Exploring the Charm of Vintage Television: "Mr. and Mrs. North"
The 1950s were a golden era for television, introducing a variety of shows that captivated audiences with their wit, charm, and suspense. Among these was the delightful series "Mr. and Mrs. North," a show that combined comedy, drama, and mystery into a sophisticated package that still holds a certain allure for classic TV enthusiasts.
"Mr. and Mrs. North" featured the adventures of a married couple living in New York City who found themselves embroiled in various crimes, often solving them before the police could. The series starred Richard Denning and Barbara Britton, whose on-screen chemistry and banter contributed significantly to the show's success.
One notable episode from this series is "Silent Butler," which aired in December 1952. The plot revolves around the Norths' new butler, Oliver, who brings more than just his luggage into their lives. He's entangled in an affair with a married maid next door, and when her husband is found dead, Oliver becomes the prime suspect. The episode is a perfect example of the show's ability to blend humor with suspense, creating a narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
The episode "Silent Butler" can be found on various online platforms, allowing new generations to discover the charm of "Mr. and Mrs. North." It's a testament to the timeless nature of well-crafted storytelling and the enduring appeal of classic television shows.
For those interested in diving into the world of "Mr. and Mrs. North," the series offers a window into the past, reflecting the societal norms and aesthetics of the 1950s. It's an opportunity to appreciate the early days of television, where each episode was crafted with care and aimed to provide pure entertainment.
Whether you're a fan of vintage television or just looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, "Mr. and Mrs. North" is a series that deserves a spot on your watchlist. Its blend of mystery, humor, and drama is sure to delight and intrigue, proving that some stories truly are timeless.
The 1950s were a golden era for television, introducing a variety of shows that captivated audiences with their wit, charm, and suspense. Among these was the delightful series "Mr. and Mrs. North," a show that combined comedy, drama, and mystery into a sophisticated package that still holds a certain allure for classic TV enthusiasts.
"Mr. and Mrs. North" featured the adventures of a married couple living in New York City who found themselves embroiled in various crimes, often solving them before the police could. The series starred Richard Denning and Barbara Britton, whose on-screen chemistry and banter contributed significantly to the show's success.
One notable episode from this series is "Silent Butler," which aired in December 1952. The plot revolves around the Norths' new butler, Oliver, who brings more than just his luggage into their lives. He's entangled in an affair with a married maid next door, and when her husband is found dead, Oliver becomes the prime suspect. The episode is a perfect example of the show's ability to blend humor with suspense, creating a narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
The episode "Silent Butler" can be found on various online platforms, allowing new generations to discover the charm of "Mr. and Mrs. North." It's a testament to the timeless nature of well-crafted storytelling and the enduring appeal of classic television shows.
For those interested in diving into the world of "Mr. and Mrs. North," the series offers a window into the past, reflecting the societal norms and aesthetics of the 1950s. It's an opportunity to appreciate the early days of television, where each episode was crafted with care and aimed to provide pure entertainment.
Whether you're a fan of vintage television or just looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, "Mr. and Mrs. North" is a series that deserves a spot on your watchlist. Its blend of mystery, humor, and drama is sure to delight and intrigue, proving that some stories truly are timeless.
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00:00Mr. and Mrs. North, starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
00:30Mr. and Mrs. North, starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
01:00Time to get up, Mr. North. Time to go to work. Up we get.
01:13Okay, okay.
01:22What time is it?
01:24Time to get up.
01:30Oh, she's done it again.
01:33Who's done what?
01:34That confounded Millie. She's forgotten it's Sunday, my one day to sleep.
01:38I'll go back to bed.
01:39I will not, not until she's fired.
01:42Jerry, you can't fire Millie.
01:43Okay, you fire her.
01:45But darling, she's so old and helpless.
01:47That's the trouble. She's losing her mind.
01:49This is the fifth Sunday in succession that she's dragged me out of bed.
01:52Well, she doesn't mean to. I guess one day just seems like another to Millie.
01:56Now, Pam, she's got to go.
01:59All right. Go ahead and tell her.
02:01That's your job.
02:02Nothing of the kind. You're the head of the house.
02:04Yeah, only when there's something unpleasant to be done.
02:06Oh, darling, I haven't the heart. You're much more forceful than I am. You do it.
02:10Well, it's high time you learned to be forceful. You do it.
02:14I do it myself. I quit.
02:17Millie, you can't. He didn't mean it. Honestly, he didn't.
02:20I did so. Besides, you have no right to snoop.
02:24I wasn't snooping. I was only listening to see if you were up.
02:29I guess I know what I'm not wanted.
02:33Now look what you've done.
02:35What I've been wanting to do for weeks.
02:37Oh, listen, Pam, this time let's get a butler, a man.
02:41I don't want to.
02:42Well, why not?
02:43I don't like men.
02:46Jerry, let's get a couple.
02:48We are a couple. We don't need another.
02:50Mrs. Wentworth next door has a couple, and she's a widow.
02:52Well, if I were Mrs. Wentworth's husband, I'd die too.
03:02These references are all they say you are, Oliver. You should do fine.
03:05I'm sure I shall prove satisfactory, ma'am.
03:07I'm sure you will too.
03:09Oh, there's just one thing. You don't get Sundays mixed up, do you?
03:13I beg your pardon, ma'am?
03:14Well, Mr. North is very particular about not being awakened on Sunday.
03:18I shall make a mental note of it, ma'am.
03:20Thank you. When can you start?
03:22Well, tomorrow, if that's satisfactory.
03:24That'll be fine. I'll see you tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.
03:29Oh, Mrs. Bentley!
03:30Oh, Mrs. North! There's nothing today.
03:33I've been out to lunch.
03:34I've just hired Oliver. He's starting tomorrow.
03:37Well, I'm sorry, Mrs. North, but there's been a mistake.
03:41I've already assigned Oliver to another position.
03:43I'd rather work for Mrs. North.
03:45We've made all the arrangements. Wages, days off, hours.
03:49Well, I'm very sorry to disappoint you, Mrs. North, but that's out of the question.
03:53What's more, I don't think Oliver would suit you.
03:55Well, why wouldn't he?
03:56He's used to working on large estates, taking care of a great many people.
04:00He's never done apartment work.
04:02Well, I'm quite sure I'm capable of taking care of you and your husband, Mrs. North.
04:05There, you see? But what can I tell the people I promised him to?
04:08Tell them I decided against taking the position.
04:11I shall be there as arranged, ma'am.
04:13Goodbye, Mrs. Bentley. I'm sorry about the mix-up, but I'm sure it'll be all right.
04:16I'll expect you now.
04:18You have the address. It's just a block from here.
04:24I know why you're doing this. You want to get away from me. Don't deny it.
04:27Since you already know the truth, there's no need to deny it.
04:31Do me a favor, will you? Stay away from me.
04:40I'll serve the coffee, ma'am.
04:48Not bad. Not bad at all.
04:50After eating yourself into a coma.
04:52If we get too enthusiastic, we'll spoil him.
04:56Oh, the blessed piece of Sunday since Millie left.
05:09Hello, handsome.
05:11How are you? All finished with dinner?
05:13Helen, you know you shouldn't be here.
05:15Where's your husband?
05:16Oh, don't worry about him.
05:18He's out walking Mrs. Wentworth's dog.
05:20You know, we've got to be careful. We can't take too many chances.
05:22Too careful for one little kiss?
05:25No, a quick one. They're waiting for their coffee.
05:32Now, get back before your husband does.
05:34You know, I think I can get rid of him Thursday. I'll see you then.
05:37We'll talk about it some other time.
05:38Honestly, between a jealous husband and a cautious lover.
05:41I never have any fun.
05:45Thank you very much for lending me the storeroom key, Mr. Jameson.
05:55Up to your old tricks.
05:56Well, what business is it of yours?
05:58I could tell Mrs. North what's going on.
06:02There's nothing going on. That was the maid from the apartment next door.
06:05She came over to borrow the key to the basement storeroom.
06:07And out of gratitude for the loan, left lipstick all over your face.
06:13All right, tell Mrs. North. See where it gets you.
06:15I didn't come here to quarrel, Alfred.
06:18Well, what did you come here for?
06:20I sent you the money for your commission. What more do you want?
06:22Didn't you get my letter?
06:23Yes, I got it.
06:24Then why didn't you answer it?
06:26Because we're through.
06:28I don't believe it.
06:30Oliver, I meant what I said in that letter.
06:32I'll make you a partner in the agency.
06:35I'll do anything if you'd only come back.
06:38Well, I'd rather stay here.
06:40Any place where I don't have to look at you.
06:42Now, get out.
06:43I won't get out.
06:44You can't treat me like this.
06:46I've given you money and jobs.
06:48The best years of your life. Don't forget that one.
06:50No, I won't forget it.
06:51And don't think you can beat me like this and get away with it.
06:53Don't get hysterical. They'll hear you.
06:54I don't care.
06:56Oliver, I want you back.
06:58Please.
07:00I'd rather be dead.
07:06Maybe that can be arranged.
07:16Here.
07:21Is that what you want?
07:22You want to use that on me like you did on your late husband?
07:25How dare you bring that up?
07:26Because it's always on my mind.
07:28What I did, I did for you.
07:29That's always been your story.
07:31You even had me believing it for a while.
07:33Now, remember, no more threats.
07:35Let me remind you your last threat wasn't right.
07:42Oh, Mrs. Bentley, hello.
07:44I just dropped in to see how Oliver was doing.
07:46I hope he suits you.
07:47He couldn't be better.
07:48Even if it does spoil him.
07:50I'm so delighted, Mrs. Noah.
07:51I'm sorry to be late for the coffee, madam.
07:53I'll serve it right away.
07:54Oh, there's no hurry.
07:56I didn't know you had company.
07:58Oh, Mrs. Bentley is just leaving.
08:01Thank you for Oliver, Mrs. Bentley.
08:02I hope those other people got someone half as good.
08:09You seem to have wormed your way in with her, too.
08:14Now, get out, or do I have to put you out?
08:24I won't forget you, Oliver.
08:26Well, that's too bad.
08:27Because I've already forgotten you.
08:33You expecting company?
08:35Only you.
08:36And you're here.
08:37Are Mr. and Mrs. North in?
08:39Heaven help us, it's Mrs. Wentworth.
08:41I'll see, madam.
08:42Oh, never mind.
08:43I know they're in.
08:44The elevator boy told me.
08:46Trapped like traps in a trap.
08:48Pamela Gerald, how nice to find you in.
08:52And Mrs. Wentworth, won't you have a cup of coffee with us?
08:54Oh, no, thank you, my dear.
08:55I can always get a cup of coffee.
08:57Oh, I'm so glad to see you.
09:00Oh, no, thank you, my dear.
09:01I can only stay a moment until Abelard gets back.
09:04Abelard?
09:05Abelard, my dog.
09:06He's out walking.
09:09I should like to talk to you alone.
09:11Oh, of course.
09:12That will be all for this evening, Oliver.
09:14You may go whenever you wish.
09:15Thank you, madam.
09:16I'll tidy up the kitchen.
09:23My dears, I'm afraid I've bad news for you.
09:26The plumbing gone wrong again?
09:27Oh, no.
09:28Much worse than that.
09:29My butler's threatened to leave and take his wife with him.
09:32Oh, what a pity.
09:33But my dears, I'm afraid you'll have to let Oliver go.
09:37What?
09:38You mean so we can start out even, both without butlers?
09:41You don't understand.
09:42Edgar's threatened to quit because of Oliver.
09:45And what, may I ask, has Oliver done to Edgar?
09:49He's been carrying on with Edgar's wife, Helen.
09:52Oh, I don't believe it.
09:54Oliver isn't the type to carry on, especially with somebody's wife.
09:59Edgar saw them kissing in the hall.
10:02You want us to talk to him about that?
10:05We couldn't.
10:07Why don't you talk to Helen?
10:09It takes two to make a kiss.
10:11I've already done that.
10:12Of course she denied it.
10:13Well, then it's undoubtedly not true.
10:16Oh, that's probably Edgar now.
10:18He promised to let me know the moment Avalard came home.
10:24Is Mrs. Wentworth in?
10:26Coming, Edgar.
10:28You watch your step with Helen or I'll...
10:30Thank you, Edgar.
10:32Good night, Pamela, Gerald.
10:35You will do what I ask, won't you?
10:47Will there be anything else?
10:50Could we speak to you for a moment, Oliver?
10:53Why, of course, madam.
10:55Well, you see, it's this way...
11:00Well, Mrs. Wentworth has some crazy idea.
11:03Absolutely ridiculous.
11:05Well, she has an idea that you and...
11:07I don't believe a word of it.
11:09Pam.
11:10Well, it seems that Edgar, that's Mrs. Wentworth's butler...
11:14He thinks you're carrying on.
11:16Carrying on, madam?
11:18You know, carrying on.
11:21I'm afraid I don't.
11:23He suspects you, and what's her name?
11:25Mrs. Edgar.
11:27Oh, madam, sir.
11:29I hardly know the lady.
11:31You see, Jerry hardly knows her.
11:34Well, I didn't say he did.
11:36Perhaps I can explain, if I may say so, from the backstairs gossip,
11:40that Mr. Jenkins, Edgar, that is,
11:44is an intensely jealous person.
11:46If his wife so much as talks to another man,
11:49he suspects the worst.
11:51Isn't that awful?
11:53Some husbands never learn.
11:55I think we'd better forget it ever came up.
11:58Well, thank you, sir.
12:00Good night, madam.
12:01Good night, Oliver.
12:07What's the idea of making me the heavy?
12:09Well, darling, I was just trying to help.
12:11You men have such evil minds.
12:13Well, that's better than not having any mind at all.
12:33North Residence, Oliver speaking.
12:35Hello, this is Mr. North's relief secretary.
12:40Mr. North asked me to phone and tell you
12:42that he would like some insurance papers
12:44that are kept in the basement storeroom.
12:47They're in a wooden file.
12:50Yes.
12:51Yes, you'll find them there.
12:53And Mr. North would like to have you bring them
12:55to his office sometime this morning.
12:57Yes, I will.
13:00Goodbye.
13:09Goodbye.
13:39Goodbye.
14:09Goodbye.
14:10Goodbye.
14:40Excuse me, madam.
14:42Yes, Oliver?
14:43I just had a phone call from your husband's office.
14:45He wanted me to bring him some insurance papers
14:47from a file in the basement storeroom.
14:49Well, I've just been down there,
14:50and I don't see any sign of a file.
14:52That's odd.
14:53I don't remember us ever having a file.
14:55I'll phone Jerry and find out.
14:57Oh, wait a minute.
14:59We have some papers in an old trunk down there.
15:01They must be in there.
15:03The trunk key is on the kitchen counter.
15:05I'll go and get it.
15:06Never mind, Oliver.
15:07I'm going down to my husband's office.
15:09I'll take the papers.
15:10Oh, but you mustn't go into the storeroom, madam.
15:12Why not?
15:13It's very dusty down there.
15:15You'll spoil your dress.
15:17Then I'll get my husband to buy me a new one.
15:36I'll get it.
16:07Who's there?
16:11Let me out!
16:13Let me out!
16:27Help!
16:28Help!
16:29Let me out!
16:30Help!
16:31Help!
16:32Help!
16:35Pam!
16:36Oh, Pam!
16:39Mrs. North isn't in, sir.
16:41Oh, hello, Oliver.
16:42Any idea where she is?
16:44Well, she said she'd be home at 5.
16:46It's almost 6.30, and we're going out tonight.
16:49Well, I don't know where she went after she left your office, sir.
16:53My office?
16:54Mrs. North wasn't at my office.
16:56Well, that's odd, sir.
16:58She said she was going to bring you those insurance papers.
17:01What papers?
17:03Well, your relief secretary phoned me this morning
17:05and said you wanted some insurance papers from a file in the basement storeroom.
17:09Well, I couldn't find them, so Mrs. North went down to look for them.
17:12Now, wait a minute.
17:13I didn't have any relief secretary this morning, and I didn't ask for any papers.
17:17When was the last time you saw Mrs. North?
17:19Why, this morning, sir, when she left to go down to the storeroom.
17:23Come on, we're going down.
17:24Just a minute, sir.
17:25I'll get the keys.
17:26Well, let's go out the back way.
17:32Oh, Pam!
17:33Oh, Jerry!
17:47Lieutenant Wigand, it's as clear as can be.
17:50This man murdered poor Edgar because he wanted to carry on with that war.
17:54That's not true.
17:55Of course it is.
17:56Now, just a moment.
17:57A knife was missing from your kitchen.
17:59You had the motive, the weapon, and the opportunity.
18:01You could very easily have followed him down to the storeroom.
18:03By the way, did you send him down there?
18:05Yes.
18:06I wanted him to bring up a traveling case for Abelard.
18:09Huh?
18:10My dog.
18:11Oh.
18:12What about the phone call from Jerry's office?
18:14That's why Oliver went down, not to follow anybody.
18:17Well, since the phone call didn't come from your husband's office,
18:19it might have been made up by Oliver.
18:21Well, I assure you, sir, someone did phone.
18:23Of course they did.
18:24Why, Oliver even came back and told me he couldn't find the file.
18:27Then when I wanted to go look for the papers...
18:32Go on, Pam.
18:34Well, Oliver wanted to look for them.
18:36He didn't want me to get my dress soiled.
18:38He didn't want you to find the body.
18:39If you're so sure I did it, sir, why don't you arrest me?
18:42Oh, no.
18:43You can't.
18:44You mustn't.
18:45Well, I guess that proves who's the murderer.
18:48She probably put him up to it.
18:50Oh, now, I wouldn't jump to conclusions, Mrs. Wentworth.
18:52You better come along with me.
18:53I want to ask you a few more questions in private.
18:57Do you mind?
18:58All right, go ahead.
19:07Jerry.
19:08Mrs. Bentley.
19:09Who?
19:10Mrs. Bentley, the woman that runs the employment agency.
19:14She didn't want me to hire Oliver.
19:16Sounds like an intelligent woman.
19:19She was in the kitchen.
19:21She could have taken the knife.
19:23And killed the butler from next door.
19:25The agency business can't be that bad.
19:30Come on, now, go to sleep.
19:34Darling.
19:36I'm hungry.
19:37Do you want to raid the icebox?
19:38I do not.
19:39I want to sleep.
19:41Well, I'll be right back.
19:44Any other woman couldn't eat for a week.
19:46Not you.
19:48A murder and you get...
20:18A murder and you get...
20:19A murder and you get...
20:49Yes, Mrs. Bentley.
20:50I should have listened to you all along.
20:52Well, I did my best to keep you from taking Oliver.
20:54Just remember that.
20:55Oh, I do.
20:56I do.
20:57It was just my stubborn streak.
20:59But, of course, you didn't tell me he was a murderer.
21:02But then how are you to know?
21:03You just have to take people on faith, don't you, Mrs. Bentley?
21:06Oh, dear, I wish they'd find that knife and solve this case.
21:10I'm so upset.
21:12The knife?
21:13Oh, didn't you know?
21:15They never found it.
21:17They think the murderer took it.
21:19Of course, I have my own theory.
21:22Do you, Mrs. North?
21:24Yes.
21:25I think it's still in the basement.
21:27I called Lieutenant Wigand and he said they'd come over this afternoon and look for it again.
21:32Oh, but that isn't our problem, is it, Mrs. Bentley?
21:35Well, goodbye, Mrs. Bentley.
21:37Goodbye.
21:47Goodbye.
22:18Goodbye.
22:19Goodbye.
22:47Looking for something, Mrs. Bentley?
23:05So it's a trap.
23:06Where's the knife?
23:07Come on, where is it?
23:08Probably where you hid it.
23:09No, it's not.
23:10There's no knife here.
23:11But there's a murderer, isn't there, Mrs. Bentley?
23:14What are you talking about?
23:16The letter you wrote Oliver.
23:18I read it.
23:19You threatened his life if he wouldn't come back to you.
23:21Well, you'll never live to tell anyone about it, Mrs. North.
23:39You killed the wrong man, didn't you, Mrs. Bentley?
23:42You wanted to kill Oliver, but it was dark and when you saw a white coat, you plunged a knife into it.
23:46Well, there won't be any mistake about it this time, Mrs. North, and we don't even need a knife.
23:52And don't bother to scream, Mrs. North, because nobody's going to hear you.
24:08Pam!
24:10Are you all right?
24:14I lost my voice.
24:21Time to get up, Mr. North.
24:24Time to go to work.
24:26Up you go.
24:28Okay, okay.
24:42What time is it?
24:45It's Sunday again.
24:50Well, at least she's not a butler.
25:19Mr. and Mrs. North is directed by Ralph Francis Murphy.
25:23A John W. Loveden production.
25:27Produced by Federal Telefilms.
25:30Starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning, featuring Francis DeSales.
25:47This has been a film presentation.