The Way to Dusty Death

Having been placed on a board, Jessica takes her responsibility seriously when the chairman is murdered after a social gathering.

You have to hand it to Jessica, murder, politics, writing and now the world of big business, her talents knew no bounds. A good episode, it's a little different in tone, for once there isn't a huge push to make the victim entirely loathsome,quite the reverse.

The story is good, the idea of Jessica being on a board is a bit silly, the best element here has to be the array of characters. Each one is good, particularly Virginia, a scheming woman, desperate for wealth and power, Keen to push her husband forward to achieve her goals, Shakespeare fans will see a similarity.

Overall, it's good. 7/10

Well, it's certainly very nice to see that this star-studded entry, "The Way to Dusty Death," becomes perhaps the first "MSW" regular episode to receive three IMDb reviews thus far, preceding this one with two helpful and very nicely-constructed User Comments, so let's please keep these coming, as well as appreciating the many fine contributions to promote this series (for which I have no professional connection in any way).

Readers upon the "MSW" Message Board frequently enter questions regarding individual episodes, along the lines of "Where is the setting?" or "How does this cast fit together?" and inquiries of this sort of nature, and so I attempt to tie up the lose ends in episode reviews, without revealing the victims or the perpetrators, as well as adding background information, such as....

This episode features the final appearance by Cornel Wilde, star of many films of the 1940's and 50's, who began acting in 1936, and appearing on television since 1956. Hank Brandt, acting since 1961; Richard Jaeckel, since 1943; Sandy McPeak, since 1976; and Ray Walston, since 1954, have also since passed. This also signals the first acting role for Bob Snead, as well as one of the first appearances by E.R. Davies.

As noted by another reviewer, Joanna Pettet, acting since 1964, delivers one of her most recent performances to date, in "The Way to Dusty Death," which also features the most recent performance to date by Lynn Carlin, who has been acting since 1968, and one of the most recent by Joanna Barnes, who has been acting since 1956.

Now, Duncan Barnett (Cornel Wilde) and Lydia Barnett (Joanna Barnes) host at their grand estate outside of New York City, a retreat for executives and their wives, as well as for other board members of Barnett Industries, even though Duncan elects not to talk business, announcing that he has no plans to step down as Chairman of the Board.

Tennis, lodging and murder are on the agenda, with a guest list including Executive Morgan McCormack (Richard Beymer) and his determined wife, Virginia McCormack (Joanna Pettet); Executive Tom Dutton (Lawrence Pressman) and his ambitious wife, Kate Dutton (Nancy Dussault); Corporate Raider Spruce Osborne (Sandy McPeak) and his fling, Serena (Jenilee Harrison), who has been planted by Duncan to attempt to manipulate Spruce; Executive Anne Hathaway (Andrea Marcovicci), Paddock (Jay Robinson), and Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), who represents the interests of Barnette Lumber Mill and its employees, many of Jessica's friends and neighbors of Cabot Cove.

The resulting murder isn't exactly dusty at all, but centers around a hot tub in the private bath, into which several guests somehow take turns entering even though the spouse of the victim remains upon the premises.

So, has the victime experienced a natural death, a poisoning, or an electrocution? Lieutenant Grayson (Hank Brandt) and Doctor Chatsworth (Richard Jaeckel) are summoned to investigate, along with the capable assistance of Jessica Fletcher, who discovers clues around the hot-tub, in "The Way to Dusty Death."

Back in the city, Morgan McCormack, Tom Dutton, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Fletcher vote along with two other Board Members, upon Executive Chairman in a special election, with the guidance of Administrator Nicole (Lynn Carlin), and the presence of Q. L. Frubson (Ray Walston), who secretly represents Spruce Osborne. Needless to say, no agreement can be reached, and so it is up to Jessica to offer a workable solution in his scheme.

But the murder has yet to be solved, as so Jessica, naturally, adjusts her priorities to solve the problems of the corporation, the lumber mill and the police and medical investigation.

The cast is rounded out by Flo Di Re as Maid, Bob Snead as Board Member #1, and E.R. Davies as Board Member #2.

"The Way to Dusty Death" is a decent installment of "Murder, She Wrote", though one of the confessions is a bit...well, silly.

Cornell Wilde plays an elderly CEO who is expected to retire soon. He calls his top executives to his house for a big party where he's expected to announce the retirement. However, instead, he announces that he's NOT retiring and he hates everyone of them (or something kind of to this effect). Soon, he's found death, which is no surprise...and Jessica just happens to be on hand and she investigates the case.

This is an unusual case because the deceased appears to have been killed twice! Assassins tried to poison him AND electrocute him! While this and the solution are very interesting, one of the characters (who is a LOT like Lady Macbeth) quickly admits to trying to poison the old man and considering there's really no evidence, this makes little sense...especially for such a conniving wench! Still, the acting and episode are enjoyable despite this.

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.

"The Way to Dusty Death" is another great Season 4 episode. Season 4 is to me one of the better and more consistent 'Murder She Wrote' seasons, perhaps the one with the highest number of great/gem episodes. While not quite among the very best of the season, "The Way to Dusty Death" is one of the episodes in the top half of it. Was not hugely surprised by the identity of the killer or the motive, considering that all the suspects seemed to have an agenda. Figuring out who was going to get killed, like with most 'Murder She Wrote' was easy to figure out early on.

Really enjoyed the story, it reminded me of 'Macbeth' loosely adapted and set in a tension-filled and beautifully portrayed corporate environment with delicious characters and for the show up to this point a unique murder method.

Likewise with the guest stars making up a supporting cast that is one of the show's best. Richard Beymer and Joanne Pettet have characters that are somewhat likable even though they are also ones without many morals. Pettet in particular relishes her role, that has a Lady Macbeth-like quality to it, really biting into her confrontation scene with Jessica with some of what comes out of mouth fairly shocking.

Another delight is Ray Walston, who has a delightful tough-as-iron demeanour that more than makes up for that he was a little underused. Jenilee Harrison is charming and Nancy Dussault is suitably uptight. The farewell performance of Cornel Wilde as the victim is a worthy one. As for Angela Lansbury, she is dependably terrific in one of her justifiably best remembered roles.

Production values 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.

In conclusion, great fun. 9/10 Bethany Cox

A tyrant's demise puts Jessica on the trail of several of his betrayed executives. A lot of the executives have an agenda of their own, and some of them are scheming to get to the top of the tree; this aspect is what makes this episode particularly enjoyable, especially the couple - Richard Beymer and his wife. Cornel Wilde, in his last appearance, acts the tyrant well and gets a TV in his hot tub while bathing for his wickedness. Of course, the detecting is great, but I love the characters - suspects - and their interactions the most.