This was one of my favourite episodes. The plot was cleverly executed, with the finicky wine security expert Cecil (Garth Wilton) setting up an elaborate system to protect the Hart's wine cellar containing their valuable collection. It was complete with a back-up generator to ensure the wine always stayed at the proper temperature, as well as an alarm system alert to Cecil's company ('Grape Guard'). This all came into play when the Harts were in their weekly deadly danger.
June Allyson guest starred as Max's wealthy pen pal, and it was great to see her since her appearances had become less frequent. Her acting was somewhat subdued, but then that's what the part called for. I was fascinated to learn that the exterior of the Hart's house was the home where Allyson and her husband actor/producer Dick Powell lived, and that it was Robert Wagner, a friend of Dick's, suggested using the exterior of the house as the Hart's home.
Anyway, Max never thought Allyson would turn up because she was afraid to fly. Ah, but as my mother would say: Take the train! She does, and shows up on short notice. The Harts pretend to be Max's servants since he had fabricated his life in his letters, claiming all the Harts' stuff as his own. Of course, Max gets too far into the part, becoming an obnoxious, constant-bell-ringing employer. However, the funniest part was the scenes where Jonathan & Jennifer were acting as servants. Jonathan, especially and quite humorously, bore the brunt of Max's over-zealousness. The fight scene in the cellar, complete with Cecil and his assistant, was very funny as well.
June Allyson guest starred as Max's wealthy pen pal, and it was great to see her since her appearances had become less frequent. Her acting was somewhat subdued, but then that's what the part called for. I was fascinated to learn that the exterior of the Hart's house was the home where Allyson and her husband actor/producer Dick Powell lived, and that it was Robert Wagner, a friend of Dick's, suggested using the exterior of the house as the Hart's home.
Anyway, Max never thought Allyson would turn up because she was afraid to fly. Ah, but as my mother would say: Take the train! She does, and shows up on short notice. The Harts pretend to be Max's servants since he had fabricated his life in his letters, claiming all the Harts' stuff as his own. Of course, Max gets too far into the part, becoming an obnoxious, constant-bell-ringing employer. However, the funniest part was the scenes where Jonathan & Jennifer were acting as servants. Jonathan, especially and quite humorously, bore the brunt of Max's over-zealousness. The fight scene in the cellar, complete with Cecil and his assistant, was very funny as well.