Fun entry in the Burke series is really nothing extraordinary but what an amazing guest cast they have assembled. A standard mystery at its core utilizing the proliferation of exiled European royalty, both real and phony, to the states and the supposed loot they smuggled with them. The episode plays out crisply with some humor mixed in and a sensible conclusion but its that guest cast that makes this such a memorable entry.
What show today could approach one shot appearances by actors of the quality as well as the name recognition of Linda Darnell, Elizabeth Montgomery, Telly Savalas, Gale Storm, Mickey Rooney, Bert Parks, Lurene Tuttle and Sheldon Leonard in a single season let alone a single episode? This was the final TV appearance for Miss Darnell and the last acting performance of hers to air during her lifetime. She made one more film, the minor western Black Spurs, which debuted after her passing. She only has one scene and is wryly amusing but not looking her best, the years of too many cigarettes and a severe alcohol problem had blurred her beauty and left her with a rough whiskey voice.
Many early TV shows had impressive guest lists but this is truly a treasure trove of TV guest spots.
What show today could approach one shot appearances by actors of the quality as well as the name recognition of Linda Darnell, Elizabeth Montgomery, Telly Savalas, Gale Storm, Mickey Rooney, Bert Parks, Lurene Tuttle and Sheldon Leonard in a single season let alone a single episode? This was the final TV appearance for Miss Darnell and the last acting performance of hers to air during her lifetime. She made one more film, the minor western Black Spurs, which debuted after her passing. She only has one scene and is wryly amusing but not looking her best, the years of too many cigarettes and a severe alcohol problem had blurred her beauty and left her with a rough whiskey voice.
Many early TV shows had impressive guest lists but this is truly a treasure trove of TV guest spots.
