First of all, the cast is great with Stefanie Powers (as the gorgeous Jennifer Hart), Robert Wagner (as the self made millionaire, Jonathan Hart) and Lionel Stander (as the gruff but lovable butler/chauffeur/chef and side-kick, Max). Max introduced the show each week, wherein he explained to the audience that when the two Hart's met it was "Moider". The adorably cute dog, Freeway, is the pampered pooch and Hart Family mascot.
Together, these two Bel-Aire denizens go on to solve crimes on a weekly basis. It would seem that after having a hundred of your friends and acquaintances suddenly or mysteriously die, you'd be hard pressed to have much in way of a social life. But they did, and a glorious social life it was. And it was always so much fun to watch. The stories were mostly trite, but the Hart's were always able to make them amusing. Each episode has some great guest stars ala Love Boat and Fantasy Island, so you are never bored with the same cast over and over as some other shows have. The murders were, as I recall, nothing too gory so it's a show that is suitable to watch with your mother.
The thing that always made the show stand out from the others was the genuine affection that the two leading stars had for one another. Not that I am suggesting that there was any hanky-panky going on between Stefanie and Robert, but one could always tell that behind closed doors Jennifer and Jonathan had a very healthy sex life. The kissing was always fun and flirtatious. And in each and every episode my friends and I were always waiting for Jennifer to shout out "JooooooooooNathaaaaaNN!!!!". The night in shining armor (Jonathan Hart) was always there to rescue his fair maiden.
The sets were always fun. With lots of glitzy late 70's and early 80's touches. Black lacquer, glossy finishes and lots of razzle dazzle (along with what I remember to be a T'ang Horse and possibly a Renoir and other blue chip paintings) could be seen inside chez Hart. The architecture of the house itself was oddly humble and subdued by today's standards. From the outside it appears to be a Byrd-type house, with lots of quaint and charming touches. Inside we find a large living room and dining room, a somewhat smallish entrance hall, a really dark kitchen (but I think they were popular back then) and lots of wood paneling and even a secret room. It is not a Spelling type Manse or in the same league as the house owned by the Clampets in The Beverly Hillbillies. Their cars (a Bentley and a Mercedes) and clothes were, I imagine, the chicest purchases one could make on Rodeo Drive.
I love this show but have only seen it in syndication (and that was a few years ago). I am so disappointed that it is still not available on DVD. Hopefully, this sad state of affairs will be rectified soon.
