The problem with any series, particularly a cop or detective show, is that if they go on for more than a few seasons, the episodes become more and more stale and less original over time. This is practically a given and clearly happened with shows such as the original "Hawaii Five-O" and "Mannix". While I can see a quality difference between season six and the earlier seasons, at least they occasionally had a stand-out show...and "To Quote a Dead Man" is one of these stand- outs.
When the show begins, you see a hobo who is wearing a particularly elegant coat and hat. He's standing in the alley and some criminals inside a building assume he's seen something he shouldn't have seen...and the boss (Lloyd Bochner) orders his flunkie to kill the guy! While the man escapes, he ends up dying from alcoholism a short time later. But before that, he told his buddy 'Boston' (David Wayne) about almost getting shot. And, after his death, Boston takes the guy's coat and hat. Boston doesn't know it, but the man who tried to kill his friend are still looking...and what he remembers most is the coat and hat Boston now wears.
Soon attempts are made on Boston's life and this unusually erudite hobo comes looking for help from Mannix. Mannix is never one to turn down a case because of money and agrees to help. Soon, it's obvious someone is trying to kill Boston and eventually, of course, Mannix is able to piece it all together.
This is an exciting and original show--one you should see if you get a chance. Since the program is now on DVD, you can--though at this point only a few of the early shows are available through Netflix. Worth seeing and one that features not only some nice acting by Wayne but nice supporting characters played by Bochner and Barbara Babcock.
When the show begins, you see a hobo who is wearing a particularly elegant coat and hat. He's standing in the alley and some criminals inside a building assume he's seen something he shouldn't have seen...and the boss (Lloyd Bochner) orders his flunkie to kill the guy! While the man escapes, he ends up dying from alcoholism a short time later. But before that, he told his buddy 'Boston' (David Wayne) about almost getting shot. And, after his death, Boston takes the guy's coat and hat. Boston doesn't know it, but the man who tried to kill his friend are still looking...and what he remembers most is the coat and hat Boston now wears.
Soon attempts are made on Boston's life and this unusually erudite hobo comes looking for help from Mannix. Mannix is never one to turn down a case because of money and agrees to help. Soon, it's obvious someone is trying to kill Boston and eventually, of course, Mannix is able to piece it all together.
This is an exciting and original show--one you should see if you get a chance. Since the program is now on DVD, you can--though at this point only a few of the early shows are available through Netflix. Worth seeing and one that features not only some nice acting by Wayne but nice supporting characters played by Bochner and Barbara Babcock.