CBSRMT Episode Information Next Episode

Title

The Assassin

Plot

In an ultimate proof of work ethics, a professional killer tries to carry out the most valuable contract job he ever received - despite an accident that wipes his memory clean.

Episode

0792

Air Dates

  • First Run - March 3, 1978
  • Repeat - August 3, 1978

Actors

Writer

Listen

Rating

84
61     23


2 Responses to Episode 0792

I rate this episode ★★★★★ for EXCELLENT. Murray Burnett wrote one hell of a good Drama-Mystery. Suspenseful plot points, characters with isolated lifestyles, surprising twists, and an ending that was tragic, yet romantic. This story would be good for a feature film. Another way to title this would be “Stranger In A Strange Land” or “The Alienated Individual.” The sound effects of the rotary phone, traffic noise, crashing of the cars, bystanders murmuring, the sirens, airport runway, tableware clinking, doorbell ringing, unwrapping the package, firing of the .25 caliber with a silencer, phone scrambler beeping, music at the sidewalk café, organ grinder, and the farewell note were very supportive for this tale. That goes the same with the music. Dramatic tunes in each Act that brought more intensity and mystery as the story progressed. In our Host’s Prologue, E.G. Marshall brings up the topic of Occupations and this particular one is about killing. In ACT-1, our Host points out that certain skills are never forgotten and this hired assassin with amnesia hasn’t forgotten his “deadly” skill. In ACT-2, he mentions Modern Sociologists that recognize disorientation on alienated individuals. Later on, he quotes 17th century metaphysical poet John Donne who said, “Nowhere lives a woman true and fair” which is important in this story. In ACT-3, after knowing what happened to our main character in the final scene, E.G. Marshall quotes Charles Dickens’ work from “A Tale Of Two Cities” and it fits well for this ending. In his Epilogue, E.G. Marshall finishes his narration that’s debatable for CBSRMT fans to explore. And then there’s our cast: Larry Haines (as Executioner Kyle/Duncan Appleton), Marian Seldes (as Elena), Earl Hammond (as Signor Messina & J.C. Killain), and Jackson Back (as J.J. Jones). Kudos to Jackson Beck & Earl Hammond for playing villainous roles. Bravo to Marian Seldes for playing the Love Interest. And I’d give a round of applause to Larry Haines because he stole the show. He has played many roles where he acts paranoid/puzzled/agitated/on-the-edge and this was one of his best roles: A killer living in Oblivion. If you’re a fan of Larry Haines and/or Marian Seldes, this is one CBSRMT episode to enjoy. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =^D

Russell

While multitudes are celebrating Caesar’s military victories, the envious Cassius is gradually convincing Brutus that Caesar’s life must be sacrificed for the common good. The fatal deed is planned for the Ides of March and, despite a soothsayer’s warning and his wife Calpurnia’s dream, Caesar goes to the senate and is murdered. At Caesar’s funeral, the fallen leader’s henchman, Marc Antony, sways the crowds, and then sets out with an army to defeat the fleeing forces of Cassius and Brutus.

Adam


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