

The Trials of O'Brien
The Trials of O'Brien is a 1965 television series starring Peter Falk as a sordid Shakespeare-quoting lawyer and featuring Elaine Stritch as his secretary and Joanna Barnes as his ex-wife. The series ran for only 22 episodes. Among its guest stars: Milton Berle, Robert Blake, David Carradine, Faye Dunaway, Britt Ekland, Tammy Grimes, Buddy Hackett, Gene Hackman, Frank Langella, Angela Lansbury, Cloris Leachman, Roger Moore, Rita Moreno, Estelle Parsons, Joanna Pettet, Brock Peters, Tony Roberts and Martin Sheen. Falk often said that he actually liked this financially unsuccessful series much better than his later smash-hit Columbo.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short-lived dramatic series followed the professional and personal life of J. Parker "Duke" O'Brien, a successful lawyer in New York City. Each episode typically saw O'Brien taking on a new case, often involving complex legal and ethical dilemmas, while also dealing with his personal relationships and the challenges of his high-profile career. The show explored themes of justice, morality, and the intricacies of the legal system.
Critical Reception
The series received mixed reviews during its brief run. While some critics appreciated its mature storylines and Peter Lawford's performance, others found the plots to be somewhat formulaic and the character development lacking. It struggled to find a consistent audience, leading to its cancellation after only one season.
What Reviewers Say
- Lawford's charm was a highlight, but the show often lacked narrative depth.
- Competent legal drama that failed to stand out in a crowded television landscape.
- Episodes offered interesting ethical quandaries but were often resolved too neatly.
Google audience: Audience reception data for 'The Trials of O'Brien' is scarce, making it difficult to ascertain specific likes or dislikes. However, its limited run suggests it did not resonate broadly with viewers at the time.
Fun Fact
The series was filmed in New York City, a rarity for television dramas of that era which often favored Hollywood studios.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources