The Toy Jungle

This episode is not unlike some of the earlier season episodes. Unfortunately, it is still badly written, and the depressing recharacterization of Stu Bailey continues.

Here, a man sees his wife with strangers at a party in a hotel room. She denies being his wife, and later his wife denies being in the hotel room. Bailey is hired to find out the truth. The convoluted story that follows is more silly than interesting.

The highlight is Bailey meeting the stenographer he's been dictating to on tape for the entire season. She's a cool blond with no interest in Stu.

Yes, this episode has that old school feel from the original series. Directed by Lawrence Dobkin, who like George Waggner, made stories rock & roll.

Stu is hired to find the truth about a man's wife who apparently has a secret life. Bottom line, is she connected to an illegal drug operation? The fists FLY, particularly during the second half, just like the old days. Dobkin stages some rough scenes, LOTS of broken furniture. Yes, Stu gets bounced around, reminding you a bit of MANNIX.

In fact, it's safe to assume Stu's adventures (thoughout the series run) may have inspired Joe Mannix in just a few years. William Conrad co-produced the show, also borrowing some hard stuff for his own series, CANNON.

Popular actress Pat Crowley guest stars, playing Doris Devlin, the lady in question. Russell Johnson, a familar actor at Warner Brothers tv, plays her husband, Harry. A-Plus supporting cast with comedian Henry Gibson (as Eddie), prior to LAUGH IN fame. Cliff Osmond plays Sam, in a very good role. Cliff was discovered by director Billy Wilder and had some prime roles in his movies.

Note, Joan Staley joins the series as Hannah, the lady who Stu dictates all his case notes to in film noir fashion. She's the one.

Recommended for old time fans. SEASON 6 EPISODE 11 remastered. Some of the dvd box sets were remastered in Europe and may not play on American made players. Always check with the seller. Thanks much to METV for running these oldies Sunday nights.