No need to recap a plot that's more complex than usual.
This entry's main interest is presence of John Wayne's 20-year old son Pat in a leading part. Unfortunately, reviewer Zsenorsock has received unduly negative responses for what, I suspect, is stating the obvious. Namely, that the young Wayne needs a lot more training in the acting department before tackling a major medium like network TV. He's clearly out of his league here, and, regrettably, brings down the entire episode with what can only be called an amateurish performance. In his defense, it can be said that not many 20-year olds could handle what amounts to a pretty demanding role. Nonetheless, a fact remains a fact, regardless of the Wayne legend.
Note presence too of famously icy June Vincent in what amounts to an odd non-speaking role (Mrs Duvoisin). Rather than act out her lines in usual fashion, her role is that of only mutely re-acting to what others say, which can be pretty demanding in itself. Also, good to see Dragnet favorite Stacy Harris (Major McNabb) picking up a payday. Should be noted that director-actor Boone and the script convey an effective sense of unease with the deal that Paladin strikes at the start. Right away, we know something is amiss—but what. Still and all, the 30-minutes remains badly flawed despite compensations.
This entry's main interest is presence of John Wayne's 20-year old son Pat in a leading part. Unfortunately, reviewer Zsenorsock has received unduly negative responses for what, I suspect, is stating the obvious. Namely, that the young Wayne needs a lot more training in the acting department before tackling a major medium like network TV. He's clearly out of his league here, and, regrettably, brings down the entire episode with what can only be called an amateurish performance. In his defense, it can be said that not many 20-year olds could handle what amounts to a pretty demanding role. Nonetheless, a fact remains a fact, regardless of the Wayne legend.
Note presence too of famously icy June Vincent in what amounts to an odd non-speaking role (Mrs Duvoisin). Rather than act out her lines in usual fashion, her role is that of only mutely re-acting to what others say, which can be pretty demanding in itself. Also, good to see Dragnet favorite Stacy Harris (Major McNabb) picking up a payday. Should be noted that director-actor Boone and the script convey an effective sense of unease with the deal that Paladin strikes at the start. Right away, we know something is amiss—but what. Still and all, the 30-minutes remains badly flawed despite compensations.
