The Fugitive (TV Series) This'll Kill You (1966) User Reviews

The man laughs a lot...to cover up what's really killing him.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 22 April 2017]

Richard Kimble has been working for Charlie Paris (Mickey Rooney) for some time now and they seem pretty friendly with each other. However, underneath Charlie's happy exterior, he's a man hiding some secrets. Happy-go-lucky Charlie is a wanted man...though not at all like Kimble. In Charlie's case, mobsters would love to find him...and silence him once and for all.

Early in the story, an old girlfriend of Charlie's comes to town. Paula (Nita Talbot) hasn't seen Charlie in years...and apparently a mobster has been tailing him...hoping to find Charlie. But what about Paula? Does she care for Charlie or is she willing to sell him out?

This is an interesting episode for several reasons. Of course, having Rooney there is a big plus, as he was a heck of an actor. Also, like only a few of the shows, the emphasis is on another guy's problems more than his. Kimble isn't so much worried about getting caught here...but is much more worried about Charlie. Overall, a rather sad but well made episode of an exceptional show...and Charlie's final line is something!

Plot summary

[ynot-16 · 9/10 · 12 January 2007]

Kimble works at a laundromat for the wisecracking owner, Charlie Paris (actor Mickey Rooney). Charlie wants to get back together with his former girlfriend, Paula Jellison (actress Nita Talbot), whom he has not seen in 8 years. To get her to come to town, he falsely writes Paula that he is a financial success.

Paula comes, but she is being shadowed by Pete Ragan (actor Philip Pine), who works for organized crime. Charlie, who had worked as an entertainer, had worked mob parties and heard some things which he unwisely told to an investigating committee. Pete Ragan's job is to find Charlie Paris and set him up for the hit man, played by actor Allen Joseph. Pete tries to accomplish this goal by enlisting the help of Paula, now distressed to learn that Charlie is broke.

Charlie Paris is in severe danger from the hit man and from his blind obsession with Paula. Kimble's loyalty to Charlie places him in danger as well.

All the performances in this episode are outstanding, especially that of Nita Talbot, who convincingly portrays a woman who is slutty, greedy, and unworthy of the man who loves her.

Excellent outing. Mickey Rooney's episode for sure.

[Guad42 · 9/10 · 28 June 2021]

A rare episode where Kimble getting caught is not the center of the plot. As described by other reviewers, Charlie (Mickey Rooney) and his blind love for bad girlfriend Paula (Nita Talbot) is the focus of this episode and it works on all levels. Rooney and Talbot are playing down on their luck characters brought back together for two reasons. His reason is love and hers is money. The difference between them is Paula will do anything for money and Charlie won't. Kimble is caught in the middle as he knows exactly the type of woman Paula is but he knows Charlie will never believe him. Paula knows it too. He ends up telling Charlie what she is like and, sure enough, Charlie doesn't believe him. After talking to Paula, he sells Kimble out to the cops. He then realizes Paula is lying and tries to save Kimble. It ends badly.

Phillip Pine is the syndicate bad guy, a standard character for him and he could do it in his sleep. QM productions always seem to have quality guest stars and it really pays off in this episode. Rooney is excellent and Talbot keeps up with him. Well written with several good scenes, this is one that you shouldn't miss.

Stray thoughts. I like the cop silencing the bell over the laundry mat door as he sneaks in. Nice touch. When Paula slaps Kimble, the timing is off as he turns his head too early and she obviously misses. Excellent gesture by the cop to ride in the ambulance with Charlie at the end. Another nice bit of writing. All the bad guys and girl are caught so they will get their just reward.

comedian runs out of jokes

[MissClassicTV · 10/10 · 23 September 2016]

Kimble's working for Charlie, a former night club comedian who now owns Priority Laundromat. Charlie has written to his long-ago girlfriend Paula, asking her to come join him. He had walked out on her eight years before that to spare her the life of a struggling comedian. Now, though he's as poor as ever, Charlie wants her back and gives her the impression that he's rich, hoping that will provide the incentive for her to join him and marry him. It works. She travels from Detroit to meet him, but inadvertently leads the New York syndicate right to Charlie. The prior year, the New York Crime Commission had called Charlie as a witness. So the mob wants to kill him.

After several encounters with Paula, Kimble gains an understanding of her character and lack of scruples. Paula knows that Charlie loves her, and she seems to like him as an old friend, but she's tired of being broke and her loyalty can be bought. Charlie's desire for her, and her desire for money, combine to bring danger upon Charlie. And Kimble's friendship with Charlie brings danger upon Kimble.

The episode has the star power of Mickey Rooney and it's got a great script. It does a good job with Charlie's and Paula's backstory and character motivation. And Nita Talbot is sublime, giving a multi-dimensional characterization as Mickey Rooney's love interest.

1/18/66 "This'll Kill You"

[schappe1 · 7 October 2015]

Kimble is working for and has befriended a former comedian who now runs a laundry, (Mickey Rooney). Mickey is actually in what we would now call witness protection after testifying against some mob people, who would not like to pay him back the hard way. Rooney's dream is to get back his wife, (Nita Talbot). She seems to have the same goal but then sells him out for the money they never had.

Rooney could be quite an actor when he wanted to be one and he plays this character like a violin. Talbot is perfect as his dream girl who turns out to be a nightmare. Philip Pine is the scout for the hit man. (Does he ever play a good guy?) Kimble is mostly on the sidelines here but suddenly seems like Iago when he warns his friend- just before he has to leave- to try to avoid the impending tragedy.

The title comes from Rooney's former profession: he was a comic who was playing the wrong joint at the wrong time, as well as from the inevitable result of that coincidence.

So many good little touches

[jezlang · 9/10 · 30 June 2021]

Most of the many little things that add up to make this a great episode are mentioned in other reviews. From the dialogue to the guest stars' acting, it's all outstanding. Having Kimble, a fugitive, saunter into a crowded hotel bar is an unlikely plot contrivance, but it pays off with an amusing scene (and let's face it, not many scenes in this series are funny) with a palm reader, and it allows for the introduction of Nita Talbot, who gives her usual captivating performance. Talbot may be one of the USA's most under-appreciated actresses. She never made it as a top star, but no matter the role, it's impossible to take your eyes off her. Side note: Unlike almost everything else, it's amazing how little coin washers have changed in 55 years!

Left money on the floor

[Bill_S_DE_NJ · 7/10 · 29 June 2021]

The woman leaves her money on the floor ..... and chases after Mickey Rooney ....no self-respecting crook would do that.