Lock Up (TV Series) The Beau and Arrow Case (1960) User Reviews

Good cast, so-so story

[Paularoc · 6/10 · 7 September 2013]

Tom Chambers, co-owner of an archery range has quarrel with his psychologist who soon thereafter is found dead with an arrow in his back. Herbert Maris is also in the office and Chamber accuses him of the murder. Chambers later tells Maris he knows he didn't do it but was afraid and asks for Maris' help. Ever generous and understanding, Maris agrees. The episode includes one of those plot devices that is now just trite. A building painter calls Maris and tells him he has some information. Oh, he can't tell him over the phone and wants Maris to meet him. Maris agrees to a meeting in an office and there the painter is outside the building on a scaffold. Surprise - someone cuts the rope and the painter falls to his death. As dumb as this is, the episode is still entertaining, mostly because of the guest cast, especially Jack Ging as Chambers. Ging was a stalwart of 60s through 80s television. James Best also does a nice job as Chambers' partner. Vince Barnett has a bit part as the painter. In a career spanning 45 years, Barnett was in well over 200 movies and television shows, usually in bit parts. He's one of those actors whose face one recognizes even if not recalling his name. The episode is also notable for being written by Robert Bloch but Psycho, this ain't.

Early TV at its best

[krorie · 10/10 · 27 July 2008]

Almost all the episodes on "Lock Up" were better than most TV fare of the day or today. There were a few other forerunners of "Lock Up" that equaled the show, "Dragnet" in particular. One aspect of this show that makes it worthwhile watching is the writing of Robert Bloch, who made the audience terrified in the Hitchcock masterwork, "Psycho." He was at the height of his creativity when he penned "The Beau and Arrow Case." Another reason for viewing this particular episode is the watch a young James Best in action. Best has never got the recognition he deserves, ending up playing such one-dimensional characters as Roscoe P. Coltrane on "The Dukes of Hazzard." The case involves the victim being killed by an arrow being thrust into his back. Although the plot is somewhat predictable, "The Beau and Arrow Case" is still a well-written, well-acted mystery drama with a surprising chemistry between MacDonald Carey and character actor John Doucette.