Cannon: Photo Finish (1974)
Season 3, Episode 16
10/10
RING FOR JACK CASSIDY, THE MASTER VILLAIN.
19 April 2022
10 Stars. Must See TV.

John Hawkins, who worked with William Conrad at Warner Brothers/ABC tv wrote this special episode, and I am sure with Jack Cassidy in mind. Hawkins majored mostly in tv westerns; BONANZA, the VIRGINIAN and wrote for Conrad's show TEMPLE HOUSTON.

It was a honor to get Jack Cassidy on the series, who was making the rounds of all the cop shows, especially COLUMBO, where he was incredible. Jack was very distinguished and played gentleman villains like nobody else, although there's probably a tie between he and Anthony Zerbe in the thrill department.

Casting directors loved this guy. Conrad also worked with him at Warners, so he was in good company.

Cassidy plays a distinguished general with an axe to grind. He hires Cannon to find out who killed his brother --although his brother had a dark past. Does not matter to him. Frank does the homework and discovers the guy who killed this bad apple was HIM. Fairly original stuff.

Cannon now has only so much time before the general will eliminate him, kind of like an old west duel. A dynamic cat and mouse game, and listen to the dialogue.

I DO agree with the last two reviewers; Cannon taking on an ace military hunter and sharpshooter is a tough call, but also the way he nails the guy in the end ain't that bad... without giving too much away.... I only wish the confrontation would have lasted a bit longer.

When I saw this back in the day, it was campy writing and still is. You have to remember, years of other cop shows to follow this series moved the bar much higher. Still its worth a look for some outstanding acting. And Cannon, you have to admit, met his match with this fiend.

Look for Lenore Kasdorf, popular on soap operas; SANTA BARBARA, GUIDING LIGHT, and appeared several times on Bill Conrad's next show, JAKE AND THE FAT MAN. Of course, the Fat Man was an offbeat salute to CANNON.

Lots of good scenery here, what looks like parts of Griffith Park, also used by MANNIX many times over. The general's luxurious mansion is located on Airole Way in Bel Air, reportedly the most expensive residence in the country, priced at over 140 million dollars.

Thanks to METV for including the famous 70s red and purple station break, "Cannon will be right back..." Fondly remembered --especially if you had color tv back in the day -- to alert the audience this was the longest break. The colors were cool. The idea borrowed from MOD SQUAD and had a following.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! First episode of 1974. SEASON 3 EPISODE 17 remastered color CBS dvd box set. 6 blue and red dvds, 21 hours total. 2012. Back cover photos are from the classic Martin Sheen episode, MEMO FROM A DEAD MAN.
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