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Wagon Train

Wagon Train

19577
DramaWesternRodinný
Vydáno
18. 9. 1957
Země
Spojené státy
Produkce
Universal TelevisionRevue Studios
Seriál původně představoval veterána filmového doprovodného herce Warda Bonda jako vůdce vozy, později po jeho úmrtí ho nahradil John McIntire, a Roberta Hortona jako průzkumníka, který byl nahrazen podobným Robertem Fullery po roce, kdy Horton rozhodl opustit seriál. Seriál byl inspirován filmem z roku 1950 "Wagon Master", režírovaným Johnem Ford, a s Benem Johnson, Harrym Carey Jr. a Wardem Bond, a vrací se k ranému velkoformátovému epickému filmu "The Big Trail", kde John Wayne hraje a Bond v něm hrál svou první velké obrazovkou roli v podpůrné roli. Hortonské kožité oblečení jako průzkumník v první sezóně televizního seriálu je podobné Waynovu, který také hrál průzkumníka v předchozím filmu.

About

Quick guide

A 1950s Western series following a wagon train heading west across the American frontier.

Wagon Train chronicles the journeys of a large wagon convoy leaving Missouri after the Civil War, led by Major Seth Adams and scout Flint McCullough. Each episode introduces new passengers and frontier towns, offering self‑contained tales that blend romance, moral questions, and frontier justice. The series is noted for high production values, an ensemble regular cast, and frequent guest stars including Ernest Borgnine, Bette Davis, and Ronald Reagan. Over its eight‑season run the show adapted to network changes, experimented with color broadcasts, and even inspired Gene Roddenberry’s format for Star Trek. With its mix of family‑friendly drama and occasional suspense, Wagon Train remains a classic example of 1950s American Western television.

What to know

  • Premiered 1957, ran 8 seasons.
  • Starred Ward Bond, Robert Horton; later John McIntire and Robert Fuller.
  • Episodes mix self‑contained wagon‑train stories.
  • Featured notable guest stars (e.g., Ernest Borgnine, Bette Davis).
  • Transitioned from NBC to ABC and experimented with color and 90‑minute format.
  • Inspired Gene Roddenberry’s “Wagon Train to the stars” concept.
  • Budgeted $100k per episode, higher than contemporaries.
  • Show’s theme song “Wagon Train Theme” is iconic.

Watch if

Fans of classic Westerns who appreciate episodic adventures, strong characters, and a rotating lineup of notable guest stars will find Wagon Train’s frontier journey an engaging and timeless viewing experience.

Skip if

If you prefer contemporary, high‑budget shows with continuous story arcs or you’re uncomfortable with the occasional frontier violence, Wagon Train’s period style and episodic format may not appeal.

family friendlyfast pacedsuspensefuldialogue heavyintense actionlight tone
Series Overview
Wagon Train followed a large wagon convoy traveling west after the Civil War, guided by Major Seth Adams and scout Flint McCullough. Over eight seasons the show blended adventure with moral dilemmas, using a rotating cast of regulars and notable guest stars to deliver self‑contained stories set across the American frontier.
Main Characters
Major Seth Adams, played by Ward Bond then John McIntire, leads the train with authority. Flint McCullough, portrayed by Robert Horton then Robert Fuller, serves as the scout, offering youthful energy and daring. Supporting cast includes cook Charlie Wooster, Bill Hawks, and later Barnaby West, each adding depth to the wagon’s dynamics.
Episode Structure
Each episode centers on a new passenger or town, weaving adventure, romance, or moral conflict into the wagon’s journey. The format allows for a self‑contained narrative while maintaining continuity through recurring characters, making it accessible for casual viewers and binge‑watchers alike.
Guest Stars
The series boasted a star‑studded lineup, featuring Ernest Borgnine, Bette Davis, Ronald Reagan, Jane Wyman, and John Wayne in a brief cameo. Their appearances brought cinematic gravitas to the show, creating memorable moments that enhanced the wagon’s diverse passenger roster and broadened its appeal across audiences.
Production Notes
Produced by Revue Studios and later Universal Television, Wagon Train had a budget of $100,000 per episode—higher than rivals. The show shifted from NBC to ABC, experimented with color broadcasts, and expanded to 90‑minute episodes in season 7 before returning to 60‑minute black‑and‑white format.
Legacy & Influence
Wagon Train’s format of a traveling ensemble with guest stars inspired Gene Roddenberry’s ‘Wagon Train to the stars,’ shaping the structure of Star Trek. The series remains a touchstone for Western television, noted for its high production values and the way it balanced episodic storytelling with recurring character arcs.
Broadcast History
The show premiered on NBC in 1957, moving to ABC in 1962. It ran for eight seasons, airing 284 episodes. While early seasons were in black‑and‑white, the series briefly experimented with color and a 90‑minute format, showcasing its adaptability to network strategies and viewer trends.
Visual Style
Wagon Train featured expansive Western landscapes shot in San Fernando Valley, with detailed period sets and authentic costumes. The series’ visual storytelling relied on wide shots of the moving convoy and intimate close‑ups of characters, creating a dynamic contrast that highlighted both the journey’s scope and personal dramas.
Theme & Music
The original theme, composed by Henri René, set a rhythmic, hopeful tone that echoed the wagon’s steady progress. Subsequent seasons featured updated melodies, but the core musical motif remained, underscoring moments of tension or triumph and reinforcing the show’s Western atmosphere.

FAQ

41 Q&A
Who played Flint McCullough?
Robert Horton played Flint McCullough. He was a scout for the wagon train.
Who played Miss Millie?
Miss Millie was played by Ann Doran. She was a kind woman on the wagon train.
Who was the cook on the wagon train?
Charlie Wooster was the cook. He was played by Frank McGrath.
What kind of problems did the people on the wagon train face?
The people on the wagon train faced many problems. These included harsh weather, wild animals, and conflicts with other people.
Was Wagon Train in black and white or color?
Wagon Train was filmed in both black and white and color. The early seasons were in black and white, and later seasons were in color.
Did the wagon train ever reach California?
Yes, the wagon train was on a journey to California. Many episodes showed them getting closer to their destination.
Who played Barnaby Jones?
Barnaby Jones was a different TV show. Buddy Ebsen played Barnaby Jones.
What was the name of the wagon train leader?
Major Seth Adams was the leader of the wagon train. He was played by Ward Bond.
What was life like for people moving west?
Life for people moving west was very hard. They had to travel long distances with few supplies and faced many dangers.
Who played Major Seth Adams?
Ward Bond played Major Seth Adams. He was the wagon master who led the train.
What was the name of the train's doctor?
There was no single regular doctor on the wagon train. Different characters sometimes acted as medical help.
What kind of wagons did they use?
They used covered wagons, also known as prairie schooners. These were pulled by horses or oxen.
Were there any real historical events in Wagon Train?
The show was inspired by real westward expansion. Some episodes might have touched on historical events or themes.
What network was Wagon Train on?
Wagon Train first aired on NBC and later moved to ABC.
What were some popular episodes of Wagon Train?
Popular episodes often featured guest stars and dramatic storylines about the challenges of westward travel.
Who played Charlie Wooster?
Frank McGrath played Charlie Wooster. He was the cook on the wagon train.
Where did the wagon train travel to?
The wagon train was traveling from the Midwest towards California.
Who was the main character in Wagon Train?
Major Seth Adams, played by Ward Bond, was often seen as the main character as the wagon master.
Did Wagon Train have a lot of seasons?
Yes, Wagon Train ran for eight seasons. It was a very popular show.
What was the setting for Wagon Train?
The setting for Wagon Train was the American West during the 1800s, as people traveled by wagon.
Did Wagon Train have any spin-off shows?
Wagon Train did not have any official spin-off shows.
Were there any famous actors on Wagon Train?
Yes, many famous actors appeared on Wagon Train as main cast members or guest stars. These included Ward Bond and Robert Horton.
What happened at the end of Wagon Train?
The show ended without a specific final episode showing the wagon train reaching its destination. It concluded after its run on television.
What was Wagon Train about?
Wagon Train was about a group of people traveling west across America in covered wagons. It showed their journey and the challenges they faced.
How long did Wagon Train run on TV?
Wagon Train ran on television for eight years, from 1957 to 1965.
Did they encounter Native American tribes?
Yes, the wagon train often encountered Native American tribes, sometimes peacefully and sometimes with conflict.
Did new characters join the wagon train?
Yes, new characters frequently joined the wagon train, and some were regulars who traveled with the group.
What did they eat on the wagon train?
They ate food they brought with them, like flour, bacon, beans, and coffee, and sometimes hunted or foraged for food along the way.
What were the challenges of building a new life?
Challenges included finding good land, building shelter, facing harsh weather, and dealing with isolation and lack of resources.
What were the dangers of the journey?
Dangers included accidents, disease, harsh weather, animal attacks, and conflicts with people they met on the trail.
Did any characters leave the wagon train?
Yes, characters sometimes left the wagon train for various reasons, such as reaching their destination or facing difficult circumstances.
What was the music like in Wagon Train?
The show featured a memorable theme song and instrumental music that added to the mood and drama of the journey.
Did families travel together on the wagon train?
Yes, families often traveled together, facing the journey's hardships and hopes as a unit.
Did they have problems with animals?
Yes, they faced problems with animals, including wild animals that could be dangerous and their own livestock that could wander off or get injured.
Were there any love stories on Wagon Train?
Yes, love stories and romantic relationships did develop among the travelers on the wagon train.
Were there any famous guest stars on Wagon Train?
Yes, Wagon Train featured many famous guest stars who appeared in individual episodes.
What was the weather like on the trail?
The weather varied greatly, from hot, dry conditions to rain, snow, and harsh storms, presenting constant challenges.
How did they get supplies?
They brought many supplies with them, and also purchased or traded for provisions at forts and settlements along the route.
Who created Wagon Train?
Wagon Train was developed by Ward Bond and produced by Revue Studios.
Were there any outlaws or bandits on the show?
Yes, the show sometimes featured stories involving outlaws, bandits, and other dangerous individuals.
Was Wagon Train based on a book or movie?
Wagon Train was inspired by the 1950 film 'Wagon Master' and was an original television series concept.

Herci

John McIntire
John McIntire
Christopher Hale
Robert Fuller
Robert Fuller
Cooper Smith
Michael Burns
Michael Burns
Barnaby West
Frank McGrath
Frank McGrath
Charlie Wooster
Terry Wilson
Terry Wilson
Bill Hawks