Hart to Hart is an American mystery television series that premiered on August 25, 1979, on ABC. The show stars Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers as Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, respectively, a wealthy couple who lead a glamorous jetset lifestyle and regularly find themselves working as unpaid detectives in order to solve crimes in which they become embroiled. The series was created by novelist and television writer Sidney Sheldon. The series ended after five seasons on May 22, 1984, but was followed by eight made-for-television movies, from 1993 to 1996.
Premise[]
The premise of the show is summed up in the opening credits sequence, narrated by Max, the Harts' majordomo (Lionel Stander), as he introduces the characters:
This is my boss — Jonathan Hart, a self-made millionaire. He's quite a guy.
This is Mrs. H — she's gorgeous. What a terrific lady.
By the way, my name is Max. I take care of them — which ain't easy; 'cause their hobby is — murder.
Several early first season episodes originally included a slightly differently worded intro, with some alternative accompanying shots. This is replaced with the standard first season opening in syndication and later digital releases:
This is my boss — Mr. Jonathan Hart, self-made millionaire and quite a guy.
This here's his wife, Mrs. H — yeah, she's gorgeous, but don't let her looks deceive you.
Oh, and me? My name is Max. I'm their chauffeur... among other things, and it's my job to try and take care of them — which ain't easy; 'cause when they meet... it's murder.
Beginning with Season 2 onward, the opening lines were slightly changed:
This is my boss — Jonathan Hart, a self-made millionaire. He's quite a guy.
This is Mrs. H — she's gorgeous. She's one lady who knows how to take care of herself.
By the way, my name is Max. I take care of both of them — which ain't easy; 'cause when they met, it was murder.
Jonathan Hart (Robert Wagner) is the CEO of Hart Industries, a global conglomerate based in Los Angeles. His wife Jennifer (Stefanie Powers) is a freelance journalist. Living the jetset lifestyle, the Harts often find themselves involved in cases of smuggling, theft, corporate and international espionage and, most commonly, murder. At their opulent Bel Air estate, they are assisted by Max (Lionel Stander), their shared mansion's loyal, gravel-voiced majordomo, who also helps with their cases. The Harts' beloved pet dog is a Löwchen called Freeway, so named because he was a stray that they found wandering on the freeway. The Harts own a Mercedes-Benz 300 TD diesel wagon, a dark green Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible (replacing the Series III Bentley custom cabriolet in the first season), and a yellow Mercedes-Benz SL roadster (1979 450 SL, replaced by a 1981 380 SL) with personalized California vanity plates "3 HARTs", "2 HARTs", and "1 HART" respectively. The opening credits sequence (stock footage drawn from the series pilot) shows Jonathan Hart driving a red Dino 246 GTS. They also own a Grumman Gulfstream II private jet, which is featured at the start of the opening credits.
Critics have long noted that the premise of Hart to Hart strongly resembles that of The Thin Man series of 1930s and 1940s films, as well as The Thin Man television series of the 1950s, which also depict a wealthy and glamorous crime-fighting couple who have a dog and no children.
Cast[]
- Robert Wagner
- Stefanie Powers
- Lionel Stander