Bat Masterson (TV Series) Murder Can Be Dangerous (1960) User Reviews

This episode shows more of Allison Hayes than other Bat Masterson episodes.

[Thomas_J_McKeon · 8/10 · 2 March 2007]

This was not a bad little 26 minute or so segment which was first shown in 1960. It involves a saloon in the old West and Bat Masterson's partnership with one of the locals which had an option for one to buy the other out. Bat runs into frequent costar Ellie Winters played by the beautiful Allison Hayes. Ellie ends up running the saloon. The partner has ideas for other ways (than buying him out) on how to acquire Bat's interest. These ideas do not involve Bat dieing of old age. The plot is rather facile. Bat talks Ellie into hiring Kathleen Crowley who plays Marri Brewster. (Can't say more about her or who she was married to or this would have a spoiler.) Ms. Crowley does not have the visual nor thespian assets of Ms. Hayes.

This episode shows Ms. Hayes shapely features and her acting skills. She is not as enticing (nor as scantily attired) as she is in "The Undead" and "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman," but this thirty minute segment likely shows more of her than is seen in her other frequent appearances in the Bat Masteron series, and is really the primary reason to watch this episode.

Allison Hayes had gorgeous shoulders and neck and they are shown to advantage in the gown she wears as the saloon proprietress . She also had quite a strikingly beautiful face which is usually somewhat smug or smirky in this series. If you want to see more of the beautiful Ms. Hayes in her best form (as luscious Livia the witch), obtain a copy of the early Roger Corman film "The Undead."

One of the better episodes

[jeffgeml · 8/10 · 5 June 2008]

Unlike many of the Bat Masterson episodes, some of which bordered on the ridiculous, this one was grittier and the acting very good. The 'bad guy' (Tip McLure - Doug McLure's brother?) was very hate-able. Allison Hayes was her usual enchanting self tattling on Shad (Tip) and cooing non-stop at Bat.

In some other episodes the crooks were clumsy oafs, or went out of their way to make it easy for Bat to get 'em. In others, the plot was so thin you knew how the episode would proceed, and end five minutes into the show.

This story was more complex than most, and Bat seemed more believable than usual in this role of Saloon owner. I like the beginning when Bat rides into town, parks his horse outside the saloon, carries his luggage (saddlebags) into the building, and as half-owner/proprietor asks men gambling at the tables if everything is OK...in other words, Bat is asking his customers if they are satisfied with the facilities & saloon staff...which a real business owner would be likely to do.

Tip is intimidated by Bat as Masterson can outfight, outshoot, and outwit Tip in the blink of an eye. So Tip recruits 4 thugs to help take on Bat. These thugs are not the usual ineffectual fops. They are mean looking, snarly, gnarly, and eager to engage in mayhem.

Like I said, a more believable Bat, and cast in this episode.

Another commenter (thomas mckeon) felt Kathleen Crowley was not all that attractive...but I think she filled out her gambling hall costume quite nicely. Ms. Crowley was a former Miss America contestant (Miss New Jersey) and quite the babe..and an accomplished actress to boot.