"Mission: Impossible" Illusion (TV Episode 1969) Poster

(TV Series)

(1969)

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8/10
Barbara Bain Sings!
cip-828 February 2009
I had no idea that Barbara Bain could actually sing until I saw this episode (which I some how missed both the first time around and in syndication). Accordign to this very site, however, that is actually her voice in the Marlene Dietrich-ish role and the scenes in the "Eastern European Republic" music hall/club, with Martin Landau in mask and outfit, absolutely steal the episode.

Bain does a really excellent Blue Angel style routine and her voice is really lovely. Does anyone know if there are any recordings of her singing on anything else, OST or stage soundtrack? One Way Records' Mission: Anthology has a song ABOUT the character, "Cinnamon (The Lady Was Made to Be Loved)", but (alas) nothing sung by Cinnamon herself. Is there anything else out there by her other than the three songs from this episode? Though I would be more than happy just to find decent recordings of those.

Separate from Miss. Bain are Kudos to Little House on the Prarie's Kevin Hagen for a nicely done turn of Nazi-esquire nastiness in this episode. One of the best of what might have been the best season of Mission: Impossible.
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9/10
Barbara Shines Here!
patricktrny16 November 2022
Now I know where Madeline Kahn got her inspiration in Blazing Saddles. One of the last episodes to feature Barbara Bain and her then husband Martin Landau.

As a person who grew up watching a tepid Ms. Bain on Space 1999, this performance is mind blowing. The IMF force is out to set a trap for Fritz Weaver a homicidal power hungry agent in a unfriendly Eastern Bloc Country. Sounds like a typical episode but tune in the middle of the show and you'd see Barbara performing original song numbers from the show's writers with ease as a European nightclub cabaret singer. Martin lends terrific support as her piano player. The episode works on all levels and the acting is good with cast and the guest stars.

It's too bad Ms. Bain didn't persue singing further in her career but least we have this episode to treasure.
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Fritz Weaver also stole this episode as well.
scottmyers-5756923 June 2021
Weaver playing Skarbuck was excellent as well. As for Bain and her singing...I hope to find her recordings if available on YouTube.
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