Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
I have recently been given gifts of seasons 1 and 3. I remember this show very vaguely from my very young years. Now, as I watch with the perspective of time, I am amazed to understand the actors and writers who applied their talents to this show. It is no surprise that many did well in Hollywood, whether as character actors, writers or stars to their own credits. I remember one episode in particular that was very well written, intelligent and seemed vaguely familiar in its themes. I was not surprised to later find out the Gene Roddenbury "Star Trek" creator had written it. Other episodes were written or produced by Sam Peckinpah, who certainly knew westerns. Interesting to note that Gene Roddenbury went on to create the Star Trek series and had trouble finding a home for it because the networks wanted a western in space. He would not do that and the franchise he created is still known for its intelligence. Unfortunately, CBS did follow-through on its promise to show a western in space with "Lost in Space" and rejected Roddenbury's Star Trek pilot. June Lockhart, shown as an intelligent heroine in the capable writer's hands for Have Gun, Will Travel, is not given much material to work with in the Lost in Space series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Have Gun Will Travel, all and all the best show ever on TV. Superb acting and well written episodes. This show was the force for a lot of other tv shows and movies. Todays television could not hold a stick to the thought that went into that series. Richard Boone was the perfect actor for this part and should be considered one of the best actors of our times.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Classic TV Western at its best. Excellent writing, acting, scenery. You'll recognize many of the guest actors who went on to be stars in their own right and writers include Gene Rodenberry etc.
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Posted October 1, 2010
<p>Have Gun Will Travel, the hit series airing from 1957 to 1963, was the creation of two innovative ex-radio writers, who had been tipped that CBS was in the market for a cowboy show with a 'different twist.Ó The result was the first truly adult TV western, which chronicled the exploits of a college-educated, West Point-trained, solider of fortune known simply as Paladin. Historically the term ÒpaladinÓ is associated with the medieval knights of CharlemagneÕs court, who were often called upon to travel the country and resolve issues between the kingÕs subjects. Indeed, the showÕs main character was a complex combination of knight errant and resourceful gunslinger, who upon payment of $1,000 would leave his well-appointed suite in San Francisco's Hotel Carlton to pursue whatever mission a well-heeled client commissioned. A gourmet, opera buff, and connoisseur of fine wine, women, and Ming Dynasty artifacts, Paladin could quote Keats, Shelley, and Shakespeare with the same self-assurance that he brought to subjugating frontier villains.</p><p>The character of Paladin was played with sharp intelligence and dry wit by talented actor Richard Boone. Boone's intimidating growl, prominent nose, and pock-marked visage physically distinguished him from the typical pretty-boy hero, just as his character's cultured background distinguished him from more rustic inhabitants of the 1870s Old West. Dressed all in black and sporting a waxed mustache, his holster embossed with a silver chess knight, Paladin routinely handed out his signature calling cardÑthe image of a white knight chess piece and the inscription: 'Have Gun, Will Travel . . . Wire Paladin, San Francisco.' The charisma and sophisticated elegance of his character brought Boone more loyal feminine fan mail than many of his more photogenic cowboy contemporaries received.</p><p>The thirty-minute episodes spanning five seasons of Have Gun Will Travel were immensely popular, and the individualistic take on the traditional western format made an international star of its talented lead actor. All in all, it was an interesting, well-written show, moral without being preachy. Paladin often solved problems with his wits and powers of negotiation rather than his gun. He was respectful toward women and ethnic groups and spoke any language the plots called for. Yes, the show is dated in itÕs view of the proper place of women, and not every episode is top-notch, but in general the writing is very goodÑparticularly within the confines of a half-hour drama formatÑand the plots well-researched. You can also see any number of guest actors, such as Jack Lord (Hawaii 5-O), Charles Bronson, DeForest Kelley (Star Trek), and June Lockhart, who would later become prominent television stars. Recommended for anyone who likes westerns or has the urge to re-visit televisionÕs Golden Years.</p>
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Posted October 1, 2010
I have been a fan of the repeats on television for years, and purchased the first season as soon as I could after it was released (I am currently serving in Iraq). It is an outstanding series, which is good for the whole family. I can't wait for the second season to come out!
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Overview