who arrives by airplane, piloted by Antonio (Pepe Hern).

Some of the mishaps to follow include the shoving of a cement urn from the landing above, the outbreak of fire in the painting studio, a boating accident, and stray arrows flying through the woods onto a walking path.

Jessica and Inspector Kyle attempt to solve a double murder, resulting from the sabotages, by linking them to a possible motive, to determine who is determined to "Paint Me a Murder."

Extra points for the performances by Capucine, Judy Geeson, Robert Goulet and Cesar Romero.

Diego Santana, a fabulously talented artist is set to become a Sexagenarian, to celebrate his birthday, he's invited his friends and family to his house in the Mediterranean, among his guests are Jessica Fletcher, wife Margo, ex wife Belle and Henry Kyle. A series of accidents occur, and soon enough an accident proves fatal.

This is a sumptuous episode, I'm reminded by 1974, a plane bringing in guests to a remote island, there are similarities. The scenery is exquisite, giving the episode a definite quality. One of the best assembled casts you'll ever see on a TV drama, a standout performance from Stewart Granger, with Ron Moody and Judy Geeson supporting incredibly well also.

Big money was spent on this episode, and it shows, it's not my favourite story from the first season, I'd put Murder takes the bus at the top, but Paint me a Murder is at the highest end of the list.

A clever mystery, with a surprising conclusion, plenty of red herrings and suspects. This is a classy episode. 9/10

Mediterranean looks like pacific.

Logical leaps by jessica.

The locale for this episode is an island in the Mediterranean (though of course, it was actually filmed on the California coast). An aging artist (Cesar Romero) is having a few friends over for a sleepover. However, one or more of these 'friends' is evil...and after one unsuccessful attempt on the artist's life, there's another...which is successful. But now everyone is trapped on the island and the phone system has been destroyed. Can Jessica Fletcher figure it all out before the all assume room temperature?

Like all the prior episodes, this stars a lot of older familiar faces....not just Romero but Stewart Granger, Robert Goulet, Judy Geeson, Capucine, and Ron Moody (who is particularly enjoyable). THe story is good though a lot like stories like "And Then There Were None" (also about a group being stranded on an island with a killer). Worth seeing.

The birthday celebration for a renowned Mediterranean artist is cut short when the guest of honor winds up dead. Isolated in an island, a crossbow, a falling stone from a balcony and a cast of suspects in a locked room situation - what is there not to like? Plus there's a great cast. One of my all time faves, Stewart Granger, in particular, is grand. The mystery is solid, the suspense coils up like a well-oiled spring as Jessica tries to figure out who the elusive murderer is.

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.

Along with "The Murder of Sherlock Holmes", "Lovers and Other Killers", "Hit Run and Homicide" and "Death Casts a Spell", as far as the previous episodes go, "Paint Me a Murder" for me is one of the best Season 1 episodes. One of my favourite episodes of the show, being one of the show's most visually beautiful and with one of its best casts.

"Paint Me a Murder", as said, not only looks good, it's one of the most visually beautiful episodes of 'Murder She Wrote' and certainly the best-looking Season 1 episode. Not because of the photography, which is very nicely done, but the Mediterranean location which is nothing short of exquisite. Makes you want to spend a summer there. The music has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.

The writing is charmingly light-hearted, gently amiable and down to earth but provokes thought too. The story is compelling, never simplistic and never confusing with some nice twists (particularly involving a suspect that disappeared early on).

Final solution is clever and easy to follow, did have a small suspicion as to who the perpetrator was but it was not a case of knowing who it was and being proved correct (didn't guess the motive either).

Angela Lansbury is terrific in one of her best remembered roles (one of the roles that is most closely associated with me at any rate). She is aided by great turns from Cesar Romero (who still looks great and very suave very late in his long career), post-Fagin Ron Moody, the beautiful Capucine and charmingly distinguished Stewart Granger. Robert Goulet was good but his screen time is relatively short.

In summary, wonderful and one of my favourites. 10/10 Bethany Cox