The Night of the Turncoat (1 Dec. 1967)

Elisha Calamander, a thief of priceless art for wealthy clientèle, discredits agent West, who is severely punished by the government with a discharge from the special forces. Calamander ... See full summary »

Director:

James B. Clark

Writers:

Leigh Chapman, Michael Garrison (creator),

Stars:

Robert Conrad, Ross Martin, John McGiver

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Conrad	...	James T. West
Ross Martin	...	Artemus Gordon
John McGiver	...	Elisha Calamander
Marj Dusay	...	Crystal Fair
Walker Edmiston	...	Preacher
Bebe Louie	...	Song
Brad Trumbull	...	Doctor
Noel Swann	...	Golem
Andy Davis	...	Hansbury
John Armond	...	Waiter
George Sperdakos	...	Door Guard
David M. Frank	...	2nd Reporter (as David Frank)
Richard Karie	...	Keeley
Kay Cousins Johnson	...	Matron (as Kay Cousins)
Frederick Combs	...	Elevator Operator

Storyline

Elisha Calamander, a thief of priceless art for wealthy clientèle, discredits agent West, who is severely punished by the government with a discharge from the special forces. Calamander offers West $50,000 to help with a special secret assignment.

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Plot Keywords:

tattoo | bar | false accusation | restaurant | poison gas | 

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Drama | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Thriller | Western

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 December 1967 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Sierra Railroad, Jamestown, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 50 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

The flame from the torch Artemus Gordon uses to get through the steel door is too diffuse to cut through metal. Cutting torches need a narrow, highly focused flame.

User Reviews

Sydney Greenstreet I Presume

Veteran character actor John McGiver is terrific in this episode where he plays bad guy Elisha Calamender. He does a terrific Sydney Greenstreet impression with the character.

Once again criminals are tricked into believing West has decided to take a walk on the wild side (good thing he didn't check with Dr. Lovelass on what he thought the chances were that West was faking) and recruit him to be part (the main part actually) of their plan to get a rare mineral that in one form can be a powerful explosive, and in the other, a deadly gas.

West has to swim past sharks and into a water inlet to recover the item, stealing it from another group of crooks who have it stored at the bottom of a saltwater tank. Artie arrives disguised as a cranky old postman, and together they try to get away without getting killed--either by Calamender, the gang they stole the mineral from or the explosive/gas itself.

Altogether a pretty good episode, thanks to McGiver and some of the underwater footage.