The Strengthening Angels (4 Nov. 1960)

Tod and Buz, driving through California "West by North" in a rainstorm nearly run over a young woman. After giving her a lift to the next town they find she is on the run from a murder ... See full summary »

Director:

Arthur Hiller

Writers:

Stirling Silliphant, Herbert B. Leonard (creator),

Stars:

Martin Milner, George Maharis, Suzanne Pleshette

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Martin Milner	...	Tod Stiles
George Maharis	...	Buz Murdock
Suzanne Pleshette	...	Lotti Montana
Harry Townes	...	Daniel
John Larch	...	Hingle
Warren Stevens	...	Crown
Tom Reese	...	Tommy
Hal Smith	...	Drunk / Howard
Sheldon Allman	...	Character
John Cliff	...	Man on Bumper

Storyline

Tod and Buz, driving through California "West by North" in a rainstorm nearly run over a young woman. After giving her a lift to the next town they find she is on the run from a murder charge. Despite the protests of the Sheriff, the townspeople and the woman herself, Buz feels there is more to the story than obvious guilt.

---

Genres:

Adventure

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 November 1960 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Needles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lancer-Edling Productions, Screen Gems

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

You can see an obvious stunt double for George Maharis in the fight scene with John Larch even without slowing or stopping the picture.

User Reviews

An unashamed Christian parable.

Blopper aside, this is an excellent, thoughtful episode of Route 66., with a powerful moral and spiritual message about forgiveness and the grace of God. Harry Townes- who was an ordained Episcopalian minister- is excellent as a revival preacher who is portrayed, amazingly enough, not as a fraud, but as a sincere, articulate man of God. Suzanne Plesshette is equally good as a woman suffering guilt for a crime she didn't commit.

I had not seen Route 66 in decades when I saw this episode on Retro. Judging by the quality of what I saw, this Show deserves its "classic ' status. One wonders what other well-written, well acted shows form The Golden Age are lying in the vaults., waiting to be seen by todays viewers. One thinks of a certain abrasive, dedicated surgeon, a certain crusading state legislator, a certain talented high school teacher. I would love to see all of them on Retro, or similar channels.