Murder, She Wrote was (and still is) one of those television shows in which merely hearing its musical intro, immediately gives me a warm, familiar, and overall happy feeling. It's also one of those shows that makes you want to sit on the sofa, wrapped in a cozy blanket, snuggled next to a lit fireplace, while sipping a cup of herbal tea or a glass of wine, as mystery writer, Jessica Fletcher, skillfully sleuths her way through every murder case that she encounters.
What always appealed to me was the location where much of the series took place, Cabot Cove, Maine...
The white cottage exterior you see in the collage below was where Jessica Fletcher lived. Isn't it charming?...
For the past several weeks I've been binge-watching Murder, She Wrote on, Peacock. I'm about midway through the 4th season and plan on continuing until I finish them all, which will probably take me until 2023 because the show was on for TWELVE seasons (it ran from 1984-1996). And I have to say that I'm actually enjoying the show more now, than I did when it first aired.
Not only was the show cleverly written and presented, but it also starred one my all-time favorite actresses EVER, Angela Lansbury. I adore that woman because her whole body of work is so diverse and scrumptious. She successfully tackled and mastered every medium - movies, television, and theater. And every genre - dramas, comedies, and musicals. Being that I'm a theater lover, I have to say it's her stage roles I get the most excited about. She was born to perform live because she is so charismatic.
One of the things I really admired about, Murder, She Wrote, is that for being a show whose theme was murder, you see very little (if any) violence. The writers brilliantly captured the suspense and fear, without it ever being brutal.
The show also included a surplus of legendary Hollywood actors and actresses who made guest appearances; many of whom worked with Angela in the past and were longtime friends. And what I discovered through watching several interviews is that all her guest stars got paid very well for their appearances. Angela believed in sharing her success with everyone in the cast (and crew). She was very generous...
It all began in 1990, when Universal Studios opened in Orlando, Florida and I was cast in one of the attractions. Although Universal Studios is a "theme park", it is also a working studio where various television shows and movies are filmed, which made it kind of exciting to work there.
About the Attraction: It consisted of four behind-the-scenes segments that I (and other actors/actresses) had to memorize because we would be assigned to different segments throughout the day. The segments were scripted, however, there was a certain amount of improvisation that was required because several segments involved audience participation, therefore you never knew how each audience would react, so every show was a little different. The challenge was keeping your eyes on the clock because each segment was timed.
Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater
- Originally named “Murder, She Wrote Post Production Theatre” as it focused on the different stages of post-production editing for a television program.
- The show was about the production of a fake episode of Murder, She Wrote titled “The Black Pearl.”
- The first segment of the show would feature an “editor” showing you how cutting shots together differently can change the story.
- The second segment would teach you how “foley” artists record sound effects to match what is happening on screen.
- They would be able to playback the video with new sound added in real time.
- The third segment of the show would teach the audience how ADR, or Automatic Dialog Replacement works.
- In the final segment, the audience would then be able to see the completed sequence with their added sound effects and voice overs.
Below are two photos of Studio 44, where Murder, She Wrote was housed. The guests would enter through a door that led them into the first segment. Then, as each segment concluded, the guests would move to the following segment; going from room to room until all four segments were completed...
This is a photo of the "foley" segment, where I would select guests from the audience and then bring them up onstage to create the various sound effects to match what was happening on the editing screen above. The guests had so much fun. And so did I...
- Unfortunately, the attraction closed in 1996, after Murder She Wrote concluded its 12-season run.
I was only with the show less than a year because I ended up getting more theater opportunities, which is really where my heart was. I will be forever grateful for my time there because not only did a I learn a lot, but it was an honor to be part of the Universal Studios Orlando, Florida opening.
I leave you with the Murder, She Wrote theme song...
Have a faaaaaaabulous week, everyone!💗
Those old TV theme songs were the best. They were quite the musical productions! I was reading how many famous composers, like Henry Mancini, wrote them back in the day. You surprised me with a lot here….I had no idea you worked at Universal! We never visited that park, but my son always wanted to go. He loves movies and even minored in film in college. It must have been a blast working that show! I’d guess it was fun working with the public while they are vacationing vs. shopping! Haha!
ReplyDeleteI never watched Murder She Wrote, but my in-laws loved it and never missed an episode. I’m glad you told me that it wasn’t grisly because I just figured if it involved murders, no thank you! The scenery in Maine sure looks like it made the show a pleasure to watch. Thanks for the insight and your connection!
Oh Ron, how interesting that you had a job at Universal and where part of the Murder, She Wrote attraction! And I'm sorry to have missed the show because it wasn't until 2001 that I went to Universal Studios when I was in Orlando during a vacation. I went with some friends and we stayed not far from the studio. We also went to MGM Studio at Disney. We all agreed that we enjoyed Universal more than MGM.
ReplyDeleteI was a big fan of Murder, She Wrote (and Angela Lansbury). Watching that show was a Sunday night tradition for me. I was majorly bummed when it went off the air. I agree with you too, Miss Lansbury is so talented. I would have loved to seen her in Sweeney Todd. I wish she had done the movie version.
Hearing that theme song brought back great memories for me. Years ago I had that song as a ringtone on my cell phone, kid you not! LOL!
Thank you for sharing your connection with the show, Ron!!!!
"Those old TV theme songs were the best. They were quite the musical productions!"
ReplyDeleteYes...they sure were!! And you're right, many famous composers, like Henry Mancini, wrote them. And what I think is ironic is how much notoriety they got from those songs, more so than the work they composed prior to it. And I think that's because those TV shows reached more people, thus they got "noticed" more.
I know, I can't believe in all the years I've had this blog, I never posted on my time at Universal Studios?!? It wasn't until I started binge-watching the show again did I even remember. LOL!
I think between MGM Studio at Disney and Universal Studios, MGM got more attention because it was part of Disney. However, I have to say that Universal Studios was a bit more interesting because it was a "working studio", not just a theme park. And yes, I had a lot of fun working there. Several of my fellow-theater actors/actresses also worked there.
No, the show was not the slightest bit grizzly. In fact, they never actually showed you the murder, but rather only the "leading up to" the murder. The show was mainly about Jessica Fletcher discovering the "who did it".
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Wednesday!
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Good morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteIn the all years I've been posting on this blog, I completely forgot to share my connection to "Murder, She Wrote" and working at Universal Studios. It wasn't until I started watching the show again, did I remember!
It was a really, really cool show because it was very informative and also involved the audience members, so the guests got to be involved in the show. It was a very popular attraction.
And I TOTALLY agree, I thought Universal Studios was more enjoyable as well. It's not that I didn't enjoy the times I've been inside MGM, but Universal was more about "how films and TV shows" were made, which I found much more interesting.
"Miss Lansbury is so talented. I would have loved to seen her in Sweeney Todd."
OMG....meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee too! I've seen the video of the show, but not the actual live performance. And even through watching the video you could tell just how BRILLIANT she was as, Mrs. Lovett. I would have loved to seen her in, Mame, as well!
"Years ago I had that song as a ringtone on my cell phone, kid you not! LOL!"
That's faaaaaaaaaabulous!!! I wonder if you can still get it?
Have an awesome rest of your week, my friend. And thanks for stopping by!
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Ron, I know I would have really enjoyed the attraction because I'm really into "behind-the-scenes" stuff. I'm fascinated with how something is created. Many times, I'll watch a documentary on the "making-of-a film" before I actually watch the film.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious, was it challenging for you to learn the show because it seemed very technical and detailed? And being that each segment was timed, did you ever experience a backup? It amazes me (especially in the theater) how an actor can memorize a script. Did you find memorizing hard?
My parents were big fans of "Murder, She Wrote" so I am familiar with the show and the theme song. I like "sleuth" themed movies and books. I think I'm a frustrated detective. LOL!
What a cool job that must have been, Ron! And I agree, Cabot Cove is such a charming, quaint location.
Hey there, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I freaking LOVE all the behind-the-scenes stuff!!! In fact, many times I find that more interesting than the film itself! I have several DVD anniversary issues of films where they have the "extras" on the second DVD.
Yes, It was challenging to learn the show because you had not only memorize the script, but you also had to understand the technical aspect of creating a TV show. It was almost like getting a crash course in post-production and editing. And yes, I most certainly had "backup" moments when performing the show, but many of us did, particularly at the beginning. No, I've never had a hard time memorizing a script. However, that doesn't mean I never had "fuck-up's" onstage and forgot my lines, because I did. MANY times. LOL!
I love sleuth themed stuff as well. I've seen all the Agatha Christie films!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Have a grrrrrrrrreat rest of your week!
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Murder, She Wrote was one show I planned my schedule around, Ron. It combines my love for writing and mystery! The show was was simply fabulous, and Angela was indeed a talented professional. I love the architecture of her character's white cottage, too!
ReplyDeleteYou've led such an interesting life, my friend. Working behind the scenes in that production theater must have been so exciting -- and just think of how much you learned! I'll bet your audiences were hanging on to your every word.
A most enjoyable post today. Hope you're able to get out and about in this Spring-like weather! xx
Debbie, I had a very deep feeling (being a mystery writer yourself) that you watched this show when it was on, I just KNEW it! And wasn't the show (and Angela) faaaaaaaaabulous?
ReplyDeleteHer cottage had such a cozy, comfy feeling about it. And it looked exactly like a place the character (Jessica) would live.
"Working behind the scenes in that production theater must have been so exciting -- and just think of how much you learned! I'll bet your audiences were hanging on to your every word."
Yes, I learned so much, you're right. And I liked it because it was a combination of theater (having a live audience) and film. Up until then, I had no idea what was involved in post-production.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Yup...I'm going to get outside today and enjoy this Spring-like weather, you bet!
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Oooo Ron, I can't imagine what it must be like to forget your lines LIVE onstage!?!?!? Must be a scary feeling. I doubt if I could do it. That's why I'm NOT actor. LOL! Thanks for explaining.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is scary. But that's what happens when you perform live. It's not like film where you can stop and do a retake. Acting onstage is both scary AND exciting because you never know what can happen.
ReplyDeleteRon, like others have shared in the comment, I had no idea you once worked at Universal Studios! You see, this is what I mean, you have had such a diverse life. You've done EVERYTHING!
ReplyDeleteI've never watched the show Murder She Wrote, but it sounds like something both my girlfriend and I would really enjoy. We both like anything to do with sleuthy-mystery-murder stuff. My girlfriend can usually pick out the murderer in not time, me however, is always wrong. LOL!
I bet you had a lot of fun doing the show and learned a hell of a lot. What a great opportunity!
Thanks for sharing this about yourself, dude. I'm forever surprised and inspired by your life.
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe in all the years I've posted on this blog that I never shared about my time at Universal Studios. But it wasn't until I started watching "Murder, She Wrote" did I actually remember. A lightbulb went off in my head and brought back the memory. I haven't done everything, but I have tried a lot of different things. I'm one of those people who wants to experience variety because there are so many things that interest me. I think my family and friends thought that "acting" was my thing, but after doing it for 20-something years, I felt as though I had peak in my goals and wanted to try my hand at other things.
If you like mystery themed stuff, you will LOVE "Murder, She Wrote" because it's a combination of mystery, drama, and humor. And it's so cleverly written.
Yes, I'm so grateful for my time at Universal because it was an opportunity that taught me a lot.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt. Have a most excellent rest of your week!
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I really, really, enjoyed reading your experiences with this show!! How exciting. And, I'm sure, at all times it wasn't like any job, but an adventure!! How thrilling.
ReplyDeletehttp://hootin--anni.blogspot.com
Ron, you should write a memoir of all the different things you've done in your life. I've only been reading your blog for less than a year, but I'm blown away by the different paths you've traveled. What wonderful experiences you've had! Have you always been that way or did something in your life cause you to be that way?
ReplyDeleteLove the show, Murder, She Wrote, and was a big fan. I used to look forward to Sunday nights. Even after 12 years, I was so sad to see it end. :(
Very interesting post, Ron!
Glad you enjoyed, Anni! I had totally forgotten about my stint at Universal Studios until I started binge-watching, Murder, She Wrote. It was such a great experience because I learned a lot and felt proud to be a part of the opening in Orlando.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right, it wasn't like any job, but more so an ADVENTURE!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a FAB week and enjoying the beautiful Spring weather!
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Hello there, Clair!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've always been that way. I've always known that I was not created to do only one thing when it came to a job or a career, I was meant to try MANY things. And I'm still that way. Acting is something I pursued at first because it was something I just knew I had to do. I started acting in junior high and then when I was 17 years old, I auditioned for an acting school in NYC and was accepted, so I went to New York and studied for almost 5 years.
I enjoy dipping my hands into a lot of different things because I enjoy learning and have many interests.
I know, wasn't it sad to see the show end? I had forgotten that it was on for TWELVE years. The only other show I watched back then that I loved so, so much was Knots Landing, which was on for FOURTEEN years!
Hope you're enjoying a grrrrrrrreat week, Clair! Much thanks for stopping by!
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"...one of those television shows in which merely hearing its musical intro, immediately gives me a warm, familiar, and overall happy feeling." Ron, I AGREE!! And watching the clip you shared of the opening instantly brought back great memories of that show. "Murder, She Wrote" was a staple in our house. That TV went on at exactly 8 PM every Sunday night as a weekly ritual. And then I think towards the end it moved to Thursday night.
ReplyDeleteBIG fan of Angela Lansbury as well. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have seen her towards the end of her run in "Sweeney Todd" and she was SO GOOD! No one can play Mrs. Lovett as she did. She WAS Mrs. Lovett. I also loved her in "Gaslight" and "The Manchurian Candidate" in which she was so deliciously evil as the mother! Like you said, she can do anything and in any meduim.
How great that you were part of the Universal Studios opening!!! I never saw that show because we didn't get to Universal until after it closed, but it sounded do interesting. I bet you had a lot of fun and leaned a hell of a lot.
After reading this post, you have me missing "Murder, She Wrote", so I may start binge-watching it this weekend. LOL!
Thank you for sharing this part of your life, Ron. Enjoyed reading about it. xo
Helloooooooooooo there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteYes, you're right....later in the run the show did switch to Thursday night and it wasn't longer after that did the show go off the air because of bad ratings.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are SO FREAKING LUCKY to have seen her in "Sweeney Todd!!!!!!!" I've seen a recording of the show and could tell she was stellar in the role of Mrs. Lovett, but I would have LOVED to had seen her do it LIVE. She AND Len Cariou I bet were INCREDIBLE! Yup, loved her in Gaslight too. As well as The Manchurian Candidate. Her performance in that film gave me the chills, she was so evil.
Yes, the show at Universal was so much fun to do, and it taught me a lot as an actor because you had to be on your toes at all times.
I'm watching the show on "Peacock" because it's a free TV and movie streaming website, but I'm sure you can find the show in many different streaming websites. ENJOY!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a terrific weekend!
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Ron, I did feel lucky (honored) to see her performance because it was right before she left the show in 1980. Len Cariou was brilliant as well. For me, they will always remain in my mind as "the" Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett.
ReplyDeleteI'll check out Peacock. Never heard of it.
Even though I never show the show on Broadway, I would have to agree with you that they both "are" Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett. I just recently watched Angela Lansbury being interviewed on an old Phil Donahue Show where she talked about how challenging "Sweeney Todd" was for he because of the intricate musical score. She said it was like learning a opera.
ReplyDeleteI discovered Peacock years ago. I like it because it's FREE and safe. They do show commercial breaks, however, they are short and few.
Ron, that sounded like such a FUN and INTERESTING job! I've been to Universal Studios many times, but it wasn't until I moved to Florida, so it was after the attraction closed. I SO wish I could have seen you in it!!! I never watched "Murder, She Wrote" while it was aired, but I did start watching it when it went in to reruns and instantly became a fan. I adore Angela Lansbury too. Do you know what I loved her in and will still watch several times a year? Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast." Every time she starts to sing that song, it brings tears to my eyes because of the way she sings it. It's so sweet!
ReplyDeleteDo you know what impressed me about Angela Lansbury in "Murder, She Wrote?" I saw her on an interview years after the show ended and she said that she was nearly 60-years old when she started that show, and talked about how difficult the schedule was to film a one-hour show each week. And to think that it ran for 12 years, which by the time it ended, she was in her 70's and still going strong! What stamina! And I'm sure it was her background in working in the theater that gave her that stamina!
Wonderful post. Ron! As long as I've known you, I keep discovering more about you. xo
Hola Denise!
ReplyDelete" Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast." Every time she starts to sing that song, it brings tears to my eyes because of the way she sings it. It's so sweet!"
OMG...me tooooooo! In fact, I watched a clip from "Beauty and the Beast" not too long ago and got very weepy during that song. You're right, it's so sweet. It's her voice and the way she sings it. I love Mrs. Potts and Chip!!! I love that movie!
" And to think that it ran for 12 years, which by the time it ended, she was in her 70's and still going strong! What stamina! And I'm sure it was her background in working in the theater that gave her that stamina!"
YUP! I saw an old (Phil Donahue) interview with her where she talked about that. I think each episode originally took 7 days to film, but she wanted to extend it to 8 days because it was too much for her. The producers agreed and change the schedule to 8 days, which made it easier for her. And I agree, I'm SURE it was her theater experience that gave her the stamina because you have to a lot of stamina to perform live onstage 8 shows a week.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous weekend!
X
What a great story, Ron, and what a great experience!
ReplyDeleteMy parents loved "Murder, She Wrote!" I can easily recall the theme music.
I didn't watch it regularly but I remember that they had great guest stars--often two or three big names in the same episode.
Angela Lansbury is a wonderful actress. Who could forget her in "The Manchurian Candidate"? Talk about mommy issues--carumba!
And funny you should mention her. Just this morning my brother was telling me about he had enjoyed seeing her and Len Cariou in the Broadway production of "Sweeney Todd."
Excellent post, buddy! Thanks so much!
Hey there, Rob!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the theme song to "Murder, She Wrote" so-immediately recognizable? Like I shared, the second I hear it I'm instantly filled with a feeling of warmth and familiarity.
And yes, you're absolutely correct, often the show had TWO or even THREE big names in the same episodes.
"Who could forget her in "The Manchurian Candidate"? Talk about mommy issues--carumba!"
HA! How true!!! She was so damn good in that role. She gave me the chills, she was so evil.
"And funny you should mention her. Just this morning my brother was telling me about he had enjoyed seeing her and Len Cariou in the Broadway production of "Sweeney Todd."
OMG....how LUCKY he was to have seen her and Len Cariou in "Sweeney Todd!" They were both STELLAR in those roles.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have an excellent week!
X
I know it may be hard to believe, Ron, but I never watched Murder, She Wrote and not sure why not. I checked YouTube and, of course, found some episodes there and thanks to this post started watching. OMG what an entertaining show and seeing all the now vintage guest stars is wonderful. Some of my back-then favorite sleuth shows were Columbo, Quincy and Remington Steele.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to have worked at Universal Studios back in the day and at the actual mystery attraction and now to be binge watching the show!
Hellooooooooooo there, D!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you enjoyed the episodes you watched on YouTube! It's so addictive, so be careful. LOL! Not only did I loved the show, but also where it was shot, in Maine. That part of the country is GORGEOUS! Seeing the show again makes me want to move there!!!
Some of my back-then favorite sleuth shows were Columbo, Quincy and Remington Steele."
YES, to all of those shows. And all of which I used to watch!
Yup, working at Universal was a special highlight in my life - so enjoyable and it taught me a lot.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you're having a fantastic week!
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Is there anywhere you haven't worked in theatre?! Murder She Wrote wasn't one I watched regularly. I am fully capable of binge watching shows with a glass (or three) of wine. My best binge watching show is Outlander although I'm hot into The Last Kingdom right now. Whatever did we do before Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and all the other streaming platforms that offer instant binge watching opportunities? X
ReplyDelete" I am fully capable of binge watching shows with a glass (or three) of wine."
ReplyDeleteHA! Me as well, Lisa!
It seems that over the past year, so many new series have been released on all the streaming platforms, and really GOOD series, that I can't keep up with them. My latest favorite series is, "The Thing About Pam" with Rene Zellweger. She is AMAZING as the real-life person, Pam Hupp.
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LOL! I had to really "look" at her character to see Rene Zellweger but she IS in there! My latest binge watch is The Last Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteI know, RIGHT?!? Isn't it amazing how she transformed herself? I watched a few clips with Rene explaining all the things she had to do to recreate the appearance of Pam. I'm also watching a documentary on the REAL Pam Hupp. What a psychotic woman she is. YIKES!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely check out The Last Kingdom because I love anything about history.
Thanks!