What did you watch this week in classic TV on DVD(or Blu)? (2 Viewers)

[JohnHopper]

RAWHIDE SEASON 7

Episode #14
“The Book”
written by Cliff Gould
directed by Bernard Kowalski
assistant director Lee H. Katzin
film editor Paul Krasny
guests: Pat Hingle, J.D. Cannon, Leonard Stone, Valentin de Vargas, Malcolm Atterbury, Walker Edmiston, Timothy Carey

In a small town, three hustlers/bone-pickers bet on fast shooters during organized street contests. One night, hustler Pop Starke (actor Pat Hingle) looses the match against Carl Hatcher (actor Timothy Carey) and owns him the money of the bet. Rowdy Yates enjoys a game of shooting targets at the carnival and Pop Starke notes his performances on his book. Veteran gunfighter, drunk cynical and one-hand Austin Ware (actor J.D. Cannon) is on the payroll of Leroy Means (actor Leonard Stone) but has a talk with Yates at the saloon. Ernie Torres (actor Valentin de Vargas), the new drover of Yates, decides to take his place against Austin Ware and wins by default. Disgusted Yates picks up the book of Starke and tear it out during a storm while walking out of the saloon!

It’s another solo Rowdy Yates story—but loosely accompanied by Wishbone, Mushy and Quince—done in a delirious and baroque tradition of The Wild Wild West (i.e., the full folklore with circus, slide, calliope music, fighters, exotic characters, fireworks, beggar with a monkey, balloons) and director Bernard Kowalski’s German expressionist sense of composition (distorted close-ups with a wide angle lens, contrasted scale of shots, short shots, tilted angles) is noteworthy, especially during the preliminary showdown and the shooting match. Writer Cliff Gould will work later on Mannix and produce the first season of QM’s The Streets of San Francisco. The music of composer Rudy Schrager is stock music from previous episodes (“Canliss”). Apart from the main titles in Latin Wide, the production titles are set in Clarendon (1845).

Note the hierarchy of the onscreen producers credits, meaning Bruce Geller and Bernard Kowalski or Bernard Kowalski and Bruce Geller. Here, it’s Bruce Geller first and some details prove it: for instance, the use of optical zooming and the sociological and criminal study of dubious men. The producers duo seem more focused on the guest characters than on the leading characters: in short, it’s an anthology. Sociological-wise, this town is the polar opposite of “No Dogs or Drovers” because this is Babylon or corruptionville!

Actor Pat Hingle will appear in three films with actor Clint Eastwood: Hang’Em High, The Gauntlet, Sudden Impact.

Actor J.D. Cannon returns from “Piney” and Leonard Stone from “No Dogs or Drovers”. Many crafstmen will work on Mission: Impossible: see assistant director Lee H. Katzin, film editor Paul Krasny, actors Pat Hingle, J.D. Cannon, Leonard Stone, Valentin de Vargas, Walker Edmiston.

Highly recommended!


The showdown happens and one man is blown away.

After the showdown, the carnival starts and people get wild.

Face of ramrod Rowdy Yates • Record of ramrod Rowdy Yates.

Two hustlers (Pop Starke and Leroy Means) playing pool and dealing.

Ramrod Rowdy Yates fails to be shot down by the bartender protecting the contest of Pop Starke.

 

[JohnHopper]

Coronet Blue - 1.2 "The Assassins"

Mike Alden answers a newspaper ad and encounters a couple who purport to be his mother (Signe Hasso) and stepfather (Edward Binns)...not to mention a cutie patootie fiancee (Janet Margolin, see below) waiting in the wings. But can he trust them? Starts off a bit slow but remains compelling drama overall, with an exciting climax, despite the somewhat oddball lead character. I like Frank Converse generally, but his mercurial combination of sad-eyed, sensitive puppy dog, restless and angry young man, and occasionally competent badass is taking some getting used to. The show has a unique look and style that does remind me somewhat of an ITC show...or at least, an ITC show with a less commanding lead character.

It's one of the best Coronet Blue episodes.

 

[Ron1973]

Did not know! Just wondering.

I'm almost through the series now. It starts to get a bit monotonous by S6, but S7 really sort of falls of a cliff. McCall left the show at the end of S6, resulting in a transfer and new partner for Hunter. It just doesn't work.

 

[JohnHopper]

Episode #15
“Josh”
written by Robert E. Thompson
directed by Herschel Daugherty
assistant director Lee H. Katzin
guests: Albert Dekker, Ann Shoemaker, John Doucette, Jay C. Flippen, John Pickard, Paul Comi


“One day there won’t be any more cattle trails. They’ll go like the beaver trade did. The trains will come where the trails is now. And then they’ll pass away too. You go back to that girl. Get yourself something to hold onto. A woman, children, and a piece of land. Something that don’t blow away like pride and youth. They don’t last, son.”
—Drover Josh Breedon to Mushy.


Gil Favor faces a selling issue with buyer Mr. Pine (actor John Doucette). Old cattle man Josh Breedon (actor Albert Dekker) feels the end of life coming closer and decides to quit the crew of Gil Favor as a matter of pride. Mushy’s best friend is Josh who is a father figure to him. After encountering many refusals and receiving a letter with a false hope of getting rich with lands from an old friend named Bigger (actor Jay C. Flippen) and jobs from Mr. Pine and trail boss Sam Parks (actor John Pickard) he eventually turned down for utilitarian reasons. Resentful Josh provokes Gil Favor in a street showdown but passes out. This shock resolves his questionings, moves on and he joins back the crew of Favor. This is the last episode with drover Yo Yo (actor Paul Comi).

It’s a mild existential drama about oldness, nostalgia that fits the writing of Rod Serling. As in previous episodes with a failed selling of the herd, Gil Favor has a feud with a drover and almost fire him: see “The Race”, “A Man Called Mushy”. The producers credits is first for Kowalski. Writer Robert E. Thompson will produce the next season. The character of Mushy—full name Harkness Mushgrove III— refers to his old flame gypsy Teya Vassily from “A Man Called Mushy”. One scene is funny: Gil Favor forces drunk Rowdy Yates to take a very hot bath to sober up!

Many crafstmen will work on Mission: Impossible: see writer Robert E. Thompson, assistant director Lee H. Katzin, actor John Pickard.

Actor John Doucette returns from the season 5 “Incident of the Dogfaces”, Jay C. Flippen from the season 6 “Incident at Hourglass” of and John Pickard from “The Race” who used to appear in eleven episodes of the series.

END OF VOLUME 1

 

[Montytc]

Wild Wild West Sn.1
Episode 6 - The Night Of A Thousand Eyes

Richard Diamond: Private Eye
Episode 5 - Picture Of Fear
Episode 12 - The Merry Go Round Case
These were two public domain episodes off of an old Mill Creek box set. I loved David Janssen in the Fugitive, but had never watched any episodes of this series before. I would like to see more, but I suspect they will be hard to come by.

Rawhide Season 1
Episode 2 - Incident At Alabaster Plain
Episode 3 - Incident With the Executioner
Jeff Flugel spoke highly of episode two, and he was certainly right. A classic villain, a great guest cast and an excellent story made a great episode. I was inspired enough to also checkout the third episode. It may have had an even more impressive guest cast, but I didn't think the story was as good (although I still enjoyed it) Season one is the only one I own of Rawhide but if it remains this good I will need to rectify that situation..

 

[Jeff Flugel]

Rawhide Season 1
Episode 2 - Incident At Alabaster Plain
Episode 3 - Incident With the Executioner
Jeff Flugel spoke highly of episode two, and he was certainly right. A classic villain, a great guest cast and an excellent story made a great episode. I was inspired enough to also checkout the third episode. It may have had an even more impressive guest cast, but I didn't think the story was as good (although I still enjoyed it) Season one is the only one I own of Rawhide but if it remains this good I will need to rectify that situation..

Glad you enjoyed that "Alabaster Plain" episode, Tim! I was tipped off to it by others here on the "Vintage Westerns" thread, including Randall (Flashgear), Bob Gu and of course our resident Rawhide expert John Hopper. I think you'll continue to be impressed by the overall quality of the show and may indeed find yourself picking up more of the series.

 

[Doug Wallen]

Been away for a while setting up a new dvr, watching some movies I received at Thanksgiving and viewing ST: Discovery (not classic and may never be).

Now to the good stuff:
Gunsmoke - Season 5
Saludos (5.8) Gene Nelson, Robert Wilkie, Jack Elam. A whodunit. Matt tries to determine who shot and killed an Indian and attempted rape. Interesting twist at the end.
Brother Whelp (5.9) Lew Gallo, Dabbs Greer,Ellen Clark, John Clarke. A love triangle plays out.
The Boots (5.10) John Larch, Wynn Pearce, Richard Eyer. Former gunman, now a drunk raising a young boy has to make a tough decision.
Odd Man Out (5.11) Elisha Cook, Jr., William Phipps, Dabbs Greer. An elderly man is confused possibly suffering dementia and has no idea where his wife is.
Miguel's Daughter (5.12) Simon Oakland, Fintan Meyler, Wesley Lau, Ed Nelson. Trailhands bother a young woman and her father settles things.
Box O'Rocks (5.13) Vaughn Taylor, Howard McNear, Larry Blake, William Fawcett. Story opens on Boot Hill showcasing a funeral for what turns out to be a box of rocks. Unusual tale.

The High Chapparal - Season 1
The Firing Wall (1.16) Barbara Luna, Fernando Lamas, Frank Silvera. Well. I finally reached everybody's favorite guest star. She looks "Mahvelous". I really enjoyed this one. A very fun episode that showcased the supporting players very well.
The Assassins (1.17) Rodolfo Acosta, X Brands, James Almanzar, Geoffrey Deuel. From high comedy to deadly serious. I like that the next two episodes roll together to again bring some continuity to this series. The Apache threat is the focus with a renegade trying to assassinate Cochise's representative of peace.
Survival (1.18) Robert Phillips, James Almanzar. Soldado is testing Big John and Blue out in the desert.
Gold Is Where You Leave It (1.19) Leo Gordon, Harry Dean Stanton, Ted Gehring. Prospectors are serching a played out mine shaft on the Chapparal. This episode focuses again on John aiding the Apaches and Buck misreads Victoria's attention as affection.
The Kinsman (1.20) Jack Lord, William Watson, Rayford Barnes. AnnaLee's stepbrother shows up wounded. He is actually a criminal being tracked by two bounty hunters. The action comes to a head at the ranch which ends tragically. Excellent episode.

Stoney Burke - Complete Series
Five by Eight by Eight (1.11) Ed Nelson, William Schallert, Arthur Malet. Always enjoy an appearance from Ed Nelson who is playing an incarcerated friend of Stoney's. He escapes and takes Stoney and a teen girl hostage. Lots of interesting dialog in this one. The justice system examined.
Bandwagon (1.12) Larry Gates, Warren Stevens. A politician recruits Stoney on the basis of past action. Stoney comes to realize that politics is an ugly business and reminds the Senator of that fact.
Cousin Eunice (1.13) Cloris Leachman, Jim Davis. E.J's tomboy cousin arrives and wants to join the circuit as a trick rider. She is schooled by Stoney. An episode with comedic overtones.
Gold-Plated Maverick (1.14) John Larch, Michael Anderson Jr, Joe Maross, Buck Taylor. After an accident, a busy father hires Stoney to help "make a man" of his son. Gradually, Stoney begins to work and soon the son is ready to teach the father.
Death Rides A Pale Horse (1.15) Geraldine Brooks, Steve Cochran, Dyan Cannon, George Mitchell. A rider that Stoney must beat in the arena is also a challenge for a woman's affections. He has emotional scars that cause him to act without thinking.

 

[JohnHopper]

Been away for a while setting up a new dvr, watching some movies I received at Thanksgiving and viewing ST: Discovery (not classic and may never be).

Stoney Burke - Complete Series
Bandwagon (1.12) Larry Gates, Warren Stevens. A politician recruits Stoney on the basis of past action. Stoney comes to realize that politics is an ugly business and reminds the Senator of that fact.

Another excellent entry from Stoney Burke.
directed by Laslo Benedek
written by Meyer "O.B.I.T." Dolinsky

 

[JohnHopper]

RAWHIDE SEASON 7

Episode #16
“A Time for Waiting”
written by Sy Salkowitz
directed by Charles Rondeau
music by Rudy Schrager
guests: George Grizzard, Lin McCarthy, Lisabeth Hush, Larry Ward, Ken Berry, George Murdoch

“It seems strange. A man is gonna die. Nobody lifts a finger to help him. … It’s awful.”
—Mrs. Morton to Rowdy Yates on his way out.

Despite the refusal of Gil Favor, Rowdy Yates rides to Fort Mason to meet the CO Lt. Scot Macintosh (actor Lin McCarthy) and asks permission to visit his ‘sentenced to death by hanging’ friend Captain George Ballinger (actor George Grizzard) who is waiting for his fate in his quarters. Oddly enough, Yates used to testify against his own friend at the trial. Later on, Favor and Wishbone stop at the Fort to ask for a military escort because of the Indians but in vain. Willing to save his friend, Yates goes to the office of Lt. Macintosh to undo his testimony but the military makes a reveal.

It’s plain long sad gloomy military drama combined with an Indian war backdrop and this entry plays like a narrative from a western anthology. It’s another solo Rowdy Yates adventure but that takes place in a military Fort and features a flash-back explaining the reason why angry Captain Ballinger guns down his fellow soldier Sgt. Morton (actor Larry Ward) after the tragic death of his wife and kid: negligence. When Yates meets Mrs. Morton (actress Lisabeth Hush) at the Fort’s restaurant, a blue soldier guitarist named Johnny performs two songs with his fellowmen. At this stage, actor Clint Eastwood is acting in a very laconic way because he undergoes the influence of director Sergio Leone and his performance is typical of the work to come. Geller is first on the credits and it’s the second military story after “Corporal Dasovik”. Speaking of uncompromising hanging episodes, season 6 features one two-parter: “Incident at Deadhorse”.

Many crafstmen will work on Mission: Impossible: see writer Sy Salkowitz (see “The Town”, “Trial by Fury”), director Charles Rondeau (see his six episodes), composer Rudy Schrager, actor Lin McCarthy (see “The Ransom”).

 

[John*Wells]

Star Trek TNG "Deja Q "Season 3 .. "Family" Season 4

 

[JohnHopper]

RAWHIDE SEASON 7

Episode #17
“Moment in the Sun”
written by Bernard Girard
directed by Bernard Girard
“A Moment in the Sun” song written by by Bruce Geller & Van McCoy and performed by Bud and Travis
music by Gerald Fried
film editor Paul Krasny
guests: Gene Evans, Bill Gray, Sherry Jackson, Karl Swenson, Pat Conway

To obtain a share of glory, Marshal Royal K. Shaw Jr. (actor Gene Evans) abducts and smuggles wanted outlaw Reed McCuller (actor Pat Conway) to deliver him to the authorities at Denver because he and his gang have become the friends of the local farmers after supporting them financially and protecting them from any dangers. A militia of farmers led by farmer Merle (actor Karl Swenson) and McCuller’s two brothers Lindsay and Bert ride to bring back their leader hidden in the herd of Gil Favor. Moreover, Lindsay McCuller (actor Bill Gray) displays a desire for recognition. The outfit of Gil Favor is caught up in the middle of this conflict.

The episode is Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid-oriented and another story in which a third party summons Gil Favor for a service (see “The Meeting”). It’s a return to the traditional cow trail framework. It’s the second adventure with a dead guest character. It’s a Kowalski’s credits. It features the season 6 end titles sequence from “Incident of the Red Wind”. It’s edited with a ‘hip’ folk song typical of that 1960’s era and used as a narrative tool but it is at odds with the episode. The score by Gerald Fried is hardly heard and mostly during the final Act and, besides, it contains stock music. The music supervision of season 7 is by Herschel Burke Gilbert.

Actor Gene Evans returns from the season 6 “Incident at Gila Flats” and this marks the last of six appearences: “Incident at the Buffalo Smokehouse” (season 2), “Incident of the Road Back” (season 3), “Incident of the Prodigal Son” (season 5), “Incident at El Crucero” (season 6). Actor Karl Swenson returns from the season 2 “Incident at the Buffalo Smokehouse”.

Many crafstmen will work on Mission: Impossible: see composer Gerald Fried, film editor Paul Krasny, actor Karl Swenson.

Warning: the president of CBS orders the series producers (Geller/Kowalski) to postpone the rest of their output for the end of the season. More explanations in the next episode …

 

[Doug Wallen]

Perry Mason - Season 6
The Case of the Weary Watchdog (6.9) Mala Powers, John Dall, Keye Luke, Philip Ahn, James Hong, Wesley Addy, Doris Dowling. A very intriguing mystery involving Della and a friend of hers that includes blackmail, art objects, the "Bamboo Curtain" and murder.
The Case of the Lurid Letter (6.10) Mona Freeman, Edgar Buchanan, Robert Rockwell, John Durren, Noah Keen. Perry on a trip to fish meets a young widow teacher who is the target of visious gossip that involves her in murder. A Peyton Place type of town.
The Case of the Fickle Filly (6.11) Lisabeth Hush, Jim Davis, Mort Mills, Joan Freeman, Strother Martin, Bartlett Robinson.
An underage girl is given a prize horse that becomes lame. Her father has no money, dies and she is left with huge losses and debts. Her horse is sold and she wants her back. An old boyfriend with a new rich wife is murdered and the heiressis the major suspect.

I finally received my copy of Mr. Novak - Season 1. I watched the first two episodes. I am very impressed by this series. I posted my thoughts in the Mr. Novak thread.
First Year, First Day (1.1)
Ed Asner, Steve Franken, Marian Collier, Lee Kinsolving, Gloria Talbott

I was a bit startled to see Lee Kinsolving as a "smart" student after seeing him earlier this summer in the Outer Limits episode (Children of Spider County). Interesting way to begin the series with a hit and run accident. I remember my first year as a teacher and the nervousness I felt. We assembled a week before students arrived and had pep talks every morning, but none as succinct as the one given by Principal Vane - great scene and excellent content.

I found the assembly scene interesting. I don't know of many students who would burst into a room that enthusiastic for the start of school. Maybe students were different in the early 60's.
I was surprised at the visualized diversity of the studentbody. I thought the ending was perfection when the principal states that Mr. Novak would be just fine since he knows when to "break the rules". We have to know when to push our students and ourseelves. I enjoyed the pilot and my introduction to this series.

To Lodge and Dislodge (1.2)
Introducing Kim Darby, Tony Dow, David Kent

Mainstreaming blind students into a traditional high school seems unheard of even today. I am not aware of any schools doing this on such a large scale today so it must have been unheard of back then (I could be wrong). I found the concept extremely interesting. It appears that actual blind students were used in this episode. The realism made the story seem plausible.

I am most acquainted with Kim Darby through her appearance in the Star Trek episode Miri. While viewing this, all I could see were the parallels to that episode. Mr. Novak takes a parental/protector role with Julie just as Capt. Kirk befriends Miri. Both characters fall for the older man. This "love" then creates the action that follows. Similar stories that play out in the same basic way.

I found the scene where Julie is counseled to be very awkward and realistic. She is trying to impress with her worldliness and he is trying to cushion the break. A very tender, heartbreaking scene carried out with all emotions on.

If all of the episodes maintain this level of quality or surpass it, this will be one of my treasured sets. As always, I will try to ration out these episodes. I can see from these two examples that I could binge this whole set in short order. I want to savor these.

 

[bmasters9]

If all of the episodes maintain this level of quality or surpass it, this will be one of my treasured sets.

I don't doubt it-- this first-season Novak is seemingly shaping up to be one of the best you've ever had, as much as The Streets of San Francisco, M Squad, Wanted: Dead or Alive, Barney Miller, Petrocelli and The Bob Newhart Show have been for me!

 

[JohnHopper]

RAWHIDE SEASON 7

PRODUCTION CHANGE

Episode #18
“Texas Fever”
written by John Dunkel
directed by Harmon Jones
guests: Royal Dano, Judi Meredith, Frank Maxwell, Christopher Dark, Douglas Kennedy, Willard Sage

It starts out when Yates and Hey Soos discover an illegal herd branded with a circle-K in the middle of the countryside. Meanwhile the herd of Gil Favor is forbidden to cross the San Bruno Valley by a militia of ranchers led by Sheriff Avery (actor Frank Maxwell) when old ranch master Sam Wentworth (actor Royal Dano) intervenes to help Favor. A mysterious shooter causes trouble and scout Pete Nolan fails to be hanged at the last minute and is sent to jail for his trial and he is charged with rustling and murder. Favor suspects Lt. Watkins (actor Willard Sage) to buy stolen beeves for the army and Rowdy Yates must find an evidence: the friend of Sam’s young wife.

It’s a dreary and cheaply-produced devious marital relation-oriented entry with a generation gap between husband and wife combined with some strays smuggling dirty business executed by a two-timer foreman working for the master rancher. The expeditive hanging subplot reminds the season 3 “Incident of the Running Iron” (also written by John Dunkel), the acid pit outcome was previously done and the detail of the mysterious shooter reminds “The Backshooter”.

Warning: The president of CBS was furious about how producers Geller and Kowalski turned the series in and decided to go back to the core of his favorite series, meaning cows and trails.

It’s the first episode produced by season 4 (1961-1962) veteran Endre Bohem and supported by new associate producer Robert L. Friend—a former season 4 director—and it shows: a traditional opening titles with the return of the original Rawhide logo—it’s a mixed bag of footages from season 1, 2, 6—and the return of actor Sheb Wooley as scout Pete Nolan who vanishes mid-season 4 and looks genuine 1950’s and who escapes from a necktie party! Two other former supporting actors join back after their departure at the very end of season 6: Rocky Shahan as drover Joe Scarlet and Robert Cabal as wrangler Hey Soos. It’s really strange to bring back those early supporting characters without any explanations which break the continuity. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy season 4 but with the original production team of assistant producer Jack Mitchell and story consultant Lou Morheim. Notice the season 1 alumnus writer John Dunkel. Back then, actor Clint Eastwood was considered as a kid: don’t laugh! Oddly enough, the end titles is identical to the Geller/Kowalski era as well as the production team: see cinematographer Howard Schwartz who saves the day.

Don’t worry Bohem only produced a total of nine ‘trivial’ episodes so expect more from Geller/Kowalski to end the season. On the positive note, they put back the original Rawhide trade mark music from the early days but combined with Rudy Schrager’s “Canliss”.

Actor Royal Dano returns from “The Lost Herd” and Frank Maxwell from “The Backshooter”: both actors find their last parts out of their four appearences.


Eric Fleming under producer Endre Bohem

Clint Eastwood under producer Endre Bohem

Paul Brinegar under producer Endre Bohem

Sheb Wooley under producer Endre Bohem

 

[bmasters9]

Eric Fleming under producer Endre Bohem

Clint Eastwood under producer Endre Bohem

Paul Brinegar under producer Endre Bohem

Sheb Wooley under producer Endre Bohem

Very crisp and clear images of the players' credits-- CBS with this has done marvelously well with the remastering, as with many of their series!

 

[Jeff Flugel]

Went into more detail elsewhere (in the Christmas Movies and TV Episodes and Magnum, P.I. threads), so will just do a quick run-down of stuff watched this past week or so:

Bewitched - 1.15 "A Vision of Sugar Plums" (with Bill Mumy)

Starsky & Hutch - 2.12 "Little Girl Lost " (with Kristy McNichol)

The Johnny Cash Christmas Special - 1977
Check out this great guest line-up: The Statler Brothers, Roy Clark, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison.

The Thin Blue Line - 1.7 "Yuletide Spirit"
Broad but very funny Rowan Atkinson sitcom from the mid-90s, which ran for two series of 7 eps each, about a goofy bunch of police officers. Stolen right out from under Atkinson's nose by James Dreyfus as the very camp Constable Goody.

The Dick Van Dyke Show - 3.13 "Alan Brady Presents"

Magnum, P.I. - 1.12. "Thicker Than Blood"

The Box of Delights - 1.1 "When the Wolves were Running"
First of 6 parts, a cult classic 80s children's fantasy from the BBC, strange and charming, boosted by powerful co-starring turns by Patrick Troughton and Robert Stephens.

The Addams Family - 2.14 "Christmas with the Addams Family"

Petticoat Junction - 1.14 "Cannonball Christmas"
First time watching this sitcom. Really enjoyed it.

 

[JohnHopper]

RAWHIDE SEASON 7

Episode #19
“Blood Harvest”
written by Walter Black
directed by Justus Addiss
assistant director Lee H. Katzin
film editor Paul Krasny
guests: Steve Forrest, Tom Tully, Michael Petit, Rayford Barnes, Michael Witney, Paul Bryar, Richard Slattery

Three crooked drovers (Cable, Tebbetts, Shelby) join in Gil Favor’s crew as well as an old man (actor Tom Tully) with his grandson posing as the Williams. Gang leader Cable (actor Steve Forrest) posing as Gil Favor plans to steal the herd and the ownership papers of Favor and sell it to the army Fort. Tebbetts is fired and go lead the army to the herd. Cable sets a trap by using the kid as a bait to rob Favor but he is fond of the Williams kid (actor Michael Petit) which happens to be his son that he left decades ago because of his tough father.

Produced by veteran Endre Bohem. It’s a laborious rough family-oriented drama but the only interesting side is the two-faced characters: the old Williams and thief Cable. That story suffers from a Walt Disney treatment. The trick of the imposter posing as Favor to sell the herd with the bill of sales is reminiscent of the season 6 “Incident at Confidence Creek”. Actor Clint Eastwood is absent and it hurts the story. Actor Tom Tully will pop-up at the start of Don Siegel’s 1968 Coogan’s Bluff, starring Clint Eastwood. The music editor puts back the old stock music from the days of creator Warren.

Actor Rayford Barnes returns from “Moment in the Sun” and Richard Slattery from “The Photographer”.

Oddly enough, two Mission: Impossible craftsmen are credited here: Lee H. Katzin and Paul Krasny and actor Steve Forrest will guest in “The Visitors” (a MI season 6 episode).

 

[JohnHopper]

RAWHIDE SEASON 7

Episode #20
“The Violent Land”
written by Buckley Angell
directed by Harmon Jones
guests: Davey Davidson, Michael Forest, Gregg Palmer, Jacque Shelton, Lew Brown, Paul Sorensen

Gil Favor is anxious and waiting for the return of scout Pete Nolan who used to face the Mescaleros tribe. Two bounty hunters named Mace (actor Gregg Palmer) and Gorman (actor Lew Brown) joins in the crew of Favor to get back of a little girl abducted by the tribe and get a big reward. Rowdy Yates is sour and advises Favor to avoid the Indian territory. Later, in front of his late sister’s grave, Yates engages in private prayer and also meets Indian chief Yuma (actor Michael Forest) asking to pay for the cows they hunt. An incident happens between the chief and the two bounty hunters when Yates saves him and receives an arrow in the shoulder from an Indian warrior. Yates is healed at the Indian camp and meets the ‘wanted’ abducted American girl named Fanah (actress Davey Davidson): then the trouble starts…

It tackles the theme of American kids abducted by Indians like in John Ford’s The Searchers—that theme was exploited by the previous producer Vincent Fennelly, meaning season 5 (“Incident of the Hostages”)—and also the theme of lost identity. There were many episodes dealing with Apaches. It’s the second young people episode after “Blood Harvest”. Pete Nolan fights one of the bounty hunters at the camp. Produced by Endre Bohem and it highlights the character of Rowdy Yates, meaning actor Clint Eastwood shines and it shows an Indian friendship a la The Outlaw Josey Wales.

Among other things, features Jerry Goldmsith’s cue “The Camp” from The CBS Production Music Library.

 

[JohnHopper]

RAWHIDE SEASON 7

Episode #21
“The Winter Soldier”
written by John Dunkel
directed by Justus Addiss
assistant director John W. Rogers
music by Gerald Fried
guests: Robert Blake, Brooke Bundy, Jim Boles, Liam Sullivan, Robert Bice

Rowdy Yates gets well with Ellie Kurtz (actress Brooke Bundy) whose father follows the trail of Gil Favor’s outfit. Private Hap Johnson (actor Robert Blake) is a parasite who decides to quit the army. He first trades his uniform and weapons to storekeeper Watson (actor Robert Bice) to civilian clothes in order to join the crew of Gil Favor by fooling Wishbone about his background. Unable to get hired by Favor, Johnson lets army traces to the camp and rejoin the wagon of the Kurtz family to get their money. Meanwhile the army led by stubborn Lt. Whitley (actor Liam Sullivan) tracks him down from the storekeeper to the crew of Favor: both Watson and Favor get into trouble because the army find out US army equipment. Favor is to be judged for making a so-called transaction with Johnson.

Produced by Endre Bohem and it’s his best so far because of the trio of actors: Clint Eastwood, Robert Blake and Brooke Bundy. It’s the third blue soldiers story but focusing on a deserter case and it’s the second episode, after “Texas Fever”, in which a member of the trail is arrested by the authorities and must undergo a trial. Find an Indian danger backdrop too. The performance of guest actor Robert Blake as a rolling stone makes this soldier tale engrossing—Blake is known for his 1975 cop series Baretta. Actress Brooke Bundy is cute as a button and will return in both Mission: Impossible and Mannix. Composer Gerald Fried’s music is stock music from “Moment in the Sun”. Assistant director John W. Rogers will work on The Wild Wild West and Mission: Impossible (as AD and associate producer) and on the pilot of Mannix.

Many crafstmen will work on Mission: Impossible: see composer Gerald Fried, actress Brooke Bundy.

 

[Doug Wallen]

Gunsmoke - Season 5
False Witness (5.14) Wright King, Wayne Rogers. A ready made witness to a murder eager to testify against Wayne Rogers. Two strangers in Dodge, a murder and a witness and both have no alibi. The judge and the town have no choice but to believe the witness and sentence the "murderer". Matt has doubts. I really enjoyed this one.

Mission:Impossible - Season 3
The Contender Part 1/Part 2 (3.2, 3.3) Ron Randell, John Dehner, Sugar Ray Robinson. Syndicate backed gambling that whose focus is boxing is the target of the IMF. An elaborate scheme that uses Barney as the undercover operative to infiltrate organized boxing. A nice change of pace 2 part episode that doesn't feel to padded. Nice to see Barney do something other than rig electronics. I liked the scope of this one.
The Mercenaries (3.4) Pernell Roberts, Skip Homeier, Vic Tayback, Bo Svenson. Mercenaries, jungles and hidden gold. Melting gold to move from one place to another place to then have the bad guys steal their own gold. Trying to describe the plot makes my head hurt, but the elaborate scheme and scenes of gold melting make this one memorable. I was 11 when this first aired and I still remembered this story due to the melting gold.
The Execution (3.5) Luke Askew, Vincent Gardenia, Val Avery. In order to convict a crooked grocer, the IMF sets up a contract killer as a potential deathrow inmate and plays head/mind games on him to turn him into an informant. Interesting acting all around.
The Cardinal (3.6) Theodore Bikel, Paul Stevens, Barbara Babcock. How to remove an imprisoned Catholic Cardinal who has spoken out against a ruthless dictator. Infiltrate his prison by means of an insect bite.
The Elixir (3.7) Ruth Roman, Morgan Sterne, George Gaynes. A leader's widow has her eyes on the throne of her deceased husband. She is very vain and falls for an extreme makeover.
The Diplomat (3.8) Fernando Lamas, Alfred Ryder, Lee Grant, Sid Haig. Foreign agents actually have valid US locations of missile bases. In order to invalidate their usefulness, the IMF must taint the information. They discredit one of the opposition spies.

Mr. Novak - Season 1
I Don't Even Live Here (1.3) Herschel Bernardi, Dianne Ladd, Shelley Fabares, Steve Franken. Mr. Novak suspects that a teacher is so popular because he "teaches the test" to his students. Another strong and still relevant topic today.