10 Stars all the way.
This was the last episode of Season Two, and who better to guest star than Beverly Garland, and I think that's how they had it planned. This had to be the first Top 10 episode, or close to it. Many episodes were filmed in North Hollywood. In fact, a few episodes earlier, Cannon is driving on Vineland Avenue, about a half mile from Beverly Garland's famous hotel, 4222 Vineland Ave. (now called the Garland Hotel, after her passing).
She was always around the hotel and restaurant, meeting and greeting guests and had gigantic posters of all her cult 50s films in the lobby. What a place back in the day, especially for us fans. By the way, right down the street is the Brady Bunch house, off Dilling and Klump Ave.
It's a shame she did not make a return engagement as she and William Conrad made a good team. They argue a lot and are genuine. Here, she plays Cecelia, a very wealthy woman and an old flame of Frank's (they go back a long time) who hires him to find her long lost step son. This is one of those "tangled web" episodes because it isn't too long before Cannon digs up some dirt on the young man, and it's not too pleasant.
Cecelia, in turn, refuses to believe anything --about to fire her old pal and soon she is the object of some nefarious characters. In fact, the episode opens with her son about to rob her in the middle of the night. But she's a tough cookie, as you will see.
A well acted episode, and Beverly Garland is the show, one of the best veteran actresses of noir movies and tv. She often reminded me, at least in style, of Marie Windsor, who was also cast by producer Quinn Martin. Keep an eye on Lynn Marta, who appeared in the first season, best as bad young ladies.
As is the tradition, some nice on location work; Gulls Way Estate in Malibu, off Pacific Coast Highway, used frequently on the series, later owned by tv personality Dick Clark. Be sure to check out Beverly's nice wardrobe changes. This is so Hollywood. Yes, that's the Queen Mary in Long Beach, where the ending was filmed.
A beautiful place to visit, and the gateway to Catalina island. And is Cecelia a good cook? Only Frank knows! Classic closing line.
SEASON 2, EPISODE 24 . CBS remastered dvd box set No. 2. 10 hrs per box Season 3 has only a single box set.