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1950s Television Westerns
by Don Bell
(Peterborough, Canada)
The Lone Ranger & Silver
A number of the popular radio Westerns made the successful transition to television, and I can remember how exciting it was to finally get to see what my heroes really looked like in action, though sometimes the imaginative scenes that radio inspired proved to be a richer experience.
It's often surprising to the young people of today just how popular Westerns were in the 1950s. Back then, it seemed that every other show on TV was a Western.
Here are my favorite TV Westerns from the 1950s:
The Roy Rogers Show (1951-1957) -- Starring Roy Rogers as King of the Cowboys and Dale Evans as Queen of the West. Roy's horse was called Trigger, and Dale's horse was called Buttermilk. This was the first show I ever saw on television; it must have been around 1952. A friend of my parents had one of the first TV sets in our area, and the picture came in on the antenna so snowy that I could barely make out the horses and riders, but it was so exciting to watch. I barely slept that night thinking about it and praying that we'd be able to get a TV too, though that didn't happen until December 1955.
The Lone Ranger (1949-1957) -- Starring Clayton Moore as The Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels as his faithful Indian companion, Tonto. The Lone Ranger's horse was called Silver, and Tonto's was called Scout.
The Cisco Kid (1950-1956) -- Starring Duncan Renaldo as Cisco, and Leo Carrillo as his sidekick Pancho. Cisco's horse was called Diablo and Pancho's was called Loco.
Zorro (1957-1959) -- Starring Guy Williams as Zorro. Zorro's horse was called Tornado.
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955-1961) -- Starring Hugh O'Brian as Wyatt Earp.
Bat Masterson (1958-1961) -- Starring Gene Barry as Bat Masterson. Masterson's horse was called Stardust.
The Rifleman (1958-1963) -- Starring Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain. McCain's horse was called Razor.
Wagon Train 1957-1965) -- Starring Ward Bond as wagon master Major Seth Adams. Sorry, I don't recall a name for the horse.
Gunsmoke (1955-1975) -- Starring James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon. Dillon's horse was called Buck.
Have Gun Will Travel (1957-1963) -- Starring Richard Boone as Paladin. Paladin's horse was called Rafter. Do you remember the Ballad of Paladin?
Have Gun Will Travel reads the card of a man. A knight without armor in a savage land. His fast gun for hire head's the calling wind. A soldier of fortune is the man called Paladin.
Paladin, Paladin Where do you roam? Paladin, Paladin, Far, far from home.
He travels on to wherever he must; A chess knight of silver is his badge of trust. There are campfire legends that the plainsmen spin Of the man with the gun, of the man called Pa-l-l-l-l-a-din
And his famous business card had the line drawing of the chess knight and the words:
Have Gun Will Travel Wire Paladin San Francisco
Davy Crockett deserves a special mention:
Davy Crockett (1954-1955) -- Starring Fess Parker as Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, and Buddy Ebsen (later to star as Jed Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies TV show) as his pal Georgie Russel.
This was not a typical Western "series," but it proved to be more than a television show; it was an instant phenomenon, a craze -- all stemming from just five TV episodes broadcast in December 1954 through 1955:
Davy Crockett Indian Fighter Davy Crockett Goes To Congress Davy Crockett At The Alamo Davy Crockett's Keelboat Race Davy Crockett And The River Pirates.
Later in 1955, Disney edited those 5 shows into 2 feature films for release in theaters:
Davy Crockett King Of The Wild Frontier (1955) Davy Crockett And The River Pirates (1956).
Numerous Davy Crockett lunchboxes, toys and imitation coonskin caps were seen in schoolyards and backyards across North America and in the UK. And the Ballad of Davy Crockett was heard on the radio and sung by children everywhere. What kid from the mid 1950s can ever forget its words...
Born on a mountaintop in Tennessee Greenest state in the land of the free Raised in the woods so's he knew ev'ry tree Kilt him a b'ar when he was only three
Davy, Davy Crockett King of the Wild Frontier!
Many fun-filled afternoons were spent by my best friend and I as we tramped though the fields and woods on our farm taming our own Wild Frontier while playing Davy Crockett and Georgie Russel.
Have you seen the film Alias Jesse James?
In November 1959, my aunt took my cousins and me to see the movie Alias Jesse James at the local Odeon Theater in Peterborough. It was a comedy Western starring Bob Hope and Rhonda Fleming, but it was most notable for its exciting ending which features a host of surprise cameo appearances by TV Western stars of the 1950s including:
Roy Rogers as himself (The Roy Rogers Show), Hugh O'Brian as Marshal Wyatt Earp (The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp), Gail Davis as Annie Oakley (Annie Oakley), Ward Bond as Major Seth Adams (Wagon Train), Fess Parker as Davy Crockett (Walt Disney's Davy Crocket), Jay Silverheels as Tonto (The Lone Ranger), and James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon (Gunsmoke).
Silver screen star Garry Cooper of "High Noon" fame also made a brief appearance, but it was more for the adults as most kids were puzzled about his identity, though he seemed somewhat familiar; he just wasn't as recognizable to the younger set as the 50s TV cowboys were.
This feature length movie was marvelous fun for a kid in the 50s. Today, it's a virtual time capsule of Western heroes from the 50s. Does it ever bring back memories.
Watch it if you get the chance!
In closing...
Writing this piece certainly brought back lots of happy memories. I hope reading it stirred pleasant memories for you.
Do you remember a kid's TV show similar to "Fury" about a wild stallion? I seem to remember that it was still in the wild but would show up to save his young friend who seemed to be always in danger. I know it existed, but I can't remember the name of the series, or how long it was on TV.
Thanks!
Feb 06, 2009 Rating
Western Movie Music Online Radio by: Larry Snode
Hi,
What a GREAT site! I intend to study it in more detail tomorrow as it's getting late (almost 11 o'clock) and I just came across your site while surfing.
I would also like to take this opportunity to tell you about my online radio station, "Golden Age Film Music," on Live365 radio where I broadcast movie soundtracks and other movie related music.
This month is Westerns month at my station, and I'm broadcasting western movie and TV soundtracks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I play a lot of John Wayne music such as music from The Searchers, Chism, Fort Apache, El Dorado, The Cowboys, The War Wagon, Hondo, The Alamo, Big Jake, and all kinds of Western movie and television favorites.
If you'd to check it out, just go to my website (www.portraitsbylarrysnode.com) and scroll down to near the bottom of the homepage, then click on the "How the West Was Won" album cover.
Congratulations on a beautiful site and thanks for having it out there.
Larry
Feb 13, 2009 Rating
Was It Thunder? by: Don Bell
Anonymous,
Are you thinking of "Thunder," a TV series about a black stallion who ran wild near the Prescott ranch? The Thunder show aired on NBC for just one season in 1977-78. The two children in the series, Cindy and her friend Willie, were regularly having to be rescued by Thunder who always appeared just in the nick of time to save them.
I can remember watching the show with my kids and at the time thinking it looked a lot like the Fury show that I watched as a child in the 1950s. Apparently, the Thunder series was created by the same people who worked on the Fury series that aired on NBC from 1955 to 1960, which explains the similarity between the two shows.
May 01, 2009 Rating
Westerns by: Anonymous
I just wish the westerns of to-day were as innocent as the 50s, the youth of to-day would may be a bit more respectful & responsible. Perhaps the entertainment as a whole could do with a makeover.
May 07, 2009 Rating
Cheyenne by: Bobby
One of my favorites was Cheyenne, 1955-1963. Clint Walker played Cheyenne. The show is on twice a day, 8 a.m. and 5p.m., weekdays on the western channel (STARS).
Aug 08, 2009 Rating
Thanks by: Michael Dickson
This is a nice roundup, pun intended. You and I must be about the same age, Don. I remember all these things fondly. Good work.
Sep 23, 2009 Rating
Westerns by: Anonymous
Thank you, that was the good old days. I'll never forget those days on tv.
Nov 13, 2009 Rating
The Lone Ranger by: Anonymous
This was my favorite TV Western as a kid growing up in the outskirts of Los Angeles. If you want to see all of my favorite cowboy shows, go to http://www.fatherlyadviceandrants.com/my-heroes-were-cowboys.html
Nov 24, 2009 Rating
Answer by: Anonymous
Are you refering to Flicka?
Dec 16, 2009 Rating
Enjoyed Them All Then And Now by: Hoppy
I was and still am a HOPALONG, GENE, ROY, DAVY CROCKETT, ZORRO, and last but not least a LONE RANGER fan, and a fan of all the other westerns. One of my best moments was meeting and speaking with CLAYTON MOORE, what a great gentleman and hero figure he was.
I still have pictures of myself as a youth in a DAVY CROCKETT shirt, those were good times; you bet ya. Thank you, I enjoyed this!
Dec 21, 2009 Rating
Theme Songs by: Lynnie
How many of these television western theme songs do you remember?
"Cheyenne, Cheyenne, where will you be campin' tonight..."
"Have Gun, Will Travel, reads the card of a man..."
"Who is the tall dark stranger there, Maverick is his name..."
"Way out west on the Triple R, Yippeeaa, Yippeeoo The horses are the best by far, Yippeeaa, Yippeeoo"
Jan 04, 2010 Rating
Answer To Horse Western by: Anonymous
My Friend Flicka.
Jan 27, 2010 Rating
Gunslinger by: Anonymous
Does anyone remember the cowboy series Gunslinger? Gunslinger was played by .... Young, and he rode up on a black horse, black clothes, etc.
The theme song:
Gunslinger, Gunslinger, Where do you ride? What do you fight for today? When folks need a hand you're on their side Gunslinger, ride away.
You let someone else be the first one to draw, On your speed you depend. Gunslinger, will you return and meet your end? Gunslinger ride on, Gunslinger ride on, Gunslinger ride away.
Jan 27, 2010 Rating
The Gunslinger Series by: Don (Webmaster)
Yes, now that you mention it, I do remember the Gunslinger program on TV. Tony Young starred as Cord, the lead character. I believe this western series was televised in 1961, but only for a short while. There were not many episodes. Frankie Laine sang the show's theme song. Nobody could sing a western song like Frankie Laine. It brings back memories.
Jan 30, 2010 Rating
Lost Banned Cowboy Show by: Angus Birkin
Could anyone tell me the title of an American cowboy show that was banned in the United Kingdom around the 1960's for being too violent but had great music?
Mar 18, 2010 Rating
About "Cheyenne" by: Gigscribe
Thanks, Bobby, for mentioning Clint Walker's series "Cheyenne." I'd just read a news story a few minutes ago about Fess Parker dying, and I was trying to think of the name of another old TV Western actor, who always kind of reminded me of Fess and couldn't for the life of me think of it. I'll try to find the series on cable.
Mar 31, 2010 Rating
I Remember by: Richard
Yes, the 1950s was truly the golden age of television. Have Gun Will Travel, Cheyenne, The Rifleman, Maverick, Gunsmoke, and others had some great heroes who had a real sense of self-respect.
I would rather put in a DVD than deal with what is on television these days. There are certain characters with time honored qualities that never go out of style. Long live video noire. R.
Apr 29, 2010 Rating
Clint Walker Is The Ultimate Cowboy by: Anonymous
Clint Walker was the one that really opened up the TV Western flood. This guy was and is A-ONE in my book. I belong to a web site, http://clintwalkerfans.myfanforum.org. There are many of his fans there, and tons of stuff including photos of him. Clint is still with us today. In fact, he will be at the Memphis Film Festival in June. He is a man of conviction, and believes in the good of all man. He is truly one in a million. Thanks for listening. I just can't say enough about him.
May 01, 2010 Rating
Champion The Wonder Horse by: Anonymous
... to me was the best series about a horse that would turn up to save the day!
May 09, 2010 Rating
Not Sure What Horsey Series You Mean by: Anonymous
However, it may possibly be Champion The Wonder Horse. I recall that the theme music included the furious rumbling of drums, as opposed to the main horse having a name anywhere close to Fury.
May 09, 2010 Rating
The Adventures Of Champion by: Don (Webmaster)
I did some checking, and the show was called "Adventures of Champion" which aired from September 1955 to March 1956 on CBS. It starred Barry Curtis as the young Ricky North who lived on his uncle's ranch in the American Southwest. There were only 26 episodes made. The show was rebroadcast in the UK as "Champion The Wonder Horse."
The show's production company was owned by western star Gene Autry who also owned Champion the Wonder Horse. Champion appeared with Autry in films, rodeos, and television during the 1950s. The show's theme song was sung by singer Frankie Laine.
10 episodes of Adventures Of Champion are available in a packaged set of 2 DVDs. You'll want to get them to bring back memories and to share with the youngsters in your life.
Enjoy fond memories of early television:
May 30, 2010 Rating
Western TV Shows by: Anonymous
I guess I was a lucky kid. Lived on a ranch, rode in "Little Britches" rodeos. Later I became a bull rider, farrier, and working cowboy. I loved my TV cowboys. I wanted to be Cheyenne. Had a Lone Ranger six gun. I watch the western channel and sure enough every night... Paladin, Cheyenne, Maverick, and Gunsmoke. I think we are all pretty dang lucky to have such fond memories of those days. Happy Trails!
Jul 22, 2010 Rating
Cheyenne by: georgetta
The most memorable western series, I think of all time, is Clint Walker's "Cheyenne." Just the best and still is. On Encore Western Channel, his fans are trying hard to get him a well-deserved Six Gun Salute! Why Don't you join us?
Sep 02, 2010 Rating
TV Show About A Horse by: Anonymous
You must be thinking of champion, The Wonder Horse.
Oct 04, 2010 Rating
TV Western Songs by: Kathy
There is a cassette (maybe now a CD) of the theme songs from many of these great old TV westerns. I believe the artist is Esteban.
Oct 04, 2010 Rating
Spirits Of The West by Esteban by: Don (Webmaster)
Kathy, thanks for mentioning this. The CD is titled Spirits Of The West by Esteban, and it contains easy listening guitar renditions of classic Western music and theme songs from early Western TV shows and movies.
One reviewer says it best, "Esteban places his stylistic stamp on the tunes, but showcases the song rather than his own skill." It's a music CD that brings back fond memories of the old Western! The "Spirits of The West" CD is available at Amazon.com, and it includes the following song titles:
1. El Paso 2. Red River Valley 3. Mule Train 4. The Good The Bad And The Ugly 5. The Magnificent 7 6. Sugarfoot 7. How The West Was Won 8. The Rifleman 9. Maverick 10. Tombstone Territory 11. Hang 'em High 12. Have Gun Will Travel 13. Bronco 14. Big Country 15. Cheyenne 16. Bonanza 17. Rawhide 18. Happy Trails
Nov 17, 2010 Rating
More TV Westerns From The 50s by: Bett in Arizona
I just wanted to mention other good 1950s television westerns:
-Rawhide, where Clint Eastwood got his start -Don't remember the title of the western with Steve McQueen -The western with Nick Adams -Sugarfoot -Bronco -Cheyenne -Maverick -Branded with Chuck Connors
Bat Masterson is presently seen on a satellite channel, and it doesn't hold up; it nearly has cardboard scenery.
Nov 20, 2010 Rating
The Rebel with Nick Adams by: Don (Webmaster)
Brett, you've reminded me of another of my favorite western series with your mention of Nick Adams. He starred in the old ABC series The Rebel which ran for just three seasons from 1959 to 1961. Adams as Johnny Yuma wore a Rebel soldier's cap and packed a unique sawed-off shotgun in his holster.
I always loved the show's theme song which was hauntingly sung by Johnny Cash:
The Ballad of Johnny Yuma =========================
Away, away, away rode the rebel, Johnny Yuma.
Johnny Yuma, was a rebel, He roamed, through the west. This Johnny Yuma, the rebel, He wandered alone.
He got fightin' mad, this rebel lad, He packed no star as he wandered far Where the only law was a hook and a draw, the rebel. (Away, away, away rode the rebel, Johnny Yuma.)
Johnny Yuma, was a rebel, He roamed, through the west. This Johnny Yuma, the rebel, He wandered alone.
He searched the land, This restless land, He was panther quick and leather tough When he figured that he'd been pushed enough, the rebel.
(Away, away, away rode the rebel, Johnny Yuma.)
Johnny Yuma, was a rebel, He roamed, through the west. This Johnny Yuma, the rebel, He wandered alone.
He got fightin' mad, This rebel lad, With a dream he'd hold 'til his dying breath He'd search his soul and gamble with death, the rebel.
Away, away, away rode the rebel, Johnny Yuma.
Dec 11, 2010 Rating
Three Cowboy Heroes In The 1950s by: Dave
During the summers, I used to watch a cowboy show/series (?) about 3 cowboys who would meet on a hill outside a town that was having problems. 0ne rode a palomino (blonde), one a paint (I think), and the other (?). They would take care of business and then meet up "on a hill outside town" and ride off. I think one's name was Corrigan, but I really would like to find out what that show was called - I loved it - any ideas/suggestions?
Jan 05, 2011 Rating
Old Westerns by: don
Anyone remember "Wild Bill Hickok" with Guy Madison?
Jan 27, 2011 Rating
Some Westerns You Left Out by: Bill Roach
First off, the Steve McQueen series was "Wanted-Dead or Alive" and it started in 1958. A great show of those days was "Yancy Derringer" with his Indian sidekick, Wahoo. Also "Shotgun Slade" was another good one. And don't forget "Lawman" and "The Deputy" which were good also. These all bring back wonderful memories.
Jan 29, 2011 Rating
Fury by: Tom
Could the show be "My Friend Flicka"?
Feb 02, 2011 Rating
Looking For Info About TV Western Show by: BOB W,
I remember watching a show (I think it was called The Restless Gun) in which the star had a sixgun that could be adapted with a rifle butt to help extend the range as well as an additional barrel attached to the pistol barrel. He could the shoot almost the same distance as a rifle. I got that gunset one Christmas - loved it to death. I want to buy any of the DVDs of that show if I can confirm what show it actually is.
Second, are there DVDs of "Yancy Derringer" and "The Lawman" and "Sugarfoot" available for sale? Where should I look to get them?
Feb 03, 2011 Rating
The Restless Gun by: Don (Webmaster)
Hi Bob.
That was indeed "The Restless Gun" series (1957-59) you're remembering; it was one of my favorite westerns too. It starred John Payne as the mild-mannered drifter Vint Bonner who had an unusual Colt .45 handgun that could be converted into a rifle when he attached its barrel extension and shoulder stock.
You're in luck! The Restless Gun boxed set of 3 DVDs from Timeless Media Group, featuring over 20 episodes and the pilot of the old TV series is available at Amazon at a very reasonable price.
Episodes of the other TV Westerns you mentioned can also be found grouped in a compilation set of 24 double-sided DVDs Classic TV Westerns (300 episodes). Relive the Old West!
Feb 11, 2011 Rating
Some Other Western Favorites by: Bob from the Bronx
"Tales of Wells Fargo" with Dale Robertson, "The Texan" with Rory Calhoun, and most notably "The Restless Gun" starring John Payne, were fairly short-lived westerns that stick in my mind. And let's not forget Nick Adams as Johnny Yuma in "The Rebel."
Apr 04, 2011 Rating
Fury With Peter Graves by: Anonymous
Yes, it was a TV Western show in the 50s.
Apr 26, 2011 Rating
The Restless Gun Remembered by: Anonymous
I do remember The Restless Gun. I had forgotten that western show. I'm 55, so the reruns did it for me. I also couldn't remember the name The Rebel, but I could only remember the ballad, all but one or two words; I thought it was "jack rabbit quick and leather tough"... I bought that one! I don't remember any episodes, I only remember him being the baddest ever, almost as bad as Shelby Stanga on Swamp People. "Here We Go!" It's a shame Nick Adams died in 1966 of a prescription drug overdose, give or take a year? I like you guys! And good ole girls. The world needs good people like you all.
Jul 31, 2011 Rating
Saturday Morning Western by: Anonymous
Does anyone remember a Saturday morning Western with a title that may have had (Young?) Billy the Kid in it? For some reason, I have a vague memory of Robert Vaughn or a look alike starring in the show. It had to be in the late 50s or the very early 60s.
I've not been able to find anything online to spur (to continue the pun from above) my memory.
Thanks!
Sep 06, 2011 Rating
Little Blonde Girl & Pony by: Anonymous
Does anyone remember a little blonde girl riding a pony? I think her name was Sugar. What show was she in?
Sep 22, 2011 Rating
1950s Western Series by: mom pytel
Does anyone remember a TV Western series, possibly in the 1950s, where the hero would ride into a cave and come out an Indian/Native American?
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