| Watching the smart, sexy, sophisticated, and more than a bit naughty Burke’s Law is like entering Hef’s swinging pad for a little Playboy After Dark action. Gene Barry, in his Golden Globe-winning role, stars as Amos Burke, a millionaire playboy. He is described as "a bon vivant, elegant, an attractive man." He also happens to be a police captain in charge of homicide. "It’s what he does best," his partner explains. Well, not quite. He’s better at juggling a bevy of beautiful ladies. "We have a nodding acquaintance," he smooth-talks one. "You say ‘nodding’ about marriage and that’s the way I like it." Inevitably, his trysts are interrupted by word that a murder has been committed and a body found. Then, it’s off to the crime scene in his chauffeur driven Rolls Royce (piloted by the trusty Henry, portrayed by scene-stealer Leon Lontoc). Fun enough, but what further distinguishes Burke’s Law is its dazzling array of stellar suspects; former Hollywood greats, contemporary stars, comedians, indelible character actors, and fresh-faced up-and-comers. Just dig this line-up for the episode, "Who Killed Billy Jo?": Cesar Romero, Phil Harris, Tina "Ginger" Louise, Ida Lupino, Ken Berry as a swinging partygoer, and in a surprising cameo, David Niven as a bumbling juggler. Gary Collins provides some potent youth appeal as Tim, a go-getting new detective and fount of arcane information related to each case. But he’s no match for "the old captain," who dispenses his own brand of wisdom, such as, "Never drink martinis with a beautiful suspect," and "Never grow up; you’ll grow old," punctuating each aphorism with, "Burke’s law." A cop show like no other, Burke’s Law’s pleasures are anything but guilty, from the seductive voice that purrs, "It’s Burke’s Law" during the opening credits to guessing which star is the culprit. Wally Cox? Carl Reiner? Frankie Avalon? Carolyn Jones was nominated for a Golden Globe for her virtuoso quadruple role as sisters in "Who Killed Sweet Betsy?" and Barry himself has a high time with his dual role as a lookalike murder victim in "Who Killed Snookie Martinelli?" Almost worth the price of this set is the prologue in which Barry’s Snookie regales his exhausted all-night party guests with an energetic rendition of "C’est Si Bon." How ‘60s can you get? As a welcome bonus for classic TV buffs, each disc contains vintage 1963 commercials (Arnold Palmer for L&M cigarettes--"He’s been smoking them for years"). You’re still deciding whether to order this? "Don’t think about it, just do it." That’s Burke’s law! --Donald Liebenson More...
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