I almost didn't enter a review of this episode, it is so trifling. The only thing that changed my mind is the fact that it stars Larry Blyden, a wonderful character actor who did a lot of early TV and today is long forgotten. A man of many faces and dispositions on screen, Blyden was the perfect choice to play the lead in this humorous episode, which is about an overly honest art gallery employee who puts his foot in his mouth once too often with customers and gets fired. The straw that breaks this particular camel's back and leads t his dismissal is a jewel-encrusted antique scepter that our honest john tells everyone isn't worth the suggested retail price of 2 million dollars. Facing a bleak future now that he has been fired, the meek fellow suddenly turns brazen and decides to steal the scepter to make a point and teach his former boss a lesson. He enlists the aid of a gruff ex-cop (McGraw), a washed-up actress (Merman) and her goofy daughter. Nothing goes exactly as planned, of course. Blyden plays his Jekyll-Hyde role to perfection and the legendary Ethel Merman gets off a few good lines in a strictly non-singing role. Blyden fans should enjoy this oddball tale. All others, beware.
Review of Twixt the Cup and the Lip
