True, and I agree with many of the last reviewers,
Mannix turns up in some small, unfriendly towns. But how do you get a southern accent if you're in California??? I have to subtract one star!
Case in point, Clifton James, playing sheriff Ford, who gained fame as the rascally southern lawman in two JAMES BOND films, among many other films. The story is clever though, all about an
elusive manuscript tied to a murder, and there's a missing chapter which spills the proverbial beans...
Brian McKay wrote this story, a man of action, associated with such shows as CHARLIES ANGELS and WONDER WOMAN. And there's action here.
Barbara Rush, plays Ceilia, the wealthy widow of the victim, adding some class to the remote setting. Also look for Harlan Warde, playing the coroner. Warde was one of those popular actors who you knew, but forgot his name. He was a favorite on PERRY MASON and many westerns, like BONANZA and the BIG VALLEY.
Yes, that's the sound of Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass in the background. They were also heard in the previous episode, more than likely due to their popularity as background music on the DATING GAME. Remember?
The small town setting is probably in the High Desert, but definitely in southern California. The desert town of Lancaster was always a favorite spot, replete with some beautiful scenery and lots of roads to nowhere.
Also someone in question tries to pay Joe off, and you know where that's going --but its interesting to watch the mechanics of these desperate characters who seem to have pockets full of cash. That always amazed me.
At the time, Barbara Rush was appearing on PEYTON PLACE (a total of 75 episodes), but for all of us cult fans, she is fondly remembered for playing Nora Clavicle on BATMAN, who had "exploding robot mice" aimed at blowing up Gotham City hall! That's what probably got her this role! Casting people wanted to meet her.
By the way, a rare episode without Peggy, and she is missed. It would have been cool if she just went along for the ride, and maybe dug up some stuff on her own.
Worth watching, for all of us devout Mannix fans. SEASON 2 EPISODE 6 remastered CBS dvd box set.