This week on pplpod, we investigate the turbulent life and complicated legacy of actor Robert Blake. Born Michael James Gubitosi, Blake had one of the longest careers in Hollywood history, becoming one of the first child actors to successfully transition into mature adult roles. We track his early days as "Mickey" in MGM's Our Gang (The Little Rascals) and "Little Beaver" in the Red Ryder franchise, through to his troubled childhood and eventual rise as a seasoned method actor.

We discuss his career-defining breakthrough as real-life killer Perry Smith in the film In Cold Blood, as well as his Emmy Award-winning role as the streetwise, cockatoo-owning detective in the hit series Baretta.

Finally, we examine the scandal that overshadowed his artistic achievements: the 2001 murder of his wife ...