The Strengthening Angels 

Tod and Buz, driving through California "West by North" in a rainstorm nearly run over a young woman. After giving her a lift to the next town they find she is on the run from a murder ... See full summary »

Director:

Arthur Hiller

Writers:

Stirling Silliphant, Herbert B. Leonard (created by)

Stars:

Suzanne Pleshette, Martin Milner, George Maharis

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Suzanne Pleshette	...	Lottie Montana
Martin Milner	...	Tod Stiles
George Maharis	...	Buz Murdock
Harry Townes	...	Daniel
John Larch	...	Sheriff Hingle
Warren Stevens	...	Richard Crown
Tom Reese	...	Tommy
Hal Smith	...	Howard
Sheldon Allman	...	Character
John Cliff	...	Man on Bumper

Storyline

Tod and Buz, driving through California "West by North" in a rainstorm nearly run over a young woman. After giving her a lift to the next town they find she is on the run from a murder charge. Despite the protests of the Sheriff, the townspeople and the woman herself, Buz feels there is more to the story than obvious guilt.

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Plot Keywords:

reference to clarence darrow | christian man | tent revival | mother abandons daughter | pastoral care | 

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Genres:

Adventure

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Life imitated art for actor Harry Townes, who played the pastor and evangelist Daniel. Townes attended seminary and was ordained an Episcopal priest in March 1974.

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Goofs

You can see obvious stunt doubles for George Maharis and John Larch in the fight scene in the sheriff's office even without slowing or stopping the picture.

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Quotes

Daniel: When a rider relinquishes herself to a bolting horse, there's nothing to be done. Nothing but wait, and keep on praying.

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Soundtracks

Rock of Ages
Words by Augustus Montague Toplady (as Augustus Toplady), melody by Thomas Hastings
Performed by Congregation at Tent Revival

User Reviews

11/4/60: "The Strengthening Angels"

This story is an example of the weird ways the boys get involved with other people's problems. Suzanne Pleshette, (one of my favorite actresses), is a fugitive on the lam, (no she didn't kill Richard Kimble's wife), who literally jumps into their car after running away from a religious revival meeting. She was there seeking shelter for herself and her daughter after killing the sheriff's drunken brother. The boys take up her cause and find out that there was another person present who may know more.

It's not a memorable episode except for Pleshette, who not only gives another excellent performance but who has never looked more beautiful than in this episode. She reminds me of Elizabeth Taylor in some scenes, (except she could act rings around Liz). John Larch , (who will be back in another role in just four episodes), plays the Sheriff and Buz's sparring partner for this episode.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German Spanish

Release Date:

4 November 1960 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Needles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lancer-Edling Productions, Screen Gems

Technical Specs

Runtime:

52 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1