Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Genesis and Development
The project originates from a collaborative story concept by Cannell, Lance, and Beck. Stephen J. Cannell drafts the screenplay while Kim Manners is brought on as director.
Key Events
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Concept Development — Initial story concept created by Cannell, Lance, and Beck.
Location: Development Office
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Screenplay Drafting — Cannell writes the official screenplay based on the concept.
Location: Writing Room
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Director Assignment — Kim Manners is hired to direct the television film.
Location: Production Meeting
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Production Company Formation — Bill Nuss secures funding through Stu Segall Productions and Cannell Entertainment.
Location: Executive Office
Assembly and Filming
Bill Nuss secures production backing through established studios. The veteran cast is assembled, and principal photography commences in San Diego under Manners' direction.
Key Events
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Production Company Formation — Bill Nuss secures funding through Stu Segall Productions and Cannell Entertainment.
Location: Executive Office
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Lead Casting — Four veteran actors are cast in the primary roles.
Location: Casting Studio
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Location Scouting — Production team selects San Diego, California as the primary filming location.
Location: San Diego
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Principal Photography Begins — Main filming commences with the director and lead actor on location.
Location: San Diego Set
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Ensemble Filming — Supporting cast members join principal photography for key scenes.
Location: San Diego Set
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Scene Wrap — Director signals completion of all scheduled shooting days.
Location: San Diego Set
Post-Production and Broadcast
Raw footage is edited into a finished comedy-mystery. CBS acquires the rights and airs the film on June 24, 1994, reaching a national television audience.
Key Events
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Scene Wrap — Director signals completion of all scheduled shooting days.
Location: San Diego Set
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Post-Production Editing — Raw footage is edited and refined into a cohesive narrative.
Location: Editing Suite
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Network Acquisition — CBS network purchases broadcasting rights for the completed film.
Location: CBS Headquarters
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US Television Broadcast — Film airs on CBS television on June 24, 1994.
Location: CBS Network
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Audience Reception — Viewers watch and react to the comedy-mystery broadcast.
Location: Living Rooms
Legacy and Distribution
The film transitions to long-term archival status, entering major databases. Mill Creek Entertainment releases it on DVD in 2011, followed by international releases in Germany and Hungary.
Key Events
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Audience Reception — Viewers watch and react to the comedy-mystery broadcast.
Location: Living Rooms
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Archival Cataloging — Film details are uploaded to IMDb and BFI databases for public reference.
Location: Database Servers
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DVD Production Planning — Physical media production is prepared for long-term distribution.
Location: Manufacturing Plant
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Mill Creek Distribution — Mill Creek Entertainment releases the film on DVD in 2011.
Location: Retail Stores
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German Release — Film distributes in Germany under the title Greyhounds - Schnüffler gehen nie in Rente.
Location: German Market
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Hungarian Release — Film distributes in Hungary under the title Vén kopók.
Location: Hungarian Market
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Critical Database Entry — Film receives cataloging and metadata entry on AllMovie.
Location: AllMovie Network
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Box Office Tracking — Film's commercial performance and distribution metrics are archived.
Location: Box Office Mojo
A retired sheriff, judge, coroner and con-man team up to solve crimes. Pilot.
