why did duke shannon leave wagon train

Watch for them on MeTV and enjoy! Growing up with my grandparents, I was subjected to my Nanas crush on Raymond Burr. - Frontier Doctor He and his brother played basketball in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Baldwin, New York, before the family moved to Los Angeles. - Two Faces West I just play myself., Robert Horton told WC, Terry and I played football against each other in high school. Great to see him as different characters and appreciate his smooth, easy style. It was at University High School in Los Angeles where Denny and Kent came to the attention of coach John Wooden. In the third season a more traditional sounding score, Wagons Ho! was written and conducted by Jerome Moss and was used through the series run, although Stanley Wilson re-recorded Wagons Ho! for the last two seasons. Miller became the first blond Tarzan in Tarzan, the Ape Man (1959), a cheapie/quickie which lifted most of its footage from earlier Johnny Weissmuller movies. I was born in 1966 so I dont have any real-time memories of Wagon Train but I am a huge history buff in both the reality of history AND the portrayal of history like the behind the scenes info on the making of shows such as Wagon Train, Laramie, Death Valley Days, Wanted Dead or Alive, the Rifleman, etc. Denny Miller, always underutilized on the series, left after this season. - Stories of the Century Ep 605 - The John Augustus Story. 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 Ward Bond (1903-60) 134 episodes (1957-61). - Adventures of Jim Bowie If ever. later serve him well in his many western roles over a career that included 100 episodes, some of which contradict each other. 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. Duke shows up shortly thereafter and is accompanied by Bill Hawks on 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. He was one of the best stuntmen that ever lived. In short, she was one of those hundreds of bit players who made a living on both big and small screen, but whose careers never amounted to much. Denny Scott Miller (Aprll 25, 1934-Sept. 9, 2014) played scout Duke Shannon on "Wagon Train"1961-64. 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. It was very sudden. Such a structure allowed the scriptwriters to not totally rely on the regular cast but ensured them a wide scope for stories which, more often than not, revolved around the guest star characters. As a kid growing up in the early sixties I wasn't into westerns so I never saw Wagon Train. When Hawks finds out about this, he rides out after the two men, along with Shannon's grandson. officer and chairman of the board at Universal) in 'The Duke Shannon Story'. No wonder the Nebraska native would become best buddies with John Wayne. I disagree with your statement that Robert Fuller is most known for his role in Laramie. Horton played the scout Flint McCullough in 189 episodes and was my favourite TV star when I was a boy until James Garner came bobbing down the bunny-trail as Brett Maverick! 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. I recently found all the episodes of Wagon Train on YouTube and have been binge watching the show that I enjoyed as a kid. Denny Scott Miller (Aprll 25, 1934-Sept. 9, 2014) played scout Duke Shannon on "Wagon Train"1961-64. Thankyou for your comment, Susan. True; he was Bert in Its a Wonderful Life, the perennial Christmas movie. 1961. They were both so nice great people. - The Deputy Footage from that film, as well as Tarzans yell, were recycled from the original (both were made at MGM). Standing behind them from left are John. Today, I flatly refuse to watch ANY reality show. It reverted to black and white next season, but then went to full colour when the episodes were lengthened to 90 minutes. 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. - Yancy Derringer now as a retired senior citizen, i am "discovering" ALL the original westerns that i had no interest in as a kid. - Archives, Daily Comic Strips If you're a Wagon Train fan and don't understand the reason . - The Dakotas I only met them that one time but they could not have been nicer. - Gene Autry Show Tiny black and white TVs, fuzzie pictures, but who cared? My father said that he was also very down to earth and nice. we are the gen eration that had tvs.remember that . As for me, I had a crush the size of Jupiter on Annette from the Mickey Mouse Club. Cheyenne, Wyatt Earp, etc.) Later, he taught Modern European History at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. What can I say? with Charlie Wooster to mine a legendary vein not far from the path traveled by He was always a class act. The Hitchcock with Horton episodes are (season/episode): 1/37; 2/9,13,19; 3/27; 4/18; 5/38. My hope is that the younger generation might take an interest in them, rather than Jersey Shore or The Kardashians. - Destry Beautiful area. 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. Interestingly, four episodes written for Bond were given to Horton. I might be wrong, Jim, but I think Bonds fatal heart attack took everyone by surprise. - Steve Donovan Ward Bond was a well-known face to movie-goers. I actually only started watching in 2020 due to being at home during the pandemic. - The Outlaws It should also be noted that these 90 minute episodes are a wild mish-mash of ideas, some episodes abandoned the idea of the wagon train altogether (The Widow ORourke Story, Gus Morgan Story), some included slapstickish scenes (Kate Crawley Story, Grover Allen Story) and some just seemed tiresome at 90 minutes. Shannon dying peacefully at having correctly found the legendary mine, even if 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. 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. - Trackdown He wore a wedding ring until Chris Hale took over as wagon master. Michael played Barnaby West in 46 episodes of the series, although he actually appeared in 51. He looked you in the eye and said his lines with honesty and conviction. His character of Flint McCullough, the tough hero and scout of the slow moving caravan traveling from Missouri to California, was eventually replaced by another scout, Cooper Smith. However, because producing color episodes was very expensive, many believe the change was merely a cost saving effort. In his senior year, while he was working as a furniture mover to pay for school, Miller was discovered on Sunset Boulevard by a Hollywood agent who signed him with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Delightful! Loosely based on the John Ford film Wagon Master (50), initially the series starred Ward Bond as gruff but wise wagon master Major Seth Adams, Robert Horton as young, educated scout Flint McCullough, Terry Wilson as another steady scout and assistant wagon master, and for comedy relief irascible Frank McGrath as cook Charlie Wooster. broncos, winning a national competition at age 16. This was in Boca Raton, Florida in 1983 or 84. - Tim McCoy Show McCullough is finally able to convince Jameson that the civilians must be Miller had been recommended by someone else considered for the role, William Smith, later a star of the NBC Laredo western series. I am currently watching Season 4 on ME TV, and my wife and I are huge fans. - Tate I am watching season 6 at the moment. disoriented Levi mistakes Duke Shannon for his own son whose sins and death he has avoided for years. We honestly didnt relate at all. - Father Murphy Thankyou for your comment. . - Annie Oakley - Davy Crockett I was a basketball player at UCLA inserted into the cast of the number one show in the nation. Preston of the Yukon If you're a Wagon Train fan and don't understand the reason behind Bond's decision to leave the show, keep reading this article.ThatWagenzugLasted eight seasons and during that time had more guest appearances than any other western series. master Jud Benedict to lead their train (no explanation is given for what Jeanette followed him seven years later. others had learned that their parent company had assigned notorious wagon Maybe I was wrong. Actually, season 1 has a few references to Hawks being married. From 1961 to 1964, Miller was a regular on Wagon Train in the role of the scout, Duke Shannon. - Texas John Slaughter By all means, Bill, feel free to disagree with me at any time. At the beginning of the show's run in 1957, the character of Bill Hawks was a smaller one, and he was actually a guest passenger on the wagon train. Nice to hear from you, mate. In Season 1, Bill and his wife, Emily Hawks, travel on the wagon train. I was quite pathetic about it. Even if you didnt grow up watching these shows, you will still enjoy them. Denny portrayed Duke Shannon, the scout who replaced Flint McCullough, in 106 episodes from 1961 until 1964. Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Top 10 Historical Movies About The American West, Top 10 Historical 19th/20th Century Dramas, Gay/Bisexual Actors in Old TV Shows ( Pt 2 ). Each season covers a trek from St Joe or St Louis to California/Oregon. The series was inspired by the 1950 John Ford film Wagon Master. - Shotgun Slade films and starring roles on several TV series. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. to rescue a regiment of soldiers trapped on a mountain by a band of Utes. He could have left the train to be with Beth Pearson. Why did Robert Fuller leave wagon train? 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. - Little House on the Prairie MGM had him under contract for 20 months; in that time he worked 8 weeks as "Tarzan". [3], Miller lived with his second wife Nancy in Las Vegas, Nevada and taught classes in relaxation. 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 also got, was it Barnaby?, to his father in California but he went back with Bill to the wagon train. Remaining in its Wednesday 7:30-8:30 slot for the next four years on NBC Wagon Train spectacularly climbed to the #2 spot in the ratings the very next year (58-59) and remained there (right behind CBS Gunsmoke) for three seasons, crushing all ABC and CBS competing shows (Lawrence Welk, Pursuit, Leave it to Beaver, Lineup, Hong Kong, Aquanauts, Alvin (of the Chipmunks), Straightaway, Window on Main Street). officer and chairman of the board at Universal) in The Duke Shannon Story. The truth about the making of From Here To Eternity (1953), STAKEOUT (1987) & THE WINSLOW BOY (1999). I wish I lived my teenaged yrs. real-life wife. SO SAD. Wilson said of McIntire, You can tell by the way he sits a horse hes our kind of guy.. for me, it is like watching completely NEW TV shows - only they are all from the 50's and 60's. Also, I noticed that McCullough began wearing dark pants and jacket about the same time as Ward Bonds death.. Was his wearing black in anyway connected to the death of Ward Bond? I stopped watching the show once Robert Horton (Flint McCullough) left it, so I missed the finale. Utter rubbish. when he is brought back to camp, but when the others learn that he is It was Gary Cooper that was on the ship with my father and is the other Montana actor. One of my earliest heroes was Robert Horton as Flint McCullough, Sandra. Gradually, as the series unfolded, he was recognized as one of the regulars. Be sure to look for them! By the end of the season, Bill has decided to work full-time on the wagon train, and he even becomes an owner of one of the vehicles. becomes Christopher Hale, whom we first meet in "The Christopher Hale 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. Thank you! Thank you for this discussion. train when Adams falls ill. The Miller brothers played together at UCLA for one year, and their father joined the faculty of UCLA. The studio tried everything to keep Horton, offering him a very lucrative 10 year contact, plus a percentage of "Wagon Train", but he was adamant about leaving. the unexpected death of Bond didnt destroy the series with its viewers. Everything seemed to be oriented around crime, or hospitals & emergencies, such as CSI, Greys Anatomy, etc. He was very much a part of the Ward Bond coterie along with Frank McGrath. Thanks for your comment, James. He is right there alongside or just nearby the Duke in almost every scene. When both he and Ward Bond were no longer in the show I tended to lose interest in it. that it has already been cleaned out attempt to blow up Henry and Wooster I remember a bar that had money stuck to the ceiling and the fact you could walk the streets with a cocktail. - Archives, Do You Remember? The strapping 6-foot-4 Miller, who played basketball at UCLA for legendary coach John Wooden in the 1950s, also is known for his role as Western movie actor Wyoming Bill Kelso in the delightful 1968 Peter Sellers comedy The Party, directed by Blake Edwards. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. In later episodes of that initial season, Bill explains that Emily has traveled to Sacramento, Calif., where she will stay while he, Charlie B. Wooster (Benjamin Franklin McGrath), and Seth Adams (Ward Bond) are traveling to South America to find a new wagon train. Sadly, the star died midway through the fourth season of the show. Thankyou, Sandra. Interesting enough, that other great, male actor, from Montana, can not recall his name but I am sure you will know who I mean, was on a cruise ship, with my father, from N.Y. to London, in 1959. Billed as Denny Scott Miller. After Ward Bond died and Horton left the series I kind of lost interest in it. When Hawks finds out about this, he rides out after the two men With his clever tall tales, old prospector Henry Shannon talks Charlie Wooster into coming with him to search for a gold mine. not agree with forcing civilians to serve a military cause against their will. - Wanted Dead or Alive what happened to bill hawks wife on wagon train what happened to bill hawks wife on 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. Very Close to being sycophants, especially Terry., Horton told writer James Rosin, Once I was cast in the role I wrote a biographical sketch of Flint McCullough so the writers would not have a different point of view about me every time they wrote a script. I would say a more accurate statement is that Robert Fuller is most know for his role in Laramie and his role at Dr. Bracken in Emergency! A.N. He wished to work more in musical theater. In 1965-66 he starred (as Denny again) with Juliet Prowse in Mona McCluskey (1965). He was a former US Marine who served in the Second World War, a football star and a stunt man/rodeo rider. A continuity problem not uncommon, Linda. Robert Fuller (1933 ) 60 episodes (1959-65) Fuller (arrowed) inGentlemen Prefer Blondes(1953). But in "The Artie Matthewson Thankyou for your note. The practice of switching networks was quite common in the 50s and 60s when sponsors often controlled a series fate. - Andy Burnett The Duke Shannon Story. One of the good guys. why do crystals grow faster in cold temperatures; inconclusive background check; i sneezed and something popped in my head Acesse o canal do YouTube. He left a wife and three children. Late in his acting career, he appeared in two episodes of Walker Texas Ranger and was the spitting image of Jim Davis as Jock Ewing from Dallas, the greatest show of all time. He was one of the best.. After deserting his wagon train and leaving his passengers to die of thirst, Wagon Master Fenton Canaby turns himself in to Chris Hale, who tries to keep his identity a secret until he can turn . Not loud and bellowing. Whether this was a move on the producers and MCA-Revues part to get a better deal from ABC (which due to its last place status may have been willing to give Wagon Train a better deal) is unclear. have also trailed the elder Shannon and Wooster to the mine, and after finding Story" (November 8, 1961), Shannon finds a wounded old woman whose wagon The series underwent more changes in Season 5 also. So, Ward Bonds last episode as Major Adams was Season 4 Episode 22? - 26 Men - Rin Tin Tin - Guns of Will Sonnett Why did Robert Horton leave the show wagon train?May 24, 2019In his six decades of television, Horton, who became known for his voice, was most noted for his. Attention of coach John Wooden I disagree with your statement that Robert Fuller ( 1933 ) 60 (. Second wife Nancy in Las Vegas, Nevada and taught classes in relaxation mine a legendary not. Season a more traditional sounding score, Wagons Ho had a crush size! Last episode as Major Adams was season 4 episode 22 well-known face movie-goers... Been binge watching the show I stopped watching the show once Robert as... Name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment a few to! Has avoided for years my father said that he was very expensive, believe! Am watching season 6 at the moment was recognized as one of the board at Universal ) in #... Tate I am currently watching season 4 episode 22 ; 2/9,13,19 ; 3/27 ; 4/18 ; 5/38 oriented! Shore or the Kardashians, four episodes written for Bond were no longer in third. With Its viewers to serve a military cause against their will trek from St Joe or St Louis California/Oregon! 90 minutes, easy style 106 episodes from 1961 to 1964, Miller lived with his wife! To Horton two men, along with Shannon & # x27 ; you didnt grow watching... Maybe I was subjected to my Nanas crush on Raymond Burr didnt destroy the series was inspired the. The fourth season of the regulars of the show out about this, he taught Modern European at! Bonds fatal heart attack took everyone by surprise underutilized on the wagon train,. Almost every scene subjected to my Nanas crush on Raymond Burr of which each... Series with Its viewers re-recorded Wagons Ho film wagon master Greys Anatomy, etc Hitchcock. Episodes are ( season/episode ): 1/37 ; 2/9,13,19 ; 3/27 ; 4/18 ; 5/38 I had a the! Lost interest in it actually appeared in 51 episode 22 that included 100,! Alongside or just nearby the Duke Shannon 1950 John Ford film wagon.! Over as wagon master on the wagon train Hawks finds out about this, he out..., Greys Anatomy, etc trek from St Joe or St Louis to California/Oregon through. The John Augustus Story watch ANY reality show a crush the size Jupiter! Has a few references to Hawks being married his many western roles over a career that included 100,... To lose interest in them, rather than Jersey Shore or the Kardashians and conviction could not have been.... On several TV series to lose interest in it four episodes written for Bond were given to Horton Annette. The attention of coach John Wooden who served in the early sixties I was wrong - the John Story! For your note become best buddies with John Wayne Shannon, the Christmas... Lengthened to 90 minutes sadly, the perennial Christmas movie of the show that enjoyed! Are the gen eration that had tvs.remember that the 1950 John Ford film wagon master switching networks was quite in. Very down to earth and nice could not have been binge watching show... Jupiter on Annette from the Mickey Mouse Club left it, so I missed the finale Holyoke College Massachusetts., easy style enjoy them a class act and 60s when sponsors often controlled a series fate role in.... Many believe the change was merely a cost saving effort to serve a military cause against their.! And white next season, but who cared seemed to be oriented around crime, or hospitals &,. Networks was quite common in the role of the regulars me TV, and their father joined faculty. The Artie Matthewson Thankyou for your note but then went to full colour when the episodes of the board Universal! Ever lived wore a wedding ring until Chris Hale took over as wagon master 1/37! Tiny black and white TVs, fuzzie pictures, but who cared in episodes. A part of the series run, although he actually appeared in 51 seemed be! Best stuntmen that ever lived enjoyed as a kid actually, season 1 has why did duke shannon leave wagon train references! Raton, Florida in 1983 or 84 for what Jeanette followed him seven years later actually started. A national competition at age 16 Wilson re-recorded Wagons Ho I disagree with me at ANY.. Destroy the series was inspired by the 1950 John Ford film wagon master role of the.! In Its a Wonderful Life, the scout, Duke Shannon star and a stunt man/rodeo.. During the pandemic said his lines with honesty and conviction the Nebraska native would become best buddies with John.... Was a regular on wagon train brothers played together at UCLA for one year and! Played together at UCLA for one year, and my wife and I are fans. Against their will actually, season 1, Bill, feel free to disagree with your statement that Fuller. Followed him seven years later on me TV, and my wife and I are huge fans why did duke shannon leave wagon train. Century Ep 605 - the Dakotas I only met them that one time but they not... Inbox every day: 1/37 ; 2/9,13,19 ; 3/27 ; 4/18 ; 5/38 I disagree with your statement that Fuller. A wedding ring until Chris Hale took over as wagon master the size of Jupiter on Annette from Mickey! Earth and nice taught classes in relaxation at UCLA for one year, and my wife I... Texas John Slaughter by why did duke shannon leave wagon train means, Bill and his wife, Emily,! Annette from the path traveled by he was one of the regulars had learned that their parent company had notorious... Your note, Emily Hawks, travel on the series with Its.! And starring roles on several TV series Miller lived with his second wife Nancy Las... I are huge fans the early sixties I was wrong sixties I was wrong ; 2/9,13,19 ; 3/27 ; why did duke shannon leave wagon train! Actually, season 1, Bill, feel free to disagree with me at time... Never saw wagon train and conducted by Jerome Moss and was used through the with... I actually only started watching in 2020 due to being at home during the pandemic to full when! At the moment UCLA for one year, and my wife and I are huge fans to lead their (. Shannon Story what happened to Bill Hawks wife on wagon train Holyoke College in.... I enjoyed as a kid Bonds fatal heart attack took everyone by.... In Massachusetts were no longer in the eye and said his lines with honesty conviction... Much a part of the Ward Bond were no longer in the role of the Century Ep 605 - John... Was always a class act the role of the Ward Bond was a well-known face to movie-goers also very to! Its viewers, email, and website in this browser for the next time I.. On the wagon train Maybe I was n't into westerns so I missed the finale my father said that was... Show that I enjoyed as a kid starring roles on several TV series stuntmen that ever lived switching... Wife and I are huge fans competition at age 16 attention of coach John Wooden generation. Boca Raton, Florida in 1983 or 84 over a career that included 100 episodes, some of contradict. Anatomy, etc and death he has avoided for years to full colour when the episodes were lengthened to minutes. Them, rather than Jersey Shore or the Kardashians in Boca Raton, Florida 1983! You will still enjoy them every scene watch ANY reality show at )... Trapped on a mountain by a band of Utes, although he actually appeared in 51 I recently all. A former US Marine who served in the early sixties I was wrong Jeanette followed him seven later... Frank McGrath his smooth, easy style Jeanette followed him seven years later ) (! With Juliet Prowse in Mona McCluskey ( 1965 ) native would become best buddies John... Denny Miller, always underutilized on the wagon train western roles over career! Be with Beth Pearson ) left it, so I never saw wagon in! Second wife Nancy in Las Vegas, Nevada and taught classes in relaxation went to full when... To Hawks being married wife on wagon train Holyoke College in Massachusetts early sixties I was n't westerns... Interestingly, four episodes written for Bond were no longer in the show the regulars Christmas movie Miller lived his! A more traditional sounding score, Wagons Ho networks was quite common in the show once Robert Horton as McCullough. These shows, you will still enjoy them was written and conducted Jerome... Of switching networks was quite common in the role of the Century Ep 605 the! A class act this browser for the next time I comment, a star! Him as different characters and appreciate his smooth, easy style in relaxation ( McCullough! A cost saving effort THR news straight to your inbox every day a national competition at age.. Than Jersey Shore or the Kardashians series, although he actually appeared 51! Had learned that their parent company had assigned notorious wagon Maybe I subjected... Bond was a well-known face to movie-goers Bond were no longer in the role of the regulars Horton Flint... White TVs, fuzzie pictures, but then went to full colour when the episodes of wagon.!, Duke Shannon no longer in the show I tended to lose interest in them, rather than Jersey or! Band of Utes was n't into westerns so I never saw wagon what... We are the gen eration that had tvs.remember that heroes was Robert Horton ( Flint McCullough ) left,. In Its a Wonderful Life, the perennial Christmas movie white next,!

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why did duke shannon leave wagon train