The Western - Exciting, Forgotten TV Genre
Ah, those cool Cowboy Shows with their horses, men in big hats, snarling villains, dust, and shootups! Let’s ride down Television Land history to check out an exciting, forgotten TV genre. A quick synopsis to give you an idea of what they were all about – and why we loved ’em!
Thapson
TV programming quality has, sadly, deteriorated considerably.
Technically, things have never been better. But the “soul” is lacking resulting in content with a plastic, inorganic feel. It’s taking itself too seriously. Originality has flown out of the window as remakes and reality TV has crashed through the door. Most remakes reflect the “new world order” to correct the “shortcomings” of the past, but I’m going to avoid that sacred cow.
And one of the biggest casualties is the forgotten/overlooked “Western” genre. These had their golden years in the 50s-60s.
Back to the shows. While some may be cringe worthy, even for me at times, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m sure current TV content will elicit cringe when seen decades from now as well.
Here they are in random order:
The Rebel (1959-61)
“The Rebel” covered the adventures of a former Confederate soldier, who’s turned a drifter after the Civil War, and helps people he comes across during his travels. It starred Nick Adams, who was a good friend of James Dean. The death of Dean seemed to affect Nick Adams, as he apparently started living recklessly after the former’s death. And this reckless living resulted in his early death too. I was too young to notice much else, but we definitely enjoyed this show and he came across as a very likeable, and helpful guy in the series. The intro theme song and style were so cool, it stayed with me for life.
thegoldenagetvandmoviechannel / YouTube.com
“While some may be cringe worthy, even for me at times, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The Texan (1958-60)
Anything related to “Texas” was magic for me. I connected that State with cowboys, wide open spaces, heat, and macho gun-fighting stuff. Hence, it was natural I would love this show. Rory Calhoun, with his tall frame, dark hat, and quiet confidence played the lead very convincingly. A fan for life I enjoyed him in any movie/TV show he starred in. His character in the 80s horror “Motel Hell” was quite a surprise. Like “The Rebel,” Rory played another Civil War veteran who traveled the country minding his own business. But trouble always found him. The intro and end-credit music is very suspenseful. As he rides off at the end of each story, you sense trouble’s waiting just up the road. There was an outline displayed in the end credits which, I was pleased to discover as the map of Texas.
Stuart Fanning / YouTube.com
Buffalo Bill, Jnr. (1955-56)
The show dwelt on action stories of Buffalo Bill Jnr., played by Dickie Jones, and his sister Calamity who lived with a judge in what I presumed was the Wild West. To be precise, it was Arizona. I was too young to notice further details except that while dealing with bad guys, the lead often had to help his sister out of situations. I loved the title song, and the stunts he would perform especially in the opening credits. It was his ability with horse and lasso for which he was encouraged to go to Hollywood. He is also famous for providing the voice of Disney’s “Pinocchio” in 1940. Nancy Gilbert, who played Calamity, has also led an interesting life.
guysintrouble / YouTube.com
Laredo (1965-67)
“Laredo” is my all-time favorite “late night” Cowboy shows. I don’t know why, but I was a very big fan of this one. Maybe it’s the cast – especially Neville Brand who I liked a lot. Also, the banter between the leads, title score, stories, or the overall mini-movie feel of the show. The series involved stories of a trio of Texas Rangers and their captain. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Laredo actually existed and was on the Mexican border. Which explained why some of the episodes involved crossing the border. Watching it now feels somewhat corny, but it was the best at that time. But I guess that’s the case with all these old Westerns as the genre has evolved considerably.
soshydragon / YouTube.com
Custer (1967)
This was a fictitious look at the exploits of Lt. General George Custer as he battled the First Nations people, especially his nemesis Chief Crazy Horse. Although, we could sense some politically incorrect stuff even then, we enjoyed it as a Western. It is likely the least of my favorites, but still retains a place in my memories of the TV shows of the time.
Ruth Nola / Youtube.com
The Lone Ranger (1949-57)
Probably one of the oldest of the Westerns I saw as a kid. Unlike other good guys, he wore a mask and you never got to see his full face in the series. I forget why the Lone Ranger wore it, but he had evidently been rescued by a First Nations man named “Tonto” (Jay Silverheels). Together, they formed a team with their horses, Silver and Scout, who were stars unto themselves. While Clayton Moore, who played the lead character, did many other roles without the mask, he never appeared (as The Lone Ranger) without it – even in conventions. This was the first time I heard the phrase “Keemo Sabe;” likely a respectful term for a friend in First Nations language. Several Lone Ranger versions have been made, but for me Clayton Moore’s was the best.
TeeVees Greatest / YouTube.com
Zorro (1957-59)
While not a “Western” in the conventional sense, “Zorro” is definitely one with a Spanish flair. Also, unlike other Westerns, Zorro involved the use of swords and sword fighting which he is an expert at. Just as with The Lone Ranger, “Zorro” has had many remakes. But, for me, this one with Guy Williams rules. The “Zorro” persona was adopted by a nobleman who donned a mask to battle tyrannical officials in old Spanish California. Like the Lone Ranger, Zorro hid his real identity, and his true self was only known to a select few. To ensure his anonymity, Zorro also used different horses while adopting the differing personas. Zorro carved a “Z” with his sword as a calling card. There is a striking similarity between Zorro and the Batman character, hence the popular belief that the latter was inspired by the former.
TeeVees Greatest / YouTube.com
And this was a quick look at my childhood favorite TV shows with from the “Western” genre. Westerns and Cowboy shows have long lost favor. The little that has been made over the past forty years is very different in content, theme, and cultural flavor than these shows from then. And with today’s cultural norms, I anticipate a very different take of the Cowboy/Westerns going forward.
The idea being to be more inclusive, diverse, and likely tolerant. Despite some faults, remembering these old shows is too much fun and one should enjoy them for what they were – pure entertainment!
I’ll return with another batch of my favorite childhood TV shows covering a different genre. Your comments, and critique is welcome.
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