Combat! episode reviews by Jo
Davidsmeyer
(090) The Tree of MorayRATING:  2.0 bayonets Teleplay by Anthony Spinner and Don Tait Story by Anthony Spinner Directed by Bernard McEveety First aired 16-Mar-1965 Episode 26 of Season 3 |
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| SYNOPSIS:
Hanley's efforts to bring to London a
Frenchman with information valuable to the Allies is hampered by a lynching party that
wants him for themselves. A hanging tree awaits Duval, whose collaboration with the
Germans meant death for the innocent citizens of Moray.
REVIEW:
In "The Tree of Moray,"
Robert Loggia is excellent as the underground fighter determined to exact justice. But
none of the Combat! regulars (Jason, Hogan, Jalbert, and Peabody) or director
McEveety seem comfortable with this script or with the actions of their characters.
McEveety and Combat! are on more sure ground with clear moral issues.
The action scene between the Germans and the squad is exciting, almost a relief. But the later "action" sequences between Americans and French, who are reluctant to engage each other, are stilted and uncomfortable. The story is an interesting one, with some intriguing moral questions that never get developed. The script is talky, with the squad describing the action as it happens. NOTES, ODDITIES, AND BLOOPERS:· Filmed at Franklin Canyon and MGM.· Great set dressing, making the usually bomb-destroyed French village look even more desolate. · The branches of the Moray tree are blackened, but the trunk is not. · Emile Genest (the traitor Duval) also appears in " Any Second Now," "Reunion," and "Anniversary." ABOUT FILMING THE EPISODE: Dick Peabody recalls that Robert Loggia joined easily into the pranks and games of the cast regulars, especially the 'disgusting sounds symphony.' "You couldn't invite just anyone to these concerts, which took place in our clubhouse — Vic Morrow's motorhome. The object was to make the most disgusting sounds, vocally, that you could think of. At the end of each session we would vote on which of us was the most sickening. Loggia won twice; not bad for a novice." CAST: Rick Jason as Lt. HanleyVic Morrow as Sgt. Saunders [does not appear] Robert Loggia as Etienne Jack Hogan as Kirby Emile Genest as Duval Fan comments about this episode - write your own review!
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Combat! Episodes
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