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| | series=1980 | | | series=1980 |
| | born_month=11 | | | born_month=11 |
| | born_day=10 | | | born_day= 11 |
| | born_year=1927 | | | born_year= 1927 |
| | death_month=7 | | | death_month= |
| | death_day=5 | | | death_day= |
| | death_year=1985 | | | death_year= |
| | nationality=US | | | nationality=US |
| | site= | | | site= |
| | imdb=0186305 | | | imdb= 0186305 |
| | sortkey=Crane, Barry | | | sortkey= Crane, Barry |
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| '''Barry Crane''' (born '''Barry Cohen'''; November 10, 1927 – July 5, 1985) was a prolific American television director and producer who directed two episodes of ''[[Galactica 1980]]'': "[[Spaceball]]" and "[[The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II]]".<ref group="external" name="imdb_crane_director_credits">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0186305/|title=Barry Crane|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> By profession a television director and producer, Crane was also the contract bridge expert who won more titles than anyone else in the history of the game at the time of his death.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_1985_obituary_opening">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=the%20contract%20bridge%20expert%20who,was%20a%20television%20producer%20and%20director|title=Barry Crane, 57, Expert in Bridge, Found Slain|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> | | '''Barry Crane''' (born November 11, 1927) is the director of the ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' episode, "[[Spaceball]]". |
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| == Television Career ==
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| === Early Career and Transition to Directing ===
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| Born Barry Cohen in Detroit, Crane moved from the Detroit area to Hollywood in the mid-1950s for professional reasons and changed his name from Barry Cohen.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_name_change">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=In%20the%20mid%2D1950s%20he,his%20name%20from%20Barry%20Cohen|title=Barry Crane Name Change|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Before his tenure on ''Mission: Impossible'' and ''Mannix'', Crane worked as a production manager at series such as ''Burke's Law'' at Four Star Productions.<ref group="commentary" name="spycommand_crane_career_development">{{cite web|url=https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/tag/barry-crane/#:~:text=Before%20his%20tenure%20on%20M%3AI,at%20Four%20Star%20Productions|title=Barry Crane - The Spy Command|publisher=The Spy Command|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
| | [[Category: A to Z]] |
| | | [[Category: Crew]] |
| Crane served as associate producer for most of ''Mission: Impossible'''s run, and was promoted to producer in the show's final season.<ref group="commentary" name="spycommand_crane_mission_impossible">{{cite web|url=https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/tag/barry-crane/#:~:text=Crane%20was%20associate%20producer%20for,named%20producer|title=Barry Crane on Mission: Impossible|publisher=The Spy Command|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He earned a reputation as ''Mission: Impossible'''s "human computer" for his exceptional ability to quickly break down complex scripts into filming schedules.<ref group="commentary" name="spycommand_crane_human_computer">{{cite web|url=https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/tag/barry-crane/#:~:text=Crane%20earned%20a%20reputation%20as,scripts%20into%20filming%20schedules|title=Barry Crane - The Human Computer|publisher=The Spy Command|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Producer Stanley Kallis, speaking to author Patrick J. White in 1991's ''The Complete Mission: Impossible Dossier'', described him as "a walking computer" for this remarkable skill.<ref group="commentary" name="white_complete_mission_impossible_dossier">{{cite web|url=https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/tag/barry-crane/#:~:text=To%20make%20it%20simple%2C%20he,Mission%3A%20Impossible%20Dossier|title=The Complete Mission: Impossible Dossier|author=Patrick J. White|publisher=The Spy Command|date=1991|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Crane also produced ''The Magician'' and was a producer on ''Mannix''.<ref group="external" name="imdb_crane_producer_credits">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0186305/|title=Barry Crane - Producer Credits|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
| | [[Category: Crew (1980)]] |
| | | [[Category: Directors]] |
| === Peak Directing Years ===
| | [[Category: Directors (1980)]] |
| | | [[Category: 1980]] |
| By the mid-1970s, Crane had transitioned primarily to directing, working on various television series.<ref group="commentary" name="spycommand_crane_directing_transition">{{cite web|url=https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/tag/barry-crane/#:~:text=By%20the%20mid%2D1970s%2C%20Crane,television%20series|title=Barry Crane's Directing Career|publisher=The Spy Command|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> His directing credits included helming the final episode of ''Hawaii Five-O'', "Woe to Wo Fat," in 1980.<ref group="commentary" name="spycommand_crane_hawaii_five_o_finale">{{cite web|url=https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/tag/barry-crane/#:~:text=His%20credits%20included%20helming%20the,Wo%20Fat%2C%22%20in%201980|title=Barry Crane Directs Hawaii Five-O Finale|publisher=The Spy Command|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Crane's extensive directing credits included episodes of major television series such as ''The Incredible Hulk'', ''CHiPs'', ''Dallas'', ''Wonder Woman'', ''Trapper John, M.D.'', ''The Love Boat'', ''Fantasy Island'', ''Police Woman'', ''Police Story'', and ''The Streets of San Francisco''.<ref group="external" name="deadline_crane_directing_credits">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/killing-barry-crane-tv-director-suspect-guilty-1234852190/#:~:text=whose%20directing%20credits%20include%20hits,The%20Streets%20of%20San%20Francisco|title=Suspect In TV Director Barry Crane's Killing Pleads Guilty|publisher=Deadline|date=October 7, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| Crane's work on ''Galactica 1980'' represented his contributions to the ''Battlestar Galactica'' franchise. He directed "[[Spaceball]]" and "[[The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II]]" during the series' 1980 run.<ref group="external" name="imdb_galactica_1980_directors">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080221/fullcredits/|title=Galactica 1980 - Full Cast & Crew|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| == Bridge Career ==
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| === Rise to Dominance ===
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| While maintaining his demanding television career, Crane simultaneously became the most dominant contract bridge player of his generation. According to the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), he was "widely recognized as the top matchpoint player of all time"—the tournament format commonly played in private clubs.<ref group="external" name="acbl_crane_biography_overview">{{cite web|url=https://staging.acbl.org/about-acbl/hall-of-fame/members/crane-barry/|title=Barry Crane - ACBL Hall of Fame|publisher=American Contract Bridge League|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Crane was "one of a small group of world champion bridge players whose presence enhanced many tournaments while they maintained active and highly respected careers outside of bridge."<ref group="external" name="fpab_crane_dual_career">{{cite web|url=https://www.ffpab.org/hall-of-fame/|title=ACBL Hall of Fame - Barry Crane|publisher=FPAB|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| Crane's bridge career spanned almost four decades, beginning in the late 1940s when he won his first regional tournament.<ref group="external" name="fpab_crane_career_start">{{cite web|url=https://www.ffpab.org/hall-of-fame/#:~:text=Crane%27s%20bridge%20career%20spanned%20almost,won%20his%20first%20regional|title=Barry Crane Career Start|publisher=FPAB|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> In 1951, at age 23, his team finished second in the prestigious Vanderbilt Knockout Teams, and he became ACBL Life Master #325.<ref group="external" name="fpab_crane_early_achievement">{{cite web|url=https://www.ffpab.org/hall-of-fame/#:~:text=In%201951%20when%20he%20was,Life%20Master%20%23325|title=Barry Crane Life Master Achievement|publisher=FPAB|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He was the winner in 1952 of the McKenney Trophy, awarded to the player winning the most master points in a year.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_1952_mckenney">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=He%20was%20the%20winner%20in,points%20in%20a%20year|title=Barry Crane 1952 McKenney Trophy|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| In 1968, Crane overtook the late Oswald Jacoby as the career leader in master points, a position previously held only by Jacoby and Charles Goren.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_1968_overtakes_jacoby">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=In%201968%20Mr.%20Crane%20overtook,career%20leader%20in%20master%20points|title=Crane Overtakes Jacoby|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref><ref group="external" name="fpab_crane_masterpoint_leader">{{cite web|url=https://www.ffpab.org/hall-of-fame/#:~:text=Crane%20became%20ACBL%27s%20top%20masterpoint,Charles%20Goren|title=Crane Becomes Top Masterpoint Holder|publisher=FPAB|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| As an amateur in a game dominated in recent years by professionals, Crane outdistanced everyone. His career total of master points reached 35,000 a month before his death.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_35000_masterpoints">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=His%20career%20total%20of%20master,35%2C000%20a%20month%20ago|title=Crane's Masterpoint Total|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> At the time of his death in 1985, he had accumulated 35,138 masterpoints, more than 11,000 ahead of any other players.<ref group="external" name="fpab_crane_death_total">{{cite web|url=https://www.ffpab.org/hall-of-fame/#:~:text=Crane%20amassed%20points%20at%20an,11%2C000%20ahead%20of%20any%20other%20players|title=Crane's Final Masterpoint Total|publisher=FPAB|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> His nearest challenger had fewer than 24,000 masterpoints.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_nearest_challenger">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=His%20nearest%20challenger%20has%20fewer,24%2C000|title=Crane's Nearest Competitor|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| === Championships and Records ===
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| Crane was invariably a contender for the McKenney title, and he won that title on five other occasions: 1967, 1971, 1973, 1975 and 1978.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_mckenney_wins">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=He%20was%20invariably%20a%20contender,1973%2C%201975%20and%201978|title=Crane's McKenney Trophy Wins|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He was second five times.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_mckenney_second">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=He%20was%20second%20five%20times|title=Crane's McKenney Second Place Finishes|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Crane won the McKenney Trophy six times total, and was runner-up six times. He exerted so much influence on the race that after his death it was renamed the "Barry Crane Top 500."<ref group="external" name="fpab_crane_mckenney_influence">{{cite web|url=https://www.ffpab.org/hall-of-fame/#:~:text=Crane%20won%20the%20McKenney%20Trophy,Barry%20Crane%20Top%20500|title=Barry Crane's Influence on Masterpoint Race|publisher=FPAB|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| His total number of titles was about 500, almost double that of his closest rivals.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_500_titles">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=his%20total%20number%20of%20titles,his%20closest%20rivals|title=Crane's Total Championships|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Playing with one of his favorite partners, Kerri Shuman of Los Angeles, Crane won the World Mixed Pair title in 1978 in New Orleans.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_1978_world_title">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=Playing%20with%20one%20of%20his,1978%20in%20New%20Orleans|title=Crane Wins World Mixed Pairs|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> At the 1978 World Championships, he and Kerri Shuman (now Sanborn) ran away with the World Mixed Pairs in a field loaded with international stars. This stunning victory, by more than five boards, further enhanced Crane's claim to the title of world's best matchpoint player.<ref group="external" name="acbl_crane_world_championship">{{cite web|url=https://staging.acbl.org/about-acbl/hall-of-fame/members/crane-barry/#:~:text=World%2Dwide%20recognition%20came%20to,world%27s%20best%20matchpoint%20player|title=Barry Crane World Championship Victory|publisher=American Contract Bridge League|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> The World Bridge Federation officially lists Barry Crane and Kerri Shuman as winners of the Mixed Pairs championship in 1978.<ref group="external" name="wbf_official_results">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldbridge.org/competitions/wbf-championships/world-bridge-series/mixed-pairs/|title=The Mixed Pairs|publisher=World Bridge Federation|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| He won 13 national titles, including 6 victories, a record, in the National Open Pairs.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_national_titles">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=He%20won%2013%20national%20titles,in%20the%20National%20Open%20Pairs|title=Crane's National Championships|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> His aggressive bidding style was particularly suited to pair events, in which Crane and a partner would face different opponents every 15 minutes.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_playing_style">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=His%20aggressive%20bidding%20style%20was,different%20opponents%20every%2015%20minutes|title=Crane's Playing Style|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> In the Spring North American Championships in Montreal in 1985, his team finished second in competition for the Vanderbilt Trophy, a prestigious annual event that he never won.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_1985_vanderbilt">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=In%20the%20Spring%20North%20American,event%20that%20he%20never%20won|title=Crane's 1985 Vanderbilt Finish|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| Despite his bridge addiction, Crane had an abiding passion for his work. It never bothered him when he couldn't go to a tournament, because his job was his prime interest.<ref group="external" name="acbl_crane_work_priority">{{cite web|url=https://staging.acbl.org/about-acbl/hall-of-fame/members/crane-barry/#:~:text=Despite%20his%20bridge%20addiction%2C%20Crane,his%20job%20was%20his%20prime%20interest|title=Crane's Career Balance|publisher=American Contract Bridge League|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He continued to play bridge with enthusiasm, traveling the country almost every weekend to compete in regional tournaments.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_weekend_travel">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=He%20continued%20to%20play%20bridge,compete%20in%20regional%20tournaments|title=Crane's Tournament Travel|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He usually could arrange his TV production schedule so he could attend most tournaments for a few days. A habitual weekend commuter, he said he would travel anywhere within flying distance for a regional and anywhere within driving distance for a sectional.<ref group="external" name="acbl_crane_tournament_travel">{{cite web|url=https://staging.acbl.org/about-acbl/hall-of-fame/members/crane-barry/#:~:text=A%20habitual%20weekend%20commuter%2C%20he,for%20a%20sectional|title=Crane's Travel Habits|publisher=American Contract Bridge League|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| === Legacy and Recognition ===
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| In recognition of his dominance and influence on the game, the ACBL renamed the annual McKenney Trophy to the Barry Crane Trophy following his death.<ref group="external" name="acbl_trophy_naming">{{cite web|url=https://www.acbl.org/about-acbl/press-releases/dallas-resident-earns-one-of-bridges-highest-achievements/#:~:text=Originally%20known%20as%20the%20McKenney,on%20the%20race%20for%20three%20decades|title=Barry Crane Top 500 History|publisher=American Contract Bridge League|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> The trophy is awarded to the player who accumulates the most masterpoints in a single year. Crane was posthumously elected to the ACBL Hall of Fame in 1995 as a Grand Life Master.<ref group="external" name="nbcnews_hall_of_fame">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/man-arrested-1985-murder-tv-producer-bridge-legend-barry-crane-n1004121#:~:text=he%20was%20inducted%20into%20the,Grand%20Life%20Master%20in%201995|title=Crane Hall of Fame Induction|publisher=NBC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| The British bridge writer S.J. Simon described Crane as a "natural" player. "Barry Crane was a Natural. We shall not see his like again," Simon wrote, according to an ACBL biography quoted by NBC News.<ref group="external" name="nbcnews_crane_natural_player">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/man-arrested-1985-murder-tv-producer-bridge-legend-barry-crane-n1004121#:~:text=The%20ACBL%20biography%20quoted%20the,We%20shall%20not%20see%20his%20like%20again|title=S.J. Simon on Barry Crane|publisher=NBC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| The ACBL biography noted that "in many respects Crane was an A-1 ambassador and publicist for bridge all over North America. No one gave as many interviews to the media in as many different cities and towns."<ref group="external" name="nbcnews_crane_ambassador">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/man-arrested-1985-murder-tv-producer-bridge-legend-barry-crane-n1004121#:~:text=In%20many%20respects%20Crane%20was,different%20cities%20and%20towns|title=Barry Crane as Bridge Ambassador|publisher=NBC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| == Murder and Investigation ==
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| === The Crime ===
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| Barry Crane was found bludgeoned in the garage of his luxury town home Friday in Studio City, a neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to a report from the Associated Press.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_body_discovered">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=He%20was%20found%20bludgeoned%20in,the%20Associated%20Press%20reported|title=Barry Crane Found Murdered|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> His housekeeper discovered his body wrapped in bedding on the garage floor of his residence.<ref group="external" name="cnn_crane_discovery">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=A%20housekeeper%20discovered%20Crane%27s%20body,his%20North%20Hollywood%20residence|title=Barry Crane case: Arrest made 34 years after TV director's killing|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He had been beaten repeatedly with a large ceramic statue, and a telephone cord was wrapped around his neck, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.<ref group="external" name="cnn_crane_murder_method">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=Crane%20was%20beaten%20repeatedly%20with,was%20wrapped%20around%20his%20neck|title=Barry Crane Murder Method|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Crane was 57 years old.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_age_at_death">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=Barry%20Crane%2C%2057|title=Barry Crane Age|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| Lt. Ron LaRue of the police said there was no apparent motive for the killing and no arrests had been made at the time.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_no_motive_1985">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=Lt.%20Ron%20LaRue%20of%20the,no%20arrests%20had%20been%20made|title=No Apparent Motive in 1985|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Crane's Cadillac was stolen from the property and later recovered with forensic evidence.<ref group="external" name="cnn_crane_stolen_vehicle">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=Crane%27s%20Cadillac%20was%20stolen%20and,later%20recovered%20with%20forensic%20evidence|title=Barry Crane Stolen Vehicle|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Police were able to recover forensic evidence from the vehicle, including fingerprints and cigarette butts.<ref group="external" name="cnn_crane_forensic_evidence">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=later%20recovered%20with%20forensic%20evidence,including%20a%20fingerprint|title=Forensic Evidence in Crane Case|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| The week of his murder, Crane had been playing daily in the annual Pasadena regional knockout teams bridge tournament. The Los Angeles Times reported at the time that his team won the tournament the day after his body was discovered.<ref group="external" name="nbcnews_final_tournament_latimes">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/man-arrested-1985-murder-tv-producer-bridge-legend-barry-crane-n1004121#:~:text=His%20team%20won%20the%20tournament,Los%20Angeles%20Times%20reported%20at%20the%20time|title=Crane's Final Tournament|publisher=NBC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Crane had survivors including two children, Sharilyn Cohen of Birmingham, Michigan, and Ben Crane of Ithaca, New York; and a brother, Elliot Cohen of Michigan.<ref group="external" name="chicagotribune_survivors">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/07/09/barry-crane-57-expert-in-bridge-found-slain/#:~:text=Survivors%20include%20two%20children%2C%20Sharilyn,Elliot%20Cohen%2C%20of%20Michigan|title=Barry Crane Survivors|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=July 9, 1985|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| === Cold Case Investigation ===
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| The case remained unsolved for 34 years despite initial investigative efforts.<ref group="external" name="abcnews_case_duration">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/murder-prominent-1970s-hollywood-director-solved-34-years/story?id=62954835#:~:text=The%20mysterious%20death%20of%20a,34%20years%20later|title=Murder of prominent 1970s Hollywood director Barry Crane solved 34 years later|publisher=ABC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> In 2006, and again in 2018, a detective from the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery Homicide Division requested that evidence from the crime scene be retested using modern forensic techniques.<ref group="external" name="abcnews_evidence_retesting">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/murder-prominent-1970s-hollywood-director-solved-34-years/story?id=62954835#:~:text=In%202006%2C%20and%20again%20in,evidence%20found%20at%20the%20crime%20scene%20be%20retested|title=Evidence Retesting in Crane Case|publisher=ABC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| After an attempt in July 2018, the Robbery Homicide Division received a forensic match to a suspect: Edwin Jerry Hiatt, who resided in North Carolina.<ref group="external" name="abcnews_forensic_match_2018">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/murder-prominent-1970s-hollywood-director-solved-34-years/story?id=62954835#:~:text=After%20an%20attempt%20in%20July,who%20resided%20in%20North%20Carolina|title=2018 Forensic Match|publisher=ABC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> A fingerprint specialist matched a print from Crane's stolen car to Hiatt.<ref group="external" name="cnn_fingerprint_match">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=including%20a%20fingerprint%20that%20detectives,matched%20last%20year%20to%20Hiatt|title=Fingerprint Match to Hiatt|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> According to court documents cited by The News Herald, Hiatt's DNA matched cigarette butts recovered from the ashtray of Crane's stolen car.<ref group="external" name="nytimes_dna_cigarettes">{{cite web|url=https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/tag/barry-crane/#:~:text=Mr.%20Hiatt%27s%20DNA%20matched%20cigarette,stolen%20car|title=DNA Evidence Links Hiatt|publisher=The New York Times via The Spy Command|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> The FBI tracked Hiatt through social media and conducted surveillance, collecting discarded cigarettes and a foam cup for DNA testing, according to CNN affiliate WSOC TV.<ref group="external" name="cnn_fbi_surveillance">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=Authorities%20had%20collected%20his%20discarded,test%20for%20evidence|title=FBI Surveillance of Hiatt|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| === Arrest and Prosecution ===
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| Detectives traveled to Rutherford College, North Carolina, and interviewed Hiatt on March 8, 2019.<ref group="external" name="abcnews_hiatt_interview">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/murder-prominent-1970s-hollywood-director-solved-34-years/story?id=62954835#:~:text=Detectives%20traveled%20to%20Rutherford%20College,and%20interviewed%20Hiatt|title=Detectives Interview Hiatt|publisher=ABC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> During the interview, Hiatt admitted to killing Barry Crane, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.<ref group="external" name="abcnews_hiatt_confession">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/murder-prominent-1970s-hollywood-director-solved-34-years/story?id=62954835#:~:text=during%20which%20Hiatt%20admitted%20to%20killing%20Crane|title=Hiatt Confesses to Killing|publisher=ABC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| On May 9, 2019, Edwin Jerry Hiatt was arrested by the FBI Fugitive Task Force in Burke County, North Carolina.<ref group="external" name="abcnews_hiatt_arrest">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/murder-prominent-1970s-hollywood-director-solved-34-years/story?id=62954835#:~:text=Ed%20Hiatt%20was%20arrested%20in,in%20relation%20to%20the%20July%201985%20murder|title=Edwin Hiatt Arrested|publisher=ABC News|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He was working at a Mercedes-Benz repair shop at the time of his arrest.<ref group="external" name="cnn_hiatt_workplace">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=Hiatt%20was%20arrested%20in%20the,the%20repair%20shop%20where%20he%20worked|title=Hiatt's Workplace|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Hiatt was 18 years old at the time of Crane's murder in 1985.<ref group="external" name="cnn_hiatt_age_1985">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=Hiatt%20was%2018%20when%20Crane%20died|title=Hiatt's Age in 1985|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| As he was being escorted to jail, Hiatt told reporters he had no clear memory of the killing, stating "I don't remember the guy until they told me his name, and then I didn't remember his picture."<ref group="external" name="cnn_hiatt_no_memory">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=Asked%20if%20he%20remembered%20Crane,I%20didn%27t%20remember%20his%20picture|title=Hiatt Claims No Memory|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> When asked if he was involved in the murder, he responded, "Anything is possible back then because I was big into drugs."<ref group="external" name="cnn_hiatt_drugs_statement">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=Asked%20if%20he%20was%20involved,I%20was%20big%20into%20drugs|title=Hiatt's Drug Statement|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| Hiatt was initially charged with one count of murder with a special allegation of using a deadly and dangerous weapon (a heavy decorative object) during the commission of the crime.<ref group="external" name="cnn_murder_charges">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/10/us/barry-crane-1985-murder-arrest-trnd/index.html#:~:text=Hiatt%20is%20charged%20with%20one,during%20the%20commission%20of%20the%20crime|title=Murder Charges Against Hiatt|publisher=CNN|date=May 10, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He pleaded not guilty in October 2019.<ref group="external" name="deadline_not_guilty_plea">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/suspect-enters-plea-in-barry-crane-killing-1202755934/#:~:text=Edwin%20Hiatt%2C%2053%2C%20entered%20his,the%20commission%20of%20the%20crime|title=Suspect Enters Plea In 1985 Killing Of TV Director Barry Crane|publisher=Deadline|date=October 7, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| === Guilty Plea and Sentencing ===
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| On October 7, 2021, Hiatt changed his plea and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.<ref group="external" name="deadline_guilty_plea">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/killing-barry-crane-tv-director-suspect-guilty-1234852190/#:~:text=A%20man%20linked%20by%20DNA,pleaded%20guilty%20today%20to%20voluntary%20manslaughter|title=Suspect In TV Director Barry Crane's Killing Pleads Guilty To Lesser Charge|publisher=Deadline|date=October 7, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> The original murder charge was dismissed as part of the agreement.<ref group="external" name="kfiam_murder_charge_dismissed">{{cite web|url=https://kfiam640.iheart.com/content/2021-10-07-man-pleads-guilty-to-killing-tv-director-more-than-three-decades-ago/#:~:text=Hiatt%20was%20initially%20charged%20in,with%20the%20District%20Attorney%27s%20Office|title=Man Pleads Guilty to Killing TV Director|publisher=KFI AM 640|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| Along with the voluntary manslaughter charge, Hiatt admitted an allegation that he used a deadly weapon in the attack.<ref group="external" name="dailynews_deadly_weapon_allegation">{{cite web|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2021/10/07/man-pleads-guilty-to-killing-tv-director-in-studio-city-in-85/#:~:text=Along%20with%20the%20voluntary%20manslaughter,used%20a%20deadly%20weapon%20in%20the%20attack|title=Man pleads guilty to killing TV director in Studio City in '85|publisher=Daily News|date=October 8, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Superior Court Judge Eric Harmon immediately sentenced Hiatt, now 55 years old, to 12 years in state prison.<ref group="external" name="deadline_sentencing">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/killing-barry-crane-tv-director-suspect-guilty-1234852190/#:~:text=Superior%20Court%20Judge%20Eric%20Harmon,the%20July%205%2C%201985%2C%20killing|title=Hiatt Sentenced to 12 Years|publisher=Deadline|date=October 7, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, who prosecuted the case, called the killing "horrendous" and noted that "it took 36 years to bring Mr. Hiatt to justice."<ref group="external" name="deadline_prosecutor_statement">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/killing-barry-crane-tv-director-suspect-guilty-1234852190/#:~:text=The%20prosecutor%20called%20the%20killing,to%20bring%20Mr.%20Hiatt%20to%20justice|title=Prosecutor's Statement on Justice|publisher=Deadline|date=October 7, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Hiatt's attorney, Joshua Smart, told the judge that his client is religious and a "different human being" now, stating "Mr. Hiatt is here and obviously willing to accept punishment and accept responsibility."<ref group="external" name="kfiam_defense_attorney_statement">{{cite web|url=https://kfiam640.iheart.com/content/2021-10-07-man-pleads-guilty-to-killing-tv-director-more-than-three-decades-ago/#:~:text=Mr.%20Hiatt%20is%20here%20and,a%20%22different%20human%20being%22%20now|title=Defense Attorney Statement|publisher=KFI AM 640|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| In a statement read in court by the deputy district attorney, Crane's daughter wrote that her father was an "exceptional man" who "suffered a horrific death," calling his killer "despicable."<ref group="external" name="deadline_victim_daughter_statement">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/killing-barry-crane-tv-director-suspect-guilty-1234852190/#:~:text=In%20a%20statement%20read%20in,She%20called%20his%20killer%20%22despicable|title=Crane's Daughter's Victim Impact Statement|publisher=Deadline|date=October 7, 2021|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>
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| == References ==
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| === External Sources ===
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| {{reflist|group=external}}
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| === Commentary and Interviews ===
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| {{reflist|group=commentary}}
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| [[Category:A to Z]] | |
| [[Category:Crew]] | |
| [[Category:Crew (1980)]] | |
| [[Category:Directors]] | |
| [[Category:Directors (1980)]] | |
| [[Category:1980]] | |
