The Candy O'Hara Story is one of my top five Wagon Train episodes, I've seen it countless times and I just can't get enough of it. The story is, to put it simply, extremely fun. All the pieces fit together so well...cast, dialogue, direction, it's all top notch. The end result is, as I am wont to say from time to time, so much more than the sum total of its parts.
From her deathbed, Granny Henry (Edith Evanson) makes her widower son Gabe promise to find a wife within 30 days, which of course turns out to be easier said than done. This becomes evident when Gabe sets his eye on one Kathleen "Candy" O'Hara, a woman whose reputation is...well, let's just say her reputation proceeds her.
A huge part of the appeal of this episode is the magnificent cast. It is absolute perfection.
Joan O'Brien and Jim Davis have great onscreen chemistry. They fall into their characters with ease, and it's hard not become completely invested in their relationship. I have to admit, I'm a sucker for Ms. O'Brien since my viewing of Operation Petticoat as a young teen. She's absolutely gorgeous, and there's a real vulnerability in her performance here. Her inimitable smile and beautiful eyes...so endearing.
Jim Davis is great as well. As an actor he's an extremely likeable guy in the same vein as Dale Robertson. His crooked smile and unique dialogue delivery fit Gabe Henry extremely well, and it's impossible to dislike him in the role. Although he played a lot of heavies in previous years, he had developed a persona that was quite realistic in sympathetic roles. The guy was cool.
The supporting cast was equally good...Teddy Rooney as Luther, Robert Lowery as the unscrupulous Marty Benson, Richard Cutting as kindly Parson Plummer, and Lane Bradford as the Marshal...all contributing admirably to an already great group.
Even Ward Bond seemed to rise to the occasion with some of his best dialogue in the series. It's also sad, knowing he would soon be gone.
All in all, a truly excellent outing. I would recommend watching this one if you're down and need a pick-up...it's guaranteed to leave you with a smile.
From her deathbed, Granny Henry (Edith Evanson) makes her widower son Gabe promise to find a wife within 30 days, which of course turns out to be easier said than done. This becomes evident when Gabe sets his eye on one Kathleen "Candy" O'Hara, a woman whose reputation is...well, let's just say her reputation proceeds her.
A huge part of the appeal of this episode is the magnificent cast. It is absolute perfection.
Joan O'Brien and Jim Davis have great onscreen chemistry. They fall into their characters with ease, and it's hard not become completely invested in their relationship. I have to admit, I'm a sucker for Ms. O'Brien since my viewing of Operation Petticoat as a young teen. She's absolutely gorgeous, and there's a real vulnerability in her performance here. Her inimitable smile and beautiful eyes...so endearing.
Jim Davis is great as well. As an actor he's an extremely likeable guy in the same vein as Dale Robertson. His crooked smile and unique dialogue delivery fit Gabe Henry extremely well, and it's impossible to dislike him in the role. Although he played a lot of heavies in previous years, he had developed a persona that was quite realistic in sympathetic roles. The guy was cool.
The supporting cast was equally good...Teddy Rooney as Luther, Robert Lowery as the unscrupulous Marty Benson, Richard Cutting as kindly Parson Plummer, and Lane Bradford as the Marshal...all contributing admirably to an already great group.
Even Ward Bond seemed to rise to the occasion with some of his best dialogue in the series. It's also sad, knowing he would soon be gone.
All in all, a truly excellent outing. I would recommend watching this one if you're down and need a pick-up...it's guaranteed to leave you with a smile.
