I'm watching "Bonanza," and I can't help but wonder if all of the cowboys in the 1860's had hairpieces as good as Adam Cartwright's?
Seriously, though, does anyone have any favorites? Because when I was growing up there were westerns on all the time.
I guess "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza" ran the longest, but my personal favorite was "The Rifleman." Chuck Connors road a good horse for an Irish guy from Brooklyn. And Johnny Crawford? Man, could that kid ride!
Pb, I guess you had on the episode with the orthodox Jewish peddler (MeTV is king!)?
I'm pretty surprised at how often those shows took on tolerance issues. I know the Rifleman had situations where Asians and Mexicans came in and were bullied, and ended up being accepted and beating the hell out of the bullies, to boot.
Mark McCain is my prime candidate for TV-PTSD. Saw his old man kill someone every week, and got kidnapped himself several times a season.
Love them collect them mostly from the 50s early 60s.
Rifemen, zorro, Jim Bowie, branded, cheyanne, bat mastersinger, lawman, Cisco kid, 26 men, colt 45, the one with nick Adam the rebel,Yancy derringer I could go on and on.
But my favorite even though it only lasted a season was The dokotas. It was cancelled because they had a shooting in a church believe it or not.
Not too many people know this but the fastest draw of all the actors was Jack Elam
He was a gunmen who some how became one of the Marshall's deputies. He was the fastest of all of them. If the law did not work he just killed the bad guy. He really did not give a shit about the law.
Buy that box set if you can find it. I don't even remember who I bought it from
Never watched any old western shows that have been mentioned here, but i might try a few of them out because i love some old western movies. One i'd suggest to you PB if you haven't seen it already is, Deadwood . It actually got cancelled after three seasons, but that's not a testament to it's quality, it's clearly one of those shouldn't have been cancelled shows that noone watched when it was on.
The writing and acting are superb. Especially Ian Mcshane and whoever plays Calamity Jane imo. It even has Timothy Olyvant in practically the same role he plays in Justified .
Tho westerns have never been my favorite type of film, I grew up watching them. Gunsmoke was a regular family viewing night. I guess if I had to pick a favorite, it'd be Bonanza because I thought Little Joe (Michael Landon) was so cute.
I remember my great-uncle loved Roy Rogers, Lone Ranger and we all would watch too.
Oh, if Zorro is considered a western, I really liked that show for some reason.
I never liked the Western t.v. shows but I did like the movies. My old man watched them all the damn time and still does, some are just so horrible I can't watch.
My favorite Westerns:
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (Lee Van Cleef was a great actor in all Westerns, Eli Wallach was great in this too)
Red River John Wayne. Searchers John Wayne Gun fight at the ok corral with Burt and kirk Unforgiven Clint Eastwood Alamo with John Wayne Valdez is comming with Burt
Red River John Wayne. Searchers John Wayne Gun fight at the ok corral with Burt and kirk Unforgiven Clint Eastwood Alamo with John Wayne Valdez is comming with Burt
Stuff like that
I know they were movies, I even mentioned that......lol
Back in the late 1950's, my wife liked an obscure series called Tombstone Territory. A number of years ago, I was able to track down a couple of episodes on eBay. I don't think that series ever gets rerun these days.
As far as pb's OP, I always thought Bonanza was a masterpiece of hairstyling: can you imagine Ben and Adam Cartwright throwing their toupees into the air and having a little target practice? And let's not forget Hoss - in a lot of the early episodes they would paint his scalp brown to make his thinning hair look thicker.
There was this western movie someone killed the guys father. The son was afraid to take revenge. Some guy had a quick release holster the gun broke off without taking out of the holster. So gun from holster to hand was super fast.
It's on TV Land now twice a day. I'd forgotten just how ridiculous it was .
... in place of The Andy Griffith Show which ticks me off to no end!
Best $80.00 you'll ever spend, Oli. And when I bought it, I paid over $125.
What's nice is, you get the original backdoor pilot from "Make Room for Daddy," which is never shown in syndication. No Barney, no Aunt Bee (although Frances Bavier plays a different character).
You also get "Return to Mayberry, which is about the only "reunion" movie ever made that was halfway decent.
What's nice is, you get the original backdoor pilot from "Make Room for Daddy," which is never shown in syndication. No Barney, no Aunt Bee (although Frances Bavier plays a different character).
There's a competitor to MeTV called Cozi TV, which is showing Make Room for Daddy, and had this episode a couple of weeks ago.
You know who else was a staple guest star on those shows, MP? Tom Skerritt.
Most people remember him as the sheriff on "Picket Fences," or as Mr. Drake on "Cheers." But back in the '60s he had to be in a dozen or so episodes of "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza."
Good character actor. He had that rugged, outdoor look. A natural for a cowboy .
In westerns a lot of the shows had gimmicks. What was mcQueens gimmick?
He used a sawed-off shotgun.
So did Nick Adams..."The Rebel". I played golf in Berwick, PA, at a course that bordered a cemetery. The locals told me that Nick Adams was buried there.
Our family liked "Wanted Dead or Alive", "Bonanza", "Maverick" and "Cheyenne". As a kid I was impressed by Clint Walker (Cheyenne Bodie, cool name) BIG MUSCLES. I'll never forget the episode with the killer Grizzly and Cheyenne killed it with a knife....at least that's my memory.
As a kid I was impressed by Clint Walker (Cheyenne Bodie, cool name) BIG MUSCLES. I'll never forget the episode with the killer Grizzly and Cheyenne killed it with a knife....at least that's my memory.
I always wanted to see a fight between him and Chuck Connors. The two BIG cowboys. (I guess you could throw in James Arness).
How about Paladin? Remember "Wire Paladin, San Francisco".
"Have Gun, Will Travel".
Right. Remember when after the first two or three seasons, they introduced words to the show's theme:
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.
Paladin was very slow on the draw. But when he did fire he hit what he pointed at.
In the beginning where he pulled the gun pointed it at the camera and you heard him talk. Then he would slam the gun back in the holster. I always thought the gun would get stuck in the holster when he tried to draw.
Richard Boone who played Paladin was a method actor. He never went out of character for all the seasons he did the show.
Check out when he was on "what's my line" Check out this video on YouTube:
No miss kitty was not a hooker when the show started. She owned the saloon the long branch. She was a madam yes the long branch was a gambling hall, saloon and a whore house.
It was protected by Matt Dillion miss kitty was his girl friend and partner in the place.
They both died shortly after the series ended from venereal desease. Miss kitty retired from being a whore when she took over the long branch. But the VD was already in her and in Matt.
So is Gunsmoke worth watching i guess? Is there any particular movies you could compare it to, or is it pretty much a bit of everything?
I thoroughly recommend Gunsmoke for your viewing. It's one of the best westerns ever (for that matter, one of the best tv programs ever). I don't think I missed any of its episodes when it was in its original run. It was decent and wholesome, something the kids could watch also. It was about heroism, bravery, justice, and defending the defenseless. Also, I think you'll enjoy the character of Chester.
So is Gunsmoke worth watching i guess? Is there any particular movies you could compare it to, or is it pretty much a bit of everything?
I thoroughly recommend Gunsmoke for your viewing. It's one of the best westerns ever (for that matter, one of the best tv programs ever). I don't think I missed any of its episodes when it was in its original run. It was decent and wholesome, something the kids could watch also. It was about heroism, bravery, justice, and defending the defenseless. Also, I think you'll enjoy the character of Chester.
Thanks for the response Olivant. I'll try it out in the next few days, and will post my thoughts after a few eps. Out of interest have you or anyone else here watched Deadwood, and if so what did you think of it?
I didn't see Deadwood. However, Gunsmoke may be comparable to the movie Silverado. or Wyatt Earp. Of course, those movies contained alot more violence than Gunsmoke, but they have comparable qualities.
So is Gunsmoke worth watching i guess? Is there any particular movies you could compare it to, or is it pretty much a bit of everything?
I thoroughly recommend Gunsmoke for your viewing. It's one of the best westerns ever (for that matter, one of the best tv programs ever). I don't think I missed any of its episodes when it was in its original run. It was decent and wholesome, something the kids could watch also. It was about heroism, bravery, justice, and defending the defenseless. Also, I think you'll enjoy the character of Chester.
I wholeheartedly agree, Oli. And I also loved the Chester character. Festus was fun, too. But in a much more comic way. And don't forget Burt Reynolds as Quint!
So is Gunsmoke worth watching i guess? Is there any particular movies you could compare it to, or is it pretty much a bit of everything?
I thoroughly recommend Gunsmoke for your viewing. It's one of the best westerns ever (for that matter, one of the best tv programs ever). I don't think I missed any of its episodes when it was in its original run. It was decent and wholesome, something the kids could watch also. It was about heroism, bravery, justice, and defending the defenseless. Also, I think you'll enjoy the character of Chester.
I wholeheartedly agree, Oli. And I also loved the Chester character. Festus was fun, too. But in a much more comic way. And don't forget Burt Reynolds as Quint!
As an Andy Griffith Show fan, you might remember the episode where Goober is introduced and does his Chester impression.
So is Gunsmoke worth watching i guess? Is there any particular movies you could compare it to, or is it pretty much a bit of everything?
I thoroughly recommend Gunsmoke for your viewing. It's one of the best westerns ever (for that matter, one of the best tv programs ever). I don't think I missed any of its episodes when it was in its original run. It was decent and wholesome, something the kids could watch also. It was about heroism, bravery, justice, and defending the defenseless. Also, I think you'll enjoy the character of Chester.
I wholeheartedly agree, Oli. And I also loved the Chester character. Festus was fun, too. But in a much more comic way. And don't forget Burt Reynolds as Quint!
As an Andy Griffith Show fan, you might remember the episode where Goober is introduced and does his Chester impression.
Judy Judy Judy.
Oops. That was Cary Grant. But it was the same episode .
You know who else you can add to that guest star list, MP?
John Saxon. Remember him, from "Enter the Dragon"?
He's actually Italian American from Brooklyn (real name Carmine Orrico). Anyway, I saw him in three different episodes of "Gunsmoke" in this past week alone.
John Saxon. Remember him, from "Enter the Dragon"?
Oh, yeah. Another was Michael Ansara (Barbara Eden's ex), who was of Syrian descent and thus eligible to play Mexicans, American Indians, or any other non-whites who might turn up.
Ansara was a good character actor. He just passed away last year. 91 years old.
And another western actor was Guy Williams (coincidentally, also Italian American from New York, real name Armand Catalano). He quit show business after "Lost in Space," but he did plenty of those westerns. He was actually supposed to be Pernell Roberts's replacement on "Bonanza," but it fell through at the last minute.
I was watching an episode of The Rifleman (remember it?) when I recalled another Chuck Conners' series: Branded. Do any of you recall it? It lasted just two seasons though.
"The Rifleman" was my favorite television western. Unfortunately, there's isn't a complete dvd set available yet. Just a couple of cheap bootleg individual dvds. But it's on AMC every Saturday morning for about three hours, so I usually get up early to watch.
What amazes me about that show more than anything was how well Johnny Crawford rode a horse for such a little kid. He was a real runt those first couple of seasons. And even as an adult, I doubt he made it past 5 foot 6. But he could ride that horse!
"The Rifleman" was my favorite television western. Unfortunately, there's isn't a complete dvd set available yet. Just a couple of cheap bootleg individual dvds. But it's on AMC every Saturday morning for about three hours, so I usually get up early to watch.
What amazes me about that show more than anything was how well Johnny Crawford rode a horse for such a little kid. He was a real runt those first couple of seasons. And even as an adult, I doubt he made it past 5 foot 6. But he could ride that horse!
I was watching an episode of The Rifleman (remember it?) when I recalled another Chuck Conners' series: Branded. Do any of you recall it? It lasted just two seasons though.
I remember Branded.
this might be pushing the limits but couldn't Kung Fu be considered a western?
Warren Oates is on an old "Gunsmoke" right now. Most of you guys only remember him as Sergeant Hulka in "Stripes." But he was a pretty good character actor earlier in his career, especially in western roles. He passed away fairly young from what I remember.
I was watching an episode of The Rifleman (remember it?) when I recalled another Chuck Conners' series: Branded. Do any of you recall it? It lasted just two seasons though.
I remember Branded.
this might be pushing the limits but couldn't Kung Fu be considered a western?
I think that definitely it could. Also, it is probably the slowest motioned program ever presented rivaled only by the Six Million Dollar Man.
I'm watching "Bonanza." Little Joe is teaching a deaf mute girl how to communicate. Now I liked Landon. He was a Queens guy and very likable. But he had to be one of the most melodramatic actors in the history of television. I mean, did he ever do an episode of "Little House" or "Highway to Heaven" where he didn't cry?
Does "Kung Fu" with David Carradine qualify as a western? I used to love that show.
What was that other western made in the 70's that was a takeoff of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid? The one actor committed suicide and they had to replace him. I forget the name but i used to watch that one too.
Does "Kung Fu" with David Carradine qualify as a western? I used to love that show.
What was that other western made in the 70's that was a takeoff of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid? The one actor committed suicide and they had to replace him. I forget the name but i used to watch that one too.
I was watching an episode of The Rifleman (remember it?) when I recalled another Chuck Conners' series: Branded. Do any of you recall it? It lasted just two seasons though.
I used to watch reruns of The Rifleman when i was a kid. Good show. I always wanted to get a rifle just like the one Lucas McCain had. I still do.
paladin was always the best. I loved that holster of his with the chess piece on it. Richard boone was in another western called "hec ramsey" anyone remember that one.
I was never a huge western fan but watched a few as I noted.
Many westerns had great theme songs tho no?? Paladin, Bonanza to name a couple. Of course Gunsmoke is immediately recognizable. Anyone remember "Johnny Yuma was a rebel" theme song? I think the show was "The Rebel."
Yep, that's the theme song. Dang, so ancient. Ha ha. Johnny Cash singing right?
Btw, at end of song the voice saying "This has been a Mark Godsen Bill Toddman production" certainly rings a lot of bells. Can't name all the specific shows, but it was very common hearing those names at the end of some shows.
Just like (and it just came to my head), remember after "The Fugitive", a voice would always say, "This has been a Quinn Martin Production." Don't know why I remember it, but I do. Ha ha Commonplace back in the olden days.
Btw, at end of song the voice saying "This has been a Mark Godsen Bill Toddman production" certainly rings a lot of bells. Can't name all the specific shows, but it was very common hearing those names at the end of some shows.
They produced a lot of shows in the '50s/'60s. (Goodson/Todman)
I was watching an episode of The Rifleman (remember it?) when I recalled another Chuck Conners' series: Branded. Do any of you recall it? It lasted just two seasons though.
I used to watch reruns of The Rifleman when i was a kid. Good show. I always wanted to get a rifle just like the one Lucas McCain had. I still do.
I love "The Rifleman," too, Benny. When I started this thread that's the show I had in mind. Unfortunately, there isn't a high quality dvd set available just yet. But there's a mini-marathon every Saturday morning on AMC. I set the alarm to watch it sometimes. Mrs. Pizzaboy thinks I'm crazy. But I'm not. My Mother had me tested.
I love "The Rifleman," too, Benny. When I started this thread that's the show I had in mind. Unfortunately, there isn't a high quality dvd set available just yet. But there's a mini-marathon every Saturday morning on AMC. I set the alarm to watch it sometimes.
I just watched a few episodes recently. One of them was about a group of people on a stagecoach who were stranded at Chuck Connors' home during a blizzard. One of the characters was portrayed by none other than Mike the Cop (from 'Abbott & Costello').
I love "The Rifleman," too, Benny. When I started this thread that's the show I had in mind. Unfortunately, there isn't a high quality dvd set available just yet. But there's a mini-marathon every Saturday morning on AMC. I set the alarm to watch it sometimes.
I just watched a few episodes recently. One of them was about a group of people on a stagecoach who were stranded at Chuck Connors' home during a blizzard. One of the characters was portrayed by none other than Mike the Cop (from 'Abbott & Costello').
Yup, that episode was on recently .
The actor was Gordon Jones. He died fairly young from what I remember. He had that stone face that was perfect on the old A&C Show.
I don't remember too much of him (the actor) but you're right. He was PERFECT as the cop on the show.
Back to "The Rifleman". The show became too goody-goody for me after a year or so. All that preaching to the son wore thin. I wanted to see Chuck Connors kick some ass. LOL
I don't remember too much of him (the actor) but you're right. He was PERFECT as the cop on the show.
Back to "The Rifleman". The show became too goody-goody for me after a year or so. All that preaching to the son wore thin. I wanted to see Chuck Connors kick some ass. LOL
You gotta admit, though. For an Irishman from Brooklyn he could ride the f*** out of a horse .
Well, all kidding aside. Brooklyn has always been home to a few stables.
I knew the guy who operated the stables behind Kings Plaza (can't remember its name). And I rode a few times from the one off the Belt (along the swamplands).
And I rode a few times from the one off the Belt (along the swamplands).
The poor horse .
And yeah, that's the first stable that comes to mind as a non-Brooklynite. Because when I worked out of Marine Park, if I had the time I'd take the long way around. And I'd pass the stables by the Belt all the time.
Lincoln high-school was right where the cops had the tacticle patrol force horse barn. I went to see a soccer game there I only was able to watch half of the game. The horse shit smell was that bad the school at the time had no air conditioning those kids must have been dying during the summer time.
Yes, there was a riding academy close to the belt parkway. You can see people riding just outside of the highway.
There must have been another one near ocean parkway you see people riding over there as well.
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