I definitely agree with the last reviewer this episode may have been "lifted" from a HAWAII FIVE O story (starring Sal Mineo), but there are others to consider.
Case in point, and mostly because I am such a fan of Harold Gould, there was an earlier episode called "Prisoners" (SEASON 2) in which a rich kid, also mixed up with bad company, fakes his kidnapping to get his parents' money. Gould played his father. In this case, Ralph Bellamy (famous for playing FDR better than FDR himself) plays a fabulously wealthy gentleman whose grandson fakes his kidnapping also. It's amazing how the richer the victims are, the more bad folks seem to be around them and the deadlier they get! True, it's an old routine, but the acting is exceptional. Its unfortunate this was Bellamy's only series appearance. He and William Conrad working together is memorable, especially for all us movie buffs.
Written by series regular Stephen Kandel, who wrote 10 episodes, also many for MANNIX and HARRY O. Ralph Bellamy generally played doctors on tv, and prior to this episode was on MEDICAL CENTER. John David Carson portrays Benjy, the victim of circumstances. He's not Sal Mineo, but he's good in this role. John actually became famous at the start of his career because he used the name JOHNNY CARSON. He got into some legal troubles with the talk show host and had to change his name, but it gave him a lot of exposure which lead to a solid acting career. He's best known for the dark comedy PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW (1971) as a lonely young man who is coached by a serial killer on how to get a date? One film you have to see.
Gary Lockward, a Quinn Martin favorite, plays Mark, and not a friendly guy. Look for John Keach (in another series appearance), the brother of Stacy Keach.
Note. This episode is also of special interest to fans of Laura Hippe, who plays Joanne. Laura was a very popular actress in the 70s, who later became a well known acting teacher. However, she was also connected to the church of scientology and committed suicide. Her tragic story and death is talked about to this day.
Pretty Maria Grimm guests stars as Julie, and in a very good role. She also appeared on MOD SQUAD, many other classic cop shows.
A good late night adventure, superbly directed by Larry Dobkin. He truly brought out the best in this cast. The acting is spot on. 10 Stars.
SEASON 5 EPISODE 20 remastered CBS dvd box set.
Case in point, and mostly because I am such a fan of Harold Gould, there was an earlier episode called "Prisoners" (SEASON 2) in which a rich kid, also mixed up with bad company, fakes his kidnapping to get his parents' money. Gould played his father. In this case, Ralph Bellamy (famous for playing FDR better than FDR himself) plays a fabulously wealthy gentleman whose grandson fakes his kidnapping also. It's amazing how the richer the victims are, the more bad folks seem to be around them and the deadlier they get! True, it's an old routine, but the acting is exceptional. Its unfortunate this was Bellamy's only series appearance. He and William Conrad working together is memorable, especially for all us movie buffs.
Written by series regular Stephen Kandel, who wrote 10 episodes, also many for MANNIX and HARRY O. Ralph Bellamy generally played doctors on tv, and prior to this episode was on MEDICAL CENTER. John David Carson portrays Benjy, the victim of circumstances. He's not Sal Mineo, but he's good in this role. John actually became famous at the start of his career because he used the name JOHNNY CARSON. He got into some legal troubles with the talk show host and had to change his name, but it gave him a lot of exposure which lead to a solid acting career. He's best known for the dark comedy PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW (1971) as a lonely young man who is coached by a serial killer on how to get a date? One film you have to see.
Gary Lockward, a Quinn Martin favorite, plays Mark, and not a friendly guy. Look for John Keach (in another series appearance), the brother of Stacy Keach.
Note. This episode is also of special interest to fans of Laura Hippe, who plays Joanne. Laura was a very popular actress in the 70s, who later became a well known acting teacher. However, she was also connected to the church of scientology and committed suicide. Her tragic story and death is talked about to this day.
Pretty Maria Grimm guests stars as Julie, and in a very good role. She also appeared on MOD SQUAD, many other classic cop shows.
A good late night adventure, superbly directed by Larry Dobkin. He truly brought out the best in this cast. The acting is spot on. 10 Stars.
SEASON 5 EPISODE 20 remastered CBS dvd box set.
