User Reviews

Relatively interesting and somewhat emotionally realistic take on a woman with a past. There was limited gunplay on Barnaby Jones, so there tended to be more of an emphasis on talking and thinking out the crime. A nice change of pace from the more violent private eye shows.

Frances has an admirable life...a nice job, a husband who loves her and more. But she also has a secret past, as she used to be a prostitute! And, because she is afraid of what will happen if her husband learns about this, she is a prime candidate for blackmail. And, of course, some scumbag does know and begins putting pressure on her to steal bearer bonds from her and her husband's company. But, like most blackmailers, once isn't enough...and she realizes this. So, Frances arranges for a hitman to take out the blackmailer....not realizing the hitman actually might be a lot more dangerous! This is why you never go with cut-rate assassins...pay for the best if you want the best!

This is generally a very good episode, though I did laugh when Barnaby played Mr. Davison...a man wanting to buy hot bonds! It was pretty funny. Also, IMDB is right about the ending and the unloaded gun...pretty bad. But otherwise, an enjoyable episode...one which features a woman willing to do ANYTHING in order to avoid losing her new life.

This was Susan Howard's second appearance on the series, not too long before her most famous role, as Donna Culver on DALLAS. I agree with the last reviewers, you could not find a better actress. Howard plays Frances, who is married to a very successful businessman (Granville Van Dusen), but there's trouble in paradise!

Frances has an unflattering past --without getting into details --and in steps a blackmailer who wants bonds from her husband's company or he'll spill the beans. It's always amazing how these guys seem to know everything about someone, who has desperately tried to cover up their sordid past. A very common plot in all cop shows, nevertheless still good, thanks to Howard and Van Duesen. Van Dusen, an excellent dramatic actor, is also remembered by soap opera fans for his appearances on the YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. He did voice work, playing Race Bannon on JOHNNY QUEST in the 80s and 90s.

There is a neat twist to this one as Frances deals with the blackmailer, and quite resourceful. A lady with a few surprises up her sleeve, which makes her role all the more interesting. Good direction on the part of Kenneth Gilbert, who alternated with Walter Grauman.

As in most Quinn Martin productions, look for some familiar actors in smaller roles, including legendary Bob Harks, who held a record for the most tv appearances. The actor you recognize immediately, but don't know his name. Chances are, you're talking about Bob Harks.

10 Stars for this cast. Recommended. SEASON 6 EPISODE 4 remastered color/CBS. Note, some of the later BARNABY JONES dvd box sets were not released for years, but are in circulation.

To tell you the truth the plot takes a complete backseat to seeing feast-for-the-eyes-Howard in great shot after great shot. She is so convincing too in her part and thankfully she is much of the ep. BTW the beautiful golden brown hair Susan has throughout most of the ep is her real hair. The black haired scenes--its merely a wig or two.