77 Sunset Strip: Your Fortune for a Penny (1963)
Season 5, Episode 34
10/10
ONCE A CROOK, ALWAYS A CROOK.
20 May 2024
Stu's case 100 percent, and very atmospheric, all about a mysterious, beautiful blonde called Kristie (well played by young Susan Oliver) who has an equally mysterious and unpredictable boy friend (Robert Vaughn). Both Oliver and Vaughn appear in early roles here, and are exceptional.

Stu is hired by wealthy businessman Eugene Seaver (Bill Quinn), Kristie's father, who is certain she's going to help Vaughn make a getaway, who is on his way to prison for stealing from his company. Stu has his hands full because Kristie is about as slippery as her boyfriend. Beware!

Vaughn has some very good scenes, looking like he's about to pull something. There's an interesting scene with him being escorted onto a train, which has a kind of noirish feel to it. It's well directed.

Robert C. Dennis wrote the story, and 13 others for the series, noted for writing many classic episodes for Alfred Hitchcock's tv show. There's definitely a bit of a cross-over here.

In fact, in what appears to be a gag scene, the Norman Bates house from PSYCHO is re-done, now doubling as a train station? What was up with that?

Solid support from veteran co-star Bill Quinn, who in his long career, appeared in tons of tv dramas and sitcoms, generally as doctors or cops. George Murdock also appears as Frank, known later for his cop role on BARNEY MILLER.

The shootout ending is Classic 77 Sunset Strip, but totally unexpected, and Vaughn is memorable. The shootout scene is on one of the most frequently used backlot streets at Warner Brothers, the buildings look very familiar. As always, top direction from series director Robert Sparr.

SEASON 5 EPISODE 34 remastered. Thanks so much to METV for running this outstanding series on Sunday nights along with HAWAIIN EYE.
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