February 5, 1980. PBS demonstrated why they are sometimes known as the Petroleum and British Society, by introducing a series of British detective stories sponsored (and indeed proposed by) Mobil. One of the hits that first season was
Rumpole of the Bailey. Others that followed included
Sergeant Cribb, Inspector Morse, Prime Suspect, Foyle's War, and
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes with Jeremy Brett. Hosts: Gene Shalit, Vincent Price, and Diana Rigg. Nowadays Mystery! is part of Masterpiece. And let's not forget those wonderful Edward Gorey illustrations...
