Harry O: Tender Killing Care (ABC 30 Oct 1975, with Howard Hesseman)

In Tender Killing Care, Spence, Harry’s car mechanic, calls on Harry when his father, who is living in an old people’s home claims he is being mistreated. Harry agrees to take a look at the place with Spence but when they get there Spence’s father is in a very bad way. He has to be rushed to hospital and later dies.

Harry discovers that the medical director of the home, Dr Mangram, has several accusations against him. Mangram also happens to be medical director of several other old people’s homes. When Harry alert’s the Home’s owners to Mangram’s troubles he is sacked but quickly disappears. When Harry tracks him down and confronts him it’s clear he has a serious drug problem. Later Mangram is found dead and Spence is prime suspect.

Meanwhile Sue Ingham, Harry’s occasional girlfriend (Farrah Fawcett-Majors) comes to him with another problem, she is an air stewardess and has just returned from Hong Kong, accompanied by three young children whom she had promised to take to their father who has just started his own business in the area. He seems to have gone missing though. It doesn’t take long for Harry to track him down – he is in jail accused of Grand Theft Auto. He claims that he has been set up and Harry believes him. After further investigation Harry discovers a scam involving stolen cars. He teams up with Roberts to tackle the man running the racket.

Farrah has just one scene in the episode, when she is introducing the Lee kids to Harry. Howard Hesseman also has a small role as a senator looking into general care at old people’s homes.

classic quote
“Harry, you will get me out of this?”
“I’ll have to, you’re the only mechanic that will work on my car.”

production details
USA / ABC / 1×45 minute episode / Broadcast 30 October 1975

Writer: Norman Strum / Director: Richard Lang

Series: Harry O Season 2 Episode 8

cast
David Janssen as Harry Orwell
Anthony Zerbe as Lt. K.C. Trench
Farrah Fawcett-Majors as Sue Ingham
Kenneth Mars as Dr. Mangram
Bill Henderson as Spencer Johnson
Janet Brandt as Mrs. Farber
Allan Rich as Charlie Kravitz
Bill Overton as Horace Ball
Howard Hesseman as Senator Lawler
Jester Hairston as Jefferson Johnson
Richard Stahl as Dr. Samuelson
Robert Ito as Chang Lee
Esther Koslow as Nurse
Paul Tulley as Sgt. Roberts
Tim Haldeman as Dean Farber
Bruce Solomon as Official
Bo Kaprall as Oscar Clark
Lois Williams as Mrs. Wayne
Lee Duncan as Jack
Raymond Chao as Kim Lee
William H. Knight as 1st Cop