I recently came across this interesting photograph of Clu Gulager and Lee J. Cobb chatting on the set of The Virginian. I wish I had discovered this earlier and included it in my book. But here it is – better late than never.
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Author: PGreen
Published work in U.S.A. for McFarland & Co. Inc. :
A History of Television’s The Virginian 1962-1971 (2006, 2009 Softcover edition)
Pete Duel : A Biography (2007, 2009 Large Print edition; Kindle edition)
Encyclopedia of Weird Westerns (2009)
Jennifer Jones : Life and Films (2011)
View all posts by PGreen
The Virginian Weblog 
Wow, Paul. How fantastic is that. Where did you come across this gem?
Tony
I first saw it being sold in an eBay store and then by a regular photo store. I believe it was Movie Market.
I loved the Virginian, when it was on weekly TV, still watch it, in the afternoon.
Why can’t they bring back some good Western shows like they used to have.
Now adays, its all ugh!sex, violent killing, its not a pleasure to watch, like it used to be.
They had really good actors than, What we need is some good WRITTERS now!!!!
Hope somebody listens to us.
Thanks, L.V.
I agree Larry. I still believe we have good actors but there is far too much violence and cynicism in many shows today. I, for one, was glad to see Deadwood cancelled as it was taking the Western genre in the wrong direction.
I don’t want the manipulative sentimentality found in many Hallmark productions either.
I agree that we are missing fine writers who understand the Western. It looks like the 1960s style of TV Western will never return. Times move on and that style of production no longer exists. There have been attempts but all have failed. “Paradise” was probably the most successful in the 1980s but I personally found it rather dull and boring at times.
What was the Virginian’s real name? I know that James Drury is the actor who played the character, but I’ve never seen an episode where “The Virginian” is called by his birth name.
We were never told his real name in the series Harold. It remains a mystery like “Shane’ and other classic Western characters with no-name.
I think the book was based on a mans life by the name of Victor Canton
Hi Ken
During the research for the Owen Wister chapter in my book I came across quite a few real-life people that Wister is said to have based the Virginian character on. I list the details over over half a dozen names and their background. The name Victor Canton was never mentioned. Would you care to tell us more about Victor Canton? Thanks.
From what I read on The Virginian’s website, even James Drury himself does not know his character’s real name. The writer’s never revealed it. This only made the show that much more mysterious.
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your book on the Virginian. It was simply fantastic and a must read for every Virginian fan. Thank your for writing it.
Thank you Anita. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
I didn’t like Lee J. Cobb, Dehner or Granger one iota. I loved John McIntire & having his real life wife Jeannette Nolan in the series was a definite plus.
Love the Virginian. Watch every week nite on Cox Cable.
Just wanted to say I also Loved Clu Gulager. He certainly is (in my humble opinion) a very fine actor and good looking. Lee J. Cobb was also a fine actor, however, he always looked as though he had a permanent grouch on his face. He was a sour looking man (again in my opinion).
Rich Little used to do an impression of Lee J. Cobb by putting a big scowl on his face. Lol.
Yes Cobb’s hangdog expression can get tiring. I just wish his character had a little more humor. He seems to carry a heavy burden.
I am yet to read your book as I have just found out about it. I am still a huge fan of “The Virginian” and in my state (in Australia) it is on 7 days a week – I record whilst at work so have lots to watch when I have time – I also am glad they took Deadwood off – I watched it once and was gutted that they dared to call it a “western”!! I found your site trying to ascertain whether there is any memorabilia from The Virginian – mainly the belt buckle Trampas always wore – with the three blue stones – I figured if it was still around and I could afford it I would very much like to purchase it – maybe someone commenting here can help me.
Hi Pip : Good to hear from an Australian fan. Memorabilia from The Virginian isn’t common. I recall seeing one of the Virginian’s red-rust colored shirts for sale and a few prop items for sale some years ago but little else. There are replica Trampas holsters for sale but not the originals as far as I know.
Hi Paul, how do I find these holsters and maybe the red dust shirt – I have tried to look up on memorabilia site but keep getting someone’s bloody handbags!!!
The Trampas replica holster is at “Legends In Leather” http://www.legendsinleather.com/descriptions/TRAMPU-1.HTML
Thank you Paul – I have emailed him for a price – this is very fast work on this site!!
I try my best Pip. 🙂
You sure do Paul – actually we have a bit of a legend footballer here in australia called Paul Green- you ever played footy?? I have just tried to order your book from Amazon (says 4 left) they say I have purchased before but I can’t remember ever purchasing from amazon so I can’t remember any passwords – usually use my horses name for all that stuff!! – I am a bit dodgy about putting my credit card details into outer space – hope they can come up with something today for me – I have my daughter in law in LA trying to source Trampas’s buckle for me – will let you know how I go.
I live in America but I’m English Pip. My niece works and lives in Melbourne. As for football (or soccer as they call it here) yes I’ve played and watch it every week on TV. No experience with the Australian Rules game though. Keep me informed about Amazon.
Ok re amazon – I don’t know much about AFL either – I am a huge rugby League fan – I go for the brisbane broncos
Why did Cobb leave the show? Was Randy Boone kin to Pat Boone?
Hi Wayne: Randy Boone isn’t related to Pat Boone. That’s a rumor that Randy has denied. Lee J. Cobb left the show because he wasn’t satisfied with it. It’s detailed in my book “A History of Television’s The Virginian” (McFarland & Co.).
Thanks Paul. I must have seen that rumor somewhere, because I believed they were related.
Betty
I loved Ryker, Clu Gulager I thought Mr. Drury said he was fired from the show. True or not? Why did he leave?
Following a contractual dispute he just moved on to other Universal projects Vickie.