A down-and-out boxer is rundown by a hit-and-run driver. His only fan, a young boy, hires Joe to prove it was murder.A down-and-out boxer is rundown by a hit-and-run driver. His only fan, a young boy, hires Joe to prove it was murder.A down-and-out boxer is rundown by a hit-and-run driver. His only fan, a young boy, hires Joe to prove it was murder.
Photos
- Mr. Barlow
- (as Donald Barry)
- Larry Gates
- (as Charles Picerni)
- Referee
- (uncredited)
- Fight Spectator
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe airplane ride footage is the same that used twice before with the red "TR2" Grumman plane in Portrait of a Hero (1972) and Desert Run (1973).
- GoofsWhen Peggy arrives at work, she walks past a green Barracuda in Joe's spot that looks like the car he drove in earlier seasons. He was driving a Tan Challenger throughout the season.
- Quotes
Joe Mannix: Well, now, what can I do for you, Kevin John?
Kevin John Hunter: I want to hire you.
Joe Mannix: You want to hire me, huh? Okay, step into my office and let's talk about it. How about some coffee, Peg?
Peggy Fair: I'll have to make it, Joe.
Kevin John Hunter: [looking around Mannix's office] Hey, this is really neat. You must do okay.
Joe Mannix: Thanks. Have a seat, Kevin John.
[Kevin John sits down]
Joe Mannix: Now, uh... what's this all about?
Kevin John Hunter: I want you to prove that Bull Evans was murdered.
Joe Mannix: Who's Bull Evans?
Kevin John Hunter: He was a fighter. Almost champ once. He was my friend.
Joe Mannix: Uh, you, uh, said he was murdered. How?
Kevin John Hunter: Hit by a car the other night.
Joe Mannix: Oh, and you think it was deliberate?
Kevin John Hunter: I was there when it happened. But I can't prove anything. But he told me.
Joe Mannix: Did you, uh, go to the police? You know, they won't charge you anything.
Kevin John Hunter: Yeah, I went. They said it was hit-and-run. Because I'm only 12, nobody'll listen to me. I was hoping you'd be different.
Joe Mannix: I'm listening, Kevin John.
Kevin John Hunter: Bull said Larry Gates killed him.
Joe Mannix: Oh. Who's Larry Gates?
Kevin John Hunter: He's a fighter, too.
Joe Mannix: Did your friend say why Larry Gates wanted to kill him?
Kevin John Hunter: No, but Bull said he did, and I believe him. I want you to prove that. I can pay you. I have eight dollars and... some change I saved up. It's all yours. I work at Johnson's Grocery three afternoons a week. If this ain't enough, I can give you more. But you've just gotta help me, Mr. Mannix.
Joe Mannix: [sighs] Well... let's not worry about my fee just yet, hmm? Now, where can I get in touch with you?
Kevin John Hunter: We don't have a phone. You can reach me at Johnson's Grocery.
Joe Mannix: Oh.
Kevin John Hunter: [hands Mannix a business card] Here. Here's the number. You just leave a message, and Mr. Johnson'll make sure I get it. My address is on the other side.
Joe Mannix: Oh. All right, I got it.
Kevin John Hunter: You know, I've been looking all over for help, and you're the first person that's even gonna try. Thanks.
[to Peggy as he leaves]
Kevin John Hunter: He's okay, you know that?
[walks out the door and leaves]
- ConnectionsEdited from Mannix: Portrait of a Hero (1972)
The story is all about boxer Bull Evans, killed by a hit and run driver, which everyone thinks is just an accident. Is Kevin wrong? Watch the scene closely as the stunt double jumps up on the hood of the car, then rolls off, but it happens so fast, still well staged by director Don McDougall.
Ed Bernard plays Bull, who went on to play another detective named Joe (Styles) on POLICE WOMAN. There are some familiar faces here. Lillian Lehman, who prior to this episode played Mrs. Tenafly on the short-lived tv series TENAFLY, starring James McEachin.
Look for Pat Renella, who generally played dapper gangsta's. You may remember him as the informer Johnny Ross (who gets it) in BULLITT, starring Steve McQueen. Famous 40s cowboy star Don "Red" Berry pops up as Mr. Barlow. Joseph Mell plays a landlord who Mannix gives an "Alexander Hamilton" to in order to enter Bull's locked apartment. Best line department: Mell says to Mannix, "I voted for you!"
Without giving too much away, the goons are now looking for Kevin who they think has a notebook.
McDougall wraps it up with a super ending. He also did some fine work on IRONSIDE.
10 stars for the brave Kid.
Note this episode is often confused with "A Question of Midnight," a 1969 episode of MANNIX.
SEASON 7 EPISODE 22 remastered color CBS/Paramount dvd box set.
- tcchelsey
- Nov 10, 2022