77 Sunset Strip (TV Series) Return to San Dede: 'The Desert Story' (1960) User Reviews

Her majesty's escort

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 23 March 2017]

Efrem Zimbalist gets the assignment when the Bailey&Spencer firm is hired to escort and protect Andra Martin from the USA back to her home in the Latin American country of San Dede. The girl is really a bit much putting on airs like a princess and she's giving Stu Bailey one rough time.

But after their rear railroad car is unhooked and they are stranded in the desert the shared experience causes a little boy/girl bonding. There's also a party of men led by Rodolfo Hoyos who really want to see Martin dead.

Supposedly this is a republic, but Martin is treated like she was a royal princess. I suppose the best comparison is made to the Somoza family of Nicaragua.

When they reach the capital the saga is far from over.

Mission to nowhere

[searchanddestroy-1 · 15 December 2015]

This story seems to be in two parts; and this is the first one, when Stu is hired by a mysterious and wealthy man, with a dark past, maybe ex dictator in a Mexico territory, to get to a city (San Dede) lost in the middle of the desert. The railroad track they used ends in the desert and Stu wonders what does that mean...Unusual and intriguing scheme, isn't it? There are not many characters in this episode, but only Stu and his female partner, both seeking for water and help to get out the desert. You are glued to this tale, wondering what will be in the next sequence. Thirst, desert storm, loneliness replace here the enemies our lead usually has to fight... Interesting story, maybe among the most offbeat, weird - simply the best, why not - of the whole show, and about which I already wait for the second part. I will comment it tomorrow.