Nero Wolfe
by Rex Stout
CBC Radio, 1982
Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe (CBC Radio, 1982) Think dramatic radio is only a thing of the distant past? In 1982, the Canadians tried their hand at 13 one hour episodes of Nero Wolfe, all based
on novellas or short stories written by Stout. The result is 13 great shows,
with a full range of fun and excitement. While it might take you a moment to
warm up to Wolfe, you'll find the same situation: Wolfe, is, aftrer all, a
genius -- and, a prima donna, a lout, a spoiled child -- frankly, he's a pain in
the ass. And Mavor Moore plays him to the hilt. While the books may be
called "Nero Wolfe" it's Archie we read them for, and trust me, Don Francs
is Archie Goodwin.
Nero Wolfe: Mayver Moore
Archie Goodwin: Don Francs
Inspector Cramer: Cec Linder
Fritz: Frank Perry
Saul: Alfie Scott
Music: Don Gillis
Adapted and Produced: Ron Hartman
1.Disguise For Murder
01/16/82
When Wolfe hosts a flower showing, a women is killed by someone she
recognizes -- but who? Layly Cado, Jack Krely, Neil Monroe, Eric Peterson,
Fiona Reed
2.Before I Die
01/23/82
A mob boss wants Wolfe to stop a blackmailer, and protect his daughter --
who then dies. Jane Eastwood, August Shellenburg, Maria Loma
3.Counterfeit for Murder
01/30/82
An old woman gives Archie a package -- containing lots of counterfeit bucks.
Joy Coghill, Brent Craver, Gilly Fenic, Lynn Griffin, Sandy Webster
4.Cop Killer, The
02/06/82
Wolfe's barber is on the run for murder -- and Archie hides them in the front
room! Jackie Buroughs, Brian George, Arch MacDonald
5.Christmas Party
02/13/82
Archie, Wolfe and Santa are all under suspicion when a man dies at a
Christmas party! Marty Meriden, Linda Sorenson, Patricia Hamilton
6.Cordially Invited to Meet Death
02/20/82
A prominent woman is blackmailed -- then murdered -- while Archie is
standing beside her! Barbra Hamilton, Terry Tweed, Lynn Deigon, Ken
James, Tom Harvey
7.Man Alive
02/27/82
An heiress's uncle returns to life -- and then dies at her office! Lynn Griffin,
Neil Monroe, Sandy Webster, August Shellenburg
8.Instead of Evidence
03/06/82
A man hires Wolfe to provide evidence if he is murdered -- and then he is!
Laly Cadoe, Sean Sullivan, Eric Peterson, Martha Gibson
9.Eney Meeny Murder Mo
03/13/82
When Wolfe's necktie is used to kill a potential client visiting his home, he is
outraged! Charmin King, Bud Knapp, Aileen Seaton, Neil Monroe
10.Squirt and the Monkey, The
03/20/82
A comic artist hires Wolfe to find his stolen gun - but who uses it to kill his
assistant -- or is it Archie's gun? Jack Krealy, Patricia Collins, Sheri Flet,
David Hemlin
11.Next Witness, The
03/27/82
Wolfe can't stand waiting at a trial -- so he leaves to solve the murder! Dixie
Settle, Terry Tweed, Michael Christy
12.Death of a Demon
04/03/82
A women confesses a would-be murder plot, then finds out her husband -- the
would-be target is dead! Mary Peery, Bud Knapp, Patricia Hamilton, Meana
E. Meana, Helen Hughs
13.Murder is No Joke
04/10/82
Wolfe and Archie hear a murder on the phone -- but if it's real, can they solve
it? Joy Coghill, Vivian Reese, Noni Griffin, Richard Monet, Murry Westgate
Replies
This is likely my favorite version of Rex Stout's stories, the music is good and appropriately jazzy, Mayver Moore's Wolf is a little more complex (he has a code of honor, deals with anger and fear, is at peace with who he is, and high standers even if he is a jerk) then Greenstreet's slightly more playful but still good take was, Don Francs plays Goodwin as a often bluntly honest, understandably frustrated, usually likeable, careful, sometimes wolf-whistling (groan), world wise, smart at spotting clues but bad at putting them together, and who admires Wolf's brain as much as he can't stand the man who uses it.
Hi Alex,
I should ask you to write my copy on my posts. You hit the nail on the head 100%. ------------ R