Poseidon-3 Review of Murder Once Removed

Murder Once Removed (1971 TV Movie)

Nice little murder story from the makers of "Hawaii 5-O" and "Cannon".

[15 August 2005]

Fans of "Columbo" and other programs which detail the intricacies of a murder and the eventual unmasking of the killers will likely enjoy this trim, twisty TV movie with an adept cast. Forsythe plays a fairly successful doctor in a small but affluent town. He is in love with the wife (Bain) of one of his wealthy patients (Kiley.) Meanwhile, police detective Campanella dogs returning vet Burton, who is seeing Forsythe to remedy his drug problems. Husky, attentive nurse Shaw keeps a hand in most of the goings on. An offhand remark by Bain about wanting to rid herself of Kiley stirs Forsythe to think it over, especially when Kiley confides to Forsythe that he is aware of the secret lovers' plans to get together. This is merely the starting point for a tight, at times surprising, little story. All of the actors involved are veterans of the television medium and excel in their roles. Forsythe manages to be both appealing and menacing. Bain, who proved during her triple Emmy award-winning stint on "Mission: Impossible" that she can play practically anything, is scrumptious and glamorous in addition to providing a compelling performance. Kiley provides a strong presence and an intriguing adversary for Forsythe. Burton is properly dazed and Campanella is solid in his role. Shaw offers up her endearingly nosy and officious character nicely. Best of all is the fact that what seems like a pretty bland and routine idea is enhanced by some unexpected (if a tad unrealistic and credibility-stretching) story turns which make this a diverting 74 minutes. Made when TV movies still had a little bit of the leftover luster of the studio-system, it has some creative direction and editing. There's even that staple of most late-60's, early-70's films, a glamorous poolside cocktail party! Like most elaborate mysteries, it requires some suspension of disbelief and it relies on some coincidence, but there are far worse ways to spend time than taking this in.