Some stories do not benefit from an extended run time. "A Star is Dead" is such a story. What could have been a tight 50 minute script is instead painfully stretched for the 90 minute "NBC Mystery Movie" length. Consequently, the story loses some of its punch, and the dramatic tension fizzles out exactly when it should be reaching a climax.
On the surface, the plot is strong, and it's a change from the usual Quincy practice of trying to prove murder. In this case, Dr. Q suspects suicide but must combat his own department, the police, the insurance company and the paparazzi in his efforts to clear the prime suspect of murder charges. Toss in the fact that the accused is an old friend of Quincy's, and the fact that Quincy continues to turn a blind eye to his friend's irregular behavior and lies, and you have the makings of a strong episode.
However, the whole show culminates in a coroner's inquest that dissolves into "Quincy's Soapbox." Without spoiling the specifics of the ending, we get an impassioned speech by Quincy, attempting to shift the blame for the victim's death on a different, albeit sleazy, third party. To top it all off, the whole thing ends with a surprise shooting ending, obviously an effort to give the preceeding events a greater weight and to "make you think." Instead, it's just pretentious.
William "KITT" Daniels and Robert Foxworth provide good guest support, but this is not the best the first season had to offer.moreless
Episode Summary
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Roberta Rhodes, a famous movie star, is found dead in her bedroom. The police think that it was probably suicide but Quincy thinks not. A gossip newspaper editor approaches Quincy and tells him that o the night of her death his friend, and prospective senator, Congressman Charles Sinclair was with her. Quincy cannot believe that his friend could have killed Roberta but if he didn't then why does he keep lying to Quincy?moreless
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GUEST STAR
Robert FoxworthCongressman Charles Sinclair
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GUEST STAR
William DanielsPaul Reardon
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GUEST STAR
Donna MillsRoberta Rhodes
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Jack Klugman
Dr. Quincy
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Val Bisoglio
Danny Tovo
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Robert Ito
Sam Fujiyama
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Lynette Mettey
Lee Potter (seasons 1-2)
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Garry Walberg
Lt. Frank Monahan
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John S. Ragin
Dr. Robert Asten
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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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ALLUSIONS (1)
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The allusion in the title of this episode is to the movie, "A Star is Born." It had been made and released twice before the airing of this episode. The original "A Star Is Born" was released in 1937 and starred Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. The 2nd (and more famous) remake was in 1954 and starred Judy Garland and James Mason.
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01/16/113
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01/25/1011
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Quincy Wedding Vows: She sang hers
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Quincy's first name?
05/08/084
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Aired 5/11/83 (49:12)
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Aired 4/27/83 (49:12)
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