Hit Gun at 50 Years

50 years ago tonight, CBS aired S07E21 – "Hit Gun For Sale".

We get to see Nehemiah Persoff again. This time he's Louis Cordell – a mobster who is only in Hawaii to visit his daughter Nina (Darcy Cook). With him are two younger guys who have their sights on bigger and better things. At least one of them does.

Louis' nephew Eddie (Sal Mineo) wants to take over some local rackets but goes about in a complicated way. His buddy Joey (Tommy Sands) tries to talk Eddie out of it.

The episode starts when a hitman named Harvey Benson dies from a heart attack while on a flight from the mainland. Five-O warns the gang leaders Yuki Honomura (Seth Sakai) and Benny Furtado (Jerry Waialae) they won't tolerate any bloodshed in the streets. While trying to figure out who the next hitman is, Frank (Doug Mossman) discovers Cordell and his family is on the way there. McGarrett's ears perk up as he recognizes Cordell as syndicate.

Trying to prevent a gang war, there are a lot of moves and countermoves by everyone involved. Except Cordell, who is only interested in visiting Nina.

Eddie meets with one of Furtado's lieutenants Wanaka (Rudolfo Aquino) in a 24-hour grinder house to plot his next move.

When it's all said and done, Eddie is the one flat on his back after being shot. He planned to take out his uncle the whole time! However, Joey just couldn't do and warned Cordell of the plot. The second hitman, Norvic (Les Freed) is killed by McGarrett and Danno but only after shooting Eddie. In the end, a gang war is averted but Furtado is killed in the process.

Mr. Mike always does a much, much better job than I do. His review is here: https://www.fiveohomepage.com/5-0log7.htm#165

I like Nehemiah Persoff and he's great in this episode. He's pretty laid back as Cordell, even when McGarrett comes calling to figure out why Cordell is in Hawaii. :)

Persoff isn't the only returning guest. Sal Mineo and Tommy Sands guested in the first season and I know Sands does again in a later episode.

There's a lot of plotting and counter-plotting that happens. It can be pretty fun to watch. Another thing that happens in this episode, there is a LOT of stock footage used. If the shots work, why not? It's a great way to cut costs and not have to re-shoot when you have stock that will do just fine. I don't mind it but I know for other people it can grate. But there has to be a balance. They almost go over the edge in using too much here.

Happy 50th, “Hit Gun For Sale”!! :cool: