After that he did guest spots on a number of TV series, finally becoming a regular on Wagon Train (1957) as Duke Shannon (his name was then Scott Miller). See production, box office & company info, Revue Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. My hero when I was a boy was Flint McCullough played by Robert Horton in Wagon Train. True; he was Bert in Its a Wonderful Life, the perennial Christmas movie. Many times the train would have to "circle the wagons" to defend itself against Indian attacks. - Broken Arrow While surfing to find something different, I came across a channel (MeTV) dedicated to just running older shows. wagon scout Duke Shannon rescues Sgt. I suspect most will say Ward Bond just because he was the original WM. Not loud and bellowing. He wished to work more in musical theater. He was one of only two characters who stayed on the series for all eight seasons, as Wagon Train focused on a semi-anthology format. And why was Denny Miller not in it? - Black Saddle Id never heard of it before and started watching it and The Rifleman because they follow Gunsmoke and Bonanza. Once the tension is eased, Bridger and McCullough are I still have a silk jacket that says Poker on the front, Liquor in the rear . Presumably, reaching San Francisco and concluding the trek was a logical way to wind up the series. Fuller was the best cowboy actor during the 1950s-60s because of the little things he did such as how to handle a horse and gun. Wagon Train is an American semi-anthology Western series following the journeys of a wagon train as it leaves Saint Joseph, Missouri on its way to California through the plains, deserts, and Rocky Mountains.Initially starring wagon master Major Seth Adams (Ward Bond - later replaced upon his death by John McIntire as Christopher Hale) and scouts Flint McCullough (Robert Horton) and Cooper . On Sept. 11, 1857, a Mormon militia in southern Utah seized a wagon train from Arkansas and brutally . Keep reading to find out how her absence was addressed. I,too, thought Flint McCullough was the real star of Wagon Train, and she show lost its magic when he left and Ward Bond died. Billed on Wagon Train as Scott Miller but better known to fans as Denny Miller, the former UCLA basketball star played Duke. into their virtual family. McIntire told TV GUIDE, I knew I was sticking my neck out to follow a man like Bond, but so far the result has been encouraging. I am 73, so I was a youngster when the western era of TV shows was in full swing especially at Warner Bros. As well as Wagon Train there wasMaverick, Cheyenne, Sugarfoot, Rawhide, and heaps more. - Iron Horse Took a much-needed break to do some fun research. Because the character's role on the show increased following the early episodes, it might explain why the writers chose for him not to have any family connections. It explains how Duke became a scout for Wagon Train. When both he and Ward Bond were no longer in the show I tended to lose interest in it. He graduated high school in Denny Scott Miller (born Dennis Linn Miller; April 25, 1934 - September 9, 2014) was an American actor, perhaps best known for his regular role as Duke Shannon on Wagon Train, his guest-starring appearances on Gilligan's Island, and his 1959 film role as Tarzan. - Lawman Bill Hawks and Duke Shannon later find her in a western hamlet - the richest and most hated person there. But I got to see his bit recently when watching an old run of The Rifleman where Sammy played a dude who was an incredible shot when it was actually OConnors doing the shooting from the alley (PS: The Riflemans skill was pure fiction; I was a state champion, on 3 different rifle teams, and the best trick shooters I knew, well, you get the idea. Overview The series initially starred veteran movie supporting actor Ward Bond as the wagon master, later replaced upon his death by John McIntire, and Robert Horton as the scout, subsequently replaced by lookalike Robert Fuller a year after Horton had decided to leave the series. Denny portrayed Duke Shannon, the scout who replaced Flint McCullough, in 106 episodes from 1961 until 1964. - Shotgun Slade I do not want to disagree with Alan but I thing Hawks marital status changed because at the beginning of the series, he was a minor character who the writers gave little thought to his backstory. You stated that they never reached their destination, but they did. In doing so, I noticed that there is a noticeable weight loss in Ward Bond and that he had started wearing black pants, vest and hat instead if his usual light colored attire. Like a great many Aussies of my age bracket (I was born in 1947), I share a love of old American movies and early TV, so it is always a thrill when I hear from someone who actually knew some of my heroes and heroines of those bygone days. . Bond shockingly passed on November 5, 1960. Barney and Bill time, with some of the new gang. I wish he had been in more Wagon Train episodes and frankly I have never seen Emergency but I have seen all of the Wagon Train and Laramie episodes. From his origin story during - Yancy Derringer - Californians At 6 feet 4 inches tall (1.93m), he was the first blonde Tarzan when he starred in Tarzan, the Ape Man (1959). He then segued to playing an Air Force sergeant who is married to a Las Vegas chorus girl (Juliet Prowse) in the short-lived NBC sitcom Mona McCluskey. Do you know? Michael Burns (1947 ) 51 episodes (1960-65). A native of Bloomington, Indiana,[1] the 6'4' Miller was a basketball player for the UCLA Bruins at UCLA, where his father was a physical education instructor. - Brave Eagle - Texas John Slaughter I believe Bob Fuller had his own or was on some sport fishing shows about 20 year ago. His first appearance was with Ward Bond wagon master Major Seth Adams which aired January 25, 1961. There were eight actors who were more or less regulars in Wagon Train. Her second on-screen husband, who was played by John Howard, later sought revenge against her killers. 5 stars. Miller appeared in two episodes of CBS Gilligans Island: one as surfer Duke Williams, who washed ashore after a tsunami, and another as Tongo, an ape man who is captured and put in a cage. Also, while I was eating, in the Boca Mall, in a Mexican restaurant, I saw and said hello, to either Fuller or Horton,cant remember which one. From 1961 to 1964, Miller was a regular on Wagon Train in the role of the scout, Duke Shannon. broncos, winning a national competition at age 16. - Elfego Baca - Zorro Back in 1950, John Ford directed the Western drama "Wagon Master" about two young cowhands (Ben Johnson and Harry Carey Jr.) who join a Mormon wagon train traveling to Utah. Billed as Denny Scott Miller. 1960 episodes for the series. - Fury A.N. John McIntyre (1907-91) 152 episodes (1959-65) John & his wife Jeanette Nolan. Hollywood has to entertain us). Wed work on the show 10 months, then wed take our wives and go down to the boat for a vacation. But both accepted the change. Wagon Train was on & unexpectedly 3 hours later I was programming the DVR for it. it was empty. Why did Robert Horton leave the show wagon train?In his six decades of television, Horton, who became known for his voice, was most noted for his role as the. others had learned that their parent company had assigned notorious wagon Emily Hawks was played by Irene Windust, who was also billed under her maiden name, which was Corlett. On the first episode of wagon train Bill Hawks and his wife were going to California. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Missouri-born Frank played the series comic relief character Charlie Wooster, the wagon trains irascible cook, and would grace all but 13 of the 284 episodes shot over eight seasons. I am currently watching Season 4 on ME TV, and my wife and I are huge fans. Mum felt equally strongly about Jim Garner. - Gray Ghost his burnt homestead's porch after Indians massacred his family while he was Much appreciated. The most powerful episode I have seen so far is S4 E19 The Prairie Story. His relationship with Ward Bond was not a happy one on the set, however, apparently due to Bond constantly spreading rumours about Hortons sexuality! wants the wagon train to keep rolling and demands that Hale leave an inexperienced rider behind. Thankyou, Sandra. So, Ward Bonds last episode as Major Adams was Season 4 Episode 22? Interestingly, the actress who appeared as Emily Hawks later appeared on Wagon Train in another role entirely. I was only a kid then but I simply cannot recall the train ever arriving at its destination in those early years. Nice to hear from you, mate. the world before coming back and settling into radio drama and as the host of. It explains how Duke became a scout for Wagon Train. Thankyou for your comment, Susan. Christopher Hale, noted wagon master, they urge him to rescue them from Due to the expensive 90 minute color episodes garnering such low ratings, in a final effort to save the show, ABC returned to one hour black and white episodes with season 8 (64-65). One of these survivors is Michael Burns who evolved into a regular after appearing in an early episode as a boy stricken speechless by the murder of his father. You made me laugh. He also appeared on Have Gun, Will Travel and an episode of The Rifleman as a dimwitted gunfighter named Reuben Miles. MGM had him under contract for 20 months; in that time he worked 8 weeks as "Tarzan". Great memories. Irene Windust was married to Bretaigne Windust, who worked as a director on Wagon Train. He and his brother played basketball in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Baldwin, New York, before the family moved to Los Angeles. Frank McGrath (1903-67) 271 episodes (1957-65). In Season 1, Bill and his wife, Emily Hawks, travel on the wagon train. They were given full-ride scholarships to UCLA. That same house front is disguised as the business of the Princess when McCullough goes to visit on his way to a fort and, it is also the place where the elderly woman is shot and left for dead by the barn when McCullough finds her. He guest starred on such series as Gunsmoke, The Fugitive, The High Chaparral, Gilligan's Island, I Dream of Jeannie, The Brady Bunch, Alice, Death Valley Days, Hawaii Five-O, Emergency!, They ended up in San Francisco where Seth, Bill, and Charlie were shanghaied. In WCs opinion what made Wagon Train work was Hortons relationship with Bond. I used to call him The Gentle Giant. Unless the information is volunteered I am usually left assuming. I dont think that I missed many episodes, while I was growing up. During his career Bond appeared in no fewer than 26 John Ford films! - Rawhide Miller also worked in such films as Making It (1971), written by Peter Bart, Buck and the Preacher (1972) and The Norseman (1978). - Guns of Will Sonnett My mistake. Just searched alfred hitchcock presents episodes with robert horton, and seven titles came up. If they dont gain any appreciation or interest in nostalgia, its sure to be absent in the future. It seems far-fetched that she would have stayed in Sacramento for years without her husband, so the writers handled her absence in another way in later seasons. Like you, I grew up with all those shows (except Bronco) and they were part of the reason why I fell in love with TV and movies. He was very much a part of the Ward Bond coterie along with Frank McGrath. Also following the old men are three men who hope to With his clever tall tales, old prospector Henry Shannon talks Charlie Wooster into coming with him to search for a gold mine. Me to they were a good dual and should have not been replaced Horton and Bond the best. They also got, was it Barnaby?, to his father in California but he went back with Bill to the wagon train. Odyssey of Flint McCullough": Season 4, Episode 23, "The Jed Polke Story": Season 4, Episode 24, "The Nancy Palmer Story": Season 4, Episode 25, "The Christopher Hale Story": Season 4, Episode 26, "The Tiburcio Mendez Story": Season 4, Episode 27, "The Nellie Jefferson Story": Season 4, Episode 28, "The Saul Bevins Story": Season 4, Episode 30, "The Duke Shannon Story": Season 4, Episode 31, "The Will Santee Story": Season 4, Episode 32, "The Jim Bridger Story": Season 4, Episode 33, "The Eleanor Culhane": Season 4, Episode 35, "The Janet Hale Story": Season 4, Episode 36, "Wagon to Fort Anderson": Season 4, Episode 37, "The Ah Chong Story": Season 4, Episode 38, "The Don Alvarado Story": Season 5, Episode 1, "The Captain Dan Brady Story": Season 5, Episode 2, "The Kitty Allbright Story": Season 5, Episode 3, "The Maud Frazer Story": Season 5, Episode 4, "The Selena Hartnell Story": Season 5, Episode 5, "The Clementine Jones Story": Season 5, Episode 6, "The Jenna Douglas Story": Season 5, Episode 8, "The Mark Miner Story": Season 5, Episode 9, "The Bruce Saybrook Story": Season 5, Episode 10, "The Lizbeth Ann Calhoun Story": Season 5, Episode 12, "The Bettina May Story". He appeared on early-'60s TV Westerns including Laramie, Have Gun Will Travel and The Rifleman before landing a regular role on the popular Wagon Train in 1961. Cheyenne, Wyatt Earp, etc.) the unexpected death of Bond didnt destroy the series with its viewers. . There is a scene in Laramie (forget the episode) where his handling of a gun is perfect and you can tell it was muscle memory not acting. However, very early on I became aware we really didnt have much in common. ABC blinked. - Archives, Do You Remember? During his career Bond appeared in no fewer than 26 John Ford films! When I first met Ward I had nothing but admiration and respect for him. - Two Faces West I was born in March 1947 so we share the same birth year. Who took Ward bonds place on Wagon Train? master Jud Benedict to lead their train (no explanation is given for what [JB] 6.5 [194] Wagon Train: THE JOHN AUGUSTUS STORY 17-Oct-1962 ABC Wed Teleplay and Story by . Im guessing it might of been Robert Fuller In Florida, who was/is a sport fisherman. The show was at it's height of popularity so the network finished playing the 7 recorded episodes with Ward Bond and then intoduced John McIntire into the series. Western Feb 1, 1961 50 min STARZ. - The Loner Although Lee Marvin was strongly considered as the new stern-ordering wagonmaster after Bond died, producers rethought the series and on March 16, 61, three weeks after Bonds final appearance, 54 year old seasoned John McIntire quietly stepped into the role of wagon Bill Hawks (Terry Wilson) was one of the key characters on the show, but there was some confusion for viewers surrounding his background. Lol. The young McIntire also rode In Wagon Train, he played wagon master Major Seth Adams from 1957 until his death in 1960. working for U.S. Army General Jameson, who commandeers McCullough's wagon train [4], "From jungle to ocean: the life and times of 'what's his name', "Denny Miller, Star of 'Tarzan' and 'Wagon Train,' Dies at 80", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Denny_Miller&oldid=1137269256, This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 18:59. It had upbeat moments and then it had an almost eerie feel like a musical scoring for a horror theme. I enjoy music and i am curious whether Robert Santon as Johnny actually sang the sea chantys. Santa Monica, attended USC for two years, and then worked as a seaman traveling In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), he was in the male chorus line and danced with Marilyn Monroe. Just now read your reply. Background [ edit] country from Missouri to California each season, they never seem to get - Archives, The Stuntmen - Neil Summers Ward Bond was as tough as they come. Maybe I was wrong. - Casey Jones The last episode I just saw this past Friday was The Christopher Hale Story Thanks for your knowledge! Suddenly, Wagon Trains hour-long black and white episodes looked somewhat paltry next to the expansive full color outdoor Western which felt more like a movie than a TV episode. I have a few questions though as Im just binge watching this series. He was 80. and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Millions of Americans tuned in every week to watch Major Seth Adams guide his wagon train across the west, despite the fact that it never reached its destination even though it was on the trail for eight long years. He is now (2018) in his 85th year and still appearing at western nostalgia outings attended by his still strong fan base. Story" (May 31, 1961) in which Hale's wife Janet (played by McIntire's The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. What happened to Bill Hawks' wife on Wagon Train? Later, he taught Modern European History at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. I got a laugh at one mistake that stood out to me: the bad guy took a punch and his hat flew off exposing his balding head and in the next shot he is lying on the ground with the hat securly on his head. Great article! I had no idea you were an American, Mike. Bond once stated, I was playing the wagon master long before Revue Prod. John McIntire, the character actor who portrayed the stolid, laconic wagonmaster in the hit television series "Wagon Train" in the early 1960's, died on Wednesday at St. Luke's Hospital in . - The Texan The next time you watch either Fort Apache (1948) or She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), you might notice Frank as the bugler in both of these John Ford/ John Wayne westerns. When they fail to return to the wagon train, Cooper Smith sets out to find them. Throughout those eight seasons only eight actors (no actresses) appeared in fifty or more episodes. Glad to find for your site Ill check in again! Hale is still dazed Im 42 & I have never been much of a TV buff, but I watched. Denny Miller was Duke Shannon in the series from 1964-7 (seasons five through seven), but in 1965 he landed the role of Juliet Prowses husband in the sitcom Mona McCluskey and left Wagon Train to play it. Barney is 14. Featuring Ernest Borgnine. Miller appeared over three seasons in more than 100 episodes of Wagon Train, which aired on NBC and ABC from 1957 to 1965. the train. Also, Captain Sam sang as she was looking at the boat lost in the desert. Sept. 11 was a tragic date in American history long before the terrorist attacks of 2001. However, because producing color episodes was very expensive, many believe the change was merely a cost saving effort. - Sugarfoot - Maverick . - Whiplash At that point, no one knew the show would be a massive hit and when it was and Hawks because a regular the little item about being married in season one was swept under the table. - Death Valley Days In its 5th season (Sept. 27, 61 to June 13, 62) Wagon Train entered the #1 position in the Nielsen ratings. Terry Wilson (1923-99) 267 episodes (1957-65). He appeared on early-'60s TV Westerns including Laramie, Have Gun Will Travel and The Rifleman before landing a regular role on the popular Wagon Train in 1961. Produced by Howard Christie, the first season theme had no lyrics. He was one of the best.. arizona motorcycle passenger age restriction Curtiu o contedo? This episode is also one of several from 1962 that highlight the stark difference between the character of Chris Hale and his predecessor Major Seth Adams. - Tombstone Territory Of course, you are right, and it is my own fault for not being a little clearer with my criticism. what did terry wilson died from march 30th 1999 what did terry wilson died from march 30th 1999. Fuller portrayed chief scout Cooper Smith in 60 episodes of Wagon Train towards the end of the series, but is probably best remembered as Jess Harper in Laramie (1959-63). Why after season 7 was in color is the following season in B&W? Only two are alive today. I shall look at them in episode total order, highest to lowest. - Zane Grey Theatre - My Friend Flicka Then I had the good fortune of going to work on Wagon Train and spent almost 24-7 with him on the set every day. passes away after he and Charlie have escaped out a back entrance, the elder - Bat Masterson He was an Appaloosa named Stormy Night. I was surprised to see how short Robert Fuller was in scenes with the other male cast members. - Destry What is particularly interesting is the fact the show cracked its top position after the series suffered a crippling setback, the death of Ward Bond on November 5, 1960. Clearly, Fuller was well-known as Dr Brackett in Emergency, but I beg to differ on how he might be remembered. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis took him at 80. Billed as Denny Scott Miller. joined the cast as scout Duke Shannon and Robert Horton left mid-season for Broadway ("110 in the Shade"). McCullough's character also traces his roots in several 1961 Hope this answers your questions, Tony. Season 4, Episode 15, "The Earl Packer Story": Season 4, Episode 16, "The Patience Miller Story": Season 4, Episode 17, "The Sam Elder Story": Season 4, Episode 18, "Weight of Command": Season 4, Episode 19, "The Prairie Story": Season 4, Episode 20, "Path of the Serpent": Season 4, Episode 21, "The Our adventure starts at the end of 'The Sam Spicer Story'. When they reverted to 60 minutes it went back to black and white. It has a totally different feel from any other Wagon Train episode that I have watched so far. His first role was a bit part in Some Came Running (1958), which was filmed in Madison, Indiana. Denny Scott Miller (born Dennis Linn Miller; April 25, 1934 September 9, 2014) was an American actor, perhaps best known for his regular role as Duke Shannon on Wagon Train, his guest-starring appearances on Gilligan's Island and Charlie's Angels, and his 1959 film role as Tarzan. The timeline of the first season is somewhat ambiguous because characters made contradictory comments about the year throughout the show's run. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. why did robert fuller leave wagon train. - Father Murphy If you want to know what it was like on the prairie watch this. I play the wagon master somewhat differently. - Spin and Marty He died in Las Vegas on September 9, 2014 at the age of 80. From the Megan Herring Collection For reasons that are not clear, the producers originally under utilized Miller, often relegating him to pointing "thataway" or answering in monosyllabic utterances. He abandoned acting to pursue an academic career at Yale University where he earned a PhD in 1977. have also trailed the elder Shannon and Wooster to the mine, and after finding Midway through the season this was abandoned in favor of an instrumental version by Stanley.