Beryllium was one of the "strategic" minerals used in toughening aircraft metals. The government was paying a good price for it in the 50's to augment our Cold War armaments. Of course, the best known of these strategic minerals was uranium. I mention this because the mineral has since drifted into even greater obscurity.
To me, the best part of this episode is the great desert scenery, including the actual mine operation. This is the sort of asset that separated the series from the rest of the TV herd. Anyway, Buzz and Todd rescue grizzled prospector Buchanan from a beating from claim jumpers who want his beryllium strike. Now the boys have to take on a rich mine owner who employs the thugs. It's an okay story. But Inger Stevens' role as the neglected owner's wife comes across as pretty contrived, though she does furnish real eye candy. Anyway, the photography is great, along with a typical bravura performance from Buchanan. So, whenever the story wanders, there are more than enough compensations.
To me, the best part of this episode is the great desert scenery, including the actual mine operation. This is the sort of asset that separated the series from the rest of the TV herd. Anyway, Buzz and Todd rescue grizzled prospector Buchanan from a beating from claim jumpers who want his beryllium strike. Now the boys have to take on a rich mine owner who employs the thugs. It's an okay story. But Inger Stevens' role as the neglected owner's wife comes across as pretty contrived, though she does furnish real eye candy. Anyway, the photography is great, along with a typical bravura performance from Buchanan. So, whenever the story wanders, there are more than enough compensations.
