Paul Colt's Blog, page 40
January 6, 2018
Maverick
Roy Huggins created the idea for a dapper dandy devil-may-care drifter with an eye for the ladies, gambling his way to prosperity. Money, women and the occasional con get him into and out of all manner of troubles, some with his pockets picked clean. The show cast James Garner as Bret Maverick and eight episodes into the first season, Jack Kelly as brother, Bart Maverick. The two alternated lead roles weekly. Shooting schedules for the one hour episodes required two production teams to complete a full twenty-seven episode season.
Garner fit his character like a glove with a flair for the tongue-in-cheek amusing humor that set the series apart from conventional western fare of the time.
Kelly’s episodes were less comedic but held their own in the ratings The Mavericks played off characters like Diane Brewster as Samantha Crawford, an attractive southern belle and con-artist who romantically sugar-coated the linings in the boys’ pockets. Occasionally an episode might even poke fun at western stalwarts like Gunsmoke and Bonanza. Guest stars featured a litany of talent including Connie Stevens, Joel Grey, Robert Redford, Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, George Kennedy and Buddy Ebsen to name a few.
Maverick feasted on ratings in its first two seasons against The Ed Sullivan Show and The Steve Allen Show ‘garnering’ an Emmy in 1959. Garner left the show in a contract dispute following the third season. Roger Moore stepped in as Maverick cousin Beau. He stayed for fifteen episodes before being briefly replaced by Robert Colbert as third brother Brent. The fifth and final season saw ratings decline as new Kelly episodes alternated with Garner reruns. The series ended with one hundred twenty four episodes.
Maverick didn’t quite make it to the iconic stature of a long running Gunsmoke or Bonanza, though it might have had Garner stayed with the show. He brought a certain reluctant hero persona to the role that truly fit the part. Moore carried humor in his role too. Kelly who was said to be funny off camera, on he wasn't.
Next Week: Tales of Wells Fargo ’57-’62
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Ride easy,
Paul
Garner fit his character like a glove with a flair for the tongue-in-cheek amusing humor that set the series apart from conventional western fare of the time.
Kelly’s episodes were less comedic but held their own in the ratings The Mavericks played off characters like Diane Brewster as Samantha Crawford, an attractive southern belle and con-artist who romantically sugar-coated the linings in the boys’ pockets. Occasionally an episode might even poke fun at western stalwarts like Gunsmoke and Bonanza. Guest stars featured a litany of talent including Connie Stevens, Joel Grey, Robert Redford, Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, George Kennedy and Buddy Ebsen to name a few.
Maverick feasted on ratings in its first two seasons against The Ed Sullivan Show and The Steve Allen Show ‘garnering’ an Emmy in 1959. Garner left the show in a contract dispute following the third season. Roger Moore stepped in as Maverick cousin Beau. He stayed for fifteen episodes before being briefly replaced by Robert Colbert as third brother Brent. The fifth and final season saw ratings decline as new Kelly episodes alternated with Garner reruns. The series ended with one hundred twenty four episodes.
Maverick didn’t quite make it to the iconic stature of a long running Gunsmoke or Bonanza, though it might have had Garner stayed with the show. He brought a certain reluctant hero persona to the role that truly fit the part. Moore carried humor in his role too. Kelly who was said to be funny off camera, on he wasn't.
Next Week: Tales of Wells Fargo ’57-’62
Return to Facebook to comment.
Ride easy,
Paul
December 30, 2017
Colt .45
Almost from the outset Colt .45 was beset by creative problems, line-up roulette, roller coaster ratings, sponsor turnover and a talent eruption. The show starred Wayde Preston as Chris Colt, an undercover government agent, posing as a sales representative for the Colt firearms company. Not a bad premise for a series based on a Warner Brothers film starring Randolph Scott. Scripts too featured encounters with interesting historical characters including Edwin Booth (John Wilkes Booth’s brother), two of my friends Sam Bass and Billy the Kid along with Lew Wallace, Judge Roy Bean, Buffalo Bill, Ned Buntline and Calamity Jane. So what could possibly go wrong with that?
Line-up roulette drove the ratings rollercoaster and likely the revolving door in sponsorship. In its first season the show lined up opposite The Lineup on CBS and Friday Night Fights on NBC- remember those? I think they called it boxing. Mid-season they moved the show to a new time slot where it ran into Zane Grey Theater and the Life of Riley. The show was cancelled the first time when the sponsor dropped it after twenty six episodes. ABC brought the show back in reruns while new episodes were shot. The Sunday night time slot opposed Dinah Shore in color on NBC and GE Theater on CBS. The new episodes aired with a new look Chris Colt wearing a mustache. The mustache lasted half a season. In October 1959 the show lined up opposite Lassie and Riverboat, warm up for a final season against Arthur Murry and Red Skelton.
Wayde Preston left the show in March 1960 in a dispute with the studio. The exact nature of the dispute depends on who you ask. Preston felt the series ran low budget from the beginning. Perhaps it did in terms of his compensation, though you wouldn’t guess that from a list of guest stars that included Dan Blocker, Charles Bronson, Angie Dickenson, Troy Donahue, Sandy Koufax (no runs, no hits, no errors in five and two thirds), Leonard Nimoy and Adam West. Nonetheless, Preston was disgruntled. He claimed he left over being forced to do scenes that required a stuntman. Donald May, the actor who replaced Preston in the role of Sam Colt Jr., Chris’ cousin, claims it was money and that Preston was grossly underpaid.
Next Week: Maverick
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Ride easy,
Paul
Line-up roulette drove the ratings rollercoaster and likely the revolving door in sponsorship. In its first season the show lined up opposite The Lineup on CBS and Friday Night Fights on NBC- remember those? I think they called it boxing. Mid-season they moved the show to a new time slot where it ran into Zane Grey Theater and the Life of Riley. The show was cancelled the first time when the sponsor dropped it after twenty six episodes. ABC brought the show back in reruns while new episodes were shot. The Sunday night time slot opposed Dinah Shore in color on NBC and GE Theater on CBS. The new episodes aired with a new look Chris Colt wearing a mustache. The mustache lasted half a season. In October 1959 the show lined up opposite Lassie and Riverboat, warm up for a final season against Arthur Murry and Red Skelton.
Wayde Preston left the show in March 1960 in a dispute with the studio. The exact nature of the dispute depends on who you ask. Preston felt the series ran low budget from the beginning. Perhaps it did in terms of his compensation, though you wouldn’t guess that from a list of guest stars that included Dan Blocker, Charles Bronson, Angie Dickenson, Troy Donahue, Sandy Koufax (no runs, no hits, no errors in five and two thirds), Leonard Nimoy and Adam West. Nonetheless, Preston was disgruntled. He claimed he left over being forced to do scenes that required a stuntman. Donald May, the actor who replaced Preston in the role of Sam Colt Jr., Chris’ cousin, claims it was money and that Preston was grossly underpaid.
Next Week: Maverick
Return to Facebook to comment.
Ride easy,
Paul
December 23, 2017
A Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love, I would sleep,
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood his face weary and tight.
A Marine, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a soldier, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack; brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before.
My Gramps died at Pearl on a day in December."
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas Gram always remembers."
"My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures; he's sure got her smile."
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life for my sister or brother,
Who stand at the front against any and all
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "Harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least?
Give you money," I asked, "Or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
for being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
that we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
Merry Christmas
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love, I would sleep,
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood his face weary and tight.
A Marine, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a soldier, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack; brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before.
My Gramps died at Pearl on a day in December."
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas Gram always remembers."
"My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures; he's sure got her smile."
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life for my sister or brother,
Who stand at the front against any and all
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "Harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least?
Give you money," I asked, "Or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
for being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
that we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
Merry Christmas
December 16, 2017
Tombstone Territory
Tombstone Territory stared Pat Conway as ‘Wyatt Earp-like’ tough Sheriff Clay Hollister with Richard Eastham as Harris Clairbourne, editor of the Tombstone Epitaph. The producers went to great lengths to give the show historical authenticity in both set designs and scripts.
The Epitaph office façade was constructed from photographs of the actual building. The interior including printing press and vintage typesetting equipment were museum quality originals. Most of the stories were taken from the archives of the Epitaph, with musically trained baritone, Eastham narrating the show as though reporting it from a newspaper account.
The show did not feature some of Tombstone’s better known historical characters such as the Earp brothers, The Clanton’s and Johnny Behan, though a few scripts did include Curly Bill Brocius and an appearance by Doc Holiday. Eastham and Conway were both talented and accomplished actors. Conway in particular was the real deal. Raised on a ranch in California, he could ride and rope with the best of them. The show had no shortage of talent when it came to guest stars either. Names you might remember include Michael Landon, John Carradine, Lee Van Cleef, Angie Dickenson, Leonard Nimoy, and Pernell Roberts.
So with all that going for it, what happened to Tombstone Territory? In its first season the show ran opposite Father Knows Best. Talk about a bad draw. Tough to out rate an American icon. The second season pitted the show against 77 Sunset Strip. “Kookie, Kookie lend me your comb.” “Crazy Daddy-o.” Tombstone may have been the “The town too tough to die”. The show wasn’t.
Wrapping up research for this post, it occurred to me we might find some value in going back to watch a few of those old episodes. The tough law and order sheriff paired with a supportive newspaper editor harkens back to a time when law enforcement and the press shouldered ethical responsibilities to the common good. To often today, the media assumes an adversarial relationship to law enforcement, polarizing some political agenda at the expense of an ethical obligation. Times change. No guarantee the change is good.
Next Week: Colt .45 ’57-‘60
Return to Facebook to comment.
Ride easy,
Paul
The Epitaph office façade was constructed from photographs of the actual building. The interior including printing press and vintage typesetting equipment were museum quality originals. Most of the stories were taken from the archives of the Epitaph, with musically trained baritone, Eastham narrating the show as though reporting it from a newspaper account.
The show did not feature some of Tombstone’s better known historical characters such as the Earp brothers, The Clanton’s and Johnny Behan, though a few scripts did include Curly Bill Brocius and an appearance by Doc Holiday. Eastham and Conway were both talented and accomplished actors. Conway in particular was the real deal. Raised on a ranch in California, he could ride and rope with the best of them. The show had no shortage of talent when it came to guest stars either. Names you might remember include Michael Landon, John Carradine, Lee Van Cleef, Angie Dickenson, Leonard Nimoy, and Pernell Roberts.
So with all that going for it, what happened to Tombstone Territory? In its first season the show ran opposite Father Knows Best. Talk about a bad draw. Tough to out rate an American icon. The second season pitted the show against 77 Sunset Strip. “Kookie, Kookie lend me your comb.” “Crazy Daddy-o.” Tombstone may have been the “The town too tough to die”. The show wasn’t.
Wrapping up research for this post, it occurred to me we might find some value in going back to watch a few of those old episodes. The tough law and order sheriff paired with a supportive newspaper editor harkens back to a time when law enforcement and the press shouldered ethical responsibilities to the common good. To often today, the media assumes an adversarial relationship to law enforcement, polarizing some political agenda at the expense of an ethical obligation. Times change. No guarantee the change is good.
Next Week: Colt .45 ’57-‘60
Return to Facebook to comment.
Ride easy,
Paul
December 9, 2017
The Adventures of Jim Bowie
The Adventures of Jim Bowie ran for only two seasons from 1956 to 1958. Limited to seventy two half hour episodes likely accounts for the modest amount of information available on the show. In early episodes, Bowie, played by Scott Forbes rode the Louisiana countryside in search of adventure, often in the form of someone in need of assistance. Later episodes were set in New Orleans where Bowie established himself as a wealthy landholder and investor.
A series of interesting historical figures crossed Bowie’s path In the course of his adventures. Characters like Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, Jefferson Davis and Davy Crockett all made appearances. The guest star list included such notables as June Carter Cash, Denver Pyle, Chuck Conner of The Rifleman fame and Michael Landon later known for his role as Little Joe Cartwright on Bonanza.
Cast as Bowie, Scott Forbes is one of the more interesting stories in the show’s brief history. Forbes was British. To claim the part, he learned to speak a convincing southern dialect. Those I suspect were some interesting elocution lessons, should elocution ever be deemed interesting. Forbes played a surprise part in the show’s final episode when he failed to appear. The show was cancelled abruptly at the end of its second season. Expecting the show to run for five seasons, Forbes walked out on the final episode in anger.
The Adventures of Jim Bowie ended Forbes acting career. Not because he left the show. He was unable to obtain acting work because even after such a short run, the show type cast him. For the man who carried a big knife, it was perhaps the unkindest cut of all.
Next Week: Tombstone Territory ‘57
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Ride easy,
Paul
A series of interesting historical figures crossed Bowie’s path In the course of his adventures. Characters like Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, Jefferson Davis and Davy Crockett all made appearances. The guest star list included such notables as June Carter Cash, Denver Pyle, Chuck Conner of The Rifleman fame and Michael Landon later known for his role as Little Joe Cartwright on Bonanza.
Cast as Bowie, Scott Forbes is one of the more interesting stories in the show’s brief history. Forbes was British. To claim the part, he learned to speak a convincing southern dialect. Those I suspect were some interesting elocution lessons, should elocution ever be deemed interesting. Forbes played a surprise part in the show’s final episode when he failed to appear. The show was cancelled abruptly at the end of its second season. Expecting the show to run for five seasons, Forbes walked out on the final episode in anger.
The Adventures of Jim Bowie ended Forbes acting career. Not because he left the show. He was unable to obtain acting work because even after such a short run, the show type cast him. For the man who carried a big knife, it was perhaps the unkindest cut of all.
Next Week: Tombstone Territory ‘57
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
December 2, 2017
Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke the TV series had its roots in a popular radio drama by the same name. For twenty years an amazingly stable cast of characters entered our homes each week with a new western drama. It aired on CBS from September 1955 to March 1975, six hundred thirty five episodes strong, the longest running prime time TV action series ever. Gunsmoke ranked in the top ten television programs from 1956 to 1961, holding the number one slot for several of those years.
Set in similarly iconic Dodge City, James Arness played the ever pragmatic Marshal Matt Dillon throughout the show’s twenty year run. Arness was recommended for the part by none other than John Wayne. The character suited Wayne, but the Duke could not be bothered to interrupt a lucrative movie career to play a television series. He liked the concept and he liked the part. The producers cast James Arness on Wayne’s word and never looked back.
Arness was surrounded by an ensemble cast as well suited to their parts as their lead. Amanda Blake played Miss Kitty Russell, proprietress to the Long Branch Saloon and as close to a romantic interest as Marshal Dillion ever came. Milburn Stone played Galen ‘Doc’ Adams, part sawbones and part philosopher. Dennis Weaver launched the series for the first eight years as Dillon’s sidekick deputy Chester. Chester’s gimpy leg was used as a device to keep his character subordinate to the boss. Ken Curtis replaced Weaver as the bumbling redneck Festus. Other deputies playing brief stints included Burt Reynolds (no really) as Quint Asper, Roger Ewing as Thad Greenwood and Buck Taylor as Newly O’Brien.
The show ran a half hour format from 1955-1961 before becoming an hour in length. Sponsors included L&M cigarettes (cigarette advertising? L&M “Live Modern” brand?) and Remington razors. The show closed its twentieth season, leaving the cast with no indication CBS was thinking cancellation. The news came as a shock cast members read in the trade press.
If you want to reminisce with images of the cast we can’t use here, search ‘Gunsmoke tv images’ and take a visual trip down memory lane.
Next Week: The Adventures of Jim Bowie ’55-‘58
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
Set in similarly iconic Dodge City, James Arness played the ever pragmatic Marshal Matt Dillon throughout the show’s twenty year run. Arness was recommended for the part by none other than John Wayne. The character suited Wayne, but the Duke could not be bothered to interrupt a lucrative movie career to play a television series. He liked the concept and he liked the part. The producers cast James Arness on Wayne’s word and never looked back.
Arness was surrounded by an ensemble cast as well suited to their parts as their lead. Amanda Blake played Miss Kitty Russell, proprietress to the Long Branch Saloon and as close to a romantic interest as Marshal Dillion ever came. Milburn Stone played Galen ‘Doc’ Adams, part sawbones and part philosopher. Dennis Weaver launched the series for the first eight years as Dillon’s sidekick deputy Chester. Chester’s gimpy leg was used as a device to keep his character subordinate to the boss. Ken Curtis replaced Weaver as the bumbling redneck Festus. Other deputies playing brief stints included Burt Reynolds (no really) as Quint Asper, Roger Ewing as Thad Greenwood and Buck Taylor as Newly O’Brien.
The show ran a half hour format from 1955-1961 before becoming an hour in length. Sponsors included L&M cigarettes (cigarette advertising? L&M “Live Modern” brand?) and Remington razors. The show closed its twentieth season, leaving the cast with no indication CBS was thinking cancellation. The news came as a shock cast members read in the trade press.
If you want to reminisce with images of the cast we can’t use here, search ‘Gunsmoke tv images’ and take a visual trip down memory lane.
Next Week: The Adventures of Jim Bowie ’55-‘58
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
November 25, 2017
Cheyenne
Born in Hartford Illinois, Clint Walker’s role as a drifter, variously employed as an army scout, a wagon train scout, deputy sheriff and ranch foreman mirrored Walker’s real life. He left school to work in a factory and a riverboat before joining the Merchant Marine. Later he worked as a carpenter, salesman, lumberjack, private detective, prospector, oilfield worker, truck driver, deputy sheriff, cowboy, singer and actor. I’m out of breath just thinking about it. At six feet six, Walker was up to all of it with a physique hewn out of solid oak.
The show premiered in 1955 and ran until 1963 spanning one hundred eight black and white episodes.
Cheyenne Brodie roamed the west, delivering justice against Indians and bad guys most often to the admiration of a beautiful woman. The series gained popularity. In 1958 Walker sought to redo his contract, allowing him to keep more of his personal appearance money and pursue his music career beyond the Warner Brothers label. When the contract dispute reached an impasse, Walker walked out.
The studio replaced Cheyenne with Bronco Lane, played by Ty Hardin. Hardin finished the season and Bronco became popular in its own right. In 1959 Bronco appeared as its own show, sharing the time slot with Cheyenne under Walker’s new contract. A guest appearance ‘discovered’ Will Hutchins, as the correspondence school lawyer, Tom ‘Sugarfoot’ Brewster. Sugarfoot was then added to the Cheyenne rotation.
Ty Hardin was discovered by none other than John Wayne. He earned minor roles in TV and film until Walker’s walk put Warner Brothers in desperate-straights for a new leading man. Sugarfoot’s Tom Brewster counterpointed the Brodie and Bronco ready for action characters with a character averse to the use of firearms, preferring the use of a law book instead. When left with no alternative, even the Sugarfoot could resort to the use of force.
All three characters made guest appearances in their sibling’s slots, on occasion an episode might feature all three of them. Guest appearances also extended to other Warner Brothers productions including Maverick, Lawman and Colt .45.
Next Week: Gunsmoke ’55-‘75
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Ride easy,
Paul
The show premiered in 1955 and ran until 1963 spanning one hundred eight black and white episodes.
Cheyenne Brodie roamed the west, delivering justice against Indians and bad guys most often to the admiration of a beautiful woman. The series gained popularity. In 1958 Walker sought to redo his contract, allowing him to keep more of his personal appearance money and pursue his music career beyond the Warner Brothers label. When the contract dispute reached an impasse, Walker walked out.
The studio replaced Cheyenne with Bronco Lane, played by Ty Hardin. Hardin finished the season and Bronco became popular in its own right. In 1959 Bronco appeared as its own show, sharing the time slot with Cheyenne under Walker’s new contract. A guest appearance ‘discovered’ Will Hutchins, as the correspondence school lawyer, Tom ‘Sugarfoot’ Brewster. Sugarfoot was then added to the Cheyenne rotation.
Ty Hardin was discovered by none other than John Wayne. He earned minor roles in TV and film until Walker’s walk put Warner Brothers in desperate-straights for a new leading man. Sugarfoot’s Tom Brewster counterpointed the Brodie and Bronco ready for action characters with a character averse to the use of firearms, preferring the use of a law book instead. When left with no alternative, even the Sugarfoot could resort to the use of force.
All three characters made guest appearances in their sibling’s slots, on occasion an episode might feature all three of them. Guest appearances also extended to other Warner Brothers productions including Maverick, Lawman and Colt .45.
Next Week: Gunsmoke ’55-‘75
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
November 18, 2017
Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp
Some of you may know we lost Hugh O’Brien, September 6, 2016. You’ll find a wonderful memorial tribute to him in the December 2016 issue of True West Magazine. Thanks Bob Boze Bell.
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp premiered September 6, 1955. O’Brien passed away on the 61st anniversary of the show’s premier. It ran for six seasons and two hundred thirty nine episodes. Hugh O’Brien starred as the legendary lawman, gambler and gunfighter, though for purposes of the series he was consistently portrayed as a lawman. O’Brien was cast in the part for a rugged physical resemblance to Wyatt, if one over looked the Hollywood handsome good looks. O’Brien designed his signature costume, pancake hat and all.
The series was loosely based on Stuart N. Lake’s biography, Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal, which was loosely based on the life of Wyatt Earp. A Desilou production, Lake acted as a consultant to the show for a couple of seasons before he passed away. Lake’s claim to fame was that he knew Wyatt Earp and interviewed him before turning the story over to his fertile imagination. Lake is the source of the ‘Wyatt Earp carried a Buntline Special myth’, the long barreled Colt Obrien packed in the series. While history suggests Earp may have been given one as a gift, there is no evidence he ever carried it or used it. Who needed a gun that required a five-foot long arm to draw for purposes of shooting someone in the next county? Psst- don’t tell the toy makers.
The series followed a fictionalized version of Wyatt Earp’s career, beginning in Ellsworth Kansas. The series moves on from there to Dodge City where Wyatt served as assistant city marshal for three seasons. In 1959 the series moved to Tombstone Arizona for the remainder of its run. Over the course of the series an amazing number of famous Earp contemporaries appear. Doc Holiday and Big Nose Kate of course, along with Bat Masterson, “Dog” Kelley, Dora Hand, Spike Kenedy, the Clanton’s, Curly Bill Brocius, Johnny Ringo, Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan, Clay Allison, Ben Thompson and Wyatt’s brothers Virgil and Morgan.
Remember the theme song, The Legend of Wyatt Earp; and the ending: “Wyatt Earp, brave courageous and bold long live his fame and long live his glory and long may his story be told.”
Next Week: Cheyenne ‘55-‘63
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp premiered September 6, 1955. O’Brien passed away on the 61st anniversary of the show’s premier. It ran for six seasons and two hundred thirty nine episodes. Hugh O’Brien starred as the legendary lawman, gambler and gunfighter, though for purposes of the series he was consistently portrayed as a lawman. O’Brien was cast in the part for a rugged physical resemblance to Wyatt, if one over looked the Hollywood handsome good looks. O’Brien designed his signature costume, pancake hat and all.
The series was loosely based on Stuart N. Lake’s biography, Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal, which was loosely based on the life of Wyatt Earp. A Desilou production, Lake acted as a consultant to the show for a couple of seasons before he passed away. Lake’s claim to fame was that he knew Wyatt Earp and interviewed him before turning the story over to his fertile imagination. Lake is the source of the ‘Wyatt Earp carried a Buntline Special myth’, the long barreled Colt Obrien packed in the series. While history suggests Earp may have been given one as a gift, there is no evidence he ever carried it or used it. Who needed a gun that required a five-foot long arm to draw for purposes of shooting someone in the next county? Psst- don’t tell the toy makers.
The series followed a fictionalized version of Wyatt Earp’s career, beginning in Ellsworth Kansas. The series moves on from there to Dodge City where Wyatt served as assistant city marshal for three seasons. In 1959 the series moved to Tombstone Arizona for the remainder of its run. Over the course of the series an amazing number of famous Earp contemporaries appear. Doc Holiday and Big Nose Kate of course, along with Bat Masterson, “Dog” Kelley, Dora Hand, Spike Kenedy, the Clanton’s, Curly Bill Brocius, Johnny Ringo, Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan, Clay Allison, Ben Thompson and Wyatt’s brothers Virgil and Morgan.
Remember the theme song, The Legend of Wyatt Earp; and the ending: “Wyatt Earp, brave courageous and bold long live his fame and long live his glory and long may his story be told.”
Next Week: Cheyenne ‘55-‘63
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Ride easy,
Paul
November 11, 2017
My Friend Flicka
My Friend Flicka was a groundbreaking show in the introduction of color TV. Why then only two seasons in production and so few episodes? The show was a technical triumph in costumes, sets and quality name talent. It was also chronically over budget which most sources suggest was the reason for its short run. One source mentioned a ratings mismatch with ABC’s Adventures of Rin Tin Tin.
Based on a 1941 novel by Mary O’Hara of the same name, the show is set on the McLaughlin family’s Goose Bar Ranch in southern Wyoming. The show starred young Ken McLaughlin, played by Johnny Washbrook and his parents Rob and Nell played by Gene Evans and Anita Louise. The stories follow the family struggles to carve out a living rounding up and training wild horses for market.
Early on Ken’s father allows him pick and train a horse of his own. Out of a herd of wild mustangs, young Ken chooses a pure bred Arab mare he gives the Swedish name ‘Little Girl’ a.k.a. Flicka. Ken patiently gentles the horse until, in a page out of Fury, she won’t let anyone ride her except Ken. Subsequent episodes involve the family in some trouble with a neighbor, an interesting stranger, forces of nature and of course the ubiquitous bad guys.
There is more to learn at a wonderful website I used as one of my sources for this post. You can find it at http://myfriendflicka.com. In a fun spin on nostalgia the site points out that when My Friend Flicka premiered, Eisenhower was president, average annual income was $4,450.00, gas cost twenty-two cents a gallon, a car would set you back around $2,000.00 and a house as much as $11,700.00. Rock and Roll was a new craze, the Supreme Court ruled segregation illegal and polio vaccine first came into use. There’s more of course, but you get the idea. A lot has happened since we first met that cute little sorrel with the white dish face.
Next Week: Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp- ‘55-‘61
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Ride easy,
Paul
Based on a 1941 novel by Mary O’Hara of the same name, the show is set on the McLaughlin family’s Goose Bar Ranch in southern Wyoming. The show starred young Ken McLaughlin, played by Johnny Washbrook and his parents Rob and Nell played by Gene Evans and Anita Louise. The stories follow the family struggles to carve out a living rounding up and training wild horses for market.
Early on Ken’s father allows him pick and train a horse of his own. Out of a herd of wild mustangs, young Ken chooses a pure bred Arab mare he gives the Swedish name ‘Little Girl’ a.k.a. Flicka. Ken patiently gentles the horse until, in a page out of Fury, she won’t let anyone ride her except Ken. Subsequent episodes involve the family in some trouble with a neighbor, an interesting stranger, forces of nature and of course the ubiquitous bad guys.
There is more to learn at a wonderful website I used as one of my sources for this post. You can find it at http://myfriendflicka.com. In a fun spin on nostalgia the site points out that when My Friend Flicka premiered, Eisenhower was president, average annual income was $4,450.00, gas cost twenty-two cents a gallon, a car would set you back around $2,000.00 and a house as much as $11,700.00. Rock and Roll was a new craze, the Supreme Court ruled segregation illegal and polio vaccine first came into use. There’s more of course, but you get the idea. A lot has happened since we first met that cute little sorrel with the white dish face.
Next Week: Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp- ‘55-‘61
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Ride easy,
Paul
November 4, 2017
Fury
Like so many of our cowboy heroes Fury came to us with positive life lessons in good behavior. Troubled orphan Joey (Bobby Diamond) is adopted by widower ranch owner Jim Newton (Peter Graves). There on the Broken Wheel Ranch, Joey meets the wild horse they call Fury. A bond is formed between boy and horse that will lend itself to one hundred sixteen episodes over five seasons.
In each episode a guest star falls into some form of trouble from which Fury will rescue him or her. The episodes often featured youth organizations like The Boy Scouts, 4-H, Junior Achievement, Little League and the like.
Fury was played by American Standard Bred, Highland Dale. Standard Breds tend to be taller with an elegant line. Fury had the lines; but photos of him in company with other mounts in the series, show him to be on the shorter side. Broken Wheel Ranch foreman, Pete (William Fawcett) named the wild stallion for his fiery demeanor. Who can forget that magnificent gleaming black horse galloping toward your living room, snorting, prancing and rearing to thrash the air with his hooves at the start of each episode? One unique aspect of the relationship between Joey and Fury is that Fury would only allow Joey to ride him, except on rare occasions when for some reason, Joey permitted someone else to ride him.
When the show ended, Highland Dale disappeared for a time before showing up sick at a California animal park. The horse, then known as King was nursed back to health. Attendants were surprised to discover the range of tricks the horse was trained to perform. The mystery was solve when an actor visited the park and recognized Highland Dale as Fury.
Jim Graves went on to television fame in the lead role on Mission Impossible, possibly one of the best action adventure thrillers ever to hit the small screen. We’ll get to Jim’s brother, James Arness of Gunsmoke fame later in this series.
Bobby Diamond followed Fury with guest appearances on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, before entering law school. He graduated and pursued his law career in Los Angeles California.
Next Week: My Friend Flicka ‘55-‘60
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Ride easy,
Paul
In each episode a guest star falls into some form of trouble from which Fury will rescue him or her. The episodes often featured youth organizations like The Boy Scouts, 4-H, Junior Achievement, Little League and the like.
Fury was played by American Standard Bred, Highland Dale. Standard Breds tend to be taller with an elegant line. Fury had the lines; but photos of him in company with other mounts in the series, show him to be on the shorter side. Broken Wheel Ranch foreman, Pete (William Fawcett) named the wild stallion for his fiery demeanor. Who can forget that magnificent gleaming black horse galloping toward your living room, snorting, prancing and rearing to thrash the air with his hooves at the start of each episode? One unique aspect of the relationship between Joey and Fury is that Fury would only allow Joey to ride him, except on rare occasions when for some reason, Joey permitted someone else to ride him.
When the show ended, Highland Dale disappeared for a time before showing up sick at a California animal park. The horse, then known as King was nursed back to health. Attendants were surprised to discover the range of tricks the horse was trained to perform. The mystery was solve when an actor visited the park and recognized Highland Dale as Fury.
Jim Graves went on to television fame in the lead role on Mission Impossible, possibly one of the best action adventure thrillers ever to hit the small screen. We’ll get to Jim’s brother, James Arness of Gunsmoke fame later in this series.
Bobby Diamond followed Fury with guest appearances on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, before entering law school. He graduated and pursued his law career in Los Angeles California.
Next Week: My Friend Flicka ‘55-‘60
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Ride easy,
Paul
