TV writer Robert I. Holt (THE ROOKIES) may have been inspired by THE ODESSA FILES, which premiered about a month before this episode, all about the relentless hunt for Nazi war criminals. True, this is not a full length movie, but it has Leslie Neilsen and Joan Van Ark, who make an interesting couple with possibilities. And Neilsen back in the day played some class act villains, similar to Jack Cassidy.
The hunter, likely patterned after Simon Wiesenthal, is Swedish actor and director Alf Kjellin who is after Nielsen (his second series appearance). He plays Erich Strasser, one of the most wanted Nazi criminals, but with no accent? That is not gone into, and leaves you scratching your head, although I agree with the last reviewer, he may have lost his accent thru the years. He's nevertheless devious and unpredictable as you will see.
Joan Van Ark (in her second series appearance also) seems to be attracted to Strasser, now a very wealthy businessman. She knows his past, but because he's a gentleman, at least to her, it now becomes a bizarre love story that leaves Cannon stuck in the middle. My only critique is that she should have betrayed him and hand delivered the fiend to Cannon.
It would have been neat to see him blackmailed and desperate, because he deserved everything that's coming to him. This episode had a lot of meaning to viewers, especially in the 70s with the increase in Nazi sightings, and had significant ratings.
Also in the cast is Alfred Ryder (as Eduard) popular in heavy roles, often in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and great with accents. It also makes you wonder how Ryder would have played Strasser? John S. Ragin plays the police lieutenant, later to graduate to QUINCY. He kind of reminded me of Ward Wood from MANNIX.
Two other familiar actors to watch; James Keach as Johnny, Stacy Keach's popular brother and veteran actor Bob Harks as a guard. Harks held a Hollywood record for appearing in hundreds of tv shows in bit roles. He worked with some of the biggest stars in the biz and must have had a good agent.
True, the story has some questions, but it's worth a look for the leads and beautifully photographed, partly at Malibu. Director George McGowan pulled out some fine performances, especially Joan Van Ark.
Cannon has a funny foody bit at the close, and you know the cast and crew are going to lunch.
SEASON 4 EPISODE 10 remastered CBS color dvd box set. 2016 release.
2 out of 3 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
