In this episode, Eddie Albert once again demonstrates what a powerful actor he was. It's a pity that so many people only know him from "Green Acres" or perhaps "Switch". Albert was an extremely versatile performer who could handle comedy and drama with equal ease and deftness. He delivered such wonderful performances throughout his career. His wide range was exemplified in so many roles; good big-screen examples include: the cowardly Capt. Cooney at odds with Jack Palance in "Attack", the competitive prison warden in the "The Longest Yard", teaming with buddy Errol Flynn in "Roots of Heaven" and the "Sun Also Rises", the insane Col. Bliss in Captain Newman M.D." the Bohemian artist in "Roman Holiday" and a young lion tamer in the Humphrey Bogart vehicle "The Wagons Roll at Night". Throughout his career, Albert essayed countless roles on TV ranging from "Studio One" to "The Outer Limits", from "Wagon Train" to "Combat!" and "Zane Grey Theater" to "Dr. Kildare."
In "Robin Hood and Clarence Darrow", Eddie Albert plays Earl Johannis, recently widowed father of two boys who runs a small liquor store in the 65th Precinct. In the aftermath of a robbery and the senseless shooting of a fellow liquor store owner, Johannis resolves to take matters into his own hands while setting an example to his sons that some things are worth fighting for. In Johannis, Albert coveys the confusion, fear and courage within this troubled man. Particularly effective were the monologues delivered at his dead wife's grave site – where his deep thoughts and uncertainties are voiced for benefit of the audience. Albert does this with much sincerity and such a natural delivery – one really relates to the inner turmoil of the character.
Besides the always-reliable performances of 'Naked City' leads Paul Burke, Horace McMahon and Harry Bellaver, it is always most interesting to watch the supporting cast. In this episode we find boisterous party girl Sylvia Miles, the smarmy chairman Henry Lascoe, victim Harry Davis, bartender Richard Castellano, the aged Austian actor Theo Goetz and of course, a young Chris Walken. Many of these fine actors also appear in other 'Naked City' episodes.
In "Robin Hood and Clarence Darrow", Eddie Albert plays Earl Johannis, recently widowed father of two boys who runs a small liquor store in the 65th Precinct. In the aftermath of a robbery and the senseless shooting of a fellow liquor store owner, Johannis resolves to take matters into his own hands while setting an example to his sons that some things are worth fighting for. In Johannis, Albert coveys the confusion, fear and courage within this troubled man. Particularly effective were the monologues delivered at his dead wife's grave site – where his deep thoughts and uncertainties are voiced for benefit of the audience. Albert does this with much sincerity and such a natural delivery – one really relates to the inner turmoil of the character.
Besides the always-reliable performances of 'Naked City' leads Paul Burke, Horace McMahon and Harry Bellaver, it is always most interesting to watch the supporting cast. In this episode we find boisterous party girl Sylvia Miles, the smarmy chairman Henry Lascoe, victim Harry Davis, bartender Richard Castellano, the aged Austian actor Theo Goetz and of course, a young Chris Walken. Many of these fine actors also appear in other 'Naked City' episodes.