Known everywhere as the quintessential American cultural identity, Westerns filled small screens across the country night after night and were some of the most successful television shows in history. Fess Parker's portrayal of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett channeled the bravery, independence, honesty, and rugged individualism of a young nation - and made Walt Disney enough money to build an empire. Westerns also gave viewers James Garner, who starred in the giant television hit Maverick, where he developed the reluctant hero character that would cement his successful TV and film career. Parker and Garner tell their stories, and Linda Evans recalls how two strong female characters emerged with her onscreen interaction with Barbara Stanwyck in The Big Valley. This episode also examines the success of Robert Conrad in The Wild Wild West, the popularity of Bonanza, and the creation of the classic series Gunsmoke with James Arness - one of the longest-running television series of all time.
Producer: Boettcher/ Trinklein Television, Inc.
Production Year: 2011
Narrator: Kelsey Grammer
Discs: 1
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)
Audio Format: Stereo