This episode finds Frank Cannon out in the country--one a ranch owned by a woman (Julie Adams) whose husband disappeared several months earlier. When Cannon enters the place, it's more like a private military compound--bristling with private security guards. Why are so many of these folks needed at a ranch? And, why do these people seem awfully eager to discourage Cannon's investigation? At first, they discourage him in little ways--then one of the guards nearly kills him! Obviously, the guy in charge of the guards (Clu Gulager) is up to something...but what?! And, why would they be holding the man prisoner? This is a pretty original episode--something that is difficult with a weekly detective series. The WHY all this is occurring makes sense and is NOT a familiar theme. Overall, very well done and rather exciting.
3 Reviews
Correction to the otherwise "Spot On" REVIEW by MartinHofer
tony-driggers15 September 2021
In his review - which is "SPOT ON" - he notes that her husband (I.e. "the man" I believe is the actual term he used in reference to 'the husband') has been missing for "MONTHS" when, in fact, it's "DAYS"...6 to be exact. Other than that, I agree with his review and that it's a great episode.
CHILD OF FEAR, ONE STRANGE MYSTERY!
tcchelsey25 August 2022
Recommended. 10 Plus Stars.
Directed by one of the very best, David Lowell Rich. This was the only episode he did for the series, and left his mark. Rich was behind several cult films, including MADAME X, starring Lana Turner. He also directed NAKED CITY for Columbia Pictures, along with William Conrad. Old directors stick together.
Everything clicks.
Robert W. Lenski, a prolific tv writer, also writing for MANNIX, wrote this adventure, set on a sprawling ranch at Santa Clarita, about 35 miles north of LA. The central character is Meg (played by Julie Adams), being held captive by her husband's beefed up security patrol. Cannon gets into the mix because her husband is actually missing, yet the mysterious Mr. Lucas has given strict orders to the trigger happy chief (Clu Gulager) to let no one out.
There's not a darn thing she can do about it, and neither can Cannon, at least at the beginning -- when he's used for target practice. In a way, thanks to Robert Lenski, this does sound like a Mannix episode.
This was Adams first appearance on the show, an alumnus of Warner Brothers/ABC tv, working with her old boss, Bill Conrad. Also keep an eye on Clu Gulager, who passed not that long ago at 93, at his best playing tough hombres, whose style reminded me of Bruce Dern.
Interestingly, the storyline is similar to THE RETURN OF FRANK CANNON (1980), where Frank helps yet another lady (played by Diana Muldaur) in trouble on a mysterious ranch. A great two hour movie you have to see.
Catch this for some beautiful scenery and excellent acting all the way. A gem. SEASON 2 CBS/Paramount (2009) dvd box set number 1 of 2. 3 dvds per box. Note the nice artwork on both box covers.
Directed by one of the very best, David Lowell Rich. This was the only episode he did for the series, and left his mark. Rich was behind several cult films, including MADAME X, starring Lana Turner. He also directed NAKED CITY for Columbia Pictures, along with William Conrad. Old directors stick together.
Everything clicks.
Robert W. Lenski, a prolific tv writer, also writing for MANNIX, wrote this adventure, set on a sprawling ranch at Santa Clarita, about 35 miles north of LA. The central character is Meg (played by Julie Adams), being held captive by her husband's beefed up security patrol. Cannon gets into the mix because her husband is actually missing, yet the mysterious Mr. Lucas has given strict orders to the trigger happy chief (Clu Gulager) to let no one out.
There's not a darn thing she can do about it, and neither can Cannon, at least at the beginning -- when he's used for target practice. In a way, thanks to Robert Lenski, this does sound like a Mannix episode.
This was Adams first appearance on the show, an alumnus of Warner Brothers/ABC tv, working with her old boss, Bill Conrad. Also keep an eye on Clu Gulager, who passed not that long ago at 93, at his best playing tough hombres, whose style reminded me of Bruce Dern.
Interestingly, the storyline is similar to THE RETURN OF FRANK CANNON (1980), where Frank helps yet another lady (played by Diana Muldaur) in trouble on a mysterious ranch. A great two hour movie you have to see.
Catch this for some beautiful scenery and excellent acting all the way. A gem. SEASON 2 CBS/Paramount (2009) dvd box set number 1 of 2. 3 dvds per box. Note the nice artwork on both box covers.
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