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The Virginian

The Virginian

19626
DrámaWestern
Vydané
19. 9. 1962
Krajina
Spojené štáty
Produkcie
Universal TelevisionRevue StudiosNBC
Shiloh Ranch v Teritóriu Wyoming v 1890-tych rokoch bol postupne vlastníctvom sudca Henryho Gartha, bratov Graingerov a poručíka Alana MacKenzie. Je to prostredie pre rôzne príbehy, mnoho z nich sa zameriava viac na postavy a vzťahy než na bežný západ.

About

Quick guide

The Virginian was an NBC Western drama that aired from 1962 to 1971, focusing on life at the Shiloh Ranch in the 1890s.

Set in the 1890s Wyoming Territory, The Virginian follows the fortunes of the Shiloh Ranch, a sprawling homestead that changes hands multiple times. The show emphasizes the interactions of its residents—owners, workers, and visitors—over the sweeping landscape and the social shifts of a frontier community that remain central to the narrative. James Drury stars as the titular Virginian, the rugged but fair cowboy who becomes the unofficial guardian of Shiloh. Doug McClure portrays Trampas, a wandering hand whose loyalty earns him a permanent role. The cast also includes Lee J. Cobb as Judge Garth, the stoic judge, and Roberta Shore as Betsy Garth, his wife, each adding depth to the series. The show ran for nine seasons, producing 249 episodes from September 19, 1962, to March 24, 1971. Each season brought fresh story arcs, but the core focus on Shiloh’s inhabitants remained constant. The final season was retitled The Men From Shiloh, a nod to the new owner, Colonel Colonel MacKenzie. The series invests in nuanced character arcs: Judge Garth struggles with justice versus personal ties; Betsy Garth seeks stability amid change; Trampas evolves from a wandering hand to a trusted rancher. These layered stories create a richer, more emotionally resonant Western than most of its contemporaries. Each episode blends classic Western tropes with moral dilemmas. Themes include law versus outlaws, land disputes, family loyalty, and the struggle to maintain justice in a rapidly changing frontier. The series often frames these conflicts through the lens of its central characters, offering both action and introspection. The Virginian attracted a host of Hollywood talent, such as Bette Davis, George C. Scott, and Richard Boone. Guest appearances added depth and star power to individual episodes, elevating the series beyond a standard Western fare. These performances are remembered for their strong character portrayals. Running nearly a decade, The Virginian became one of television’s longest‑running Westerns. Its focus on character over action influenced later shows like Bonanza and Gunsmoke. The series remains a touchstone for fans of classic Western storytelling and is celebrated for its balanced blend of drama and frontier adventure.

What to know

  • A 9‑season Western that aired 1962‑1971.
  • Set in the 1890s Wyoming Territory on the Shiloh Ranch.
  • Stars James Drury as the Virginian and Doug McClure as Trampas.
  • Features recurring characters Judge Garth (Lee J. Cobb) and Betsy Garth (Roberta Shore).
  • Final season renamed The Men From Shiloh.
  • Series known for character‑driven storytelling over action.
  • Includes notable guest stars like Bette Davis and George C. Scott.
  • Aired on NBC in color, typical 60‑minute episodes.

Watch if

If you enjoy Westerns that prioritize character development, moral complexity, and a richly drawn frontier community, The Virginian offers a compelling mix of law, loyalty, and the human cost of progress.

Skip if

If you prefer fast‑paced, action‑heavy Westerns with minimal focus on relationships or political intrigue, you may find The Virginian’s deliberate pace and character emphasis less engaging.

dialogue heavymature themespolitical themespsychological elementssuspensefulslow burndark toneinvestigation heavy
Premise and Setting
Set in the 1890s Wyoming Territory, the series follows the fortunes of the Shiloh Ranch, a sprawling homestead that changes hands multiple times. The show emphasizes the interactions of its residents—owners, workers, and visitors—over the sweeping landscape and the social shifts of a frontier community that remain central to the narrative.
Main Cast and Characters
James Drury stars as the eponymous Virginian, the rugged but fair cowboy who becomes the unofficial guardian of Shiloh. Doug McClure portrays Trampas, a wandering hand whose loyalty earns him a permanent role. The cast also includes Lee J. Cobb as Judge Garth, the stoic judge, and Roberta Shore as Betsy Garth, his wife, each adding depth to the series.
Seasonal Structure
The show ran for nine seasons, producing 249 episodes from September 19, 1962, to March 24, 1971. Each season brought fresh story arcs, but the core focus on Shiloh’s inhabitants remained constant. The final season was retitled The Men From Shiloh, a nod to the new owner, Colonel Colonel MacKenzie.
Character Development
Beyond the frontier action, the series invests in nuanced character arcs. Judge Garth struggles with justice versus personal ties; Betsy Garth seeks stability amid change; Trampas evolves from a wandering hand to a trusted rancher. These layered stories create a richer, more emotionally resonant Western than most of its contemporaries.
Episode Themes
Each episode blends classic Western tropes with moral dilemmas. Themes include law versus outlaws, land disputes, family loyalty, and the struggle to maintain justice in a rapidly changing frontier. The series often frames these conflicts through the lens of its central characters, offering both action and introspection.
Guest Stars
The Virginian attracted a host of Hollywood talent, such as Bette Davis, George C. Scott, and Richard Boone. Guest appearances added depth and star power to individual episodes, elevating the series beyond a standard Western fare. These performances are remembered for their strong character portrayals.
Legacy and Influence
Running nearly a decade, The Virginian became one of television’s longest‑running Westerns. Its focus on character over action influenced later shows like Bonanza and Gunsmoke. The series remains a touchstone for fans of classic Western storytelling and is celebrated for its balanced blend of drama and frontier adventure.

FAQ

50 Q&A
Who was the judge in The Virginian?
The judge in The Virginian was Judge Garth. He was a wise and fair man who often helped solve problems on the ranch.
Who was the sheriff in The Virginian?
The sheriff in The Virginian was Sheriff Ballinger. He was a lawman who kept the peace in Medicine Bow.
What was the Virginian's real name?
The Virginian's real name was never clearly stated in the show. He was known simply as "The Virginian."
Did Randy Boone play a regular character?
Yes, Randy Boone played a regular character named Randy, who was a ranch hand.
Who was the foreman on Shiloh Ranch?
The foreman on Shiloh Ranch was named Frank. He was a loyal and hardworking man.
What was the theme song of The Virginian?
The theme song of The Virginian was an instrumental piece composed by Percy Faith.
What is The Virginian about?
The Virginian is a Western TV show about the foreman of the Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming. He deals with many problems and adventures.
Was The Virginian based on a book?
Yes, The Virginian was based on a popular novel of the same name written by Owen Wister.
Were there any spin-offs of The Virginian?
Yes, there was a spin-off of The Virginian called "Laredo."
Who sang the theme song for The Virginian?
The theme song for The Virginian was an instrumental piece and did not have a singer. It was composed by Percy Faith.
What was the name of the ranch in The Virginian?
The name of the ranch in The Virginian was Shiloh Ranch.
When did The Virginian first air?
The Virginian first aired on September 19, 1962.
What are some memorable episodes of The Virginian?
Some memorable episodes include "The Big Deal," "The Accomplice," and "Ride to Deadwood." These episodes often featured compelling stories and guest stars.
Who were the main actors in The Virginian?
The main actors in The Virginian included Lee J. Cobb as Judge Garth, Doug McClure as Trampas, and Gary Clarke as Steve Hill. Later seasons featured others like Charles Bickford and Lee Majors.
Was The Virginian filmed in color?
Yes, The Virginian was filmed in color.
How many seasons of The Virginian were there?
There were nine seasons of The Virginian.
What kind of show was The Virginian?
The Virginian was a Western drama television series.
What network was The Virginian on?
The Virginian aired on NBC.
Who was Trampas on The Virginian?
Trampas was a character on The Virginian, played by Doug McClure. He was a ranch hand at Shiloh.
What is the plot of The Virginian?
The plot of The Virginian follows the adventures of the foreman of the Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming. He faces challenges and helps maintain order.
What happened to the character of Elizabeth Grainger?
Elizabeth Grainger, played by Diane Rigg, was a schoolteacher who married the Virginian. She later died in childbirth.
Who wrote The Virginian book?
The book "The Virginian" was written by Owen Wister.
Where was The Virginian filmed?
The Virginian was primarily filmed in and around Big Sky, Montana, and in Tucson, Arizona.
What was the setting of The Virginian?
The setting of The Virginian was the Shiloh Ranch in Medicine Bow, Wyoming.
Who played the main character in The Virginian?
The main character, known as The Virginian, was played by several actors over the course of the series, but most notably by James Drury.
Who were the producers of The Virginian?
The producers of The Virginian included Frank Price, Howard Christie, and Roy Huggins.
What were the common themes explored in The Virginian?
Common themes in The Virginian included justice, loyalty, the struggle between civilization and the frontier, and the moral choices faced by its characters.
Who directed episodes of The Virginian?
Episodes of The Virginian were directed by various individuals, including Charles R. Rondeau, Don McDougall, and William F. Claxton.
How did the production of The Virginian differ from other Westerns of its time?
The Virginian differed from many Westerns by being filmed in color and having a longer running time per episode, allowing for more in-depth storytelling and character development.
Are there any reunion specials for The Virginian?
There were a few reunion movies made for The Virginian after the series ended, including 'The Virginian, 20 Years Later' and 'The Return of the Virginian'.
What is the critical reception of The Virginian?
Critical reception for The Virginian was generally positive, with praise for its acting, storytelling, and production values, though some critics noted its episodic nature.
What were the costumes like in The Virginian?
Costumes in The Virginian aimed for historical accuracy for the Western period, featuring practical clothing for ranch life, formal wear for town scenes, and distinctive attire for the main characters.
What happened to the actors after The Virginian?
Many actors from The Virginian continued successful careers in television and film, appearing in numerous other projects.
Who played the female lead for most of the series?
While The Virginian featured many female characters, there wasn't a single consistent female lead for most of the series, with roles often changing.
What historical events influenced The Virginian?
The series drew inspiration from the historical context of the American West during the late 19th century, including westward expansion, the establishment of law and order, and life on cattle ranches.
What awards did The Virginian win?
The Virginian received several Emmy nominations during its run but did not win any major awards.
Who was the original casting for The Virginian?
The original casting for The Virginian included James Drury as the Virginian, Doug McClure as Trampas, Gary Clarke as Steve Hill, and Lee J. Cobb as Sheriff Mort Corey.
What was the response to The Virginian when it first aired?
The Virginian was well-received by audiences upon its premiere, becoming a popular and long-running show.
What was the relationship between the Virginian and Trampas?
The relationship between the Virginian and Trampas was complex; they were ranch hands who often had differing viewpoints and competed, but also shared a bond of loyalty.
Did the series change its name during its run?
No, the series remained titled 'The Virginian' throughout its entire original run.
How did The Virginian end?
The Virginian concluded its original network run in 1971, with the final episode focusing on the characters dealing with various challenges on Shiloh Ranch.
What is the legacy of The Virginian?
The legacy of The Virginian lies in its pioneering role as one of the first Westerns filmed in color and its contribution to the genre with its character-driven stories.
Who composed the music for The Virginian?
The main theme music for The Virginian was composed by Percy Faith.
Did the main characters all stay until the end of The Virginian?
Not all main characters remained for the entire run of The Virginian; some actors left the series over its nine-year span.
What was the final episode of The Virginian about?
The final episode of The Virginian, titled 'The Ending,' dealt with the characters facing the potential end of Shiloh Ranch and their own futures.
What was the significance of the Virginian character?
The Virginian character, often portrayed as a moral and capable hand, represented a blend of frontier strength and thoughtful consideration, serving as a central figure of integrity.
Were there any controversies surrounding The Virginian?
While not major, some episodes touched on themes that were sensitive for the time, but no significant widespread controversies are widely documented.
Is The Virginian available on DVD or streaming?
The Virginian is available on DVD, and some seasons or episodes may be accessible through various streaming platforms.
Were there any guest stars who became famous later on The Virginian?
Yes, The Virginian featured many guest stars who later achieved significant fame, including actors like Harrison Ford and Bruce Dern.
What is the fan base like for The Virginian today?
The Virginian maintains a dedicated fan base today, appreciated for its classic Western storytelling and enduring characters.

Herci

Doug McClure
Doug McClure
Trampas
James Drury
James Drury
The "Virginian"
Lee Majors
Lee Majors
Roy Tate
Stewart Granger
Stewart Granger
Col. Alan MacKenzie