User Reviews

"Racket Squad" was an old-time television show. And, since it's from the early days of TV, I cut it a bit of slack. This particular episode, "Accidentally on Purpose" is about a sleazy used car business--one that knowingly puts dangerously defective cars into unsuspecting customers hands.

It begins with a young couple driving off to get married. Suddenly, however, their brakes fail and soon they have a wreck. While they weren't killed, they easily could have been. Yet, oddly, the couple was so dumb that they STILL didn't realize the accident happened because the car was such a dangerous vehicle! Captain Braddock (Reed Hadley) learns about the accident and visits the hospital and hears from them that they had just bought the car from "Square Deal Danny's--The Working Man's Friend"! Again, with such a ridiculous title, any non-stupid person would have suspected something with such a silly name for the dealership! The couple explain how they bought the car and, once again, any non-idiot would have walked away from the deal when the mechanic at the used car dealer tried to warn them away from it. But the slick salesman (Billy Halop--one of the old 'Dead End Kids') talked the gullible couple into buying it and the rest is history. Oh, and did I mention that the couple didn't bother insuring the vehicle?! As the Captain left the hospital, he bumped into the mechanic that tried to help the couple. He returned with the Captain to see the couple and explained at length about all the dangerous tricks Mr. 'Square Deal' did to make junk cars run...at least temporarily. This was the best part of the show--very informative. However, despite this important information, I still noticed that the style of the acting and production was very stilted (even by "Racket Squad" standards) and the couple was just too dumb to be believable.

On their way to get married in Arizona, "nice" Ray Montgomery (as Johnny Conway) and "lovely" Emily Heath (as Sue Bailey) crash their newly purchased used car, when the breaks fail. At the hospital, Sergeant Archie Twitchell (as Tom Harris) believes the couple bought a "shaggy dog" (aka a "lemon"); and, he phones "Racket Squad" Captain John Braddock (Reed Hadley) about his suspicions. An interview with Mr. Montgomery leads to flashbacks…

Earlier, Montgomery and Ms. Heath are warned against buying the car, by conscientious mechanic James Bell (as Pete Johnson). But, fast-talking salesman Billy Halop (as Porter) intervenes, and sells the couple a re-painted wreck. After Mr. Bell reveals how "Square Deal Danny" (John Doucette) bilks customers, Capt. Braddock investigates the crooked owner… A notable series entry, for both its helpful message, and the TV debut of Mr. Halop.

***** Accidentally on Purpose (1/3/52) George Blair ~ Reed Hadley, James Bell, Ray Montgomery, Billy Halop

It took a re-tooling Detroit awhile to catch up with post-war demand for new cars. So used cars were much in demand following the wartime economy. This 1951 episode deals with fast-buck artists looking to cash in on a car hungry public. And what could pique our sympathy faster than the all- American young couple victimized by Square Deal's fast-talking salesman. Following a faulty car crash, they're in the hospital and Capt. Braddock's been alerted to the scam. From there, the story unfolds in fairly straightforward fashion.

Braddock gets a lot of face time warning the public about hazards of used cars from anyone other than a reputable dealer. But for me, the real draw is the cast. From the 1930's East Side Kids, there's little toughie Billy Halop as the unscrupulous salesman. Good to see him picking up a payday. Then there's the commanding John Doucette, a familiar face from the era, as the bulldozing owner. And last but not least, there's the conflicted auto mechanic James Bell, a not-so familiar face mainly from the 40's. Those fans of Val Lewton's great horror series, especially I Walked With A Zombie (1943), will be pleased to see him again.

All in all, it's a strong cast reminding us of a still relevant message from our Racket Squad friends.