This is a rare episode where it's very likely the script was written around the location! The center of attention is Rockwell International, the super high tech rocket company, part of Rocketdyne, based at Canoga Park, California. In it's day, it was a sight to see, employing tens of thousands of people in southern California.
Here, Rockwell is the base for the testing of a revolutionary missile guidance system. The problem is stiff competition among the hi-tech gurus, which leads to murder. Actually, a very good sci fi plot, taking a detour from the usual cloak and daggar stuff Barnaby gets into, written by Calvin Clements, Jr. He later produced MATT HOUSTON, which co- starred Buddy Ebsen.
There's a nifty cast of characters here to make up for the over the top plot. Dramatic actress Rosemary Forsyth plays Ruth, who shortly after this episode would become a regular on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. She appeared on many cop shows, best remembered on MANNIX for falling in love with Joe.
Michael Tolan, who actually had been married to Forsyth years earlier, plays Reed and Jack Ging is cast as Ray. Ging was terrific at playing "smirking" bad guys. Watch him here. Alex Henteloff plays Bill, another great actor, likewise quite popular as a villain. Alex seemed to always turn up as well dressed, professional baddies, usually with a plan.
I do agree with the last reviewer, realistically, Barnaby would have had to jump through lots of security hoops to be cleared to get into this top secret site. If he was lucky in the first place! Chalk it all up to poetic license 101 and just watch what happens next, which is always the ultimate cat and mouse game.
Worth burning the late night oil or super rocket fuel, and with some very good on location work. Watch Barnaby and Betty dance and the guy playing the accordian!
SEASON 4 EPISODE 6 remastered CBS dvd box set.