The (Mystery) Casebook of Edward Gorey

In 1979, WGBH Boston’s PBS broadened its Masterpiece Theatre British programming with a new television anthology series called Mystery! Edward Gorey’s illustrations were licensed for use by animators to create a short opening title sequence featuring art and characters inspired by Gorey’s work. Actor Vincent Price, one of the hosts of Mystery! from 1981-1989, claimed to be talking to viewers from “Gorey Manor” whose set design was influenced by the illustrator’s creations. The immense popularity of the series gave Gorey another commercial success and remains one of his most iconic works. A few of Gorey’s books influencing this long running series include The Awdrey-Gore Legacy, The Dwindling Party, and The West Wing.