On the Battle Front: Every Minute Is Important

The police come calling after a break-in at the offices of the Carl Ashland ad agency. Great entrance by David Janssen's character, Carl Ashland. He's in a design meeting with three of his agency staff when his secretary walks in to tell him that the police are waiting for him in his office. Clearly, he's sharper than everyone else in the room. Love the way he says, "What do you want, Lee?"

Back in Ashland's office, Detective Flint looks around and sees that the office has been ransacked, and only $100, a cigarette lighter, and some metal ashtrays are missing. This doesn't add up for Det. Flint. Usually a burglar after money would be in a hurry to get in and out and wouldn't make the huge mess like he did. When they look in a supply room, they find it has also been torn apart, and see the dead body of a known safe cracker. Later that evening, Det. Flint goes back to the office to investigate further. While there, Ashland invites him out to dinner. Ashland has observed Det. Flint in action and likes the way he thinks. He offers him a job at the agency and the action develops from there.

For me, the Flint/Ashland storyline was much more interesting than the psychotic killer/burglary story. David Janssen had star presence and was a joy to watch.