Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) One White Rose for Death (1986) User Reviews

Some very strong actors in this episode.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 27 October 2017]

Jessica accompanies Andrew Wyckham to a concert given by East German Greta Mueller, halfway through the performance, Jessica and Andrew are caught up in a case of defection. Greta's overbearing brother Franz has arranged with the help of Michael Hagarty a safe house in the British embassy where he plans for his and his sister's defection. Whilst there Hagarty's colleague Jack Kendall is found dead, clutching a white rose.

Politically this would have been more relevant in 1986 then it is today I guess, East Germany a very different place to the country of today. Tales of communism and cold war conspiracies were popular.

I enjoyed the story, quite clever, definitely well crafted, a little too political perhaps. Strong performances, Lansbury is brilliant as always. Jenny Agutter looks sensational as Margo, parading around in the white dress, she is fabulous, as is the wonderful Bernard Fox.

Len Cariou was always memorable as Hagarty, I always thought he added something to each episode he appeared in, which is more then I can say for John Glover's German accent, at times he sounds like he's from a different planet to his sister.

8/10

International Intrigue in the Disconcerted Concert Hall

[WeatherViolet · 7/10 · 16 October 2009]

This episode marks the second of seven "MSW" appearances by Len Cariou as British Agent Michael Hagarty, often to lure Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) into a web of international intrigue, through which a murder invariably occurs.

At a restaurant in Washington, DC, East German Colonel Gerhardt Brunner (Eric Braeden) scrutinizes the gathering of Briton Andrew Wyckham (Bernard Fox) and East German siblings Franz Mueller (John Glover) and Greta Mueller (Maria Mayenzet), who are scheduled to perform as instrumentalists in a forthcoming concert.

Michael Hagarty joins the table presenting himself under a pseudonym, when Jessica Fletcher enters the room, to be reunited with this Dennis person.

When Jessica informs the group that she plans to attend the concert, at which Greta performs on violin and Franz on piano, Andrew Wyckham escorts her, while Hagarty awaits backstage, to telephone British Agent Jack Kendall (Warwick Sims) to chauffeur a limousine and to meet his party before the concert hall between Acts.

A wounded Hagarty then points the barrel of his pistol to Jessica and Andrew, to enter the limousine, before it is trailed on a high speed chase across Washington, DC, toward the British Embassy, at which Hagarty has notified a trim staff to receive him for sanctuary as a British citizen, and to have resident Doctor Lynch (Michael Anderson Jr.) on hand to tend to his wounded arm.

British Embassy First Secretary Henry Claymore (Tony Bonner) and his wife, Margo Claymore (Jenny Agutter), receive their guests after the iron gate sequesters the group from East German attack. As they disembark from the limousine, it is revealed that Greta and Franz have stowed away for the purpose of defection.

Someone from their homeland had passed false information about Franz to authorities, to Greta's dismay because she's loyal to her country and family, her parents also threatened, back in East Germany.

But when Jessica cannot seem to obtain a straight answer from Hagarty, she steps outdoors to comfort the weeping Greta, who stumbles across a body near the sidewalk, holding "One White Rose for Death." British Sergeant (Julian Barnes) is on hand to investigate, as none but the ten have been able to enter nor to exit the British Embassy except for the guards at the gate.

Extra points for fine performances by Maria Mayenzet, Jenny Agutter, Tony Bonner, John Glover, Bernard Fox and Warwick Sims.

Always a Great Episode When Len Cariou Appears

[WYAdams · 8/10 · 16 June 2022]

The list of famous actors and actresses is impressive, John Glover, Bernard Fox, Len Cariou, Eric Braedon, and Jenny Agutter. Len Cariou episodes are always enjoyable; he is so dashing and suave. He also has a strong romantic interest in Jessica.

The plot, like all episodes, has an interesting twist at the end. The only problem, which is common as to be hackneyed, is ability of a dying man to have the presence of mind to grab a white rose, which surprise, surprise are the flowers growing in the garden, to identify his killer. This silly and implausible vehicle is used in far too many murder mysteries. We are expected to believe that a man who dies in a few seconds is able think clearly enough to spot the white roses and realize he can leave cryptic clue about his killer by grabbing one.

That complaint aside, this is an excellent episode, I recommend it.

Maria Mayenzet stands out in a fine guest cast

[shakspryn · 8/10 · 14 January 2021]

This is a solid episode. Among the very strong guest cast, which includes such actors as Len Cariou, Jenny Agutter, Bernard Fox and John Glover, I have to single out Maria Mayenzet. She gives a standout performance which elevates this episode. She brings a lot of warmth, humanity and deep feeling to the role. Also, she is one of the most beautiful women guest stars ever to appear on MSW! She's tremendously photogenic. I was not familiar with her work until seeing this episode. The other special factor here, is the incredibly lavish and impressive British Embassy set. I wonder if the real Embassy looks half as great as this one! This setting is just jaw-dropping in its luxury and elegance. The role of the rather pompous top Embassy official is a sort of thankless one. I think the drawback is, we've all seen this character type so often, it's hard for an actor to raise such a part above the routine. All in all, an interesting and pleasant episode, well worth watching.

Defection and murder

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 3 August 2017]

Have always been quite fond of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is a fun and relaxing watch that makes you think as you try to unwind in the evening. If one wants more complex, twisty mysteries with lots of tension and suspense 'Murder She Wrote' may not be for you, but if you want something light-hearted and entertaining but still provide good mysteries 'Murder She Wrote' fits the bill just fine.

Notable for being Michael Haggerty's second appearance after "Widow Weep for Me", the first episode of Season 2, "One White Rose for Death" is one of his best episodes and one of the better 'Murder She Wrote' dealing with the mix of defection and murder, an improvement over the still above decent previous one "Death Takes a Curtain Call" from Season 1. It is very nearly one of the best episodes of 'Murder She Wrote', though still in the top end.

If there is a nit-pick of a problem, it is John Glover's accent being somewhat of a stretch, somehow he never convinced as a German.

Haggerty however adds a huge amount to the episode and is wonderfully played by Len Cariou. The chemistry he shares with the Jessica of Angela Lansbury has always been a huge part of the charm of their episodes together, it is the same here. "One White Rose for Death" has a lot going for it, but is actually worth it for Haggerty and Jessica's chemistry alone.

Production values are high in quality as to be expected, with slick photography and a great setting that has so much colour and fun but also an equal amount of character tension under the surface. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.

Writing is tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable and the characters and chemistry are good fun. The story is hugely intriguing and is never too complicated, always being cohesive, despite touching on complicated themes to tackle.

Can't say enough good about Angela Lansbury, she is always dependable and there is a reason as to why Jessica Fletcher is one of her best-remembered roles. Len Cariou is wonderful and there are fine supporting turns from particularly the always lovely Jenny Agutter and Bernard Fox.

Overall, hugely intriguing and extremely well done episode. A high point of Season 3. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Michael's second appearance

[lucyrfisher · 1 April 2016]

Rather a lot of "English" people are involved in this episode, including Jessica's publisher who meets her at Washington airport. He is a ridiculous caricature with a huge moustache. Several plot developments later Jessica, Michael, the publisher, another secret service man, an East German violinist and her controlling brother all hole up (after a car chase) in the British embassy. Which is thinly staffed (nearly everybody is out protecting the Prime Minister) by another moustachio'd Englishman and his strange wife, played by Jenny Agutter. Before the carful of sanctuary seekers arrive, they have a very odd conversation. He: You should get some rest. She: No, I need to play my role. She's wearing a nightie. She arrived that morning. They haven't been married long. She rushes off to change - into an evening dress with an updo. She offers to make the hostages some food, and exits. Chatting to Jessica, she reveals she grew up in Africa. I expect this is going to be significant. The secret service man is found dead. Oh - Jenny Agutter has a secret! Everything is resolved, sort of. But we never find out why she donned elaborate evening dress to deal with a hostage crisis.

One white rose for death

[coltras35 · 6/10 · 24 August 2023]

Jessica receives an invitation to enjoy a magnificent evening with German violin virtuoso Greta Mueller. However, their time together takes a sharp turn when Jessica, her escort Mr. Wyckham, Greta, and Greta's brother Franz are forced into a car and subsequently sequestered in the British embassy. Reunited with agent Michael Haggarty, who has been assigned to protect Greta and Franz, Jessica finds herself struggling to sort out the international intrigue into which she has tumbled.

A serious toned episode with some political overtones, but it's fairly well crafted with strong performances and a sad ending. It's a mix of spying intrigue and mystery, all set in a mansion.

A story taken from a bygone era.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 3 November 2022]

"One White Rose for Death" is an episode that some younger folks might find confusing. Let me explain...back before the fall of the Iron Curtain, people in these various communist nations were not allowed to freely travel. Why? Because when they saw how nice life in the West was, folks often left to live in countries like the USA, the UK and France (among others). But, to do this might mean risking your life or risking imprisonment.

Jessica is going to a concert being put on at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The stars are a female violinist and her piano playing brother. However, in the middle of the concert, Jessica and her date are rushed out of the building and into a waiting limo...and are rushed to the British embassy. Why? Because the East German musicians are hidden in the trunk! And, the East German secret police are about to give chase!

So how does Jessica get to solve a murder when this is just an episode about two defectors? Well, once they are safely at the embassy, one of the embassy's residents is murdered! And, of course, Jessica does her thing.

This is a very good episode for one important reason...it's different. Considering how there is a lot of sameness to shows (after all, it ran for 12 seasons), it's nice to see an unusual plot.

"Not One Of The Better Episodes"

[carmenjulianna · 4/10 · 26 April 2022]

Ordinarily, I love "Murder She Wrote" but, when the storylines include the Michael Hagarty character, I find them too characateur...What is it with the reoccurring role of 'Michael Hagarty' played by Len Cariou? It really is a ridiculous storyline and soo Unconvincing..! Himself..being a broad Irishman, would the British Government (MI6 or MI5) use someone of his credentials as a world Spy..??? Soo Not Convinced.. He pops up in all these different locations with flimsy storylines, conveniently where there's a guarantee Jessica Fletcher is residing.

The way he always needs 'Jessica Fletcher' to pull off his scams is ridiculous and dangerous.. What kind of Spy would involve a woman of her standing in his schemes and he always seems to have no-one else he's working with.. If his character isn't known by all and sundry by now, gosh, what would the British establishment become, if it relied on characters like Michael Hagerty...He's No 'James Bond'.. (He's Certainly "Not faceless or Ordinary") as he once quoted to Jessica..