Daniel is apparently tired of the overmountain life for a bit, because he is decked out in formal wear and in the Virginia Tidewater (Williamsburg) for the second time in four episodes. While serving in the Virginia Assembly he is called to Philadelphia to discuss Kentucky statehood (dating the hour as taking place in 1792). Israel in the meantime falls into the company of a youthful gang of pickpockets led by con man Thaddeus Morton (Vincent Price).
Lest it be missed, let us note up front that this hour is bandwagoning aboard the "Oliver!" musical adaption of Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," about youthful delinquents in Victorian London. This DB episode aired in January 1969, and "Oliver!" by then had been a Broadway hit for some time. Price is reprising the Fagin role, but even in a retread capacity he classes up any production considerably. Hollywood Golden Age icon Price is sadly missed as a presence who ennobled the horror genre greatly. His work is a very far cry from the present gorefests that currently pollute the screen, and are unlikely to enjoy much revival once they become antiquarian. Price's final outing before passing in 1990's "Edward Scissorhands." might provide an entry point for younger audiences to look back further and see a real master at work.
Price is this episode; the remainder is simply utilization of the Williamsburg set and an Israel-centered hour. Fess Parker again manages to slip out from work early. Apparently at the crest of his mid-century popularity, he could likely now dictate his working hours to the NBC executives.
Action is fairly minimal, and only entails kids running around and getting in scrapes. An unintentionally hilarious moment is when the ostensibly guardian of orphans Price cons Dan into a donation, and Boone gives him some Continental dollars. By 1792 they would at best have value as elaborate bookmarks.
Like last week's hour, the series is starting to veer seriously off its tracks in story strengths, but as a standalone work is redeemed by an outsize guest star performance.
Lest it be missed, let us note up front that this hour is bandwagoning aboard the "Oliver!" musical adaption of Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," about youthful delinquents in Victorian London. This DB episode aired in January 1969, and "Oliver!" by then had been a Broadway hit for some time. Price is reprising the Fagin role, but even in a retread capacity he classes up any production considerably. Hollywood Golden Age icon Price is sadly missed as a presence who ennobled the horror genre greatly. His work is a very far cry from the present gorefests that currently pollute the screen, and are unlikely to enjoy much revival once they become antiquarian. Price's final outing before passing in 1990's "Edward Scissorhands." might provide an entry point for younger audiences to look back further and see a real master at work.
Price is this episode; the remainder is simply utilization of the Williamsburg set and an Israel-centered hour. Fess Parker again manages to slip out from work early. Apparently at the crest of his mid-century popularity, he could likely now dictate his working hours to the NBC executives.
Action is fairly minimal, and only entails kids running around and getting in scrapes. An unintentionally hilarious moment is when the ostensibly guardian of orphans Price cons Dan into a donation, and Boone gives him some Continental dollars. By 1792 they would at best have value as elaborate bookmarks.
Like last week's hour, the series is starting to veer seriously off its tracks in story strengths, but as a standalone work is redeemed by an outsize guest star performance.
