A small town bookstore owner is accused of murder and all the evidence points to him. A New York lawyer is hired to get him off the hook.

I rate this episode ★★★★☆ for GOOD. Sam Dann's crime drama was thrilling. This type of story would've been perfect for ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS or any anthology series involving murder. The climactic surprise was satisfying, however, there was no Resolution afterwards. We find out who the real killer was and what their motive was, but no result on their punishment or what happens to the married couple's life or where does the heroic lawyer do after the case is solved. Furthermore, come to think of it, the real killer was the one who hired the female lawyer from the start because she was so good at murder cases. Now ask yourself this, CBSRM fans: Did the killer accidentally set himself up to get caught? The title of this episode sounds more of a Sci-Fi Mystery. Another way to title this, would be "Who Framed Elmer Baker?" In our Host's Prologue, E.G. Marshall begins with a Bible Verse (Proverbs 23:31). In ACT-1, a reference to Napoleon's battle which connects this story with Blind Chance. Once we have our first plot point and our main suspect for murder, no one can get closer to him except his lawyer. In a way, our murder suspect gets help from 2 women: his wife and his attorney. In ACT-2, the truth is coming out slowly. In ACT-3, quoting French poet Jean de La Fontaine about judging people based on appearances. In the end, they found the key evidence to the crime: Green Paint. In his Epilogue, E.G. Marshall first makes a suggestion on how to commit murder and the next minute, suggests we do not. The Prologue didn't connect what the story was about. And his Epilogue had no conclusion to what happens to all of the characters. What was the killer's punishment? What do Mr. & Mrs. Baker do with their bookstore? Does the female lawyer keep in touch with her client? I think Sam Dann and E.G. Marshall missed that part. But anyway, moving on. The music with its dramatic tunes worked perfectly. The sound effects had less to work with however. We heard doors and doorbells, court room murmurs, and a gavel banging. No sound effect was used in the 2nd Act at all. The one thing that was truly marvelous in this Dramatic tale, was the cast: Kim Hunter (as Adelaide Gordon), Robert Dryden (as the Sheriff and Phil Hastings), Carol Teitel (as the Lucy Baker and the Judge), and Nat Polen (as Elmer Baker and Lou Ballentine). These 4 were superb, especially our 2 leading ladies. Carol Teitel was wonderful as the concerned and humbled wife. And Kim Hunter as the ambitious and pensive lawyer was outstanding. Truly, one of her best and unforgettable roles in the CBSRMT series. Tune in to this episode if you're a fan of Kim Hunter and/or Carol Teitel. BONUS: It has a commercial of the 1977 Buick Regal, described by Ralph Bell. Until next time…pleasant dreams.

☆☆ Good female-lawyer whodunit Columbo-type story; repetitive dialog; interesting conclusion I wanted to tell Elmer's wife Lucy, "Shut up, shut up, shut up" when she was babbling about how Elmer could have killed Bob Kirkland when the Sheriff came to arrest Elmer. Stop self-snitching on your husband Lucy! I like Carol Tietel's acting but her breathiness really gets on my nerves... *ma'am, are you all right? Do you need an inhaler?* Best quote: "You're a decent person, but you shouldn't judge everyone by your self."