Blake Edwards' Richard Diamond, Private Detective began on radio, with actor-singer Dick Powell in the title role. A few years later, Powell's Four Star Productions acquired the rights to adapt the series for television. However, Powell decided he wasn't the right choice to play Diamond in front of the cameras. Instead, David Janssen was cast as Diamond, 5 years before his more iconic role of Dr. Richard Kimble on The Fugitive.
The TV Diamond lasted three seasons, and went by the alternative title, Calling Mr. D., when repeats of the first season hit syndication. Diamond's base of operations seemed to be mobile, although there was an operator who seemed to know where to find him.
Sam, short for Samantha, was the operator, but viewers never got a good look at her, as, more often than not, they would only see her legs. Occasionally, they'd get the jawline, but that was about as far as it would go. At least two actresses essayed the part, but not given proper credit, as Powell wanted Sam's identity kept a secret. Mary Tyler Moore was the original Sam, but was dismissed when she blurted out the truth in an interview, and was replaced by Roxanne Brooks for the rest of the series. Moore, of course, would become an icon in her own right, first with The Dick Van Dyke Show, then her own self-titled sitcom, while Brooks faded into obscurity.
However, Sam won't be heard from in this first season episode. Here's "Picture of Fear":
Could Diamond make a comeback today? Sure, but keeping Sam's identity a secret in this day & age would be impossible. Casting would be overanalyzed, and.......!
Rating: A.
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