Mannix (TV Series) Only Giants Can Play (1969) User Reviews

Aside from the use of the helicopter, a good episode.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 23 May 2013]

Before I say what I liked about this episode of "Mannix", I should point out that the use of helicopters in this one was really bad...really bad. First, at the beginning, you see a man attacked and killed by a helicopter. Unless the thing landed ON him, this just seemed far-fetched. The copter was coming towards him and the guy falls to his death! Silly. Why didn't they shoot at him or drop an anvil on him or something else?! Second, when Mannix is attacked by a helicopter, he knocks the thing out of the sky amazingly easily--so easily it made me laugh! As for the rest of the show, "Only Giants Can Play" is actually quite good. The show involves Mannix trying to solve the murder of the man in the opening scene--and the man was another private detective. What, exactly the mystery is turned out to be very interesting and was an interesting indictment on the life of a politician and his family. Worth seeing but what's with those stupid helicopters?!

Outstanding ep thanks to comely Ackerman and Barry

[belanger75 · 9/10 · 9 January 2020]

Betty Ackerman and Patricia Barry are both sexy and superb in their roles in this political thriller Mannix ep about a married man running for Governor. The plot has Mannix investigating a tennis pro who killed out in the hills mysteriously. He was as it turns out mixed up with folks who wanted the man to drop from the race. Ackerman plays the candidate's comely but cheating wife. In a surprise the candidate and even his wife along with their campaign manager and speech writer are all innocent of any murder. This ep seems similar to a first season ep where Mannix did some government investigating and, if the truth could be told, the show was a little better in great season one then anytime thereafter but it was great throughout its whole 8-season run. See my other reviews.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE BURIED HERE???

[tcchelsey · 9/10 · 9 February 2023]

There's some interesting characters to watch very carefully here, thanks to Al C. Ward who wrote this sharp episode. Ward very soon would became head writer for MEDICAL CENTER, and all its patients and their stories.

Not an easy trip for Joe here as he gets involved with the gubernatorial cocktail set (everyone is hittin' the bottle in this one) and the death of a two bit crook which may blow the campaign wide open. This plays like a soap opera at times, but don't get too comfortable as there's always some action and a helicopter ride in the works. Also some great dialogue.

Superb cast of veterans, lead by 6 foot 3 cowboy Slim Pickens (as Mike), a staple in so many memorable westerns. His big winded role here is very similar to a part he played on an early episode of the MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW.

Patricia Barry (as Claire) is so much fun to watch, best in roles as a sly lady with something up her sleeve. Not to miss stone-faced John Dehner (playing Jim) with the distinguished gray moustache. Bettye Ackerman guest stars, yet another popular actress who you've seen many times, but forget her name.

In the wardrobe department, you have to admit, Joe looks good in a white shirt and tie for a change of pace, especially one that's not ripped or covered with dirt. Also Gail Fisher's wardrobe and hair style was also changing, more than likely from viewers' suggestions.

The chase scene looks to have been filmed in the High Desert, around Lancaster, California. If you really wanted to get away from the city, the deserts of southern California were your best bet, and very scenic.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 15 remastered dvd box set.

First-rate guest cast enhances a good mystery

[shakspryn · 8/10 · 5 October 2023]

The great guest cast and the remarkably fine 35 mm cinematography both help to make this a first-rate episode. The plot would have been good for a mystery novel. Also enjoyable: the woman newspaper owner wears some great 1960's outfits, fun to see! It's made clear we are in some state other than California; Arizona seems the most likely candidate to me, though which state it is, is never specified. The plot does have what I would consider some loose threads, if you think about it, but the story is so interesting, I think that doesn't really matter.

So sit back and enjoy the performances of some of the very best actors and actresses working in 1960's television.

Helicopters? Really?

[Guad42 · 6/10 · 14 November 2020]

A decent story marred by helicopters at the start and finished. First, a man falls off a cliff while being chased by a helo. No reason for him to do that. In the end, Mannix brings down the helo by throwing a stick in the tail rotor. Fairly inane. The crook had Mannix in the helo for the ride out of town, just push him out for heaven's sake! In between the helo segments is a good story. One of the surprises is an informant calls Mannix and wants to pass on information at a meeting. Of course, 90% of the time , the informant is dead when the PI arrives but in this case, no way. The meeting goes as scheduled, the informant gets paid off and walks away. First time for everything. Another surprise is the blackmail material that is the MacGuffin of the story. John Dehner brings his usual gravitas to his role. Patricia Barry is always great when being politely underhanded. Slim Picking is a suitably good ol' boy who is a criminal. Nobody does good ol' boy like Slim. Everyone else fills in well. Since this takes place out of state, no Peggy. Mannix gets hit over the head once but not shot. In fact, this is a rare episode where no shots are fired.