Bradford Dillman and Carmen Matthews appear in this episode as son and mother, making the most of their roles. Dillman (as Richard Alexander) plays the devious brother of David Birney, behind an illegal gun operation. Matthews plays their rather quirky mother who smells a rat, but is also a thorn in Cannon's side. BIG TIME.
Dillman, a distinguished film actor, later made a new career for himself on television, specializing in smooth, calculating villains. Matthews also appeared on tv for decades, known for Alfred Hitchcock's show, playing kindly, little old ladies with ulterior motives. Perfect here. Watching these two veterans is lots of fun, especially for all the trouble they make for Cannon who wishes he never took the case in the first place!
Note, this is one of the few episodes where Frank is really set up. Excellent writing from George Bellak. He was a regular writer for NYPD, the grand daddy of cop shows.
Also in the cast is Tom Drake (as Bill) fondly remembered MGM star of the 1940s, who also worked regularly in television and for William Conrad at Warner Brothers/ABC. Drake sold used cars near MGM in later years. Dana Elcar plays the trusty lieutenant (Levaca), a common role for him, he looked the part.
See if you can spot famous wrestler Ted Christy as a patron in a diner. He frequently guested in episodes on GUNSMOKE. One of the fight scenes was staged at the park at Coldwater Canyon Avenue in North Hollywood, and the neighborhood hasn't changed much, only a few miles from the BRADY BUNCH house.
Top direction by Don Taylor, who did two episodes, and lucky to get him. Don also worked on Hitchcock's tv show. John Elizalde's music is spot on here, elevating certain scenes. He served as music director for the series, and other QM productions.
Watch the warehouse scene at the end; one of the goons shoots at Cannon and should have nailed him. Another Mannix-type close shave on steroids.
Dillman's four door Lincoln looks exactly like Cannon's original car in the series pilot. It turned up in other episodes. Strictly for all us car buffs.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 23 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set 2 of 2 (4 dvds each box), released 2008.
First season collectors box. The back cover photos are excellent.
