Mustin began his acting career in 1951, at age 67. He did much work at CBS in the 1950s and early 1960s, working for such as Desilu, Danny Thomas, and Filmways. As these shows folded, Mustin made his way to other networks and production companies. One that was interested was Jack Webb's Mark VII Productions, who had used Mustin as early as 1954. Webb liked Mustin's spryness and fast, wisecracking style and called upon him at least nine times, mostly for bit roles involving eccentric old men.
Webb certainly had Mustin in mind when this episode was created. It's probably the most substantial role Mustin had in his long career. Mustin (who was 84 at the time) plays the 91 year old manager of an apartment building in which a murder was committed. Throughout the episode, Webb and Mustin exchange snappy one-liners with each other, with the manager telling Sgt. Friday and Officer Gannon how to do their jobs, the bad part being that what he's telling them is usually right. The two dismiss him as another police-fan, but they're in for a surprise later.
Webb certainly had Mustin in mind when this episode was created. It's probably the most substantial role Mustin had in his long career. Mustin (who was 84 at the time) plays the 91 year old manager of an apartment building in which a murder was committed. Throughout the episode, Webb and Mustin exchange snappy one-liners with each other, with the manager telling Sgt. Friday and Officer Gannon how to do their jobs, the bad part being that what he's telling them is usually right. The two dismiss him as another police-fan, but they're in for a surprise later.
