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Have Gun – Will Travel: The O’Hare Story

Introduction

Have Gun – Will Travel is a popular American Western television series that aired from 1957 to 1963. The show was created by Herb Meadow and starring Richard Boone as the main character, Paladin. The series was known for its unique format, where Paladin would receive letters from people in trouble, and he would travel to help them, using his skills as a gunfighter and a man of integrity. In this article, we will focus on the episode "The O’Hare Story," which is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed episodes of the series.

The O’Hare Story

"The O’Hare Story" is the 16th episode of the second season of Have Gun – Will Travel, which aired on November 25, 1958. The episode was written by Mort Werner and directed by Edward Ludwig. The story takes place in the small town of O’Hare, Texas, where a young widow, Mary O’Hare, is being terrorized by a group of ruthless outlaws who are taking over the town.

The Plot

Mary O’Hare (played by Janis Paige) writes to Paladin, asking for his help in dealing with the outlaws. Paladin arrives in O’Hare, posing as a wealthy gambler, and meets Mary at the local saloon. He learns that the outlaws, led by the ruthless Jack Taylor (played by Jack Kelly), have taken over the town, and Mary’s life is in danger.

The Significance of the Episode

"The O’Hare Story" is significant because it marks a turning point in Paladin’s character development. Up until this point, Paladin has been portrayed as a tough, stoic, and somewhat isolated figure. However, in this episode, he shows a softer side as he becomes emotionally invested in Mary’s plight. He uses his skills and intelligence to help Mary and the people of O’Hare, and in the process, he forms a strong bond with Mary.

Key Themes

The episode explores several key themes, including:

• Justice: The episode highlights the importance of justice and the need for Paladin to use his skills to protect the innocent.
• Integrity: Paladin’s integrity is put to the test as he faces off against the ruthless outlaws. He is forced to make difficult decisions and confront his own mortality.
• Empathy: The episode shows Paladin’s ability to empathize with Mary’s situation and understand her feelings.

Notable Moments

Some notable moments from the episode include:

• Paladin’s entrance: Paladin arrives in O’Hare by train, and his entrance is marked by a bold and confident swagger. He is dressed in his trademark black duster coat, and his presence is felt throughout the town.
• The saloon showdown: Paladin confronts the outlaws in a tense showdown at the local saloon. The scene is marked by quickdraws, gunfights, and a sense of tension and danger.
• The emotional goodbye: At the end of the episode, Paladin says goodbye to Mary, and the scene is marked by a sense of sadness and loss. Paladin’s emotions are finally exposed, and the audience is left with a deeper understanding of his character.

Critical Reception

"The O’Hare Story" received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the performance of Richard Boone and Janis Paige. The episode was also praised for its well-crafted plot and its exploration of Paladin’s character.

Awards and Nominations

The episode won several awards and nominations, including:

• Emmy Awards: The episode was nominated for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Drama and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Dramatic Role (Richard Boone).
• Writers Guild of America: The episode won the WGA Award for Best Dramatic Series – 1959.

Conclusion

"The O’Hare Story" is a landmark episode in the Have Gun – Will Travel series, showcasing Paladin’s character development and emotional depth. The episode is a must-watch for fans of the series and of Westerns in general. With its well-crafted plot, memorable characters, and significant themes, "The O’Hare Story" is a classic of American television.

Episode Details

Cast

• Richard Boone as Paladin
• Janis Paige as Mary O’Hare
• Jack Kelly as Jack Taylor
• Hank Patterson as Charlie

Trivia

• The O’Hare Story was filmed on location in Sierra Madre, California.
• The episode was originally broadcast as part of the " Paladin’s Pride" package, which featured five episodes from the second season of the series.
• The episode has been released on DVD as part of the Have Gun – Will Travel: The Complete Second Season set.