Unschooled in the Game, I had never heard of the "Muzio gambit". Wikipedia explains: In the Muzio Gambit (like the similar Hamppe-Muzio gambit in a Vienna game), "white gives up a piece in the hope of establishing a powerful attack against the black kingside." The Muzio Gambit serves a metaphor for our protagonist's battle to reveal the truth behind the sinister Mr. Chessman's manipulations. From a discussion at chess.com: "The Muzio, while not really refuted, has lost much of its punch in this age of computers where defensive lines seem to appear magically out of nowhere. But it's quite a playable and exciting opening .... ... White gives up a full piece (two pieces in the Double Muzio) for tempo, development and an attack. Once you have invested that material, you crossed the Rubicon. You can not back down for a single move." ... "Of course, one must be tempermentally suited to play such an opening; it's not for everyone."

Quote: I thought this was a good mystery, with a nice creative twist at the end. Fred Gwynne is always great to have for a character as he always seems to do a fine job, no matter what the part. At one point I couldn't help but to picture Herman Munster playing chess with someone on a NYC street. Fred is one of my favorite voices on radio...esp. CBSRMT. Very vivid episode...

Another good one that wouldn't really work in this non-cold war time. But, I agree it did kinda drag a bit.