Overview:"Nero Wolfe" is an American Made-for-TV film based on the investigator series by Rex Stout, premiered in December 1979. Thayer David stars in the title role, with Tom Mason co-starring as his assistant Archie Goodwin. This CBS production, called as a pilot for a possible series, was produced by Paramount Television. The motion picture integrates aspects from three Nero Wolfe novels written by Rex Stout: "Please Pass the Guilt", "The Doorbell Rang", and "Champagne for One".
Plot:The movie showcases the intriguing world of Nero Wolfe, an obese, orchid-tending, and reclusive detective who has peculiar approaches of fixing cases. Wolfe, a man understood for his exceptional intelligence and impressive girth, declines to leave his comfy New York City brownstone unless absolutely necessary. He does most of his detective work from his armchair, preferring to send his assistant Archie Goodwin to manage the legwork.
Archie Goodwin, a street-smart private investigator, works as Wolfe's eyes and ears in the field. He does the hard work of gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and doing security, allowing Wolfe to fix the case while hardly leaving his armchair. Archie tells the story, recounting their cases as they resolve criminal activities for a variety of clients.
Story:The movie involves several stories manufactured from several Nero Wolfe books. In "Please Pass the Guilt", Wolfe and Archie investigate the murder of a university president who passes away in a bombing at a Women's Rights Association office. In "The Doorbell Rang", they reveal a plot involving an influential business magnate who tries to bully a widow out of her inheritance.
Lastly, in "Champagne for One", Wolfe is forced from his home by the challenge of resolving a murder secret at an official dinner celebration, which he only goes to because Archie is indisposed with the influenza.
Throughout the movie, Wolfe displays his love for premium food, his passion for orchid cultivation, and his aversion to move from his selected area unless absolutely required.
Performances:Thayer David vividly embodies the title character, with an efficiency that records Wolfe's eccentricities and genial misanthropy. Tom Mason is equally reliable as Archie Goodwin, graphically depicting the character's wit, affability, and wise resourcefulness.
Reception:"Nero Wolfe", regardless of its one-off nature, was typically well received. Although it didn't generate a complete series as planned, it nevertheless made a considerable influence on fans of the books. The film was notable for its devoted adaptations of Stout's characters and storylines, integrated with strong efficiencies from the cast. Thayer David's representation of Nero Wolfe was especially applauded, and the film has actually enjoyed a modest cult following among Nero Wolfe fans.
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