The Defenders (TV Series) The Point Shaver (1962) User Reviews

Hilarious, hissy-fight during hearing livens up the proceedings.

[lrrap · 8/10 · 12 November 2020]

As if typical of "The Defenders", the episode is well-written and engrossing, a fine example of courtroom drama at its best. But, along with the overall serious subject matter of the plot, the author and director utilized the dry, comedic talents of Alan Hewitt (as the Senator/judge) and the overwrought, queenly ravings of William Le Masenna (as the opposing attorney), whose petulant, caustic rivalry keeps the tense proceedings in a continual state of dramatic......ambivalence.

Somehow, it all works out, since (IMHO) the comic element meshes nicely with the drama, especially since it keeps the lively, well-defined interaction of the characters....including Crahan Denton, Rex Everhart, Philip Bruns, and Andrew Prine...continually engaging. LR

Dome things never change

[schappe1 · 30 September 2016]

There were several scandals involving "point shaving" in college basketball in the 1950's and early 60's - the practice of winning games by less than otherwise possible margins to win money for gamblers who but against the point spread, rather then the winner.It happens at the Preston's mutual Alma mater "Rockford"

First they have along conversation with the University president about college athletics and it's inherent corruption, which leads to players deciding to break the law. They make all the same arguments we hear today. Universities have to keep the alumni happy and interested in the schools so they build spectacular facilities and offer players illegal inducements to come to college. they make millions but beyond the inducements, the players never see any of it because they have to remain amateurs. They get resentful of everybody making money off their efforts but them and are vulnerable to bribes from gamblers.

The same things are being argued about today. Players are perhaps less likely to shave points because they hope for lucrative NBA careers but the potential for further scandals still exists because the system itself continues to be corrupt and to teach the wrong values.

The episode has a nice turn-around at the end where you think one guy is the culprit but someone else is. However the hearing features too much information we haven't been presented with or even hinted at to be effective. Alan Hewitt gets a juicy role as the Senator conducting the hearing and gets all the best lines.