The "HELPFUL" buttons here on not intended as an ECHO-CHAMBER for our own opinions; they are-- ideally-- a way for us to consider alternate viewpoints that might provide some insight. On the other hand, many of the "reviews" posted on IMDB are useless, and I wish the editors would be more critical in what they approve.
That being said, I appreciate the other comment posted here, and considered it, but must say that ultimately this Episode was not very compelling dramatically; something was definitely missing. The RASHOMON plot device is always fascinating, but it somehow never really "caught fire" and created a real sense of urgency, at least for me.
Part of the problem, I must admit, is my aversion to Naked City's "FREAKY" tendencies---so indicative of the early '60's, NYC "avant-garde theater scene...
that will become more frequent as the series progresses, and which really undermine the drama for me. CASE IN POINT:- what's that crazy opening teaser about?? How does it relate to the plot, in any meaningful way? Or was it just a directorial "conceit", an experimental time-filler?
Also, I wonder why the listing for "Polonius" and "Queen" in the final credits (and on IMDB). Was there an actual scene from the amateur production of HAMLET starring our "Sweet Prince"(Morse) that was CUT from the final version of this show?
It's always good to see James Dunne, whose brilliant, heartbreaking performance in "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" (1945) remains seared into the memory of film historians--and classic film lovers. Robert Morse was taking a break from his big Broadway success in "How to Succeed in Business" at the time this episode was filmed, and Dustin Hoffman (pre-nose job) appears in a substantial role very early in his career.
I'm surprised that Image Entertainment didn't include this episode in their DVD sampling of Naked City some years ago; they generally released shows that featured "Big Name" stars--even in some sub-standard episodes, while passing over a number of more deserving shows (eg: the superb "The Pedigree Sheet" -- which could have been billed as a big Suzanne Pleshette vehicle. It's the best). LR
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