True, this episode is reminiscent of a MISSION IMPOSSIBLE story that also starred Fritz Weaver as a very desperate character. Weaver was perfect in these type of roles, and great with accents. He would later co-star on ALL MY CHILDREN.
10 Stars.
It's all about the release of a deadly nerve gas (a hot topic even in today's news) plotted by a businessman (Weaver), haunted by memories of Nazi death camps. The clever catch here --and misleading for Cannon -- the suspect is an accountant for the chemical company. So Cannon actually doesn't realize what he's up against. Not the first time Frank would be tricked, however this is probably the most volitile situation he faces.
You have to admit, there is a LARGE dose of poetic license at work. This type of situation would have required Hazmat crews and emergency prepardness operations ASAP. Cannon is one heck of a lucky guy, and we kids loved it.
This was filmed during the summer of 1971 at the famous Del Mar Fairgrounds, and writer Michael Gleason added some other interesting touches. A De Tomaso Patera GT coupe is on display (near the bomb!) The rare car today would be valued at around $130,000. The fairgrounds was founded in the 1930s by Bing Crosby. Good trivia question.
Some other big names here, such as Robert Webber (frequently cast on the series) whose long career dated back to the early days of tv. No question he worked for his old boss, William Conrad, at Warner Brothers/ABC TV back in the day. Future soap opera star Jeanne Crain (YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) plays a wisecracking landlady, and is fun.
At first, I thought it was Brett Somers from MATCH GAME! They looked very much alike. Brett did work for Quinn Martin (THE FUGITIVE) in the 60s.
Co-star Lynn Carlin, a few years earlier, was nominted for an Oscar in FACES, John Cassavetes first big film. Barney Phillips plays yet another cop. The only episode written by Michael Gleason, and he did an outstanding job. He is best known for his work on PEYTON PLACE.
Definitely has its moments (the ending is fairly tense) and some super on location work. SEASON 1 EPISODE 13 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set. Vol. 2. 4 discs. 11 hrs running time. Released 2008.
