Spencer Richard Lang: Extortion—Kidnapping.
Original air date: 31 March 1968
This episode was not rerun.
Inspector Lew Erskine races a time bomb for the life of a kidnapped youth. The Feds’ pursuit leads them to Haight-Asbury, which in early 1968 was still basking in the afterglow of the “Summer of Love” of 1967. Watch for Messrs. Erskine and Colby in a “mod” shop. What would J. Edgar Hoover say?!? The scene is priceless!
Also, toward the end of the story, Assistant Director Arthur Ward joins in on the action. Since Batman was already off the air, that means 1968’s new “Terrific Trio” consisted of Ward, Erskine and Colby, not Batman, Robin and Batgirl. Conclusion? Bats have the last laugh, because Efrem Zimbalist Jr. would be cast as Alfred Pennyworth in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992. He has played that role longer than any other role in his entire life (1992 to 2004), including Inspector Lew Erskine!
- This was the episode that aired just prior to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King on 4 April. That act would result in the most famous “crime stopper” segment of the entire series. At the end of each episode, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. would come in front of the camera to appeal for the capture of a wanted criminal. In this instance, he would ask for the capture of James Earl Ray (1928-99).
- Aubrey Martin is credited as Aubri Martin.
- Many 1959 Fords can be spotted in this episode.
- Bobby Sherman, a teen idol, would appear in the 1968-1970 series, Here Come The Brides. He received his big break in 1964 when he became one of the hosts for the ABC music series Shindig!, which ran until early 1966. He eventually drifted into a law enforcement career.
Credits:
Directed by: Lewis Allen
Teleplay by: Paul Schneider
Story by: Norman Jolley
Performer | Role
- Andrew Pine | Spencer Richard Lang
- Will Kuluva | Mr. Kolner
- Bobby Sherman | Gustav Kolner
- Lew Brown | SAC Allan Bennett
- Gertrude Flynn | Ruth Kolner
- Peter Hobbs | SRA Andrew Rea
- Lynn Bari | Belinda
- Jason Wingreen | Freddie, the barber
- Connie Gilchrist | Manager
- Aubrey Martin (as Aubri Martin) | Dispatcher