User Reviews

This episode penned by veteran screenwriter, Robert E. Thompson, wastes not one word or gesture in focusing upon helpless innocence under the supposedly civic minded heel of the power of blind hatred. This episode is one my top two stories in the "Have Gun-Will Travel" (HGWT) series from the late 50's and early 60's. Buzz Martin plays the role of a young man who has been stereotyped and condemned by vicious association with the image of killers in his family even though he proves to be a very gentle, kind, sensitive, even a scholarly young adult. "The Prisoner" demonstrates, grimly, just how the machinery of so-called justice can crush, grind up and spit out the truly innocent when fear and rage rule a courtroom, a town, or a group of sheep-like mentalities.

Like my favorite episodes, this drama scarcely depends on the use of force for its story-telling potency. Here, logic and common sense joust with a vituperative juggernaut of misguided city fathers who were absolutely sure their cause was just. The story demonstrates, quite clearly, that reason will not prevail in the face of hatred, conformity and obstinacy.

"What good is the law?" Justin inquires, rhetorically, near the conclusion of this allegorical tale. Paladin's eloquent rejoinder to the young man begins with "Freedom doesn't come in a book . . ."

I think that this story should be viewed, examined and even debated by anyone who enjoys fine literature on film and those who care deeply about the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

I have used this episode teaching ethics to high school students, and I am about to teach it to a class of senior citizens.

From the initial scene, where someone tries to get Paladin to sign a deposition, one sees the connection to legal reality is a bit tenuous. This is amplified by the performance by the Boston judge, a strictly one dimensional depiction of questionable accuracy. Oddly, the acting foreshadows Sullivan's later role as Parmen in Plato's Stepchildren. Here, the judge, and respect for the law, gets mud in the face. The message of prejudice and of mob mentality is encapsulated in the last few minutes. A strong image but superficially delivered. For deeper thoughts about law, the preceding episode (Legacy) is far superior.