Frank Cannon is hired by a kid, called Johnny. 12 year old Kirby Furlong has a good role here, who a year earlier gained fame as Patrick in MAME, starring Lucille Ball. Actually, it was Lucy who made him a star as she had nothing but praise for him.
Furlong is quite convincing, really fit to be tied, as he witnesses some ominous doings (by Arabs?) in an abandoned building. When Cannon steps in, of course Johnny's story is "questionable".... and we have a solid mystery on our hands.
Albert Aley, long associated with westerns (CIMARRON STRIP) wrote this episode. He was also a long time story editor for IRONSIDE. The supporting cast is excellent with Fritz Weaver as Piermont, Charles Drake as a doctor and Norman Fell as the police. Ever since Fell appeared in BULLIT with Steve McQueen, had it not been for "Threes Company" (as kooky Mr. Roper), he would have played cops for the rest of his career. He just looked the part.
Pretty Tannis Montgomery has an early role as Furlong's sister, Ruth. She was in the famous serial killer movie THE TODD KILLINGS a few years earlier, I think as one of the teen victims.
I agree with tv notes that the house Johnny and Ruth live in is a bit too expensive for a waitress. In todays market, and in Hollywood, worth about a half million bucks. That's a lotta tips!
Yes... WATCH CANNON PLAY HOPSCOTCH! It is so memorable. This had to be a last minute gag thrown in for fun, and for Christmas. SEASON 5 EPISODE 16 remastered dvd box set.