The Return of Mitchell Campion (7 Apr. 1959)

A man visiting a small Mediterranean island is stunned when all of the island's residents recognize him and insist that he is an island resident who has returned after many years, even though he knows he has never been there before.

Director:

John Newland

Writers:

Merwin Gerard (creator), Merwin Gerard (teleplay),

Stars:

John Newland, Patrick O'Neal, Lilyan Chauvin

Cast

Episode cast overview:
John Newland	...	Himself - Host
Patrick O'Neal	...	Mitchell Campion
Lilyan Chauvin	...	Francesca
Richard Angarola	...	Hotel Clerk
Anatol Winogradoff	...	Alexis Paninian
Allegra Varron	...	Restaurant Owner
Vance Howard
Robert Hernandez	...	Bellboy
Fred Lerner	...	Ticket Agent

Storyline

Mitchell Campion visits an out of the way island off the coast of Spain to recuperate after a month in the hospital from a serious auto accident. People on the island greet him as someone who visited there three weeks previously, although Campion has never been out of the United States. Incredibly, he recognizes a beautiful woman, Francesca, whom he loves. An old man, Alexis Paninian, provides a clue to the mystery.

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Plot Keywords:

character name in title

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 April 1959 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Joseph M. Schenck Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

He Blew His Mind Out in a Car

After an automobile accident, Ohioan Patrick O'Neal (as Mitchell Campion) goes to visit a tiny Mediterranean island, for a little rest and relaxation. Strangely, upon arriving at his hotel, everyone on the staff recognizes him - but, Mr. O'Neal has never been to the "Hotel du Sud" before. In fact, he has never even traveled outside the United States. O'Neal is further frustrated when hotel workers seem know his name and meal preferences. It's "love at first sight" when beautiful Lilyan Chauvin (as Francesca) enters the picture - but, in Ms. Chauvin's eyes, the relationship had already begun…

O'Neal's characterization really carries the half-hour; he did not get the amount of leading actor roles he deserved, as is obvious herein. For example, note how all the required emotions register on his face when he encounters "Francesca". The direction, by John Newland, is strong; probably, producer-writer Merwin Gerard deserves some of the credit. The story's conclusion, and the typically preposterous bracketing narration, drags it down somewhat.

****** The Return of Mitchell Campion (4/7/59) Merwin Gerard ~ Patrick O'Neal, Lilyan Chauvin, Richard Angarola