PART 4. 10 Stars.
I agree, much credit goes to producer Jack Webb, and co-producers Jimmy Lydon and William Conrad, who also directed this five part episode.
Although Stu was now working alone, and the rest of the cast written off, this was a pretty good adventure, and going international. If you were a long time fan of the series, Stu had worked for the government a long time ago, and apparently was called back into service for a special assignment. And not without a pack of smokes!
Writer Harry Essex, who wrote all five installments, gave it the feel of a BURKE'S LAW-type story, replete with a multitude of interesting, if not devious characters, and the roles filled by some big name talent. The story was partly based on fact, because the US government was long in pursuit of Nazis who stole billions in money, jewelry and art objects during WWII. In this case, Stu is assigned to locate at least a half billion dollars in stolen art --which actually was found --and then stolen again.
In the previous episodes, Stu meets up with Vincent Marion (well played by Burgess Meredith), who is a thief himself. The case continues with Stu confronting a wide assortment of other colorful characters, each of whom has a story to relate. Just who can he trust?
Yes, there are some dynamic acting vignettes, such as Telly Savalas as Hendricksen, Jacques Bergerac as Inspector Duprez and veteran Walter Slezak as Oskar in a great bit part. Interesting casting of singer Tony Bennett in a dramatic role as Maximillan, trading info with Stu. Tony is young here, and probably cast due to his growing popularity.
Heavy hitters Richard Conte guest stars as Lt. Butler, Cesar Romero as Lorenzo, also Lloyd Nolan as Colonel Watkins, the big guy calling the shots. Marisa Pavan has an excellent dramatic role, playing Anna. Some surprise bits, including tough guy Al Lettieri in a brief scene with Stu and Eric Braeden as a German soldier, in a flashback scene, and there are several WW II flashbacks and shootings.
The ending with Stu being cornered by some cut-throats is exciting, followed by the introduction of the next episodes' guest stars looking into the camera. And so it goes.
William Conrad (later tv's CANNON), does a fine job directing, and not surprisingly, who for years worked at Warner Brothers/ABC tv generally heading all the top western tv shows. At the time he was also directing and producing the tv western series TEMPLE HOUSTON, similar to PERRY MASON, only set in the old west.
10 Stars for some classy actors, acting and international intrigue. True, the old series was missed, but this re-vamping of the show (to improve sagging ratings) also served as an inspiration to a new generation of lone wolf detective shows, such as MANNIX in just a few years. It also would prove to be a bridge to Efrem Zimbalist's next hit show, the FBI.
SEASON 6 EPISODE 4 remastered. Thanks so much to METV for running these classic episodes on Sunday nights, episodes that haven't been rerun for decades.