For all of us teens growing up in the 1970s, Jamie Smith Jackson (who was in her 20s at the time) was a hero for her portrayal as the drug addicted teen victim in GO ASK ALICE, an iconic tv movie that was long ahead of its time. Jackson co-starred in this episode, not too long after her landmark appearance, which headlined the Emmy Awards. "Night flight to Murder" had to have been a Neilson ratings hit, and its a fairly good adventure with a dynamic cast. The opening is classic CANNON. The man you cannot trust, John Vernon returns in a caper story about the mysterious disappearance of an airplane carrying a cool 3 million bucks. Everyone looks guilty here (even Jaimie at the beginning) and Cannon has to figure this one out with the usual blockheads. Character actor Norman Alden (as Harry) joins Vernon in the shifty character department. The scene with he and Cannon having breakfast is fun, and did William Conrad put on weight? Far slimmer in Season 1 and 2 by comparison. On the brighter side, David Hedison and Jackson (as Janice) make a nice couple. Part of this episode was filmed in Las Vegas, though the story is supposed be set in Utah. Michael Caffey directed, who was also working on BARNABY JONES at the same time.
The ending is pretty neat and Cannon has a good closing line. Look for old pro Barney Phillips, who was born to play cops, in a small role. Recommended for airplane buffs. SEASON 3 EPISODE 7. CBS box set.
