Martin Roth wrote this clever mystery, who specialized in both comedy and drama. He later wrote several seasons for THE DUKES OF HAZZARD.
Not too certain, but... this story may have been inspired by a very popular episode of POLICE WOMAN, where Bob Crane (HOGANS HEROES) played a much admired, but homicidal disc jockey. In fact, Crane was actually a Hollywood DJ long before turning to acting.
Here, Monte Markham is the famous radio personality, only there's a neat bait and switch. He plays a dual role! Naturally, there's a murder and Barnaby is on the case.
It's fun to see when the silver fox smells a rat; always watch Barnaby's expressions, they are priceless. You know he's got the right guy, even if he's playing a bait and switch game.
Buddy Ebsen said in interviews his character borrowed from the old school of detectives, possibly the likes of CHARLIE CHAN or SHERLOCK HOLMES. And by the way... part of this plot was taken from "Charlie Chan in Paris" (1935), also "Charlie Chan's Murder Cruise" (1940), both involving killers playing dual roles. They just dusted it off a bit.
Lindon Chiles co-stars, usually playing the desperate man in the middle. Look for 1930s child star Marcia Mae Jones (as Nita) frequently in Quinn Martin productions, who acted back in the day with Shirley Temple. Her mother was also a popular bit actress.
Look quick for Jaime Farr (MASH) in a small role, probably adding to his acting credits at the time.
It would be interesting to know if this role was first offered to Bob Crane? He would have been a natural.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 20 remastered CBS dvd box set.