Writer William McGivern (who has many fine credits such as "The Big Heat") fashioned a clear-cut, strong tale of vendetta for Kraft Mystery Theatre that builds strongly via a terrific plot twist, solid suspense and a somewhat over the top metaphorical finish. I really enjoyed watching it, but what might have been classic is harmed by an overreliance on contrivance that doesn't let the material or characters really come to life.
Case in point is Steve Forrest in the lead role, a smug highly successful import/export businessman in Los Angeles whose pigheadedness, narcissism and air of superiority immediately remind one of our current enemy of democracy named Trump. This role makes him an even bigger jerk and unfortunately Forrest plays it one-note during most of the show until the plot twist from Hell belatedly brings the guy to life. His adversary is a normal, average Chicano from East L. A., played by John Gavin. The story structure is peculiar in that the lead Forrest is 100% hateful with zero redeeming features, while guest star Gavin seems sympathetic for the most part. His crucial flaw is that underneath beats the heart of a vengeful jerk not so different from Forrest after all.
A fine opening montage has the two protagonists walking down the sidewalk for a destined accidental bumping into each other at the corner. An argument and tussle leads to Forrest crashing head-first into a fire hydrant that knocks him unconscious and sets them both on a downward trajectory.
Once out of the hospital, Forrest is beyond vengeful and all wrong about what happened, imagining that he was mugged, and his boss Lyle Bettger gives him sorts of good advice that he wilfully ignores. As Steve single-handedly is looking for trouble, two more rock-solid performances ar4e delivered by Frank Silvera as the wise local cop and Michael Ansara as a no-nonsense local businessman who, like everyone else, offers Forrest sage advice that's instantly ignored. A bit like know-it-all Trump versus those generals (minus nutcase Flynn) he appointed to serve him in the White House.
Central twist offers an instant role-reversal leading to a mano a mano showdown that is a bit much. The racism angle is not emphasized but lingers beneath the surface effectively.