The Snoop Sisters

"The Snoop Sisters" starred Helen Hayes, Mildred Natwick, Lou Antonio, and Bert Convy. Unfortunately, it never attracted an audience. Like the later, much better "Ellery Queen," it was about ten years too early. The golden ager TV boom - the breakout hits "The Golden Girls" and "Murder, She Wrote" didn't happen until a decade later.

"The Snoop Sisters" sported some fabulous guest stars and was silly as all get-out. Because it was forced into a 90-minute time slot, it seems slow. The obviousness of the murders on "Murder, She Wrote," didn't stop it from becoming a hit, however, so it's unlikely that was the real problem with "The Snoop Sisters." Like MSW, it relied heavily on style instead of substance and taken on that basis, it was an entertaining series.

With formidable and adorable stars like Hayes and Natwick, it's a shame that this series appeared on TV when it did. Timing, as they say, is everything.

I remember the Alice Cooper episode very well. He sang "Sick Things". Quite an unexpected treat for young Cooper fans.

No finer ladies ever graced the TV. Classy dressers, sophisticated and just charming. Indeed ahead of their time. Numerous guest appearances but the best was their driving skills. Hahahahaha.

I remember watching this show as a wee tot with my grandfather and it stayed with me for decades. Rediscovered it a few years ago on DVD and shared the experience with my mother shortly before her passing. She had never seen them and loved them as much as I did.

The Snoop Sisters was part of the rotating wheel of mystery movies that aired on Wednesdays along with Banacek, Tenafly and a few others. Despite being the most critically acclaimed of this lot and with both lead actresses snagging Emmy nominations (with one of them winning), only Banacek featuring a humorless George Peppard was chosen to continue.

The Snoop Sisters are Ernesta and Gwendolyn ("G"), played by the First Lady of the Stage Helen Hayes and the glorious Mildred Natwick. Ernesta is a bestselling mystery writer and Gwendolyn functions as her assistant. Both of them end up embroiling themselves in various murder mysteries, much to the consternation of their police detective nephew Bert Convy and frazzled chauffeur Lou Antonio.

The show is actually ahead of its time and was obviously the precursor for the later success of Murder She Wrote. Hayes and Natwick have a sparkling chemistry and every moment with them is a delight. The steady roster of stars from the Golden Age making guest appearances - including Walter Pidgeon, Geraldine Page, Vincent Price, Paulette Goddard, Jill Clayburgh, Art Carney, etc. - is also a plus.

I am a sucker for shows which feature older people who have a zest for life and don't act like the grim reaper is perched on their shoulder. Watching Hayes and Natwick banter, run scams, outwit murderers and keep ahead of the police is wonderful. Their light touch with the comedy and the precise plots are highlights.

A show in definite need of rediscovery. Most people have never heard of it, but those that do invariably think highly of it.

As in the classic Olympics of yesteryear before today's crass sellouts where 10s are a dime a dozen, in classic understatement I never give 10s, so don't let my "9" fool you, as it's the highest I give. I was glad to see both Hayes & Natwick nominated for an Emmy for this show (1974?) but was sad it had to go to just the latter. Having seen all the episodes I can vouch for how their brilliant & intuitive tag-team acting and repartee is just outstanding. As some have said, they were evidently ahead of their time to a sadly unappreciative audience undeserving of them. If you ever have the chance to get the DVDs, take it; you'll be glad you did, seeing these two classic gems shine easily carrying their lesser costars, growing not just older but better. The great Hayes didn't gain the title "First Lady of the American Theater" for nothing, and outstanding Natwick is surely her peer!