HAVING TAKEN THE TV drama series scene by storm, PETER GUNN (Spartan Productions/NBC, 1958-60, ABC, 60-61), did its best in bringing the most interesting half-hour episodes. Writer/Creator/Director, Mr. Blake Edwards, was most diligent in packing each show with the maximum action, plot line and quality acting.
TAKE FOR EXAMPLE this episode, THE Chinese HANGMAN (#1.6); which may at once be both the ultimate GUNN; yet, ironically, because of many departures from the established format and formula, it is also the most atypical; for, although Gunn's friendly foil, Lt. Jacoby (Herschell Bernardi)has a strong presence and influence in the story, so much of the usual locales and supporting characters are absent. We are without girlfriend, Edie Hart (Lola Albright), and nightclub owner,Mother-as well as the usual setting of Mother's Nightclub, itself.
IN WHAT WOULD seem to be a fair trade off, these usual amenities are replaced with Gunn's being trapped into involvement with some mysterious, oriental cult, dealing with at least two murders and traveling to Spain, for period of about two months or so. It was during this time, that Peter carries on an obvious (albeit non explicit on the screen)affair with his quarry, Miss Blank-Blank ().
COMPLICATING MATTERS EVEN further is the addition of another character; who is out trailing the guy who's supposed to be tracking and reporting on the activities and whereabouts of Miss. We know nothing about this character; other that he is caucasian,stocky,50-ish and seems very serious, even stern.
IN THE SAME style that had quickly been so strongly identified with this series, the mood of the story is characterized as being noir. This is achieved and supported with very dark camera work, tight shots, quick changes of mood and (of course) that great jazz music in both the theme and the incidental music of the score.
THE WHOLE EPISODE reminds us of the Robert Mitchum/Jane Greer/Kirk Douglas/Rhonda Fleming starring vehicle, OUT OF THE PAST (RKO, 1948). For all of the story covered, it really could have been done as a feature film.
OF COURSE,THEN it would have panned as a knockoff. Instead, we must praise it and Mr. Blake Edwards, Craig Stevens, Herschll Bernardi and company; for after all, this is a top episode in the entire PETER GUNN Series.
TAKE FOR EXAMPLE this episode, THE Chinese HANGMAN (#1.6); which may at once be both the ultimate GUNN; yet, ironically, because of many departures from the established format and formula, it is also the most atypical; for, although Gunn's friendly foil, Lt. Jacoby (Herschell Bernardi)has a strong presence and influence in the story, so much of the usual locales and supporting characters are absent. We are without girlfriend, Edie Hart (Lola Albright), and nightclub owner,Mother-as well as the usual setting of Mother's Nightclub, itself.
IN WHAT WOULD seem to be a fair trade off, these usual amenities are replaced with Gunn's being trapped into involvement with some mysterious, oriental cult, dealing with at least two murders and traveling to Spain, for period of about two months or so. It was during this time, that Peter carries on an obvious (albeit non explicit on the screen)affair with his quarry, Miss Blank-Blank ().
COMPLICATING MATTERS EVEN further is the addition of another character; who is out trailing the guy who's supposed to be tracking and reporting on the activities and whereabouts of Miss. We know nothing about this character; other that he is caucasian,stocky,50-ish and seems very serious, even stern.
IN THE SAME style that had quickly been so strongly identified with this series, the mood of the story is characterized as being noir. This is achieved and supported with very dark camera work, tight shots, quick changes of mood and (of course) that great jazz music in both the theme and the incidental music of the score.
THE WHOLE EPISODE reminds us of the Robert Mitchum/Jane Greer/Kirk Douglas/Rhonda Fleming starring vehicle, OUT OF THE PAST (RKO, 1948). For all of the story covered, it really could have been done as a feature film.
OF COURSE,THEN it would have panned as a knockoff. Instead, we must praise it and Mr. Blake Edwards, Craig Stevens, Herschll Bernardi and company; for after all, this is a top episode in the entire PETER GUNN Series.