10 Stars for the first go round.
The story goes it all started with a Dino DeLaurentis film for Columbia Pictures, called KISS THE GIRLS AND MAKE THEM DIE (1966). Mike Connors played Kelly, sort of a James Bond-ish hero. Camp stuff, and critics weren't that crazy about it, however, Mike made a solid detective and did stunt work. Sound familiar?
Producer and writer Bruce Geller, who had recently launched MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, was developing a new tough tv detective. MANNIX was born and Mike Connors got the job. In the begining, Geller had Joe caught up in the high tech computer age, and with a boss (Joe Campanella) who was "watching?" via hidden cams? You know this was going to end soon, right?
Although Wickersham (Campanella) was kind of a cool character -- at times -- he cramped Joe's style. One thing Mannix did not need was a boss, nor someone looking over his shoulder.
Still, interesting to see the series' early years, with a slightly younger Mike Conners, ready for a smack down. According to notes, Mike broke his wrist in a fall (which was concealed for the rest of the shoot). On the job training for a graduate from the tv private eye school of hard knocks.
In this pilot episode, tough hombre Lloyd Nolan (a hero to all us film buffs) plays a retired mob boss, living the good life on the golf course in Palm Springs. He hires Wickersham WHO hires Joe to find his daughter, who has been kidnapped. Good writing (especially Bruce Geller) and excellent acting turn this into an nifty mystery. As for the next eight seasons; lots of twists, lots of goons (we love to hate), guns, knives, brass knuckles, poison drinks, bombs etc etc. All bent on eliminating Joe. Hang tight.
Kim Hunter plays Nolan's wife, and doing a very good job of it. The consummate actress. She would go on to appear in many cop shows in the 70s, also remembered for the PLANET OF THE APES series. Catch the final scene with her and Nolan, add a dab of film noir to make it all click.
John Colicos ( Eddie) guest stars, who would make many appearances on the show, likewise MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. One of our favorite villains.
A cool time capsule to see how it all began, shades of PETER GUNN, if not Stu Bailey from 77 SUNSET STRIP.
This episode was nominated for an Emmy, but did not win. More nominations for best tv crime show came in the early 70s, but the show lost, much the same fate as CANNON. The biggest mystery for all us fans.
Solemn note, Bruce Geller died a few years after the series ended, lost in a plane crash at Santa Barbara in 1978. Acclaimed producer, director and writer Barry Crane was murdered some years later. This show stands as a tribute them.
Remastered CBS/Paramount color dvd box set. SEASON 1 EPISODE 1. 6 dvd set. Released 2008.
