Combat! episode reviews by Jo Davidsmeyer
Episodes are rated from 0 to 4 bayonets 

(060) Weep No More

RATING: 2 bayonets

Written by Edward J. Lakso
Directed by Ted Post

First aired 17-Mar-1964
Episode 27 of Season 2

SYNOPSIS:

This rehash of the episode "Battle of the Roses" has Hanley, Kirby, and Caje encountering a mentally addled, but beautiful, young woman. She feels safe only in one place, so Hanley removes her from that place of safety. The addled girl escapes and returns to her refuge. Hanley goes back to rescue her, only to find that the Germans have moved in.

REVIEW:

I did not care much for this premise when Rik Volaertes wrote this story for Saunders in "Battle of the Roses." I like leftovers even less, so when this cold dish is re-served for Hanley's use, as a fan of Hanley I relish the lovely close-ups of those beautiful eyes and try to ignore the story.

The direction by Ted Post serves more to confuse the action than focus it. The mood shots of the woman as she leashes out in terror are awkward, bordering on silly (especially realizing that her makeup and lashes have remain perfect though her mind, hair, and clothing are in total disarray). She and Hanley roll around artfully for a bit, and, par for the course, the Germans have more than war in mind when they lay their eyes on that pretty face. Once again, a helpless female must be rescued from a "fate-worse-than-death" by a brave American GI. Ted Knight plays the lustful German; Anjanette Comer plays the lustee.

One plot complaint: why did neither Kirby or Caje go looking for Hanley? They knew where he went. He turns up missing for hours, you would think somebody might check to see if their lieutenant is still alive. The episode has my favorite exchange between Kirby and Lieutenant. When Hanley says "When the Krauts start moving in, you know what to do," Kirby replies, "Yes, sir. Panic."

NOTES, ODDITIES, AND BLOOPERS:

· Like all addled-but-beautiful young French women in Combat!, this one plays that popular French record (also played in "Battle of the Roses" and "Any Second Now" and dances for her would-be rescuer.
· Same farm as "Just for the Record."
· Ted Knight appeared last on Combat! in "The Volunteer." In real life, he was a decorated soldier of World War II.

ABOUT FILMING THE EPISODE:

Rick Jason praises actor Ted Knight, saying he was an underrated actor, people not realizing the skill comedy requires. Jason says he was also a fine dramatic actor and a pleasure to work with, a man of simple good humor. Knight is best remembered as the bombastic news anchor on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." In the eighties, Rick Jason guest starred on his television series "Too Close for Comfort."

CAST:

Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley
Vic Morrow as Sgt. Saunders (does not appear)

Guest Star
Anjanette Comer as Annette

Jack Hogan as Kirby
Pierre Jalbert as Caje
Rick Traeger as German Captain
Rudy Dolan as 2nd German Soldier
Charles DeVries as 1st German Soldier
Kurt Lewin as German Corporal
John Shay as Doctor
Ted Knight as German Sergeant