The pilot for the short-lived 1972 TV series, "Banyon" finds Robert Forster exceptionally well cast as a 1930s private eye, excessively loyal to his down on his luck pal (Herb Edelman) and maintaining a confrontational but respectful relationship with copper Darren McGavin.
The film does a good job of recreating its period (at least as it was presented in the movies of the era), the pacing is good, and the entire cast is well-chosen (Forster, McGavin, and Anjanette Comer are especially good, as is Jose Ferrer).
This might have even succeeded as a theatrical release. Unfortunately, with the exception of Forster, all of the components that made it memorable were missing from the later series which was produced by other hands.
Brian W. Fairbanks
The film does a good job of recreating its period (at least as it was presented in the movies of the era), the pacing is good, and the entire cast is well-chosen (Forster, McGavin, and Anjanette Comer are especially good, as is Jose Ferrer).
This might have even succeeded as a theatrical release. Unfortunately, with the exception of Forster, all of the components that made it memorable were missing from the later series which was produced by other hands.
Brian W. Fairbanks