A suddenly demanded ransom of $250,000, leads to Mannix to becoming involved in an unsolved and closed case regarding a kidnapped boy....which took place over 5 years ago.A suddenly demanded ransom of $250,000, leads to Mannix to becoming involved in an unsolved and closed case regarding a kidnapped boy....which took place over 5 years ago.A suddenly demanded ransom of $250,000, leads to Mannix to becoming involved in an unsolved and closed case regarding a kidnapped boy....which took place over 5 years ago.
Photos
- Peter Graham
- (as Steven Manley)
- Al
- (uncredited)
- Thug
- (uncredited)
- Sergeant Charley
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAt the beginning Mrs. Graham asks the trainer to feed her horse and says that he'll give her horse a bale of hay "so tasty that it will make Euell Gibbons drool." At that time Gibbons was a media celebrity due to a TV commercial for Grape Nuts that begins with him saying, "Ever eat a pine tree? Many parts are edible."
- GoofsIn the final scene in Cordell's office, the guns on the sofa change cushions between the close-ups and the long shots.
- Quotes
Janice Graham: [talking to Joe privately alongside her pool] I might as well tell you, Mr. Mannix. I had you checked out thoroughly.
Joe Mannix: Well, that makes sense.
Janice Graham: I liked what I heard. Among other things, I was told you never betray a confidence. Is that true?
Joe Mannix: I haven't had too many complaints.
Janice Graham: Does my name mean anything to you?
Joe Mannix: Yes, it does.
Janice Graham: What?
Joe Mannix: Well, about six years ago, your son was kidnapped while he was playing in a park. You received a ransom note, you agreed to the demands, but something went wrong at the drop. The kidnapper escaped, and there was no trace your son.
Janice Graham: No trace of Peter has ever been found, Mr. Mannix. I just always assumed that he was dead until this morning. And now-now I don't know what to believe.
Joe Mannix: What happened this morning?
Janice Graham: Another ransom note.
[gives to note to Joe]
Janice Graham: Do you think it's genuine?
Joe Mannix: I can't say yet.
Janice Graham: [shows him another ransom note] This was the ransom note that came six years ago.
Joe Mannix: [takes the note from six years ago and compares it to the one she just received] Well, except for the different amounts of money, I'd say they came from the same person.
Janice Graham: Do you think it's possible that Peter is still alive?
Joe Mannix: I'll have to check, Mrs. Graham, but I'd say it is possible, yes.
Janice Graham: Oh. Six years, it's like an eternity. I mean, people change, lives change, nothing stays the same, not even hope.
Joe Mannix: What about your husband?
Janice Graham: Oh, I don't know. Howard... Howard and I only stayed together a couple of years after... after Peter was kidnapped. Things got very bad between us. We started to blame each other for all the things we didn't do when Peter was still with us.
Joe Mannix: You're separated?
Janice Graham: Yes. Howard has his bank functions, his racing cars, spends most of his time in Paris.
Joe Mannix: Don't you think he should be told?
Janice Graham: No. Oh, no, absolutely not. It was his panic that scared away the kidnapper the first time. He must not know, Mr. Mannix.
Joe Mannix: And you're going to try and raise the ransom money?
Janice Graham: Yeah, I'll-I'll start to try to collect it today.
Joe Mannix: Suppose this turns out to be someone's idea of a joke?
Janice Graham: Well, that's why I hired you. Before I get my hopes up, I want to find out once and for all if my son is dead or alive.
Joe Mannix: Well, I'd like to take these along with me. Oh, if anybody calls, let me know right away, huh?
Janice Graham: You know, Peter... Peter was two years old when he was taken away from me. Do you think children still remember their parents after all these years?
Joe Mannix: You loved him?
Janice Graham: Oh, yes.
Joe Mannix: He'll remember.
[walks back to his car and leaves]
Kidnappers come out of the woodwork -- many years later -- to reclaim ransom money for a child who is already presumed long dead? Is he still alive? Calling Joe Mannix to match wits with some clever, yet diabolical cut throats. Incidentally, Rubin re-worked this story for an episode on BARNABY JONES the following year.
Two dynamic actors in play here; Dabney Coleman, who always looked like he had something up his sleeve, and Alan Oppenheimer, usually cast as a well dressed businessman with ulterior motives.
Perfect casting.
Diana Hyland plays Janice, a fabulous actress gone too soon, who worked frequently for Quinn Martin, ie: BARNABY JONES and CANNON. Look for Howard Hesseman (who recently passed) a few years before tv stardom, playing Ray. Hesseman was actually a very good dramatic actor, and prior to this episode appeared on HARRY O. Yes, he in fact began his career as a DJ at an underground station in San Francisco in the late 1960s.
No MANNIX episode is complete without an appearance of Woodrow Parfrey (as Steve), one of the best con men and/or neurotic types on the big and small screen. Also the second episode to be masterfully directed by actor Bill Bixby, who had recently decided to work as a part time director. It was a good choice.
In the money tree department. The 250,000 ransom for the kid would be about 1.5 million today. Hessman's character's apartment is on June Street in Hollywood, and it's still there, a very nice neighborhood. Also some good shots of Griffith Park and the famous Observatory as usual.
Only debit. The blood on Howard Hessman's forehead REALLY looks like red paint? This is what happens with tight budgets.
A terrific watch for late night. SEASON 8 EPISODE 17 remastered color CBS/Paramount dvd box set.
- tcchelsey
- Dec 7, 2022