A down-and-out boxer is rundown by a hit-and-run driver. His only fan, a young boy, hires Joe to prove it was murder.A down-and-out boxer is rundown by a hit-and-run driver. His only fan, a young boy, hires Joe to prove it was murder.A down-and-out boxer is rundown by a hit-and-run driver. His only fan, a young boy, hires Joe to prove it was murder.
Photos
- Mr. Barlow
- (as Donald Barry)
- Larry Gates
- (as Charles Picerni)
- Referee
- (uncredited)
- Fight Spectator
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe airplane ride footage is the same that used twice before with the red "TR2" Grumman plane in Portrait of a Hero (1972) and Desert Run (1973).
- GoofsWhen Peggy arrives at work, she walks past a green Barracuda in Joe's spot that looks like the car he drove in earlier seasons. He was driving a Tan Challenger throughout the season.
- Quotes
Joe Mannix: Well, now, what can I do for you, Kevin John?
Kevin John Hunter: I want to hire you.
Joe Mannix: You want to hire me, huh? Okay, step into my office and let's talk about it. How about some coffee, Peg?
Peggy Fair: I'll have to make it, Joe.
Kevin John Hunter: [looking around Mannix's office] Hey, this is really neat. You must do okay.
Joe Mannix: Thanks. Have a seat, Kevin John.
[Kevin John sits down]
Joe Mannix: Now, uh... what's this all about?
Kevin John Hunter: I want you to prove that Bull Evans was murdered.
Joe Mannix: Who's Bull Evans?
Kevin John Hunter: He was a fighter. Almost champ once. He was my friend.
Joe Mannix: Uh, you, uh, said he was murdered. How?
Kevin John Hunter: Hit by a car the other night.
Joe Mannix: Oh, and you think it was deliberate?
Kevin John Hunter: I was there when it happened. But I can't prove anything. But he told me.
Joe Mannix: Did you, uh, go to the police? You know, they won't charge you anything.
Kevin John Hunter: Yeah, I went. They said it was hit-and-run. Because I'm only 12, nobody'll listen to me. I was hoping you'd be different.
Joe Mannix: I'm listening, Kevin John.
Kevin John Hunter: Bull said Larry Gates killed him.
Joe Mannix: Oh. Who's Larry Gates?
Kevin John Hunter: He's a fighter, too.
Joe Mannix: Did your friend say why Larry Gates wanted to kill him?
Kevin John Hunter: No, but Bull said he did, and I believe him. I want you to prove that. I can pay you. I have eight dollars and... some change I saved up. It's all yours. I work at Johnson's Grocery three afternoons a week. If this ain't enough, I can give you more. But you've just gotta help me, Mr. Mannix.
Joe Mannix: [sighs] Well... let's not worry about my fee just yet, hmm? Now, where can I get in touch with you?
Kevin John Hunter: We don't have a phone. You can reach me at Johnson's Grocery.
Joe Mannix: Oh.
Kevin John Hunter: [hands Mannix a business card] Here. Here's the number. You just leave a message, and Mr. Johnson'll make sure I get it. My address is on the other side.
Joe Mannix: Oh. All right, I got it.
Kevin John Hunter: You know, I've been looking all over for help, and you're the first person that's even gonna try. Thanks.
[to Peggy as he leaves]
Kevin John Hunter: He's okay, you know that?
[walks out the door and leaves]
- ConnectionsEdited from Mannix: Portrait of a Hero (1972)
When the story begins, the boxer Bull Evans is losing his boxing match. But things go from bad to worse when some thugs confront him. Soon after this, as Bull is walking across the street with his young friend, Kevin John, a car careens down the street and kills Bull. It sure didn't look like an accident but the police assume it's just a case of hit and run. That's when the kid looks for Mannix...to hire him to investigate the case. But it turns out to be a much deadlier case than either of them expected, as soon these same two goons show up at the kid's home...demanding they give him a notebook that the think he has. Can Mannix save the day (what do you think?!?!)?
This is a decent episode...not great, but worth seeing. I generally don't like these kid-oriented stories but this one isn't too bad. Not a glowing endorsement but a pretty average episode overall.
- planktonrules
- Apr 4, 2017