Who Played in Have Gun – Will Travel?
Have Gun – Will Travel is a classic American Western television series that aired from 1957 to 1963. The show was created by Frank Pierson and starring Richard Boone as the main character, Paladin. The series follows the adventures of Paladin, a former Army officer who becomes a gunfighter and a drifter, taking on various jobs and helping those in need.
Main Cast
The main cast of Have Gun – Will Travel included:
- Richard Boone as Paladin
- Camille Van Santvoord as Mrs. Emily Patterson (Paladin’s landlady)
- Lisa Montell as Pal (Paladin’s Native American friend)
- Ray Teal as Marshal Heck Thomas
Recurring Characters
Some notable recurring characters in the series include:
- Patricia Donahue as Annie, a schoolteacher and love interest for Paladin
- Frank Ferguson as Sheriff Frank Crowley
- Robert H. Harris as Sheriff John McCloud
- Jack Elam as various characters, including outlaws and villains
Guest Stars
The show featured a wide range of guest stars throughout its six-season run, including:
- John Dehner (12 episodes)
- Walter Brennan (8 episodes)
- Brian Keith (7 episodes)
- Strother Martin (6 episodes)
- John Carradine (5 episodes)
- Dean Stockwell (4 episodes)
Episode Structure
Each episode of Have Gun – Will Travel typically followed a similar structure:
- Opening scene: Paladin arrives in a new town, often on horseback, and is approached by a local who needs his help.
- Paladin investigates: Paladin asks questions, gathers information, and begins to unravel the mystery or problem.
- Confrontation: Paladin faces off against the villain(s) and solves the problem.
- Closing scene: Paladin leaves the town, often with a witty remark or a nod to the audience.
Impact and Legacy
Have Gun – Will Travel was a groundbreaking show that helped establish the Western genre on television. It was known for its:
- Intellectual storytelling: The show’s writers were praised for their clever plot twists and complex characters.
- Social commentary: Many episodes tackled social issues of the time, such as racism, sexism, and labor disputes.
- Unique protagonist: Paladin was a complex character with a troubled past and a code of honor. He was also a chess player and a reader, making him a more nuanced and interesting character.
Episode Count and Awards
The show aired for six seasons, with a total of 225 episodes. Have Gun – Will Travel won several awards during its run, including:
- Emmy Awards: Richard Boone won two Emmy Awards for Best Actor in a Dramatic Series (1959, 1960).
- Golden Globe Awards: The show was nominated for Best Television Series – Drama (1959, 1960).
- Peabody Awards: Have Gun – Will Travel won a Peabody Award for Outstanding Television Program (1959).
Trivia
Here are some interesting facts about Have Gun – Will Travel:
- The character of Paladin was inspired by the real-life gunfighter, Allan Pinkerton.
- The show’s theme song, "Have Gun – Will Travel", was written by Sammy Davis Jr. and Herb Alpert.
- Richard Boone was a skilled horseman and did many of his own stunts on the show.
- The show’s set, a fictional town called San Francisco, was actually filmed in Bakersfield, California.
Conclusion
Have Gun – Will Travel was a groundbreaking Western series that featured a unique protagonist, intellectual storytelling, and social commentary. The show’s cast, including Richard Boone, Camille Van Santvoord, and Lisa Montell, brought the characters to life, and the show’s impact can still be seen in Westerns today. Whether you’re a fan of classic Westerns or just looking for a great TV show, Have Gun – Will Travel is definitely worth checking out.
Table: Episode Count and Awards
Season | Episodes | Emmy Awards | Golden Globe Awards | Peabody Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2 | 39 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
3 | 39 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
4 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
5 | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
6 | 36 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Table: Notable Guest Stars
Guest Star | Number of Episodes |
---|---|
John Dehner | 12 |
Walter Brennan | 8 |
Brian Keith | 7 |
Strother Martin | 6 |
John Carradine | 5 |
Dean Stockwell | 4 |
Note: The tables are not exhaustive, but rather highlight some of the most notable information.