This was the second episode Worley Thorne wrote, a distinguished television writer and a prominent figure in the Hollywood writers guild for years. He is still around, and may have had some input in the 2023 writers strike.
This is a knockout, another TOP 10 episode for the series and CBS.
The thing I have to note here is that CANNON and MANNIX rivaled each other for the best villains, generally Anthony Zerbe was the top choice. In this case --for a change-- enter young Peter Strauss. He plays (and very convincingly) an over zealous preacher called Reverend Will. He has a gift for gab, allowing him to bank big bucks for bogus miracle cures and trick wealthy, ill donors into leaving him their money when they die! A young lady follower, who knows TOO much, is subsequently killed and Cannon takes the case.
This is an excellent expose on faith healing rackets, potent stuff you don't want to miss.
Note... there's an absolute hardcore scene (and it's tough to watch) as Cannon is nearly strangled to death. Our teachers warned us about this stuff back in the 70s, and they had a point. Strauss' right hand man is the strangler, perhaps the most creepy henchmen the series ever saw. Director Seymour Robbie did his job.
Some special guests turn up; veteran director (CHARLIE CHAN) and actor Norman Foster, who plays the victim's father. Foster was married to Sally Blane, star of many 1930s westerns and thrillers and the sister of Loretta Young. I'm sure William Conrad personally asked Sally to appear, but she preferred to stay retired, although did interviews.
Look for popular character actress Naomi Stevens (as Corky) frequently seen on DORIS DAY'S tv show and VEGAS. She worked with Bill Conrad at Warner Brothers/ABC on the final season (1964) of 77 SUNSET STRIP, among other WB classic shows. Watch for it on ME TV PLUS.
The ending is fitting, Strauss now trying to get money from a wealthy young man (exceptionally played by Andrew Parks), and watch the tables turn. Cannon has a neat closing line that sums it all up...
Some beautiful shots of Bluff Beach, outside Long Beach, California. This is a ritzy beach community with some incredible historical houses, dating back to the early 1900s. SEASON 3 EPISODE 22 remastered color CBS dvd (blue and red) box set. You may want to get the box set for one of Peter Strauss' best performances.