Escape's "Maracas" is the story of someone who is double-crossed not just once but twice. In this episode, a man named Doyle takes a job as mate on a freighter leaving San Diego, California. The cargo is supposed to be farm equipment and a couple of passengers, but Doyle finds out that something illegal is going on - and he wants in on it. From there, trouble ensues. This is a busy episode where quite a bit happens.
"Maracas" was written by John and Gwen Bagni and was performed by William Conrad, Joan Banks, Ted de Corsia and Paul Frees. The character of General Topaz was played by Juano Hernandez, one of the first Afro-Latin American character actors to star in American films and television. The same year that he appeared on this episode of Escape, he was also the recipient of a Golden Globe Award for "New Star of the Year" for his role in the film Intruder in the Dust.
This episode's big flaw is that it isn't clear where this story is set. The ship sets out from San Diego but from there none of the destinations mentioned are actual places. Given the sombreros, tequila, cervezas, and Spanish speaking residents, it appears that this story is taking place in Mexico.
This episode aired on November 22, 1949.
Comments