Have Gun – Will Travel Season 1: A Revolutionary Western Series
The first season of Have Gun – Will Travel, a groundbreaking Western television series, premiered on December 9, 1957, and ran for 39 episodes until May 28, 1958. The show was created by Herb Meadow and John Mantley, and it starred Richard Boone as Paladin, a sophisticated and principled gunslinger who solves problems for the wealthy and powerful.
The Concept
The series was set in the 1870s and 1880s, a time of great change and upheaval in the American West. Paladin, a former Army officer, had retired to a life of luxury in San Francisco, where he lived in a luxurious penthouse apartment. However, he was forced to return to his gunslinging ways when he received a letter from a wealthy client, seeking his help with a problem.
The Main Characters
- Paladin (Richard Boone): The main character of the series, Paladin is a sophisticated and principled gunslinger who solves problems for the wealthy and powerful. He is a former Army officer and a skilled fighter, but he is also a cultured and educated man who quotes Shakespeare and speaks several languages.
- Hey Soos (Hilton Edwards): Paladin’s sidekick, Hey Soos is a young and naive Chinese-American who works as a bellhop at the Hotel Carlton. He is often the target of racist jokes and slurs, but he is also a loyal and trusted friend to Paladin.
- Tallman (Dick Cangey): The manager of the Hotel Carlton, Tallman is a gruff and no-nonsense man who often provides Paladin with information and assistance.
Episode Highlights
The first season of Have Gun – Will Travel features a wide range of episodes, from straightforward gunfights to more complex and nuanced stories. Some of the highlights include:
- "Pilot": The first episode of the series, "Pilot" introduces viewers to Paladin and his unique style of problem-solving. In this episode, Paladin is hired by a wealthy rancher to protect his daughter from a group of outlaws.
- "The Bride": In this episode, Paladin is hired by a young bride to protect her on her wedding day. However, things take a turn when the bride’s former lover shows up and tries to disrupt the ceremony.
- "The Hunter": Paladin is hired by a group of hunters to track down a group of outlaws who have been terrorizing a small town. However, things become complicated when Paladin discovers that the outlaws are being led by a former Army officer.
- "The Search": In this episode, Paladin is hired by a wealthy client to find a missing daughter. However, things become complicated when Paladin discovers that the daughter is not what she seems.
Themes and Tone
Have Gun – Will Travel is known for its sophisticated and nuanced storytelling, which often explores themes of justice, morality, and identity. The series also features a unique tone, which blends elements of Westerns, dramas, and comedies.
Impact and Legacy
Have Gun – Will Travel was a groundbreaking series that helped to revolutionize the Western genre. The show’s sophisticated storytelling, complex characters, and nuanced themes set it apart from other Westerns of the time, and it helped to pave the way for future Western series like The Rifleman and Bonanza.
Awards and Accolades
Have Gun – Will Travel was a critical and commercial success, and it received several awards and accolades during its run. Some of the notable awards include:
- Emmy Award for Best Actor: Richard Boone won an Emmy Award for Best Actor in 1959 for his portrayal of Paladin.
- Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series: The series won a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series in 1958.
- Peabody Award: Have Gun – Will Travel won a Peabody Award in 1958 for its innovative storytelling and characters.
Table: Episode Guide for Season 1
| Episode # | Title | Original Airdate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot | December 9, 1957 |
| 2 | The Bride | December 16, 1957 |
| 3 | The Hunter | December 23, 1957 |
| 4 | The Search | December 30, 1957 |
| 5 | Lady for a Night | January 6, 1958 |
| 6 | The Lady and the Legion | January 13, 1958 |
| 7 | The Night of the Fox | January 20, 1958 |
| 8 | The Return of Dr. Carson | January 27, 1958 |
| 9 | The Tender Gun | February 3, 1958 |
| 10 | The Road to Wickenburg | February 10, 1958 |
| 11 | The Gallows | February 17, 1958 |
| 12 | The Dark Edge | February 24, 1958 |
| 13 | The Show-Off | March 3, 1958 |
| 14 | The Hunter’s Moon | March 10, 1958 |
| 15 | The Lady Who Was Lost | March 17, 1958 |
| 16 | The Return of the Desperado | March 24, 1958 |
| 17 | The Lady in the Tomb | March 31, 1958 |
| 18 | The Prisoner | April 7, 1958 |
| 19 | The Bride’s Sister | April 14, 1958 |
| 20 | The Outlaw’s Revenge | April 21, 1958 |
| 21 | The Lady and the Law | April 28, 1958 |
| 22 | The Lady from Hades | May 5, 1958 |
| 23 | The Lady in the Legend | May 12, 1958 |
| 24 | The Lady and the Kid | May 19, 1958 |
| 25 | The Lady and the Lawman | May 26, 1958 |
| 26 | The Lady Who Was Lied To | June 2, 1958 |
| 27 | The Lady Who Was Left Behind | June 9, 1958 |
| 28 | The Lady Who Was Lost | June 16, 1958 |
| 29 | The Lady and the Legion | June 23, 1958 |
| 30 | The Lady and the Kid | June 30, 1958 |
| 31 | The Lady and the Lawman | July 7, 1958 |
| 32 | The Lady Who Was Lied To | July 14, 1958 |
| 33 | The Lady Who Was Left Behind | July 21, 1958 |
| 34 | The Lady Who Was Lost | July 28, 1958 |
| 35 | The Lady and the Legion | August 4, 1958 |
| 36 | The Lady and the Kid | August 11, 1958 |
| 37 | The Lady and the Lawman | August 18, 1958 |
| 38 | The Lady Who Was Lied To | August 25, 1958 |
| 39 | The Lady Who Was Left Behind | September 1, 1958 |
Conclusion
Have Gun – Will Travel was a groundbreaking Western series that helped to revolutionize the genre. The show’s sophisticated storytelling, complex characters, and nuanced themes set it apart from other Westerns of the time, and it helped to pave the way for future Western series. The first season of the series features a wide range of episodes, from straightforward gunfights to more complex and nuanced stories.
