Wooden Model of a Rat (11 Dec. 1975)

August March, a seemingly respectable businessman who is also an art collector, has been running a smuggling ring of Asian art. When he discovers McGarrett is also a collector of small ... See full summary »

Director:

Philip Leacock

Writers:

Leonard Freeman (creator), Alvin Sapinsley

Stars:

Jack Lord, James MacArthur, Kam Fong

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Jack Lord	...	Det. Steve McGarrett
James MacArthur	...	Dan Williams
Kam Fong	...	Chin Ho
Edward Asner	...	August March (as Ed Asner)
Richard McKenzie	...	Gustave Lupin
John Fujioka	...	Professor Masaaki
Kwan Hi Lim	...	Suzari
Glenn Cannon	...	Manicote
Josie Over	...	Malinda Grant
Harry Endo	...	Che Fong
Al Eben	...	Doc
Herman Wedemeyer	...	Duke
Bill Cho Lee	...	Dr. Hayabusa (as Bill Lee)
Walter Jones	...	Dan Muzekian
Peter Chun	...	Kim Chung Lo

Storyline

August March, a seemingly respectable businessman who is also an art collector, has been running a smuggling ring of Asian art. When he discovers McGarrett is also a collector of small Asian sculptures, March arranges for a stolen piece of art from Japan to be substituted for McGarrett's collection, which is about to go on display in a Honolulu museum. March sees this an opportunity to frame the lawman who could smash his operation. But McGarrett, despite all odds, moves to trap his opponent.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 December 1975 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Hawaii, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

CBS Television Network, Leonard Freeman Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ed Asner reprised his role as August March over 36 years later on the rebooted version of the series. Footage of his original appearance was used, and he referred to having been arrested by one McGarrett. In the new series, it was Steve McGarrett's father who had arrested him.

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Connections

Edited into Hawaii Five-0: Kalele (2012)

User Reviews

One of a bunch of episodes where the baddies try to frame McGarrett...and a chance to learn about the beauty of Netsuke.

Having recently started re-watching all the episodes of "Hawaii Five-O", I noticed the similarity of this particular show to about 6-10 others in the series. It seems that some scum-bag is always trying to set up McGarrett for a crime in order to discredit or distract him and Five-O. I've seen Wo Fat do it several times and this time it's the job of a different bald guy to try to frame McGarrett. August March (Ed Asner) has concocted a plan to make it appear as if McGarrett has padded his own personal collection of netsuke with a stolen one recently recovered in a police raid! Now I need to stop for a minute to explain. I happen to know exactly what netsuke are--and I would venture to say most Americans would have no idea what they were, so I'll try to explain. They were little carvings that were very popular in Japan during the 17-early 20th century. Now the carvings had a utilitarian purpose--to hold the cords which attached a kimono (robe) to little purse-like boxes in which personal possessions were carried.

This episode begins with a small exhibition of netsuke, inro and ojime (all related accessories) at a local museum. And, just before the exhibit opens to the public, there just happens to be a Japanese expert there as well as many members of the press! This and several later too coincidental aspects of the case is a bit of a problem with the show--the case against McGarrett is just too easy...too perfect. What is McGarrett to do to clear his name and get to the bottom of an international smuggling ring? As I said above, there is perhaps too good a case against McGarrett. It's such an easy case that it's pretty obvious to everyone that it's all a setup, as real life is never that clear-cut! But, it is interesting and it does teaches you a bit about this lovely art form. And, if you have a chance, try to see the collection of netsuke at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. I am sure there are better collections out there (particularly in Japan) but this one is still quite nice and accessible to lots of Westerners.