User Reviews

Tony (Peter Haskell) is a retired thief who has become a best selling author about his criminal exploits. However, as a publicity stunt, he's planning on sneaking out of the dressing room for a TV program, stealing a $1,000,000 piece of jewelry AND returning to the show on time to be the guest star. But his plan, though meticulous, didn't plan for one contingency...for someone being in the apartment his burglarized. When confronted by the man, Tony clubs him and accidentally kills him. And now there is no way Tony can reveal the theft to the TV audience and make himself even more famous...as they'll know he's a killer! Can Barnaby figure out the crime and return the necklace to the woman who lost it?

The thief is very clever and his cleverness is his undoing because he tries to hard to impress everyone with his intellect. Barnaby sees through it and manages to trick him into a confession. Very exciting and well worth your time.

Robert Hamner, who wrote at least one episode for every single cop show of the 70s, turned in this EXCELLENT catch me if you can tale. It's one of the best from Season One. I have said that about other episodes, but this one is just so intriguing, special thanks to Peter Haskell, alias Mr. Smooth.

He plays yet another clever villain here, a retired master thief, who attempts to pull an incredible stunt on live tv. Only it backfires BIG time! Haskell plans to steal a million dollar necklace from a nearby penthouse and return to the studio in record time. Complications ensue. I would bet this was partly inspired by real-life incidents, at least something similar to a degree, as there have been "reformed" thieves who pulled daring stunts, just to show that they still were at the top of their game.

The best part of it all is Barnaby "timing" the robbery, and to the second, proving that Haskell could have pulled the job. That's very clever, thanks to Robert Hamner.

The background music is also effectively used here.

Listen carefully. Watch for Marie Windsor, playing a filthy rich lady of leisure and also Paul Frees as a smart-alecky cop. While Barnaby is moseying around the penthouse he cracks, "Anything you break --you BUY!" How can you say that to Barnaby!

Veteran Robert H. Harris has a nice bit as an ex con. This had to be a gag appearance, for old times sake, since he played lots of gentlemanly villains. Some nice shots of Hollywood and Vine, which surprisingly has NOT changed much over 50 years. Also filmed at the famous Hollywood Knickerbocker Hotel.

Highly Recommended for all of us amateur sleuths. SEASON ONE, EPISODE 13 CBS box set.