DICK POWELL'S ZANE GREY THEATRE: LONESOME ROAD (TV)
Summary
One in this western anthology series hosted by Dick Powell, based on the works of Zane Grey. In this episode, one Wes Cooper visits the grave of his pal Paddy Burke, who was apparently gunned down by the hot-headed local lawman, Marshal Ben Clark. In town, saloon owner Lawson tries to oust Clark from his establishment, but Clark furiously declares himself to be the highest authority in town and refuses. Singer Peggy explains to Cooper that Clark "cleaned up the town" because going somewhat power-mad and antagonizing the locals, and Clark angrily complains to his dog about their lack of appreciation, deciding that he will leave town – after making one last attempt for Peg's hand.
At the saloon, Lawson and bartender Frank agree that it's "just a question of time" to see who will finally stand up to Clark, noting that he's already killed a few innocent people, including Paddy Burke. Clark assures Peg that he intends to change his ways, but young Russell Cadwallady then arrives, explaining that he wishes to meet the "famous killer" Clark. Lawson and Frank warn Cadwallady, who is armed, against possibly angering the tempestuous marshal, and Clark, apparently reconsidering his desire to leave town, spontaneously proposes to Peggy – but she refuses, revealing that he murdered her Swedish beau some time ago just for the sake of killing. Clark grows angry at her rejection, and tempers mount in the saloon until a gunfight breaks out, leaving Clark dead. Satisfied, Cooper bids a final farewell to Burke. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:25:21
- COLOR/B&W: B&W
- CATALOG ID: B:60570
- GENRE: Drama, western
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, western; Drama, action/adventure; Murder
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV series, 1956-1961
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Hal Hudson … Producer
- Harold Medford … Associate Producer
- Sam Peckinpah … Director, Writer
- Jack Curtis … Writer
- Joseph Mullendore … Music by
- Edmond O'Brien … Cast, Marshal Ben Clark
- Tom Gilson … Cast, Wes Cooper
- Tol Avery … Cast, Lawson
- Dee Pollock … Cast, Russell Cadwallady
- Howard Caine … Cast, Frank the Bartender
- Rita Lynn … Cast, Peggy