Mr. and Mrs. North (TV-1953) MODEL FOR MURDER
Exploring the Charm and Intrigue of "Mr. and Mrs. North: Model for Murder"
"Mr. and Mrs. North," a classic television series from the 1950s, epitomized the blend of comedy, drama, mystery, and romance that captivated audiences of the era. The episode "Model for Murder" is a quintessential example of this, showcasing the show's ability to weave a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The episode aired on April 13, 1954, and follows the adventures of Pam and Jerry North, a married couple with a knack for solving crimes. In "Model for Murder," Pam enrolls in a modeling school to learn poise but soon finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation. The head of the school is found murdered with a fencing épée, turning the institution into a hotbed of jealousy and intrigue.
Richard Denning and Barbara Britton star as the titular characters, bringing charm and wit to their roles. The episode is directed by Paul Landres, who skillfully navigates the twists and turns of the plot, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
"Model for Murder" is not just a murder mystery; it's a snapshot of 1950s culture. The modeling school setting provides a backdrop for exploring themes of ambition, romance, and the social dynamics of the time. The episode also highlights the role of women in society, as Pam North is not merely a bystander but an active participant in unraveling the mystery.
For fans of classic television, "Mr. and Mrs. North: Model for Murder" is a must-watch. It's a delightful journey back in time to an era when storytelling was king, and every episode promised a new adventure. Those interested in revisiting this gem can find it available through various online platforms, offering a glimpse into the golden age of television that continues to enchant new generations of viewers.
"Mr. and Mrs. North," a classic television series from the 1950s, epitomized the blend of comedy, drama, mystery, and romance that captivated audiences of the era. The episode "Model for Murder" is a quintessential example of this, showcasing the show's ability to weave a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The episode aired on April 13, 1954, and follows the adventures of Pam and Jerry North, a married couple with a knack for solving crimes. In "Model for Murder," Pam enrolls in a modeling school to learn poise but soon finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation. The head of the school is found murdered with a fencing épée, turning the institution into a hotbed of jealousy and intrigue.
Richard Denning and Barbara Britton star as the titular characters, bringing charm and wit to their roles. The episode is directed by Paul Landres, who skillfully navigates the twists and turns of the plot, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
"Model for Murder" is not just a murder mystery; it's a snapshot of 1950s culture. The modeling school setting provides a backdrop for exploring themes of ambition, romance, and the social dynamics of the time. The episode also highlights the role of women in society, as Pam North is not merely a bystander but an active participant in unraveling the mystery.
For fans of classic television, "Mr. and Mrs. North: Model for Murder" is a must-watch. It's a delightful journey back in time to an era when storytelling was king, and every episode promised a new adventure. Those interested in revisiting this gem can find it available through various online platforms, offering a glimpse into the golden age of television that continues to enchant new generations of viewers.
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00:00Mr. and Mrs. North, starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
00:30I
00:59really should ask my husband about this first.
01:02Well, that depends on how much you want to take our course, Mrs.
01:05North, and how understanding your husband is.
01:08Oh, Jerry is very understanding.
01:11But I think I better surprise him.
01:15Now, you understand, I'm not interested in becoming a professional
01:17marveled on Santiago.
01:19Of course.
01:20We have many ladies like yourself who take our course because
01:23they understand the value of training and grace and poise.
01:26Though we rarely have the pleasure of one with such natural
01:30talents.
01:31Well, thank you.
01:34Miss Loomis, we'll show you around and introduce you to some
01:37of our faculty.
01:38This way, Mrs. North.
01:45Change engagement, change again, reprieve, reprieve again, advance
01:51once more, change again, extend your arm, lunge, that's it, stretch
01:56your left leg there, stretch on that side, this stretch and the
01:59foot flat on the floor, come back on down again, that's it, now
02:01reprieve again, that's it, now advance.
02:05Robert, I'm so terribly ashamed to be coming to you again.
02:09You've helped me out so many times.
02:11Darling, if I only had it, I don't even know where I could
02:14borrow that much money.
02:17Oh, I understand.
02:18It is a lot of money.
02:21After all, mother's only six.
02:24It's not as though it were a matter of life or death.
02:26Oh, Ellen, please don't.
02:31Don't, darling.
02:33I'll get the money somehow.
02:41Reprieve again, advance now, advance once more.
02:45Mrs.
02:45North is one of our new pupils, darling.
02:47Gee, Mrs.
02:48North, if I can help you anyway, just give a yell.
02:51Only, maybe I better not.
02:53Darling, it's exactly our most promising pupil.
02:56But I'm getting better, Miss Loomis.
02:58Watch.
03:14Well, at least the book didn't fall.
03:17She's very attractive.
03:18She wants to be a fashion model, but I'm afraid we're
03:20fighting nature.
03:23Oh, do I get to do that too?
03:24Yes, of course.
03:25Both Don Santiago and I feel that fencing and ballet are
03:28an excellent foundation to give you confidence in a grace
03:31of movement.
03:32Then they learn.
03:34Parry, cast, riposte.
03:36Nine, nine, after the parry, come the riposte.
03:39The counterattack, here.
03:41Attack me.
03:42Now, first comes the parry, then comes the riposte, the
03:45counterattack.
03:46You understand?
03:47Oh, Carl.
03:48That'll be all.
03:49Carl, I'd like to have you meet someone.
03:51Mrs.
03:51North, this is Carl Werner, our fencing master.
03:54He was three weapons champion at Heidelberg.
03:56Three weapons?
03:58The foil, the bay, and the sabre.
04:00Teach me how to use one of those things?
04:02Why, of course, Mrs.
04:03North.
04:04I have never failed.
04:08Failed only once.
04:09Ah, that Darlene.
04:11Six months of lessons, and she still thinks that a beaten
04:14septeen is some new kind of boogie-woogie.
04:18Oh, Mrs.
04:18Lomond, I'm sorry.
04:19I didn't see you.
04:20Parry.
04:22I hope I didn't hurt you.
04:24Are you?
04:24Now, now, enough.
04:25Stop it.
04:26Myra, it was only an accident.
04:28She did not see you.
04:31You really should be more careful, Ellen.
04:33Even with a button tip, that foil could be dangerous.
04:40She hates me.
04:41Now, now, Ellen, don't be foolish.
04:43Myra was just upset.
04:45Oh, Carl, you know I wouldn't hurt anybody.
04:47Of course, I know that.
04:50Oh, Carl, you're so wonderfully understanding.
05:01The Mecca, into which we send the most beautiful models in the world.
05:06You've been reading your own brochure.
05:07But you don't believe in what we are...
05:09Oh, look, Santiago, stop avoiding the subject.
05:12I came here to get an advance on my salary.
05:14Yes, a rather large one.
05:16You said you needed it for...
05:17I didn't say.
05:19But if so happens, it's for Ellen.
05:21Ellen?
05:23Strange.
05:23What's so strange about it?
05:25She needs my help.
05:27No, I don't think so.
05:29You mean I don't get an advance?
05:32I mean that Ellen doesn't need your help.
05:34I mean that she doesn't need your help.
05:35I mean that Ellen doesn't need your help.
05:37And what does that mean?
05:39It's obvious that subtlety is lost on you, Robert.
05:43So let me make it very clear.
05:45In the future, whatever Ellen's problems are,
05:48I'll take care of them.
05:51You?
05:52Me.
05:54She'd prefer that.
05:56So you see, Robert,
05:57you don't need that advance after all.
06:00No.
06:01You're lying.
06:03Am I?
06:03Well, you'd better be.
06:04Ellen and I love each other.
06:06Robert.
06:07Robert, you're a good photographer and a fine teacher.
06:10But I'm afraid you've jumped to a childish conclusion
06:12because of Ellen's friendliness.
06:14The only conclusion I've jumped to is that I don't get the advance.
06:17But I'll get the money.
06:19And I'll try to come between Ellen and me.
06:21I'll... I'll...
06:22You?
06:24Kill me?
06:26Not you, Robert.
06:28You don't have the nerve.
06:33Sally, I go.
06:35You could be wrong about my nerve.
06:45What was troubling Robert?
06:47I had just delivered a short lecture on the, uh,
06:50proper relationship between the faculty and our student body.
06:53Oh?
06:54Yes, I noticed that Robert was taking a, uh,
06:57too personal interest in one of the girls.
07:00I told him that we couldn't count on us, that sort of thing.
07:03You're right.
07:04We can't.
07:06We should also have a rule, Myra,
07:09that we don't listen to doors.
07:35Yes? Come in.
07:37Excuse me, Miss Loomis.
07:38Yes?
07:40Well, Miss Loomis, I'm worried.
07:43Worried?
07:44You, darling?
07:45Oh, I know I'm typed as the happy dumb blonde,
07:47but I can still see things.
07:48Darlene, what on earth are you talking about?
07:50It's Ellen.
07:51Her playing around with the men here.
07:54I'm not just being catty, Miss Loomis.
07:55I've seen the way she operates.
07:57And believe me, if these men are to get away with it,
07:59I'm going to have to make them pay for it.
08:01I'm really greatly touched by your concern,
08:03but I'm sure we can handle the situation.
08:22Hey, Pam, will you try to fix this darn thing for me?
08:25I could...
08:27Oh, no.
08:28All right, darling, what is it? Charades?
08:30A parry and a thrust.
08:32Oh.
08:35What?
08:36Fencing talk.
08:39And the book on your head, are you trying to read it by osmosis?
08:43Poise.
08:45What?
08:48No, no, wait a minute.
08:50While the spell is broken, talk to me, darling, huh?
08:52It's very simple.
08:53I'm going to tell you a story.
08:54I'm going to tell you a story.
08:56Talk to me, darling, huh?
08:57It's very simple, Jerry. A course in modeling.
09:00Why?
09:02Don't you want a model wife?
09:04I've got a model wife.
09:06Oh, Jerry, how sweet.
09:08No, I'm not sweet.
09:09I'm curious.
09:10Or make that word.
09:12Model course, set the noise back, huh?
09:14What?
09:15How much?
09:17Oh, practically nothing.
09:20You know, Jerry, you get handsomer every day.
09:24Oh, that bad, huh?
09:27Pam, how much?
09:29A pittance, Jerry, a beggarly pittance.
09:3116 lessons for only 300.
09:33300?
09:35Dollars?
09:36Pittance?
09:37Look, a few pittances like that and we'll be the beggars.
09:40Did you pay for this course by check?
09:42Yes, this afternoon.
09:43All right, then get your hat.
09:44We're getting that check back right now.
09:46Oh, but Jerry.
09:47Your hat, girl.
09:48Look, I've gone along with a lot of things,
09:49but I'm absolutely darned if I'm going to pay $300
09:52to learn how to fence with a book on your head.
09:54Oh, no.
10:18Touché.
10:21Oh, that's enough for tonight, Carl.
10:23I'm too rusty to be much competition.
10:25You're always competition.
10:26Oh, you are always gallant.
10:28I'll be in the office.
10:29I have some paperwork to do before evening classes.
10:54Here, Ellen.
10:55This will help a little.
10:56Oh, Carl.
10:58I can't tell you how much I appreciate this.
11:01What's money when your mother is ill?
11:04Most important is that she get well.
11:06Yes.
11:07And now, thanks to you, I'll be able to take care of her.
11:10Yes.
11:11And soon, perhaps, I will have enough money
11:14to take care of you both.
11:19But, Jerry, the school teaches a lot of things
11:21besides walking the book on your head.
11:26Uh-huh.
11:27Hi, there.
11:28This is Darlene.
11:29Her posture's bad.
11:30Oh.
11:31It is.
11:32What?
11:33I mean, it is.
11:36Oh, men, you're all alike.
11:38Now, where is this Johnson?
11:40Why, what goes?
11:45Jerry, are you all right?
11:48Oh, I guess so.
11:51Gee, they didn't have to get that mad
11:53just because I wanted the check back.
11:55Oh.
11:56Seriously, any idea who that was
11:58or what this was about?
11:59Well, a fencing outfit.
12:01He came from the office, I think.
12:03The office.
12:05I better go see what it was
12:07he was so anxious to get away from.
12:21Oh!
12:22Don Santiago.
12:28Gizzy.
12:37Police headquarters.
12:39Enemy homicide.
12:40Lieutenant Wagon, please.
12:45Wagon speaking.
12:47Oh, hello, Jerry.
12:48What's on your mind?
12:51What?
12:52On the level?
12:54Okay, hang on.
12:56Just got a report of a homicide.
12:58Where?
12:59Don Santiago School for Models
13:01in the Morgan building.
13:02Get a wagon out there right away.
13:04Garage?
13:05Yes, sir.
13:06Lieutenant Wagon, bring my car around.
13:08Right.
13:09You still there, Jerry?
13:11Yeah.
13:12Look, can you identify the body?
13:16Okay, hang on.
13:18Identification files?
13:20Yes, sir.
13:21Check on a man by the name of Santiago.
13:23Don Santiago.
13:25Right.
13:28Jerry, will you answer me one question?
13:31How do you and Pam do it?
13:49Oh!
13:55Foil.
13:58Strange weapon to find in a modeling school, isn't it?
14:01Our curriculum includes fencing.
14:03But that's an epee, not a foil.
14:05Uh-huh.
14:07Pam said the killer was in a fencing costume.
14:10That narrows it down to someone in this school.
14:13Is anyone missing who was around earlier?
14:15No, no one.
14:16Uh-huh.
14:18How much money was taken?
14:20$5,000, perhaps a little more.
14:23It was in a flat metal strong box.
14:26Eh, that's a lot of money.
14:28Well, it was from a business transaction.
14:30The sale of some bonds.
14:32I'd been paid in cash and hadn't had time to get to the bank.
14:35Now, apparently, Don Santiago had the safe open when the killer came in.
14:39He saw the money and took it the hard way with this epee.
14:44Which doesn't look too easy to handle.
14:46Oh, it is for Miss Loomis.
14:47She was a state champion.
14:51It doesn't take a champion to run through a defenseless man.
14:54All it takes is a killer.
15:04You're the expert in these matters, I understand, Mr. Werner.
15:06Now, what can you tell me about the weapon that was used to kill Don Santiago?
15:09You may as well know now.
15:11It was my own personal epee.
15:13A dueling epee I've had ever since Heidelberg.
15:16It must have been stolen from my locker.
15:18It was stolen.
15:19I didn't kill him.
15:21No one's accusing you, Mr. Werner.
15:23I'll bet it was Ellen who took it.
15:25She takes everything else that doesn't belong to her.
15:28That's a lie.
15:29Ask any of the girls why we started locking our lockers.
15:32You!
15:35You!
15:36Hey, wait a minute.
15:38Come on.
15:39Break it up.
15:41Get out of there.
15:45All right.
15:46Now, come on, girls.
15:47Break it up.
15:48Break it up.
15:50I'm sorry, but I thought you ought to know the truth about her.
15:54Ellen, please.
15:59I'm sorry, Lieutenant.
16:01All right, now, all of you just be patient until I call a searching crew.
16:04And as soon as they get here, have a look around.
16:06You can all go home.
16:07Just make sure you are patient.
16:09I want your men stationed out in the hall and downstairs in the lobby.
16:11I hope this will not take too long.
16:13Not any longer than necessary, Mr. Werner.
16:16And in the meantime, I'd like to have a look at that locker where you kept the epee.
16:20All right, that's all for now.
16:23Be right with you.
16:24How's your head, Jerry?
16:25Hard, thank goodness.
16:27Bill, I have an idea.
16:28Stop right there.
16:29But I...
16:30Pam, do you have any facts to add to what you already told me?
16:33Well, not exactly facts, but can't I...
16:35No, you can't.
16:37Pam, this time I want you and Jerry to stay out of trouble.
16:39And stay out of my hair.
16:41Well, Bill Wigand, if you think...
16:42I think you're going to the office with Miss Loomis.
16:45I'll join you there later, and you can tell me your ideas then.
16:47But Bill, the murderer may get away with all this.
16:49Oh, no, the killer didn't have time to get rid of the money.
16:51Now, we'll find it.
16:53And when we do, we'll have the killer.
16:56Come on, Pam.
16:59Thank you, Bill.
17:00My pleasure.
17:01Oh.
17:04All right, let's go.
17:08Ellen.
17:09Hmm?
17:10I know who killed Santiago.
17:12Do you?
17:13Ellen, don't you understand?
17:15I saw you.
17:16You saw me?
17:18But I didn't...
17:19I saw you leave his office with a strong box.
17:22Ellen, you've got to let me help you.
17:24Oh, Robert.
17:26I did take the money, but only to help out Daddy.
17:30Santiago gave it to me, Robert.
17:32I didn't kill him.
17:34Robert, you must believe me.
17:35I didn't kill him.
17:36I didn't even want to take the money,
17:38but I had to think of Daddy, and you didn't...
17:41I mean, you couldn't.
17:43Sure, Ellen.
17:45But I think we'd better give the money back to Miss Loomis.
17:47No, we can't.
17:49Robert, darling, don't you see?
17:52To admit that I have the money
17:53would make me be arrested for the murder.
17:55Oh, but...
17:56If you really want to help me, there's another way.
17:59I'll tell you.
18:02If you really want to help me, there's another way.
18:04Anything, you know that, darling.
18:06Then listen.
18:07Take the money out of here
18:09before the police have a chance to make the search.
18:11What? But I can't.
18:12You heard Lieutenant Wagon.
18:13He has men stationed.
18:14Well, then take it downstairs and hide it till later.
18:17Oh, please, try.
18:19All right, I'll try, darling.
18:21Only you'll have to help me.
18:22I can't.
18:25I have been wondering, Lieutenant.
18:27Will my pay be returned?
18:29True, being Exhibit A in a murder trial.
18:31Good.
18:32You may rest assured that I will never,
18:34never let it out of my sight again.
18:36Yeah, someone may get hurt with it.
18:39Come on, now's our chance.
18:43You stay here.
18:44I'll get the money.
18:45If anyone comes, call in to me to hurry.
19:00Ellen, hurry it up.
19:11Dear, be careful.
19:14You stay here.
19:15And Ellen, it's gonna be all right.
19:18Oh, Robert, you're such a fine person.
19:22And so brave.
19:30Just a minute, Mr. Hastings.
19:32What's in the bundle?
19:33Nothing.
19:34Nothing, huh?
19:35Let's see.
19:36A strong box.
19:38You're my boy.
19:48Lieutenant Wagon, he wants you.
19:51Did you hear what I said?
19:52Lieutenant Wagon wants to see you in the office.
19:54That's right, officer.
19:55I want you in here and bring that man with you.
20:00Yes.
20:02Here, I'll take this now.
20:04Let's go back into the office, Mr. Hastings.
20:07Personally, I can hardly wait to open this.
20:10Come on.
20:16All right, let's go in the office.
20:30This is it?
20:31The missing cash box?
20:32Have you a key for it?
20:50A check made out to Don Santiago, signed by Pam North.
20:55It's too bad you didn't have the opportunity to see it.
20:58It's too bad you didn't have the opportunity to open the box and dispose of the check.
21:02Five thousand dollars, more or less, might have taken a little explanation on your part.
21:05I have nothing to explain.
21:07You mean you're willing to stand accused of the murder of Don Santiago?
21:12You'd be willing to sign a confession?
21:15What would you say?
21:16I'm interested.
21:19I needed money.
21:21I see.
21:23You sneaked in the office, cracked the safe.
21:25Santiago came in, you let him have it with your pay.
21:27But Bill, he couldn't.
21:28Please, Pam.
21:30Is that how it was done?
21:33You had no accomplice.
21:34You did this all by yourself.
21:37Robert, forget there's been a murder.
21:40Forget the money.
21:42Do you know that you could be arrested for what you're doing right now?
21:45I...
21:46What do you mean?
21:47You're lying, Hastings, through your pearly teeth.
21:49And I want to know why. Who are you protecting?
21:51I'm not lying, I swear I...
21:52Stop it!
21:53Before I validate your confession by making you open that safe where the money was kept.
21:57Could you do it?
21:59All right.
22:00Now, who was in this with you?
22:01Who would be wearing a fencing costume?
22:04And who would kill within a pay?
22:14Going somewhere, Ellen?
22:16Well, I saw the police had arrested Robert, so...
22:19So I thought it'd be all right.
22:21All right for his accomplice to slip away?
22:23But I'm not his accomplice.
22:25Oh, Robert tried, darling.
22:26Give the wretched lad credit. He did his best to protect you.
22:30But that police lieutenant kept hammering at him.
22:33He's beginning to crack, Ellen.
22:35He'll be talking soon.
22:37And you know what he'll say.
22:39But he can't. I...
22:40I didn't kill him.
22:42You didn't, Ellen?
22:43Really?
22:44Don't you expect the police to believe that
22:46when Robert tells him you gave him the money box stolen from the safe?
22:49How do you know that?
22:51Unless...
22:52Unless Don Santiago told me he'd given you the money.
22:54He did.
22:56He told me all about it, Ellen.
22:57How the two of you were going away.
22:59The West Coast, wasn't it?
23:01You killed him.
23:02Naturally.
23:04But then that's our secret, Ellen.
23:05Just between us girls.
23:08We girls can keep a secret when we're dead.
23:14And you're going to be dead.
23:16They'll know.
23:17They'll know you did it.
23:18Of course, I want them to.
23:20After all, there's some honor in capturing a...
23:22A murderess.
23:23An armed murderess.
23:25Dead or alive.
23:27Especially when she tries to slash her way past me.
23:29Jerry, no!
23:35You came to this school to learn, Mrs. North.
23:37You shall.
23:38Jerry!
23:40Jerry!
23:42Jerry!
23:44Jerry!
23:46Miss Loomis, drop that knife.
23:52She turned the blade.
23:54Drove it against herself.
23:56Jerry, get her on the phone.
23:57Get a doctor and ambulance here right away.
24:06You mean I'm...
24:07I'm not going to die?
24:09Not this way, Miss Loomis.
24:14Jerry, where did you put that magazine?
24:16Oh, no!
24:17No!
24:18What do you mean, oh, no?
24:19Don't you want a model husband?
24:21Jerry, I have news for you.
24:23Huh?
24:24What?
24:25Well...
24:27You know how you like to go all day Sundays without shaving?
24:30Yeah.
24:31You hang on to all your old clothes,
24:33wear them whenever you can sneak out of the house in them.
24:35Yeah.
24:36You never hang anything up, never put anything away.
24:39And you don't have to worry about me.
24:41You never put anything away.
24:43And you rave about what other women wear and never notice my hats.
24:46Well...
24:48Well?
24:49Well, that's the model of the husband I married.
24:52Spoiled.
24:53Mm-hmm.
24:54What's Mom going to keep you that way?
25:12Mr. & Mrs. North is directed by Paul Landers.
25:16Produced by John W. Loveden.
25:20A John W. Loveden Production.
25:23Starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
25:26Featuring Frances DeSales.
25:41© BF-WATCH TV 2021