See this episode just for the famous blue Porsche chase. A M. I. TV Classic.
A rather unique tale for two reasons; Cinnamon is not involved in the case and there is NO secret tape recording. Author Laurence Heath did some creative writing, perhaps to change the routine, and it works well. I agree with the last reviewer, it also has the feel of an episode from THE SAINT (minus Roger Moore) with a European setting, and some excellent photography. Heath wrote 23 episodes for the show, later series writer for DYNASTY.
Phelps comes to the aid of close friend David Webster (played by Kevin Hagen), framed and held for murder in a banana republic, quite naturally.
Also in play is a rare jeweled crown, worth a king's ransom. To delay his execution, Rollin and Willie (disguised as priests!) install a fake prison panel in his cell so he could hide, and obviously make it look like he escaped into thin air. The best part is watching the STUNNED expressions of the guards! You have to love creative scenes like that, though the panel is a long shot. Wouldn't the guards have knocked on the walls and discovered it IF they did a thorough search?
Beautiful Mariana Hill plays Louisa, Webster's gal friend who may have set him up in the first place, or is a victim herself. Hill, who was a master of dialects, has an emotional role here, and possibly the reason Cinnamon was not in this story. Veteran actor Will Kuluva plays Constantine, always a treat to see him, generally playing distinguished learned gentlemen. Look for Peter Donat (nephew of Oscar winning actor Robert Donat), later appearing in the X FILES.
Getting to the absolute BEST part, Willie and Barney rig a remote-controlled blue Porsche to fake-out the international police, and a wild chase ensues down a precarious mountain road. Barney working the control panel and shifting gears is great entertainment, especially for all us kids back in the day. An unforgettable scene. Not to forget master of disguises Rollin, who works his magic in the makeup fakeup department, the meticulous rubber and hair application simply fascinating.
Footnote, Kevin Hagen slightly resembles Jason Evers, popular on so many cop shows, and at first I thought it was him. Hagen was best known for playing the doctor on LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, also LAND OF THE GIANTS. Actor and writer Alf Kjellin directs this episode with his usual flair, and the Porsche scene a masterpiece on his part. Kjellin also headed some classic episodes for HAWAII FIVE O.
Hits the bullseye! 10 Stars, though we miss Barbara Bain. SEASON 2 EPISODE 19 remastered color CBS/Paramount dvd box set. 7 dvds, 2007 release.
Get the box set for this one.