The two season drama series "Petrocelli" may not have the length of the earlier "Perry Mason" or the later "L.A. Law" but for those who watched it during its run have not forgotten it. This pilot movie indicates why it got the green light to be brought back weekly, and if what is on screen here refects the writing of the series, this could have easily have run longer with the excellent performances of leads Barry Newman and Susan Howard, playing his wife several seasons before she went onto her long running role on "Dallas".
Petrocelli's first case involves wealthy widow Stefanie Powers (pre-"Hart to Hart"), accused of killing husband Jon Cypher by pushing him over a balcony. The case is big news and even causes Newman and Howard to be stalked, resulting in tragedy. Witnesses reveal that the late husband was involved in several affairs and seemed to be lying to various mistresses. The standard cheating husband angle is a bit more complicated, so there are some great twists and turns. Highly worth seeing with great tension and fascinating characters.
Petrocelli's first case involves wealthy widow Stefanie Powers (pre-"Hart to Hart"), accused of killing husband Jon Cypher by pushing him over a balcony. The case is big news and even causes Newman and Howard to be stalked, resulting in tragedy. Witnesses reveal that the late husband was involved in several affairs and seemed to be lying to various mistresses. The standard cheating husband angle is a bit more complicated, so there are some great twists and turns. Highly worth seeing with great tension and fascinating characters.