Originally a play by Ira Levin — A Kiss Before Dying, Rosemary’s Baby, Deathtrap, The Stepford Wives,  The Boys from Brazil and Sliver to name a few — this is only the second dramatic role for star Bing Crosby, who took over the part that Burl Ives played on Broadway, Dr. Leonard Cook.

He’s the center of Greenfield, Vermont, responsible for the fact that there is hardly any crime and so much happiness. The man who is like a father to, Jimmy Tennyson( Jimmy Converse), comes back home and wants to be a doctor as well, but Cook is against it. This is his town.

Cook’s assistant Dora Ludlow (Abby Lewis) tells Tennyson to keep working on the older man, who has heart problems, as he needs an assistant. The young doctor also glows close to a former love, Janey Rausch (Blythe Danner). He soon figures out that all of the deaths in town are Dr. Cook pruning his garden of those who aren’t morally right for his small bit of heaven.

Originally airing on January 19, 1971 on ABC, this was directed by Ted Post, who we all know made The Baby and Beneath the Planet of the Apes. Writer Art Wallace worked on the Planet of the Apes TV series, as well as She Waits and being one of the creators of Dark Shadows. This is a really effective — and quick — movie. You’ll see the twist coming, but the end is so moving and Crosby is so good in this role, you’ll be along for every step of the ride.

You can watch this on YouTube.