If you want an hour long show that features the full range of Barbara Stanwyck's acting abilities then this show is for you. I did not time the scenes but I think it would be close to say that Ms Stanwyck was in 98% of the scenes. I really only remember two scenes she was not in-- one was the beginning and the other was when we had to get Heath and Audra's face on camera per contract. Other than those two shots it was Barbara's moment to shine.
The plot of the show was that Victoria was visiting Father Andre in a near by town to deliver some medicine. Right before she got to the church an Indian (or should I say Native-American) is sick with the measles and instead of staying at the church he is going back to the tribe. However taking the sickness back will wipe out most, if not all, the tribe. Father Andre cannot stop the Indian since he also is coming down with the disease.
Victoria is being driven to the church by a local drunk named Simon Carter (James Gregory). Simon is one that does odd jobs around this town to make money to gamble and drink. He wants nothing to do with Victoria or the church.
When the two arrive at the church, Father Andre tells them of the measles outbreak and of the Indian. Of course Simon covers his mouth and heads back to town. And Victoria feels compelled to go in the desert and find the Indian before he can make it back to his tribe.
When Simon returns with help for the Father, he learns that Victoria has gone by herself in the desert. So he goes out to find her and bring her back to the church. Not to help assist in her cause, but force her back to the church so she can be of help. When he catches up to her that is when the show really takes off.
There are actually some very good scenes between Victoria and Simon. And through the interaction of the two we really see that Simon is not as bad and tough has he projects to others. In fact Victoria could have a new man in her life had it not been for getting back to Stockton.
I found this episode quite entertaining. One of my favorites from the entire 'Big Valley' series. The first one third of the show was kind of slow- but when Simon and Victoria meet in the desert the show takes off like a bullet train.