What connects the film, "Rebel Without A Cause", TV shows, "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis", "Room 222", "Batman", "Bewitched" and the film, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"? Answer: This magnificent episode of "Ellery Queen".
This is truly an absolutely incredible outing for the show. An extremely dramatic episode, I don't recall there being any real moments of humor in the entire 1 hour presentation. The usual joke-a-minute Tabloid Reporter, Frank Flanigan is included in the proceedings. Yet he offers no comedic breaks in the tension. In fact, the character is quite subdued here, actually helping Ellery and Inspector Queen in their further investigation. A most welcome alternative glimpse of actor Ken Swofford's semi-regular character.
As the episode begins, Ellery and his Dad are in the viewing audience of a courtroom murder trial. An old aquaintence of Ellery's stands accused of killing the mobster son of a Gangster Kingpin. The friend claims he's innocent, framed for the murder. Via flashback from the point of view of the accused, we see the killing unfold. Present at the scene is a young woman who witnessed everything. Except now that young woman is no where to be found. Only her testimony can clear Ellery's friend and keep the man from prison.
Actor Dwayne Hickman ("Dobie") plays the accused. Michael Constantine ("222") plays his lawyer. Hickman doesn't have a whole lot to do, but he does it well. Constantine is simply excellent in his role. Sal Mineo ("Rebel") plays the murdered man's brother. Although it's a bit of a minimum role, he makes his character's own motivation very clear. He's bloodthirsty for the neck of the man who killed his brother.
Then there's Cesar Romero ("Batman") as the murdered man's gangster father. Romero is quite fearsome in his silence. His character doesn't say much. His vengeance is all in the eyes. A suttle snare and fearsome, glaring eyes do his communicating for him. Romero is fantastic.
Dick Sargent ("Bewitched") portrays the Prosecuting Attorney. His character is thoughtful, yet certain in his conviction. A very youthful Richard Young plays the part of a Doctor who tends to the female witness who eventually shows up, but is met with violence. Young would, a number of years later, appear in the "Indiana Jones/Last Crusade" film as the archeologist who inspires a teen-aged Indiana. He even supplys Indy with his famous fedora hat.
David Wayne is his usual excellent self. Jim Hutton though, is possibly at his utmost best here as Ellery. Quiet, pensive, apprehensive. Ellery is lost in contemplation throughout the episode. Determined to right justice and secure his friend's freedom, Ellery's investigation leads down many pathways. He most definitely does not like what he sees at the far end of this particular journey.
Hutton deserved an Emmy win for Best Lead Actor for this episode. As did Constatine for Guest Actor. Writer Peter S. Fischer and the series itself should also have been honored for "The Adventure Of The Wary Witness".
Simply Brilliant Televisual Entertaiment.
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