Tag: Gary Clarke

“TV Confidential” – Interview with author Paul Green on “The Virginian”

From host Ed Robertson:  “The Virginian, a show that still has a very strong following today, particularly among female viewers. The third-longest running Western on television (nine seasons, second only to Gunsmoke and Bonanza), The Virginian was also the first 90-minute Western series produced for network television. My book A History of Television’s The Virginian: 1962-1971 not only features interviews with many of the actors and behind-the-scenes personnel of The Virginian, but shows how the series helped paved the way for the made-for-TV movie, while also playing an important role in the career of Roy Huggins.”

This show aired Oct. 16-22.

The Autry National Center : The Virginian TV Series 50th Anniversary 2012

The Virginian Television Series 50th Anniversary
Celebration at the Autry National Center

The Autry National Center in Los Angeles, California and Gene Autry Entertainment will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the ground-breaking western television program The Virginian on Saturday, September 22, 2012. The day’s events include a panel discussion with cast members, episode screenings, autograph session, and more.

The Virginian cast members scheduled to appear are James Drury, Randy Boone, Gary Clarke, Sara Lane, Diane Roter, Roberta Shore and Don Quine.

Owen Wister’s 1902 western novel The Virginian was one of the first great novels of the American West. Set in the semi-mythical town of Medicine Bow, Wyoming in the 1890’s, it chronicled the lives and relationships of the people who came west and settled the wild land. Starring James Drury in the title role, The Virginian was the first 90 minute television western, airing in prime time on NBC from 1962-1971.

Event Details

Saturday, September 22, 2012
10:00AM to 4:00PM

The Autry National Center
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
www.theautry.org

Autry Museum Members: FREE
Adults: $10
Students with current ID & Seniors (60+): $6
Children (3-12): $4
Children under 3: Free

Free with current ID for active military personnel and veterans, peace officers, and park rangers

Parking: Free

Contact: Maxine Hansen
mhansen@autry.com

The Virginian Reunion Photos – Memphis (June 2-4, 2011)

Memphis Film Festival organizer Ray Nielsen has kindly given me permission to post his photographs from the recent Virginian reunion in Memphis, Tennessee.  From left to right are : Don Quine, Gary Clarke, Roberta Shore, Randy Boone, James Drury and BarBara Luna (Doug McClure’s 2nd wife). This was the first time Don Quine had attended a Virginian reunion event.

Reflections on writing A History of Television’s The Virginian

I thought I’d share with you some of my thoughts on the people I interviewed for my book.  Personalities stand out immediately when you conduct interviews.  James Drury is a commanding personality who speaks with great authority and care for his choice of words.  Gary Clarke is a great storyteller and a funny guy.  Roberta Shore still has the girlish charm that made her so memorable as Betsy.  Randy Boone was one of my favorite interview subjects.  Genuinely down-to-earth and humble about his achievements. Sara Lane is an enthusiastic, upbeat lady who I loved to interview. 

The most knowledgable person I interviewed was without doubt Frank Price. He knows more about The Virginian than anyone alive today, having written the original format for the show and serving as executive producer.  He literally gave me months of his time and many rare behind the scenes photographs for my book.  His wife, former actress Katherine Crawford was also extremely helpful.  She provided the story behind her on set friction with James Drury on “Felicity’s Spring” and working with Doug McClure.

It was obvious Tane McClure had great love and affection for her father Doug as she told me she was looking at his framed photograph on her desk as I interviewed her.  Tane also kindly provided family photographs.  I attempted to capture the personality of the people I interview by presenting my interviews in a Q&A format.  I hope it worked.

After my book was published a few people stand out in my memory.  I’ll always remember my wife telling me James Drury was on the phone as I came from our mailbox.  He told me how much he enjoyed my book.  I thought it very kind of him to take the trouble to call me personally.  Another pleasant surprise was receiving a handwritten letter from Randy Boone saying that he actually appreciated The Virginian more after reading my book.  I’ve posted the reaction of The Virginian cast and producers in my Reviews section.

Of course there were people who didn’t respond to my attempts to interview them.  That is always out of the control of any author.  Timing is a factor. People may be unavailable because of work or family commitments or they simply might not wish to talk.  I was able to contact Sara Lane with weeks left on my deadline.  So I am always extremely thankful for the people who agree to be interviewed on any of my projects.

Writing my book on The Virginian television series was not only a challenge, but also very rewarding on a personal level in that I got to speak with many of my favorite actors, actresses and producers about my favorite television Western series.  Back when I was watching The Virginian every Friday night on BBC 1 I never imagined I would one day speak with the cast and producers and write a history of the show.

Man Without A Star = Duel at Shiloh = A Man Called Gannon

For those interested in The Virginian episode “Duel at Shiloh” (1:15) you may be interested to know it’s an adaptation of the 1955 Universal-International Western film Man Without A Star starring Kirk Douglas as Dempsey Rae.  William Campbell plays the tenderfoot Jeff Jimson.  Borden Chase and D.D. Beauchamp provided the screenplay based on the novel by Dee Linford.

Brian Keith subtitutes for Kirk Douglas and Gary Clarke for William Campbell in “Duel at Shiloh.”  The parallels are interesting to watch, with similar scenes and locations. including the shooting scene above.  Man Without A Star is recommended viewing.  Campbell tries a little too hard to be convincing as a “green” youth but Douglas is on top form

The story was adapted yet again in 1968 as A Man Called Gannon featuring Tony Franciosa in the Douglas/Keith role and Michael Sarrazin in the Campbell/Clarke role.  James Goldstone directed this inferior remake.