Allen Reisner, who directed five episodes for the series, had fun with this classic story. Allen would go on to direct some of the best episodes of HAWAII FIVE O in the 70s. His list of credits was enormous.
10 STARS. No less.
Take note; If you're a COLUMBO fan, you may recall an intriguing episode called SWAN SONG, starring Johnny Cash. Cash played a "ladies man" country singer who kills his wife in a plane crash. In this case... a country singer is killed in a plane crash (a reversal of fortune) however... a parachute is the main talking point in both stories. This is a terrific mystery which finds Cannon, working for an insurance company, trying to find out who did what to who and the proverbial WHY?
This was the first appearance of Joan Van Ark (KNOTS LANDING). Joan was in numerous cop shows early in her career, her first being FELONY SQUAD on ABC. We also get an early glimpse of super star Mark Hamill (LUKE SKYWALKER) who prior to this episode, had a small part in the PARTRIDGE FAMILY at age 19.
Clu Gulager, who worked for his old boss, William Conrad, on many western tv shows at Warner Brothers/ABC, plays BJ. Definitely the one to watch. Clu was a natural actor. Likewise, David Huddleston guest stars, a popular character actor in a wide range of roles. Watch him in the BIG LEBOWSKI (1998). He is a hoot.
By the way, you can hear the instrumental version of the John Denver song, TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS. The song peaked at No. 2 on the charts in April, 1971. The song would turn up in other episodes. Someone liked that song.
To note... Bill Conrad, smoking a pipe and all dressed up in some scenes, looks like a movie director! He looked like the boss. It's hard to break old habits!
Do not miss this one, especially to see Mark Hamill as a farm hand. Many tv and movie stars owe a lot to CANNON. That's the best story of all.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 4 off and running. Remastered 2008 CBS and Paramount dvd box set #1 of 2 containing 4 discs.
CBS dvd box set.