In a small New Mexican town, Mannix is called on to, somehow, reveal that an Native American's death was not an accident, but murder out of bigotry and prejudice.In a small New Mexican town, Mannix is called on to, somehow, reveal that an Native American's death was not an accident, but murder out of bigotry and prejudice.In a small New Mexican town, Mannix is called on to, somehow, reveal that an Native American's death was not an accident, but murder out of bigotry and prejudice.
Photos
- Jimmy Cousins
- (as Bill Lucking)
Storyline
Did you know
- Quotes
Harry White Eagle: Be right with you.
Joe Mannix: You still lying down on the job, Sergeant?
Harry White Eagle: Hey, Joe! Hey!
Joe Mannix: Harry.
Harry White Eagle: Hey, I didn't expect you until tomorrow.
Joe Mannix: Well, you said it was important.
Harry White Eagle: Yeah. Say, you look great, buddy.
Joe Mannix: Yeah, thanks. You haven't put on an ounce since Korea.
Harry White Eagle: You either.
Joe Mannix: Okay, now that we're through conning ourselves, Harry, what do you want me for?
Harry White Eagle: Oh... it's a beauty, Joe. My best friend, Fred Tallchief. Two weeks ago, he got killed in a fight.
Joe Mannix: Ah. Well, uh, police have any idea who did it?
Harry White Eagle: Two men - Jimmy Cousins, Pat Osterman. Said they were drinking it up with Fred, an argument started, and Fred got killed.
Joe Mannix: Well, what would you like me to do, Harry?
Harry White Eagle: I say he was murdered, Joe.
Joe Mannix: Go on.
Harry White Eagle: But it took the jury only five minutes to call it accidental death. I guess they were in a hurry to go look for the missing plane.
Joe Mannix: Yeah, I heard about that. What was the defense?
Harry White Eagle: They called only one witness - Gil Yarbrough. He said Fred was a drunken Indian looking for trouble.
Joe Mannix: It happens, Harry.
Harry White Eagle: Oh, yes. They found whiskey on him, all right. Only thing is, Fred didn't drink at all.
Joe Mannix: What gives Gil Yarbrough so much clout?
Harry White Eagle: His old man, B.J. Yarbrough, owns half the county. The guys who beat Fred to death work for him and pal around with Gil.
Joe Mannix: Do you think Gil Yarbrough is involved?
Harry White Eagle: I couldn't tell for sure.
Joe Mannix: This, uh, Cousins and Osterman, they just give themselves up?
Harry White Eagle: Nope. Fred's sister, Elena, found him before he died, and Fred himself named them.
Joe Mannix: Well, I'm gonna want to talk to her.
Harry White Eagle: Whenever you want to go, just say the word.
Joe Mannix: Okay, Harry, but, uh, first I think I'll just kind of nose around on my own. I'll be back.
Harry White Eagle: All right.
[Joe walks into his car and gets in]
Harry White Eagle: Joe? Thanks.
[Joe gives Harry a wave and drives off]
Actually there are two issues at work here; prejudice and a rape incident, the latter seemingly gaining traction in the mid 1970s. CANNON actually was one of the breakthrough shows to deal with the subject. It's also another friend in need episode, where one of Joe's old pals needs backup ASAP. A homicide neatly covered up as an accidental death, the dusty town's big dark secret.
The setting is a remote western town in New Mexico, Sandoval County, about 50 miles north of Albuquerque. Love the scenery. Mannix is much the outcast as the victim was, as you will see. Credit the story to David Harmon, who wrote many episodes for IRONSIDE, also a writer for the original STAR TREK tv series.
Veteran tough hombre Leif Erickson plays the family patriarch (Yarborough), who owns most of the land and the people. Second, there's veteran Spanish actor Joaquin Martinez, best known for JEREMIAH JOHNSON as Paint His Shirt Red. He also appeared on the western tv series HIGH CHAPARRAL with Erickson just a few years earlier. Also look for Joe Moross as the small town sheriff.
Mannix gets the usual rogue's treatment here, but watching it all play out is something to see, especially if you are a long term fan. That's the clincher.
To answer the question as to why MANNIX and CANNON had similar plots (in the notes section) is because they shared many of the same writers, top writers in their day, a few having won Oscars. You had the best people on these shows, due to high ratings. These two shows were anchors in their respective time slots. Another reason why they had so many top guest stars, the biggest draw. Both CBS shows compliment each other and probably the reason why ME TV has them running at the same time. To a degree, you could also include BARNABY JONES, which was a Quinn Martin production in tandem with CANNON, but not as violent in content, though Barnaby did have his challenges through the years.
SEASON 8 EPISODE 10 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set. Released 2012.