SYNOPSIS:
This rehash of the episode "Battle
of the Roses" has Hanley, Kirby, and
Caje encountering a mentally addled, but beautiful, young woman. She feels safe only in
one place, so Hanley removes her from that place of safety. The addled girl escapes and
returns to her refuge. Hanley goes back to rescue her, only to find that the Germans have
moved in.
REVIEW:
I did not care much for this premise
when Rik Volaertes wrote this story for Saunders in "Battle of the
Roses." I like leftovers even less,
so when this cold dish is re-served for Hanley's use, as a fan of Hanley I relish the
lovely close-ups of those beautiful eyes and try to ignore the story.
The direction by Ted Post serves more to confuse the action than focus it. The mood
shots of the woman as she leashes out in terror are awkward, bordering on silly
(especially realizing that her makeup and lashes have remain perfect though her mind,
hair, and clothing are in total disarray). She and Hanley roll around artfully for a bit,
and, par for the course, the Germans have more than war in mind when they lay their eyes
on that pretty face. Once again, a helpless female must be rescued from a
"fate-worse-than-death" by a brave American GI. Ted Knight plays the lustful
German; Anjanette Comer plays the lustee.
One plot complaint: why did neither Kirby or Caje go looking for Hanley? They knew
where he went. He turns up missing for hours, you would think somebody might check to see
if their lieutenant is still alive. The episode has my favorite exchange between Kirby and
Lieutenant. When Hanley says "When the Krauts start moving in, you know what to
do," Kirby replies, "Yes, sir. Panic."
NOTES, ODDITIES, AND BLOOPERS:
· Like all addled-but-beautiful young French women in Combat!,
this one plays that popular French record (also played in "Battle
of the Roses" and "Any
Second Now" and dances for her
would-be rescuer.
· Same farm as "Just
for the Record."
· Ted Knight appeared last on Combat!
in "The
Volunteer." In real life, he was a decorated soldier of World War II.
ABOUT FILMING THE EPISODE:
Rick Jason praises actor Ted Knight,
saying he was an underrated actor, people not realizing the skill comedy requires. Jason
says he was also a fine dramatic actor and a pleasure to work with, a man of simple good
humor. Knight is best remembered as the bombastic news anchor on "The Mary Tyler
Moore Show." In the eighties, Rick Jason guest starred on his television series
"Too Close for Comfort."
CAST:
Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley
Vic Morrow as Sgt. Saunders
(does not appear)
Guest Star
Anjanette Comer as Annette
Jack Hogan as Kirby
Pierre Jalbert as Caje
Rick Traeger as German Captain
Rudy Dolan as 2nd German Soldier
Charles DeVries as 1st German Soldier
Kurt Lewin as German Corporal
John Shay as Doctor
Ted Knight as German Sergeant
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