A Deadly Quiet Town

Cannon is hired by a man concerned that his daughter is involved with a cult of college-age kids. They have a hold on her, or at least the leader of the cult - chillingly played by john Rubenstein - has. Cannon learns a chilling plan: the plan to kill the teen girl's parents. Already a drunkard got killed, a lab blown and they even try to kill Cannon with a crossbow. There's a neat twist in the end, which reveals the reason why the cult leader wants the girl's family dead. This is an absorbing and effective thriller with really good atmosphere. It's also a good view of the era. It can be sinister and disturbing especially with what happened a few years previously to this but it's a solid episode.

In 1971, Charles Manson and a group of losers who worshiped him were all convicted of the grisly Tate-LaBianca murders. It was a HUGE trial--and was publicized widely. Now, just a few months later, "Cannon" cashes in on this with "A Deadly Quiet Town"-a show very obviously inspired by these despicable creeps.

A father is concerned that his daughter may have fallen in with a group of young losers who practically worship their leader. It's a cult and it may just be a very deadly one. When Cannon investigates, he finds a group of very impressionable youths--so impressionable that it appears they're willing to murder just to please their demented leader.

While this is a very, very entertaining episode, it's also a bit unsavory as the folks at Quinn Martin Productions seem to be cashing in on the Manson family sickness. Well made and interesting but a bit disturbing since it's obviously a case of art imitating life.

An episode to watch, similar to MOD SQUAD. 10 Stars.

This story owes a lot to popular, young actor John Rubenstein, playing the guru of a cult who kidnaps the daughter (Dianne Hull) of a businessman (Keith Andes). Their mission is to wipe out her family. I agree with the last reviewer; the story was probably shaped around Charles Manson and his gang. Well written by Robert W. Lenski, who was also writing for MANNIX and the FBI tv series at the time.

Keith Andes, a veteran actor, appeared four times on the series and this may be his best role. A few years earlier he played the key part of General Marshall in the acclaimed war film, TORA, TORA, TORA. Alyn Ann McLerie plays Mrs. Glen, Andes' wife. She had previously appeared in the John Wayne western, THE COWBOYS.

This episode is graphic and daring for its time, the opening scene is fairly creepy, special thanks to director Seymour Robbie, also doing many episodes for BARNABY JONES.

Excellent support from John Larch, known for DIRTY HARRY, and again playing a cop. He and William Conrad were old friends from Warner Brothers/ABC tv, as was Keith Andes. Louise Latham (popular on GUNSMOKE) plays Rubenstein's mother, replete with a drinking problem.

Anne Lockhart, daughter of June Lockhart, plays Tabby, in an early role. Anne's most recent credit was on CHICAGO FIRE.

Cannon meeting up with a dummy on the fishing pier had to have been borrowed from Mannix. The ending a series classic, terrific cliffside shots. The ranch house where Cannon pulls up is the future residence of Jonathan Hart (Robert Wagner) in HART TO HART. It would be used many times on this show, and was originally owned by actor Dick Powell.

Partly filmed at Santa Clarita, about 30 miles north of LA. And in North Hollywood, which looks to be in the vacinity of Colfax Avenue.

Recommended. SEASON 1 EPISODE 20 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set No. 2. Eight dvd set total. 2008. Classic first season edition.