Sunday, July 20, 2014

The Cisco Kid: Hypnotist Murder

The Cisco Kid: Hypnotist Murder

Originally broadcast in first-run syndication on Tuesday, December 25, 1951.

Plot: Mysticism and greed collide as Cisco and Pancho try to uncover the mystery behind the attempted murder of a rich landowner by his son.

Analysis: Wow, what a plot.

No, seriously, this is a good one.

This is a really excellent slow burn of an episode. Starts with a few laughs, but once the plot clicks into gear, it's a really enjoyable ride that leaves you guessing right up until the end how it will resolve itself in the end. Cisco does a credible job handling it, but I almost wish this same plot were in an hour long episode to give it more time. Ah well.

A brief word, if I may, on our cast. This episode we have two guest stars of note. First off is Marsha Jones, who plays Blanche. Better known as Marsha Mae Jones, she got her start playing second fiddle to Shirley Temple in The Little Princess and Heidi. Now, graduated to adult roles, she has got a career of bit television parts ahead of her stretching into the 1980s, so we will be seeing more of her in time. Second we have Denver Pyle, playing the knife throwing Professor Jerry. This is his first television acting gig, but it is far, far from his last, as he will be a staple in Westerns and other roles in time to come. We too will be seeing more of him in times to come.

The Bottom Line: While I wish for just a bit more, I'm pretty content with what we got. This is a fun little mystery that is worth a watch if you care to track it down, just need a tolerance for Pancho's antics. As always, these episodes were filmed in color, but broadcast in black and white until the 1960s. To recreate that original experience, turn the color down on your screen.

Hypnotist Murder can be found with nineteen other episodes in Collection 3 of The Cisco Kid (http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Kid-Collection-3/dp/B00024JAL4/ref=sr_1_9?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1405731621&sr=1-9&keywords=the+cisco+kid). It is also included with 34 other episodes of The Cisco Kid in a best of collection if you are budget minded (http://www.amazon.com/Best-Cisco-Kid-35-Episodes/dp/B001072DFM/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1405731621&sr=1-1&keywords=the+cisco+kid). It is also available for streaming on Hulu Plus.

Next time... I have a surprise in store. I've been itching to get a good classic Western under my belt and we just may have one. Next week, return with us now, to those thrilling days of yesteryear...

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