Ep 6. The Adventure of the 12th Floor Express

Ellery Queen Season 1 Episode 6: "The Adventure of the 12th Floor Express" Description

The thrilling detective TV series, Ellery Queen, takes viewers on another mind-bending journey in Season 1, Episode 6, titled "The Adventure of the 12th Floor Express." Set in the illustrious and enigmatic city of New York during the 1940s, the episode delves into a captivating murder case that occurs within a confined space, testing the skills of the brilliant amateur detective Ellery Queen as he matches wits with a cunning and ruthless killer.

Our story begins with Ellery Queen (Jim Hutton) and his father, Inspector Richard Queen (David Wayne), attending a glamorous dinner party hosted by an influential New York socialite, Mrs. Porter (Jocelyn Brando). The event takes place inside an exclusive apartment building called the Riverton Towers, which boasts a unique feature: a "12th Floor Express," an elevator traveling exclusively between the 10th and 14th floors, accessible only to a select few.

However, this seemingly elegant gathering is quickly marred by tragedy when one of the guests, the wealthy financier Henry Morgan (R.G. Armstrong), is found dead inside the mysterious 12th-floor express elevator. The bewildering circumstances of Morgan's demise raise numerous questions about how he met his untimely end and who could be responsible for this shocking crime.

Ellery Queen is immediately swept up in the investigation, using his keen powers of deduction and encyclopedic knowledge of crime-solving to piece together the clues. As he delves deeper into the complex web of relationships and secrets among the guests, he uncovers a multitude of interesting characters. From the uptight society matron, Mrs. Hampton (Jeanette Nolan), to the suave gambler, Harold Pike (Roger C. Carmel), and the charismatic actor Victor Rossi (Michael Strong), each guest seems to possess a motive and a suspicious past.

Joined by his trusted father, Inspector Queen, and with the assistance of his loyal friend and journalist Simon Brimmer (Tom Reese), Ellery must decipher the true meaning behind cryptic notes left at the scene of the crime, uncover hidden connections, and unravel the deepest secrets of those involved. Time is of the essence, as Ellery soon discovers that the killer might strike again if not apprehended swiftly.

While piecing together this puzzling murder case, Ellery Queen becomes entangled in a web of deceit, romance, and even some daring action sequences. As he follows the twisting path of clues, the young detective's intellect and instincts are put to the ultimate test. With the tension mounting, Ellery must rely on his sharp observational skills and psychological insights to unmask the killer and bring justice to Henry Morgan's tragic death.

"The Adventure of the 12th Floor Express" is a thrilling installment of Ellery Queen that showcases the series' trademark mix of intelligent storytelling and engaging characters. The episode captures the essence of the Golden Age of detective fiction, providing viewers with a riveting murder mystery and a suspenseful ride through a bygone era. Will Ellery Queen solve the case before the killer strikes again? Tune in to find out in this gripping episode that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.