The Golden Spiders: A Nero Wolfe Mystery
dir. Bill Duke (A&E Networks, 2000)
The feature-length film that spawned the TV series. All the elements are present in this first outing, albeit Maury Chaykin’s embodiment of Wolfe is comparatively understated. Saul Rubinek, relegated to cameos in later instalments, makes the most of his extra screen time.
Nero Wolfe, Series 2
(A&E, 2002)
Hutton and Chaykin really hit their straps in Series 2, mystery taking a back seat to larger-than-life personalities. Again, one-off characters are played by a repertory cast, the presence of which, once the viewer acclimatises, affords a further theatrical overlay to proceedings.
Nero Wolfe, Series 1
(A&E, 2001)
These adaptations are a bit of a muddle, plot-wise (and several of the actors reappear playing different characters!), but Timothy Hutton and Maury Chaykin carry the programme as Archie Goodwin and the titular detective Nero Wolfe. Bill Smitrovich is also good value.