This opening episode of the series finds Paul Bryan vacationing in the Swiss Alps with Katherine Ross. They are skiing at in an exclusive chalet that allows only twelve guests at a time. But an ill wind suddenly blows through the door General Carlos Portaz, exiled dictator from a banana republic. Paul frosts over, realizing this is the man responsible for the death of an old friend who died in Portaz's prison.
An avalanche traps the vacationers in the chalet. The idle rich idle away the time playing a high stakes game of cards that Paul suggested. Minimum wager: $1,000. It becomes evident to Laura's father there is more going on with this winner-take-all grudge match. Paul indeed intends to bust the dictator. It's a dangerous game as the stakes go ever higher, topping out at a whopping six million dollars.
Gambling and pride are a losing combination, and Paul is betting Portaz possesses both weaknesses in spades. The plot brought to mind a MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE story that would air a year later, "Odds on Evil."
Adding drama to the mix is General Portaz's wooing of Laura, who is on the rebound after Paul spurned her hints at marriage. Paul puts up a playboy facade, swearing he'll die a bachelor. Why is he compelled to keep secret his fatal affliction? Laura's parents, who played matchmaker, hoped their daughter would settle down with this sophisticated and well-heeled attorney, are certainly not happy with the revolting development that now finds her the arm candy of an out-of-work dictator.
Robert Loggia, a year away from landing his series T. H. E. CAT, is charming and dashing as the unflappable General Portaz. He boasts to an unsympathetic Paul that there is a movement underway in his country to return him to power. Portaz says the people are hungry and oppressed. I wondered what the huddled masses back home would think about their would-be savior vacationing in the Alps?
The story is compelling, satisfying, and has a surprising twist. But what is most noteworthy is the cast. Celeste Holm as a wealthy cougar with a young (and blond) Eric Braeden as her kept man. Ted Knight as a Ted Baxteresque tourist. Stolid Stephen McNally as the father and co-conspirator with Paul against Portaz, each man with reasons of his own. And of course Katharine Ross at the peak of her beauty, just a couple years shy of silver screen fame in THE GRADUATE.
The highlight of the episode is an extended verbal sparring scene between Paul and Portaz. Portaz can't understand why Paul has no evident fear of death, and Paul makes clever quips and allusions to his already being a dead man. Two fine actors with a winning chemistry. It's a shame this would be their sole collaborative effort.
The story closes with Paul setting off to a place where there's no time to remember the past or think about the future. And we can join him for his 80 attempts at finding that mythical land. The series is off n' running.
An avalanche traps the vacationers in the chalet. The idle rich idle away the time playing a high stakes game of cards that Paul suggested. Minimum wager: $1,000. It becomes evident to Laura's father there is more going on with this winner-take-all grudge match. Paul indeed intends to bust the dictator. It's a dangerous game as the stakes go ever higher, topping out at a whopping six million dollars.
Gambling and pride are a losing combination, and Paul is betting Portaz possesses both weaknesses in spades. The plot brought to mind a MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE story that would air a year later, "Odds on Evil."
Adding drama to the mix is General Portaz's wooing of Laura, who is on the rebound after Paul spurned her hints at marriage. Paul puts up a playboy facade, swearing he'll die a bachelor. Why is he compelled to keep secret his fatal affliction? Laura's parents, who played matchmaker, hoped their daughter would settle down with this sophisticated and well-heeled attorney, are certainly not happy with the revolting development that now finds her the arm candy of an out-of-work dictator.
Robert Loggia, a year away from landing his series T. H. E. CAT, is charming and dashing as the unflappable General Portaz. He boasts to an unsympathetic Paul that there is a movement underway in his country to return him to power. Portaz says the people are hungry and oppressed. I wondered what the huddled masses back home would think about their would-be savior vacationing in the Alps?
The story is compelling, satisfying, and has a surprising twist. But what is most noteworthy is the cast. Celeste Holm as a wealthy cougar with a young (and blond) Eric Braeden as her kept man. Ted Knight as a Ted Baxteresque tourist. Stolid Stephen McNally as the father and co-conspirator with Paul against Portaz, each man with reasons of his own. And of course Katharine Ross at the peak of her beauty, just a couple years shy of silver screen fame in THE GRADUATE.
The highlight of the episode is an extended verbal sparring scene between Paul and Portaz. Portaz can't understand why Paul has no evident fear of death, and Paul makes clever quips and allusions to his already being a dead man. Two fine actors with a winning chemistry. It's a shame this would be their sole collaborative effort.
The story closes with Paul setting off to a place where there's no time to remember the past or think about the future. And we can join him for his 80 attempts at finding that mythical land. The series is off n' running.
