He was the Wagon Master in the show, which was a big deal. Miller played Duke Shannon for two seasons before the character got removed. Chuck is a nickname for Charles or Charlie. The network felt Robert Fuller was the perfect person to replace Robert Horton because of their resemblance. Songwriters Henri Rene and Bob Russell wrote the instrumental, a sweeping score that captured the visages of the Wild West. I missed out on alot, I absolutely love Wagon Train. Some made it with their dreams intact. Neither Bond nor McIntire, both veterans of dozens of supporting roles in movies, routinely had a leading role in theatrical films, although Bond did in at least one B-picture. Flint McCullough: Stranger? Seasons 1 through 6 (1957-63) and 8 (1964-65) were hour-long episodes in black and white. , becoming the only recurring characters from the beginning til the final season. He was survived by his wife Mary Ann Wilson and three children. Jugs Memorabilia Flint, in love with a Mormon girl he can't marry, joins the confederate army. He is known for playing Flint McCullough in Wagon Train (1957-1962). series. Those writers really knew what they were doing. It was accepted back then. Attended the funeral of Ward Bond in 1960. The In the 1961-62 season, it surpassed Gunsmoke in popularity and ranked as the most popular program on American television. Wagon Train was an immensely popular program during its original run. Fort Bridger is my home. I love the story lines. See production, box office & company info, Revue Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. You ain't- Well, sure, you must be, Mr Bridger's son. If you are a fan of Wagon Train and dont understand the reason behind Bonds decision to leave the show, continue reading this article. Flint tries to help two of the passengers with theirs and almost bites off too much. Scripts often showed sympathy for the plight of the Indians in the onslaught of settlers coming into their lands. That means the entire wagon was narrower than a full-size bed and only a little bit longer. I never knew until now why he left the show. McGrath played the role of Charlie Wooster, the trains cook. I was disappointed to see Hale take over, but am still watching it. It chronicles the adventures of those on the train with many guests being featured throughout the series. Ward Bond (Major Seth Adams) and Robert Horton (Flint McCullough) did not get along on the set. Wagon Train is a western TV series which aired on NBC from 1957 to 1962 and on ABC from 1962 to 1965. All of the familys belongings had to be packed into the wagon, leaving no room for beds. According to The Old Corral, he died in a Dallas, Texas, hotel while visiting the area to go to a football game. Also in 2008, it released The Complete Color Season, a 16 disc box set with season seven and 16 select episodes from the other seasons. For Frank, it was Drums Along the Mohawk, They Were Expendable, The Quiet Man, and The Searchers. On the other hand, Bond was in twenty-five of Fords films which includes Riding high for Capra, Its a Wonderful Life, and It Happened One Night.. Did Robert Fuller and John Smith get along? Seasons 1 through 6 (1957-63) and 8 (1964-65) were hour-long episodes in black and white. The fact that its in black and white gives it more of a realistic quality and makes me feel like this might actually be what these people went through. If you are looking for other great western books, check out theseauthors. He was on the show as Bond requested. Johnny ONeill performed it, but the network still wasnt satisfied with the song, and they wanted something different. Been watching Wagon Train my whole life and Im 71. 4 TV Guide Harvey Stephens and his daughter Margaret O'Brien have arrived and are ready to settle on land they've purchased from Reed Hadley. But his previous experience and with the train make him hesitate.After his parents are killed by whites, a boy is raised by a lone Indian. Such a loss from the show back then. I thought that too, about how they portrayed Native Americans. Years later when the wagon train stops nearby, the Indian tells the young man to join his people. The ship mentioned, the "Delta Queen", wasn't built until 1927. Appearances Past Appearances-Scottsdale Biography Credits Politics are involved as well as unsolicited trips to the Far East.At the end of a long journey, lives were lost. Nobody could act angry & throw an insult to Charlie or Flint & Hawks & turn to walk with a grin. Every script had to go through the NBC and Censor for approval. I guess I outgrew it. When he finds out that he won't be joining any battles and what their real purpose is, it may be too late for him and the girl he loves. Curious how exactly there were supposed to replace him. For Season Two, production decided on a new theme and did away with the orchestra performance. Burns was Barnaby West on the Wagon Train. Years later when the wagon train stops nearby, the Indian tells the young man to join his people. At an initial budget of US$100,000 (equivalent to $965,000 in 2021) per segment, Wagon Train episodes cost over 40% more than most contemporary hour-long Westerns, allowing it to film on location in California's San Fernando Valley and afford its expensive guest stars.[36]. Absolutely love this show. Your email address will not be published. Robert Fullers Stunt Double on LARAMIE. Throughout those eight seasons only eight actors (no actresses) appeared in fifty or more episodes. Cant get enough of both those gentlemen . The two actors looked alike despite their age difference. Check Out The Details, Buffalo Man Full Episode Gunsmoke, Season #03, Episode #18, Blood Money Full Episode Gunsmoke, Season #13, Episode #19, Blood Money Full Episode Gunsmoke, Season #03, Episode #03, Bad Seed Full Episode Gunsmoke, Season #06, Episode #21, Abelia Full Episode Gunsmoke, Season #14, Episode #08. See production, box office & company info, Republic Studios - 4024 Radford Avenue, North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. Robert Horton, known for his role as scout Flint McCullough in the Emmy-nominated series "Wagon Train," died March 9 in Los Angeles, his niece Joan Evans told the New York Times. The inspiration for the series came from the 50s film the Wagon Master by John Ford. Ward Bond was wonderful. That he made this character so real for us is a tribute to his ability, determination and thoroughness as an actor. Aside from Ward Bond, there were other regular cast members, although they were few in number. [5] He should have been honored. Be competent, be more skilful than others. The series influenced the development of Star Trek, pitched as "Wagon Train to the stars" and launched in 1966. For the first seven seasons, from 195965, Eric Fleming was undeniably the star of Western. Susan Oliver (Margaret Hamilton) and Leonard Nimoy (Cherokee) both would later star in Star Trek. The later episodes from the John McIntyre era were syndicated under the simpler title "Trailmaster". The ho, by the way, would be emphasized and stretched out with a very long o. Kitty C Albright (1888-1944) Find A Grave Memorial. Robert Horton, a ruggedly handsome actor who found television stardom in 1957 as the scout Flint McCullough on "Wagon Train" but who resisted being typecast in Westerns as he pursued a. He always got his point across! Bond shockingly passed on November 5, 1960. Throughout the first season Charlie Wooster was said to have considerable medical knowledge, with Major Adams saying repeatedly "he may not look like much but he knows a lot about doctoring". In syndication, the season 7 episodes have often been aired by themselves on a weekly basis, particularly on Saturdays. What a hard life! Gene Roddenberrys first pitch forStar Trek, his hit science-fiction television series, was Wagon Train to the Stars.. Well, you're the stranger, boy. Little Girl Lost episode was so touching it brought tears to my eyes. He was frequently typecast in extremes, as either a friendly lawman or a brutal henchman. Some made it with their dreams intact. Fv 27, 2023 . Ward Bond's final acting project. The regular characters were few, and only two stayed from the first season through to the last. It was one of the most successful American Westerns to date. This was a good episode with some good guest stars. I didnt realize I was only 8 years old when the show started. I am 71 and watching one episode per day. Terrible that there was no story about what Seth went on to do. Currently Im in season 2 and have noted the outdated cultural depictions for the Indians and other things. I was just a baby when this show was on but it just wouldnt be the same if it were made today. In the autumn of 1959, two years after its inception, it ranked as one of seven Westerns in the Nielsen top 10 in the United States. His filmography is admirable. I am 67 years old and for some unfathomable reason I never saw o e episode of Wagon Train until a few days ago. Thank you for putting it back on. Mead Howard "Robert" Horton Jr. (July 29, 1924 - March 9, 2016) was an American actor and singer. The first episode of the Wagon Train aired on NBC in 1957, and in 1962, they moved to ABC. He died of a heart attack in November 1960 in a hotel room in Dallas, Texas. They have three children together. The show inspired Star Trek. [citation needed]. Actually, during the 1960-61 season, Wagon Train surpassed Gunsmoke and became the number one rated show on television. The show was at its height of popularity so the network finished playing the 7 recorded episodes with Ward Bond and then intoduced John McIntire into the series. He was my favorite and there was not enough shows starting him. Episodes revolve around the stories of guest characters portraying members of the massive wagon train or encountered by it. How much did it cost to join a wagon train? What happened to Robert Fullers first wife? Bond made his debut on the big screen with the movie Salute. After his role in that movie, there was no stopping Bond. Not all actors could do that. As a kid, I accepted all this false portrayal of Indians. It starred Ward Bond, John McIntire, Michael Burns, Robert Horton, Robert Fuller, Frank McGrath, Scott Miller, and Terry Wilson. If the term booked and busy were a person, it would have been Bond. He was ill with high blood pressure, and had been ordered to reduce his workload. I'll get Mr Bridger for you. Where is Robert Fuller now? The Sacramento Story: Directed by Richard Bartlett. What's New? I enjoy it. [citation needed], When the original Ward Bond episodes were broadcast weekday afternoons on ABC beginning in 1963, a new series title "Seth Adams Trailmaster" was given to the episode to avoid viewer confusion because Wagon Train was still on the ABC evening schedule. Episode titles routinely emphasize the guest characters, such as "The Nancy Palmer Story" and "The Vivian Carter Story". It is the fictional adventure story of a large westbound wagon train through the American Old West, from Missouri to California. He played the lead role so well that it was almost impossible not to admire or love him. Martin Landau said he was appearing on this series when Ward Bond learned that he was a Jewish actor from New York. I liked John McIntire with Cooper but neither held a candle to the original charactors. A true curmudgeon! In subsequent seasons this thread was dropped completely, with Wooster's character showing little to no knowledge related to medical care. Robert Horton was born on July 29, 1924. Now come on little girl get on the horsey worsey and we'll go fix some suppy wuppy. He was with Bond's body on. Flint tries to help two of the passengers with theirs and almost bites off too much. for two seasons, topping billings almost every week. The Rodney Lawrence Story: Directed by Virgil W. Vogel. I thought John McIntyre did a very good job at taking over a very popular role. In the first four seasons Ward Bond was billed above Robert Horton in the opening credits. Although it was not publicly disclosed at the time, Ward Bond was already in terrible health when the series began. Prior to joining the regular cast in 1963 to play Barnaby West, Michael Burns guest starred in five episodes, playing different characters. I remember watching Wagon Train when I was growing up. Was John Wayne and Ward Bond good friends? Bond vetted the writings too, and he brought some of his conservative ideas to the show. Have you not eyes to see this is not of my doing? It was sad to see Ward Bond leave the Wagon Train show, mainly because of death. Years later when the wagon train stops nearby, the Indian tells the young man to join his people. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Robert Horton was often described as 6 of redheaded dynamite (though hes actually a shade over 6), and we, his loyal fans, certainly agree with that! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How would you like to ride hell-bent for leather into a world full of adventure and heroismthe world made vividly real by Zane Grey? One of the first things Mr. Horton did upon getting the role was to . The show was unique because every episode involved a new story with a guest character traveling with or meeting the wagon train. I recently started watching it again. Convicted of horse-stealing, Flint receives from Chris 20 lashes followed by banishment from the train. The first episode of theWagon Trainaired on NBC in 1957, and in 1962, they moved to ABC. Thank God for reruns. Jones Green Loved him in Its A Wonderful Life as Bert. When he finds out that he won't be joining any battles and what their real purpose is, it may be too late for hi Read allFlint, in love with a Mormon girl he can't marry, joins the confederate army. Thank you so much for the reruns. In his six decades of television, Horton, who became known for his voice, was most noted for his role as the frontier scout Flint McCullough. His parents were Mead Howard Horton Sr. and Chelta McMurrin. During the first season a lone harmonica player could be heard regularly playing the series theme song in the background during the evening campfire scenes. What Role Did Ward Bond Play In The Wagon Train? Even though his hair is now a gorgeous silver, he still packs plenty of dynamite! But his previous experience and with the train make him hesitate. Young boy at Fort: Hey, you come home. [1] The show initially starred supporting film actor Ward Bond as the wagon master (replaced after his abrupt death in 1960 by supporting film actor John McIntire) and Robert Horton as the scout (eventually replaced by similar-looking Western television star Robert Fuller after Horton opted to leave the series). It features the trials of the series regulars, who conducted the train through the American West. real estate practice final exam highest attendance in soccer why did hoagy carmichael leave laramie He studied the frontier era, drove the actual route the fictional wagon train took, and invented a back story for his character. Jeromes inspiration for the song was from the Jayhawkers songs he wrote for the film. Whitfield, Stephen, and Roddenberry, Gene. had a lot of trouble keeping up with Les Tremayne playing her very proper Bostonian husband and Susan Oliver as their spoiled hellion of a daughter. Wagon Train premiered on NBC, 18 Sept.1957 as one of the new cadre of adult westerns. With Ward Bond, Robert Horton, Dean Stockwell, Frank McGrath. The show inspired Star Trek. At the end of a long journey, lives were lost. Highlights CollectiblesToby The regular characters were few, and only two stayed from the first season through to the last. The character Charlie Wooster was called both Charlie and Chuck, and sometimes both in the same episode. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That briefly changed during the show's fifth season (196162) on the NBC network, to help promote the sales of parent company RCA's color television sets. Frank DeKova who was Chief Wild Eagle on F Troop plays an Indian exile who comes across an orphaned Roger Mobley after some outlaws have killed his parents. In this episode of Wagon Train we learn something of the background of Flint McCullough. Following his tour of duty, Wilson was chosen by Warner Brothers from amongst a group of athletes to be trained for the stunt profession with his initial specialties being fistfights and work with horses. Send a MessageCurrent Photo Albums: 1, 2, 3, He died on November 5, 1960, at age 57 from a heart attack. As a result, Robert Fuller replaced his character. He steered the show away from violence to a more family-centered theme. When he finds out that he won't be joining any battles and what their real purpose is, it may be too late for him and the girl he loves. Wagon Train is an American Western series that aired 8 seasons: first on the NBC television network (1957-1962), and then on ABC (1962-1965). The series chronicles the adventures of a wagon train from St. Joseph, Missouri, across the plains of the Midwestern United States and the Rocky Mountains to Sacramento, California. 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