I was always fascinated with the title of this episode, which is very well done. A solid job of directing by John Meredyth Lucas, producer and director for such shows as STAR TREK and the FUGITIVE.
Actually, this episode should have been the pilot because it begins a long running series theme; clients who lie, and a LOT. Subsequently, it all makes Mannix's job even more complicated, thus an excuse for all the goons with guns.
Veteran actor Charles Drake is perfect for the role as a no nonsense candidate for governor for the state of California who has a problem. Is there any dirt his rivals can dig up on him? Accordingly, he hires Joe to find out about his past and if there's a shred of anything? Anything? Strange thing is the more questions Joe asks about this guy -- people start turning up dead. Another series theme in the development stages is the more influential and wealthier Joe's clients are, the more they are hiding. Delicious, scandalous stuff to watch, kind of like a political PEYTON PLACE.
An exceptional cast with some surprising footnotes. Popular actress Marian McCargo, who plays Burke's wife, Mrs. Pierson, actually married a California congressman, Alfonzo Bell, a few years after this episode. He happened to be a friend of John Wayne who introduced him to his future wife. Fortunately, she had a long, happy marriage.
Vincent Gardenia is also in the cast as Eddie. Comedian Herbie Faye plays a victim and pretty Wende Wagner plays Miss Ellis, best known for her many appearances on the GREEN HORNET.
This intriguing plot was used again in SEASON 6 with William Shatner, though I think this is the better deal as Charles Drake plays this so well, thanks to director Lucas. Drake at the time appeared in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS and next, THE SWIMMER (1968). This was his only appearance on the show, and it's a shame, because you could see him in so many interesting parts.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 2. This particular episode (for some reason or another) has been also included in dvd box sets that feature assorted episodes from various cop shows. Not to be missed.
Actually, this episode should have been the pilot because it begins a long running series theme; clients who lie, and a LOT. Subsequently, it all makes Mannix's job even more complicated, thus an excuse for all the goons with guns.
Veteran actor Charles Drake is perfect for the role as a no nonsense candidate for governor for the state of California who has a problem. Is there any dirt his rivals can dig up on him? Accordingly, he hires Joe to find out about his past and if there's a shred of anything? Anything? Strange thing is the more questions Joe asks about this guy -- people start turning up dead. Another series theme in the development stages is the more influential and wealthier Joe's clients are, the more they are hiding. Delicious, scandalous stuff to watch, kind of like a political PEYTON PLACE.
An exceptional cast with some surprising footnotes. Popular actress Marian McCargo, who plays Burke's wife, Mrs. Pierson, actually married a California congressman, Alfonzo Bell, a few years after this episode. He happened to be a friend of John Wayne who introduced him to his future wife. Fortunately, she had a long, happy marriage.
Vincent Gardenia is also in the cast as Eddie. Comedian Herbie Faye plays a victim and pretty Wende Wagner plays Miss Ellis, best known for her many appearances on the GREEN HORNET.
This intriguing plot was used again in SEASON 6 with William Shatner, though I think this is the better deal as Charles Drake plays this so well, thanks to director Lucas. Drake at the time appeared in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS and next, THE SWIMMER (1968). This was his only appearance on the show, and it's a shame, because you could see him in so many interesting parts.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 2. This particular episode (for some reason or another) has been also included in dvd box sets that feature assorted episodes from various cop shows. Not to be missed.