Joe is trying to find a missing teenage boy who was acquitted of murder on a technicality. The boy's small town is convinced he did it and Chief Harry Decken is not helpful.Joe is trying to find a missing teenage boy who was acquitted of murder on a technicality. The boy's small town is convinced he did it and Chief Harry Decken is not helpful.Joe is trying to find a missing teenage boy who was acquitted of murder on a technicality. The boy's small town is convinced he did it and Chief Harry Decken is not helpful.
- Eddie Decken
- (as Tony Geary)
- Rowdy
- (uncredited)
- Man Holding Coffee Cup
- (uncredited)
- Barroom Brawler
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDan White who portrayed Pop (uncredited) the father of Chief Harry Decken, portrayed by Howard Duff, was only 5 years 8 months older then Howard Duff.
- GoofsAs Chief Decken walks Joe Mannix to his motel room after Mannix checks in, about a half-dozen members of the crew and the dolly tracking camera are reflected in the plate glass window of one motel room that they pass.
- Quotes
Chief Harry Decken: Listen, we're a nice town. Got a little high-spirited element in it, but what's a kid who doesn't bust loose once in a while, right?
Joe Mannix: One of them, uh, looked like the leader. He was riding a silver and red bike, long yellow hair down to his shoulders. Now, I'm not putting long hair down, but this one I'd enjoy scalping.
Chief Harry Decken: License number?
Joe Mannix: Well, everything was one big blur.
Chief Harry Decken: We've got a kid answers that description every ten miles this part of the country. We can't haul them all in, can we?
Joe Mannix: Well, I'm talking about just one of them.
Chief Harry Decken: Believe me, we want to nail them as much as you do. This is a responsible community, but, uh, we really don't have much to go on, do we?
Joe Mannix: Yeah, well, let's just forget it, huh?
Chief Harry Decken: But... we're going to keep our eyes open. You can bet on that.
Joe Mannix: Oh, by the way, what's the motel situation here in Lindero?
Chief Harry Decken: Staying in our town, are you?
Joe Mannix: Maybe a day or two.
Chief Harry Decken: Lot of motels. I'd have to say La Posada is the best, though.
Joe Mannix: La Posada? Thanks.
Chief Harry Decken: Maybe see you around.
Yes, a bit confusing, hazy when it comes to the legal procedings, but.... the show was designed for adventure, and we kids loved it. Case in point, Joe wrecks two cars here. What do you want?
Salute to Herb Meadow, who wrote this story and created the iconic western series HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL. Holy smokes. Right after this episode he wrote for CANNON, with even higher ratings (Top 10) on Wednesday nights. Wow.
Check out the stellar cast. One of the greats, Howard Duff, who reminded me a bit of Broderick Crawford, (fondly remembered for MR ADAMS AND EVE), plays the brash sheriff of one of those unfriendly small towns. Joe has the task to stop into Duff's hamlet of hate and search for a friend's missing son, convicted on rape and murder charges. This guy is in a mess, and does Duff have something to do with it? Lots of red herrings here... Be patient.
Former WWII pinup, singer, dancer and comedian (a rival to Doris Day) Janis Paige plays Georgia, who's son is on the run. This was her only appearance on MANNIX, and it's a shame. Janis had a terrific role as the wife of a murdered cowboy millionaire on COLUMBO, prior to this. Watching her is always a treat. Janis was married to the famous song writer Ray Gilbert, who wrote the Oscar winner, "Zip a Dee Doo Dah." They were a team right up to his sudden death, a few years after this episode.
For all you soap opera fans, there's young Anthony Geary as Eddie. Geary earned a record 10 daytime Emmy awards as Luke on General Hospital. Prior to this he guested on the PARTRIDGE FAMILY, if you remember.
This was probably shot up in the high desert, near Lancaster, California, where there's lots of space and heat. Also the best place for westerns.
By the way, Janis Paige as of 2024 is 101 years young, and hopefully doing well. Always in our thoughts.
Recomended. Classic, cult 70s tv. SEASON 7 EPISODE 2 CBS/Paramount remastered dvd box set. And the color is a lot better than when originally telecast in the 70s.
- tcchelsey
- Jul 12, 2023