Haggard plot -- well-meaning hero teaches pitiable underdog to shoot and then must deal with the monster he's created -- is rejuvenated in thoughtful, well-paced episode that tosses Drury an ambivalent mentor part that's right in his wheelhouse. "West Side Story" star Richard Beymer is a bundle of nervous energy as the disgruntled kid eager to prove his manhood by killing somebody. Former Paramount teen sensation Diana Lynn lends her graceful star presence to the role of his worried big sister. Vigorous Myron Healey, who never received much recognition for his many contributions to TV westerns, plays a rough trail boss despised by Beymer.
4 Reviews
Good story to a point
Nat-211 April 2024
An impetuous and immature heir to a cattle ranch butts head with his older sister and her boyfriend, who has been picked to take their late father's herd to market. Then, amid this tension, they face a range war with ranchers who fear the herd may introduce a bovine disease if allowed to pass through their valley. Overall good episode, though it could have been made better. A couple of plot elements seem a bit contrived, like the decision by the Virginian to hire the young man even after witnessing the poor judgment displayed in a bar fight. The ending, in my view, could also have been more rewarding.
Disappointed in Richard Beymer
thave-3176821 February 2019
I was looking forward to seeing Richard Beymer in a western, but my eagerness didn't last long. As a previous review pointed out, the plot was stereotypical. The acting by the regulars and Diana Lynn was good. However, Richard Beymer, as the immature co-owner of the herd seemed to sort of mimic the timing and tone of Clu Gulager's character, Emmitt Ryker. I need to go back and check to see if this was Richard's first western.
Bad Judgment
bkoganbing17 July 2020
Usually the Virginian is a good judge of character. But James Drury makes a big
mistake in hiring on Richard Beymer after trail boss Myron Healey kicks him off
the cattle drive he's taking from Montana to Fort Collind Colorado for the army.
It's not quite so simple. Beymer is co-owner of the herd with sister Diana Kynn, but her dad left her in charge and she delegates to Healey. The father felt Beymer lacked the maturity and how right he was.
Their herd is disease carrying and a range war threatens to develop. Drury tries to use diplomacy. But in the end his hand is forced.
What Fiorello LaGuardia once said about 'when I make a mistake it's a beaut' applies equally well to James Drury in this episode.
It's not quite so simple. Beymer is co-owner of the herd with sister Diana Kynn, but her dad left her in charge and she delegates to Healey. The father felt Beymer lacked the maturity and how right he was.
Their herd is disease carrying and a range war threatens to develop. Drury tries to use diplomacy. But in the end his hand is forced.
What Fiorello LaGuardia once said about 'when I make a mistake it's a beaut' applies equally well to James Drury in this episode.
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