Combat! episode reviews by Jo
Davidsmeyer
Episodes are rated from 0 to 4 bayonets
(059) The Hunter
RATING:
2 bayonets
First aired
25-Feb-1964 Episode 24 of Season 2
Written by Edward J. Lakso
Directed by Sutton Roley
SYNOPSIS:
In an abandoned French winery, Saunders and Kirby become the prey of a fanatic German captain in "The Hunter." He picks off Kirby with his specially made rifle. But Kirby, even wounded and captured, continues putting up a fight. With the captain's aide dead, Saunders and the captain engage in a private fight-to-the-death, until a well-timed barrage saves the day.
REVIEW:
Guest star Alfred Ryder plays German Capt. Heisman, a former professional hunter who keeps Saunders in his sights. Much of the story centers around the two radios, and each side trying to prevent the other from getting word to their troops. Jack Hogan is superb as a Kirby that will not give up. Bleeding and in pain, he still manages to destroys the German field radio behind the back of his captor. He has some nice, in-character moments, such as when entering the winery, he immediately checks the wine supply.
By the fourth act, the battle has become personal. Saunders is unarmed, having abandoned his jammed Thompson, but he has successfully warned the Americans by radio. Morrow and Kirby are excellent in their scenes together and the revelations about Kirby's home life help round-out the character. By reading Kirby's letter from home, the Captain Heisman find out that Kirby's family calls him Bill, that he has a brother George and a mother that lives in Chicago.
NOTES, ODDITIES, AND BLOOPERS:
·
Kirby with M1 and B.A.R.· Filmed at Mission Vineyard a winery still in use today.
· Normandy has no mountains, so the magnificent views of snow-covered Mt. San Antonio rising majestically above the winery are out-of-place.
· Paul Busch is the voice on the German's field radio.
· Stuntman Earl Parker doubles both Ryder and Morrow.
· If Saunders had been wearing his .45 in this episode, this episode would have gone differently.
· This episode has the smallest cast: four on-camera actors, two radio voices, and one stunt double.
CAST:
Vic Morrow as Sgt Saunders
Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley (does not appear)
Guest Star
Alfred Ryder as Heismann
Jack Hogan as Kirby
Ed Tierney as Brunner