This was a very controversial episode, which in fact did air, but following the assassination of President Kennedy was not released (in syndication) until many years later.
Former pinup and blonde bombshell Marilyn Maxwell is perfect, playing a famous actress who is marked for death. Actually, during the Hollywood Christmas parade, it's Santa who is the first to get the bullet instead of her! Jeff is called into the case and there are some very interesting suspects at play.
Truly, a stellar cast, featuring John Howard (David) and Gerald Mohr (Arte), playing two of Maxwell's associates. Early roles for future BATGIRL Yvonne Craig (as Kristen) and Victor Buono, playing a movie director! Not too long after this episode, Buono would gain wide recognition as the music teacher in WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE?
So who is really behind the shootings? A kewpie doll if you guess right, as this is a solid mystery.
Well directed by veteran George Waggner, who got some nice location shots of the actual Hollywood Christmas Parade. It's a shame it's in black and white because there are some beautiful floats, an historical film clip.
The scene with Maxwell riding in the back of a convertible limousine and being shot at, understandably, is why this episode was cut from syndication. It's fairly graphic. Marilyn Maxwell, though, is great to watch. She was a natural.
Great photography, as always, behind the scenes at Warner Brothers tv, called Paragon Studios in this episode.
Big question: whose legs were those sneaking out of the apartment while Kookie was asleep on the couch?
SEASON 4 EPISODE 14 remastered Warner Brothers dvd box set. A big thank you to METV for rerunning this outstanding episode.