This episode boasts a top cast and plays like a hunt the man down episode from the FBI. There's good reason, because Virgil Vogel directed, who also headed many episodes of that classic show. Earlier in his career he was behind WAGON TRAIN.
The focus is Stewart Moss, playing a lawyer
who knows too much about a murder and is kidnapped. Cannon gets into the mix and its a long, wild pursuit, including a helicopter ride.
Possibly inspired from Season 1 episode, "No Pockets in a Shroud," one of the best ever 70s cop show helicopter chases.
Throw in lots of ammo, and this has the feel of a MANNIX episode. Robert W. Lenski wrote for both shows and may have spruced up this script for Cannon instead. Not an unusual thing, as we've all seen MISSION IMPOSSIBLE scripts go to MANNIX. The old phrase, never let a good story pass ya' by.
Christine Belford, who at the time was co-starring on BANACEK, plays Anne, and is quite good. John Larch, famous for DIRTY HARRY, again plays a cop (Sgt. Nelson), but not necessarily a good one.
Larch was a Warner Brothers/ABC TV alum, working with William Conrad in many westerns he directed. He always looked the part of a small town sheriff.
Scott Marlow plays Pappy and burly Ramon Bieri as the chief. The most popular bit actor in Hollywood, Bob Harks, is seen this time as a fireman. He appeared 13 times on the series, 14 on IRONSIDE and 10 times on MANNIX. Bob was originally a model. An inspiration to many young actors, to be sure.
Watch for a super-charged chase scene, Classic Cannon on steroids. Virgil Vogel shows why he was one of the best directors, much like Reza Badiyi on Mannix. The reason why these episodes were climbing high in the ratings.
SEASON 2 EPISODE 19. Remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set number 2. 3 dvds per box. 2010 release. 21 hrs total. Collectors item.
