A real cool and atmospheric episode with shades of PERRY MASON. If you did not see the opening credits, you'd be expecting Raymond Burr to be piecing this whodunit together. It has that feel.
Dyan Cannon, in an early starring role, plays a young woman named Kathy who is about to marry into LOTS of money. It turns out she has an old pal, a washed up rodeo star who she meets one dark night. One thing leads to another and he's shot in a struggle, Kathy runs -- BUT did she really kill him. Naturally, someone else finishes the job and lays the blame squarely on her.
Who is it? A very clever whodunit, written by ace mystery writer John K. Butler, responsible for a series of classic B films and Budd Lesser, main writer for DEATH VALLEY DAYS. The creepy stable scenes had to have been Lesser's idea. Lots of shadows and bumps in the night.
The supporting cast is marvelous, lead by Jack Cassidy, a staple in so many mysteries like this. Right at home here. Pretty Ahna Capri plays Karen, and Bartlett Robinson plays Denn. Forrest Compton plays Cannon's future husband, best known for the EDGE OF NIGHT. Look quick for old timer Thomas E. Jackson (who played a ton of detectives back in the 30s and 40s), playing Uncle Byron.
JR gets more exposure in this case, ably assisting Jeff, and it's not EZ. That's the real fun here, and wait for the ominous ending. A real treat, again shades of PERRY MASON. Great to see Robert Logan get more lines!
As usual, director Gene Reynolds works his magic with the cast, never a dull moment, later to become producer for MASH, and for good reason.
Recommended for all us mystery buffs. SEASON 4 EPISODE 20 remastered WB dvd box set. Some episodes are packaged separately, or by full season.
Thanks to METV Plus for rerunning this old favorite on Sunday nights along with HAWAIIAN EYE. A Wow.