It was 1959, and I was 12 years old, but I remember "Murder and the Android" on Sunday Showcase. It was the Golden Age of live TV drama, and this one was particularly exceptional because it was science fiction, almost unheard of on TV in those days, especially in a first-rate, top-of-the-line production. I forgot the title, but I remembered the faces (if not the names) of the cast members, and they were exceptional as well. The show starred Kevin McCarthy (Invasion of the Body Snatchers) as the protagonist, Rip Torn as the Android, and a breathtaking, young Suzanne Pleshette as one of the victims. Later I learned Telly Savalas also had a role, although I didn't remember him or the character he played.

Years later, I realized this was a classic science-fiction short story, "Fondly Fahrenheit", by Alfred Bester. The plot is about a down-on-his-luck loser, (McCarthy) owns an extremely expensive android (Torn). The only problem is the cyborg is defective. Whenever the temperature rises too much (between 90 and 100 degrees F), he goes beserk and kills people. The malfunction cannot be repaired, the android can only be destroyed). His owner cannot afford to dispose of the robot, and he will not get compensated for it if he turns it over to the authorities. It is the only thing of value he owns, and he earns his living by hiring it out. The McCarthy character, Vandaleur, is forced to flee from planet to planet, the police hot on his trail, every time the android has one of his episodes. In the meantime, Vandaleur is cracking from the stress of taking care of and covering up for this monster. And both he and the machine are starting to adopt each other's mannerisms and mental quirks. Of course, at normal temperatures, the robot is an obedient and docile machine, eager to please and true to his programming as a highly skilled servant.

References to this TV show are all over the Net today, but this was not the case a few years ago when I was looking for it, hoping that a kinescope of it had survived and was available for rent or sale. I couldn't remember the title, but I did recall the cast, so I emailed the official websites of Mr Torn, Ms Pleshette, and Mr McCarthy. to see if they could help me locate it.

Kevin McCarthy answered me with a very gracious personal letter, he barely remembered details of the show, it was very early in his long film career, but he did recall it's name, and that it had been directed by Alex March. He told me he would ask Rip Torn if he remembered any further details the next time he saw him. It's the first and only time I've ever corresponded with a celebrity.