The Hunt
Original Air Date - December 19, 1963.
Setting/Time - The California Mountains in the present.
Plot/Review/Discussion -
A surfer bum is caught by a corrupt and sadistic local sheriff in the mountains of California on his way to the beach. This story is essentially an action story instead of a story focusing on choices and internal conflict.
The story falls into the cliche' of the small town sheriff, beyond the reach of the outside world, terrorizing an innocent passerby. The cliche'd premise makes the story somewhat weak, but the story is told well. The suspense builds slowly until the final confrontation.
The plot is composed of three parts:
- The small town sheriff cliche;
- A mystery set in motion when the sheriff's posse kills a local criminal near the beginning of the episode; and
- The action-intensive climax that results when the main character solves the mystery and must face the consequences.
The intensity of the climax overcomes its predictability.
Cars - The only vehicles I recall are the surfer's panel van, an old jeep and an old truck or two.
Actors -
James Caan plays the main character/surfer, in one of his earlier roles. This role is mentioned in Caan's Wikipedia entry, unlike those of other KST actors.
Mickey Rooney plays the sheriff.
Bruce Dern plays one of the sheriff's allies. Dern remains active today after more than 50 years in Hollywood. He is set to star in next year's movie release of the Big Valley remake. He played a recurring guest role on the KST spinoff Run For Your Life.
Star Trek Connection - Harry Townes plays in the first of his four KST appearances. He played in "Return of the Archons" three years later on Star Trek.
