This was the only episode Alexander Singer directed, as there were a lot of producers who liked his work. Singer handled one top show after another, such as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE at the time, later directing CAGNEY AND LACY and LOU GRANT. Many more, including tv sitcoms. Singer got the job done here as the performances are excellent.
That's the key about MANNIX. If you didn't care for a particular story, you could always fall back on a reliable cast. Here, Joe is in the middle of a bitter custody battle for a boy (played by Christopher Knight, prior to the BRADY BUNCH). As the last reviewer noted, and its so true.... Joe smokes two cigarettes and kills two creeps! This is one of those snowball-type episodes that really grows. Does someone want the kid dead or his father OR BOTH?
ThIs was also thoughtfully cast, and the guest stars are dynamic. Frank Campanella ( Joe
Campanella's real life brother) plays Burt Loman. Former HAZEL co-star Whitney Blake portrays Loman's wife Cloris. Perhaps the most famous of all is Gabe Dell, from the BOWERY BOYS. Gabe (as Alan) would appear a few more times on MANNIX in some fine dramatic roles. He had returned to the Broadway stage in the 1960s, amid much acclaim. Casting directors loved Gabe (and so did we) because we all grew up watching the Bowery Boys.
Special nod to femme fatale and/or gal friend Diana Muldaur (as Fran) who makes her first of several key appearances. Also note Larraine Stephens as Helen. Do not forget grumbling Norman Fell (before THREES COMPANY). Fell had a long career, usually playing cops in his early years. Not too long after this episode, he would land a great role in BULLITT (1968) opposite Steve McQueen.
Correct. This is the first episode where Mike Connors speaks Armenian (his native language). He has a goofy scene with eccentric rug dealer Ariam Katcher (as Arikonian) --who looks a bit like Peter Lorre??? Katcher was actually Turkish.
Watch this ending. Classic early MANNIX. Filmed at Griffith Park and Bronson Canyon, which is a director's dream. Also note that Joe had a house in the first season, a split level home, though it disappeared by the second season. His office became his home, with an apartment upstairs. And that was one cool place, so well designed and furnished.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 10 remastered CBS dvd box set. You may want to buy the box set BECAUSE of this episode.