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WALT DISNEY PRESENTS: THE SWAMP FOX: THE BIRTH OF THE SWAMP FOX (TV)

Summary

One in this series of family programs, presented under the umbrella title of "Walt Disney Presents," hosted by Walt Disney. This "Frontierland" episode begins the story of Colonel Francis Marion, kicking off an eight-part series focusing on the real-life Revolutionary War hero known for his exploits as "The Swamp Fox," and based on the book by Dr. Robert D. Bass. Disney tells about the patriot's early life, and how Francis earned his place in American history as "the Robin Hood of the Revolution." The story begins in the spring of 1780 as American forces were at a low in their war for independence from the British. Francis spots British troops in South Carolina and tells Sergeant Jasper that he thinks the enemy is planning a land and sea attack on Charleston. At the Charleston garrison, Francis announces that they have five hours before British troops arrive and suggests immediate evacuation. Francis finds many officers in a drunken state at a party hosted by Mr. McKellar, a man suspected by Francis of being a spy. When Mr. McKellar tries to detain him, Francis escapes, but injures his leg. Later, General Lincoln commands Francis and Major Peter Horry to take Mrs. Lincoln, as well as the governor and his wife, to safety. As enemy ships open fire, the general vows to stay and fight. On the road, Peter and Francis come upon soldiers, with Francis attempting to draw them away. The ruse works, with the British chasing Francis into the swamp, where he successfully hides. Francis rides to his brother Gabriel's farm, where he meets up with his sibling, as well as with sister-in-law Catherine and nephew, Gabe. There, Francis nurses his wounds with the help of his true love, Mary Videau. Francis warns Mary that she must choose between him and her Loyalist parents, with whom she lives. Soon, neighbor Peter comes to the farm and tells of a new proclamation calling for rebels to be put to death, including Francis. Francis takes off for Snow Island, with the troops in fast pursuit at the behest of Britain's Colonel Tarleton. Once again, Francis disappears into the swamp, after which the colonel nicknames him "the swamp fox." Gabriel is taken prisoner for abetting Francis, though young Gabe gets away and rides to Francis. "Swamp Fox" then makes a plan on how to strike the enemy, sending Sergeant Jasper on a mission to get information about Gabriel and the other prisoners' whereabouts. Sergeant Jasper gives false information to his Tory brother, inspiring Colonel Tarleton to take the "tip" and hunt for Francis in the wrong spot. As the number of Francis's men increases, they plan how to battle the approaching soldiers. On the road, a disguised Sergeant Jasper gives wrong directions to Colonel Tarleton, allowing Francis and his men to overtake them and free the prisoners. Gunfire breaks out and and the rebels are victorious. After Gabriel attaches a skunk's tail to each of the Brits, Colonel Tarleton and his men are sent to their leader to relay Francis's message that the Continental Army will never quit until achieving final victory. The program is followed by a preview for the second episode in the series: "Brother Against Brother." Includes commercials. (Series title varies: From 1954 to 1958 this series was telecast under the title "Disneyland"; from 1958 to 1961 this series was telecast under the title "Walt Disney Presents"; from 1961 to 1969 this series was telecast under the title "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color"; from 1969 to 1979 this series was telecast under the title "The Wonderful World of Walt Disney"; from 1979 to 1981 this series was telecast under the title, "Disney's Wonderful World"; and from 1997-2005 this series was telecast under the title "The Wonderful World of Disney.")

(Network varies; this series was telecast on ABC from 1954-1961, on NBC from 1961 to 1981; on CBS from 1981 to 1983; and on ABC from 1997-2005.)

Details

  • NETWORK: ABC
  • DATE: October 23, 1959 7:30 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 0:58:44
  • COLOR/B&W: B&W
  • CATALOG ID: T82:0393
  • GENRE: Drama, action/adventure
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, action/adventure
  • SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 1958-1961
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV - Commercials - Canada Dry soft drinks
    • TV - Commercials - Hills Bros. Coffee
    • TV - Commercials - Mars candy bars
    • TV - Commercials - Peter Pan peanut butter

CREDITS

  • James Pratt … Producer
  • Harry Keller … Director
  • Lewis R. Foster … Writer
  • Robert D. Bass … Based on the book by
  • William Lava … Music by
  • Lew Foster … Music by
  • Buddy Baker … Music by
  • Walt Disney … Host
  • Leslie Nielsen … Cast, Francis Marion
  • John Sutton … Cast, Banastre Tarleton
  • Joy Page … Cast, Mary Videau
  • Tim Considine … Cast, Gabe Marion
  • Dick Foran … Cast, Gabriel Marion
  • Richard Erdman … Cast, Sergeant Jasper
  • Myron Healey … Cast, Peter Horry
  • Jordan Whitfield … Cast, Oscar
  • John Alderson … Cast, Sergeant McDonald
  • Mary Field … Cast, Catherine Marion
  • Louise Beavers … Cast, Dehlia
  • Chuck Roberson … Cast, American Soldier
  • Patrick Macnee … Cast, British Captain
  • Wilson Graff … Cast, General Lincoln
  • J. Pat O'Malley (See also: Pat O'Malley) … Cast, British Sentry