1001 Stories From the Old West

Have Gun Will Travel was a popular American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. It was the #4 show in the Nielsen ratings in its first year, and #3 for the next three years. It was one of the few television shows to spawn a successful radio version. The radio series debuted on November 23, 1958. The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter played by John Dehner on radio, who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when forced to fight, excelled. Paladin lived in the Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, where he dressed in semi-formal wear, ate gourmet food, and attended opera. In fact, many who initially met him mistook him for a dandy from the East. When working, he dressed in black, used calling cards and wore a holster which carried characteristic chess knight emblems, and carried a derringer under his belt. The knight symbol is of course in reference to his name — possibly a nickname or working name — and his occupation as a champion-for-hire. The theme song of the series refers to him as "a knight without armor." In addition, Paladin drew a parallel between his methods and the chess piece's movement: "It's a chess piece, the most versatile on the board. It can move in eight different directions, over obstacles, and it's always unexpected." Paladin was a former Army officer and a graduate of West Point. He was a polyglot, capable of speaking any foreign tongue required by the plot. He also had a thorough knowledge of ancient history and classical literature, and he exhibited a strong passion for legal principles and the rule of law.

  With the success of Dragnet in 1949-50, radio networks rushed to fill the airwaves with more realistic police procedural dramas. Tales of the Texas Rangers was one of these. Stacy Keach, Sr. was able to gain to the cooperation of the legendary Texas law enforcement agency to adapt stories from their case files. While the agency was formed in 1835, the cases adapted for radio were from between the 1920s and the late the 1940s. While programs like Dragnet and The Line Up told realistic stories in urban settings, Tales of the Texas Rangers featured stories set across the breadth and depth of the Lone Star State, which often sent Ranger Jace Person (Joel McCrea) into rural areas in Texas, including some that could only be reached on horseback. Still, like Dragnet, the series was dedicated to showing the real procedures and processes used by investigators in the field. Tales of the Texas Rangers made its way to television in 1955, starring Willard Parker as Ranger Jace Pearson and Harry Lauter as his partner Clay Morgan. Unlike the radio series, the television series was targeted towards a juvenile audience, and alternated between contemporary stories and those from the Old West. The TV series ran for fifty-two episodes, and left the air after three seasons on CBS and ABC in 1958.   NEW Enjoy 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories and The Best of Arthur Conan Doyle https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-sherlock-holmes-stories-best-sir-arthur-conan/id1534427618 Get all of our shows at one website: https://.1WWW.BESTOF1001STORIES.COM 001storiespodcast.com My email works as well for comments: [email protected] SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! https://.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated). YOUR REVIEWS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Currently beginning at 1001 Stories From the Old West- will alternate with Radio shows) (Also planned "Six Years As A Texas Ranger") for 2026 "The Oregon Trail: Sketches of Prairie and Rocky-Mountain Life" by Francis Parkman is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book chronicles the experiences and observations of the author and his companion as they embark on a significant journey across the American frontier to the Rocky Mountains, illustrating the diverse array of emigrants, traders, and Indigenous peoples they encounter along the way. The opening of the work sets the scene in St. Louis in the spring of 1846, highlighting the bustling activity as people prepare for their journeys to Oregon and California. Parkman and his friend Quincy A. Shaw board a steamboat, the Radnor, laden with supplies and passengers from varied backgrounds. The narrative captures their initial experiences on the river as they navigate the physical challenges of the Missouri and the multitude of characters around them, including traders and adventurers. As they progress, the narrative foreshadows the hardships and adventures to come, celebrating the spirit of exploration while addressing the complexities of the American frontier. To browse all shows and episodes goto www.bestof1001stories.com.  

Wyatt Earp, Jesse James,Billy the Kid, and maany others became legends of the west- this is their story! Check out all 12 1001 podcasts at www.bestof1001stories.com

A special presentation for our fans at 1001 Stories From The Old West- this is a deep dive story on the gunfighters of the old west I did about 7 years ago. Its always been one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy it and share it with others. In part one we talk about Bat Masterson, Bill Tilghman, Bass Reeves, Clay Allison, Mysterious Dave Mather, and many other legends.  Check out our new website at www.bestof1001stories.com for all our episodes on 12 1001 podcasts. Stay tuned WED for part 2!