(126) Run, Sheep, Run

RATING: 2 bayonets

Written by Esther and Bob Mitchell

Directed by Bernard McEveety

First aired 05-Apr-1966

Episode 30 of Season 4

SYNOPSIS:
In his first battle, Private Corey freezes. Afterward, the squad commends him for his actions, believing he destroyed a machine gun nest and captured a German officer. He is terrified that the squad will brand him a coward if they discover his moment of panic was the reason his squad mate died. His fear of discovery is heightened when he learns that the prisoner he guards speaks English and could reveal what really happened.

REVIEW:
In this re-tread of "The Medal," Dwayne Hickman plays a G.I. with a secret that can be exposed by the German prisoner he is tasked with guarding. Nothing spectacular here, just solid directing, writing, and acting. This story delves into the meaning of cowardice, whether one moment of weakness can define a man's whole life.

Dwayne Hickman (who starred in the TV series "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis") as Private Corey is excellent, as each effort to cover his deceit gets him deeper into trouble, until finally he must decide if protecting his reputation is worth another man's life. Frank Marth plays the German prisoner, unsure whether his secret will set him free or get him killed. His death scene is poetic in its simplicity. This is one of Esther and Bob Mitchell's strongest scripts.

NOTES, ODDITIES, AND BLOOPERS:
· The "Run, Sheep, Run" title card is styled after the cover of the "Run, Dick, Run" readers.

· Pierre Jalbert wears his wedding ring in some scenes.

· Kirby drinks from Caje's canteen, taking it without even asking.

· Filmed at Franklin Canyon.

CAST:
Vic Morrow as Sgt. Saunders

Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley (does not appear)

Guest Star

Dwayne Hickman as Corey

Jack Hogan as Kirby

Pierre Jalbert as Caje

Dick Peabody as Littlejohn

Walter Maslow as Booker

Chris Howard as German Corporal

and

Frank Marth as Lt. Vogler