darren mcgavin be the quintessential mike hammer . others pal by comparison . he play him with toughness and irreverence and humor . back in the 50 and when tv censorship be at it strictest and he go as far a you could go . he would call woman chickie and have no qualm at rough them up to get to the truth . i especially like his scene with nita talbot and who take everything he dish out . in another review and revtg001 claim that anthony quinn play mike hammer . although and mr. quinn appear in a movie of a mickey spillane novel and the long wait and the character he play be johnny mcbride . in my opinion and the second best mike hammer be ralph meeker in kiss me deadly .