Not that much to add to the reviews above.
With fine dialogue and acting of the two main characters, the episode walks with subtlety on a thin rope, humanizing the outlaw without asserting he does not deserve his fate.
Unexpectedly it is also a rather romantic story actually, with quite sentimental heroes - both the killer whose only defining desires are to see a last time his family and to die gun in hand as he has been cursed to live, and of course the ever chivalrous Paladin, caring for a worthy though doomed roughneck not much less than for a defenseless lady.
5 Reviews
Have Gun-Will Travel: The Outlaw
Scarecrow-889 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
"What is the difference between murder and justice?"
An outlaw sentenced to hang for killing nine men, Manfred Holt (Charles Bronson! Well, someone like me gets excited about his guest spot, not that you will exactly.), is on the lam, but sworn to get even with the man who fingered him for the murders for which he was die for, is Paladin's next mission: he is to return Holt to Laramie where he is to hang from the noose until dead. But will Paladin be able to convince the sheriff, who lost good deputies to Holt and has the murderer bottled up in the Black Mountains, out of killing him? What proceeds is Paladin seeing that Holt gets to his wife and newly born infant son, settled in a little cabin in the middle of Nowhere Wyoming, with an agreement that Manfred would ride back to Laramie to his appointment with Death. Paladin's main mission is to see that Holt doesn't harm his client, the testifying witness who Manfred considers unmanly and not worthy to live.
Interesting episode has some great storytelling thanks to the performances and script. The idea of humanizing a killer who admits that his nature is to pull his gun instead of fighting with fists to settle matters with other men he just doesn't like I thought was a compelling one. It seems to say that Holt was a creature to his primitive nature, not able to control the killer instinct, such human frailty his undoing. As Paladin correctly establishes in discussions with Holt (their candor and dialogue is the foundation of this episode's quality script), he can't just live by the gun, pulling it on men who aren't as skilled in gunfighting as he is, and get away with it. There's a marvelous scene where Paladin forces Holt to stand by his own rigid brand of "manly ethics" where a man's word is unbreakable, by presenting him with a chance to pull a gun while his back is turned. I think those who claimed Chuck Bronson didn't have "fire in his belly" as an actor should see his performance here because his Holt is a fiery, intense character who wears his emotions on his sleeve, honest about his way of life and thinking, even if it's wrong-headed and destined for tragic consequences. This episode allows us to see Paladin's quick-drawing capabilities, although I like how the show points out that pulling the gun is his last possible option/resort when everything else fails to stop the inevitable. This episode's criminal is not cut-and-dry and is actually likable in some ways, but he's a killer and I don't think the viewer is ever in any doubt that Holt will force Paladin's hand; Paladin, to his credit, is also a man who stands by his word, even duping the sheriff and his posse into leaving wife, Sarah's(Peggy Stewart, plain, but gentle and loyal, even though her husband isn't deserved of her) cabin for a spell so that a man can see his family before meeting his destiny. The episode's highlight gunfight, started when a drop of water falls to ground from a well pump, isn't as much exciting as it is unfortunate: I think that is actually a credit to the script and performance of Bronson that the ending rings melancholy instead of thrills. The film's highlight may very well be when Paladin slips down a rocky cliff allowing Holt to get away if he so chooses, because it tells us a lot about Holt's character, whether his word means anything truly to this man or if it's just a load of hogwash. His explanations about living a life by the gun is presented as a true philosophy according to Holt and credibly established in Bronson's performance: he truly seems sincere that the gun is like water to quench his thirst or food to stuff his starving belly, without it he's not living.
An outlaw sentenced to hang for killing nine men, Manfred Holt (Charles Bronson! Well, someone like me gets excited about his guest spot, not that you will exactly.), is on the lam, but sworn to get even with the man who fingered him for the murders for which he was die for, is Paladin's next mission: he is to return Holt to Laramie where he is to hang from the noose until dead. But will Paladin be able to convince the sheriff, who lost good deputies to Holt and has the murderer bottled up in the Black Mountains, out of killing him? What proceeds is Paladin seeing that Holt gets to his wife and newly born infant son, settled in a little cabin in the middle of Nowhere Wyoming, with an agreement that Manfred would ride back to Laramie to his appointment with Death. Paladin's main mission is to see that Holt doesn't harm his client, the testifying witness who Manfred considers unmanly and not worthy to live.
Interesting episode has some great storytelling thanks to the performances and script. The idea of humanizing a killer who admits that his nature is to pull his gun instead of fighting with fists to settle matters with other men he just doesn't like I thought was a compelling one. It seems to say that Holt was a creature to his primitive nature, not able to control the killer instinct, such human frailty his undoing. As Paladin correctly establishes in discussions with Holt (their candor and dialogue is the foundation of this episode's quality script), he can't just live by the gun, pulling it on men who aren't as skilled in gunfighting as he is, and get away with it. There's a marvelous scene where Paladin forces Holt to stand by his own rigid brand of "manly ethics" where a man's word is unbreakable, by presenting him with a chance to pull a gun while his back is turned. I think those who claimed Chuck Bronson didn't have "fire in his belly" as an actor should see his performance here because his Holt is a fiery, intense character who wears his emotions on his sleeve, honest about his way of life and thinking, even if it's wrong-headed and destined for tragic consequences. This episode allows us to see Paladin's quick-drawing capabilities, although I like how the show points out that pulling the gun is his last possible option/resort when everything else fails to stop the inevitable. This episode's criminal is not cut-and-dry and is actually likable in some ways, but he's a killer and I don't think the viewer is ever in any doubt that Holt will force Paladin's hand; Paladin, to his credit, is also a man who stands by his word, even duping the sheriff and his posse into leaving wife, Sarah's(Peggy Stewart, plain, but gentle and loyal, even though her husband isn't deserved of her) cabin for a spell so that a man can see his family before meeting his destiny. The episode's highlight gunfight, started when a drop of water falls to ground from a well pump, isn't as much exciting as it is unfortunate: I think that is actually a credit to the script and performance of Bronson that the ending rings melancholy instead of thrills. The film's highlight may very well be when Paladin slips down a rocky cliff allowing Holt to get away if he so chooses, because it tells us a lot about Holt's character, whether his word means anything truly to this man or if it's just a load of hogwash. His explanations about living a life by the gun is presented as a true philosophy according to Holt and credibly established in Bronson's performance: he truly seems sincere that the gun is like water to quench his thirst or food to stuff his starving belly, without it he's not living.
Pretty Darn Good Episode
gordonl5629 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
HAVE GUN - WILL TRAVEL "The Outlaw" 1957
HAVE GUN – WILL TRAVEL was a Western series that ran on television between 1957 and 1963. The series was very popular and was always in the top ten of the television ratings. The series ran for a total of 225 episodes. Richard Boone headlines as "Paladin", a gun for hire, if the cause is right. Working out of San Francisco, Boone places ads in newspapers offering his services. $1,000 and he is your man. While handy with a gun or fists, he tries to settle the problem without violence. (Not very successfully as a general rule)
In this episode, the second of the series, Boone is hired by a man wanting him to capture a outlaw. The man had testified against the outlaw, Charles Bronson, in a trial in Wyoming. Bronson has since escaped and had sworn to kill the witness.
Boone is soon on Bronson's trail. He joins up with a posse who think they have Bronson cornered in a wooded box canyon. The posse is led by Grant Withers. Bronson manages to throw the posse off his track, but does not fool Boone, who soon gets the drop on him. He tells Bronson he is taking him in to Laramie and turning him into the law.
Bronson tells Boone that they are only a day's ride from the cabin where his wife, Peggy Stewart, and new born son are. Bronson agrees to behave himself if Boone will take him to the cabin. Bronson has never seen his son and wants to name him. Boone agrees to the deal.
Bronson finds it hard to keep his word about behaving, when Boone slips and take a tumble down a rock face. Bronson might be a killer, but he does keep his word. They arrive at the cabin where Sheriff Withers and a man are waiting. Boone has Bronson wait in hiding while he approaches the two men. He spins a tale of seeing Bronson some distance away being chased by other posse members. Withers and company are quickly mounted and off.
Bronson now rides in and quickly sweeps the wife, Stewart, into his arms. Boone waits outside while Bronson, Stewart and the new born spend time alone.
Bronson finally steps out of the cabin, but he is now packing iron. He has decided that he is staying. The two look at each other for a moment, then, agree to draw when the next drop of water drips from the water pump. Bronson loses. The posse now returns and Boone is told he is up for the reward. He looks at the woman, Stewart, standing over Bronson's body. The deputy agrees to see that the money makes it to her.
Bronson's performances can sometimes be a bit on the wooden side, not here though. He is quite animated as he plays the gunman with a code. Old pro, Grant Withers, handles his part with ease. The man had roles in over 200 diff films and television series.
The episode was again directed by long time western helmsman, Andrew V McLaglen.
HAVE GUN – WILL TRAVEL was a Western series that ran on television between 1957 and 1963. The series was very popular and was always in the top ten of the television ratings. The series ran for a total of 225 episodes. Richard Boone headlines as "Paladin", a gun for hire, if the cause is right. Working out of San Francisco, Boone places ads in newspapers offering his services. $1,000 and he is your man. While handy with a gun or fists, he tries to settle the problem without violence. (Not very successfully as a general rule)
In this episode, the second of the series, Boone is hired by a man wanting him to capture a outlaw. The man had testified against the outlaw, Charles Bronson, in a trial in Wyoming. Bronson has since escaped and had sworn to kill the witness.
Boone is soon on Bronson's trail. He joins up with a posse who think they have Bronson cornered in a wooded box canyon. The posse is led by Grant Withers. Bronson manages to throw the posse off his track, but does not fool Boone, who soon gets the drop on him. He tells Bronson he is taking him in to Laramie and turning him into the law.
Bronson tells Boone that they are only a day's ride from the cabin where his wife, Peggy Stewart, and new born son are. Bronson agrees to behave himself if Boone will take him to the cabin. Bronson has never seen his son and wants to name him. Boone agrees to the deal.
Bronson finds it hard to keep his word about behaving, when Boone slips and take a tumble down a rock face. Bronson might be a killer, but he does keep his word. They arrive at the cabin where Sheriff Withers and a man are waiting. Boone has Bronson wait in hiding while he approaches the two men. He spins a tale of seeing Bronson some distance away being chased by other posse members. Withers and company are quickly mounted and off.
Bronson now rides in and quickly sweeps the wife, Stewart, into his arms. Boone waits outside while Bronson, Stewart and the new born spend time alone.
Bronson finally steps out of the cabin, but he is now packing iron. He has decided that he is staying. The two look at each other for a moment, then, agree to draw when the next drop of water drips from the water pump. Bronson loses. The posse now returns and Boone is told he is up for the reward. He looks at the woman, Stewart, standing over Bronson's body. The deputy agrees to see that the money makes it to her.
Bronson's performances can sometimes be a bit on the wooden side, not here though. He is quite animated as he plays the gunman with a code. Old pro, Grant Withers, handles his part with ease. The man had roles in over 200 diff films and television series.
The episode was again directed by long time western helmsman, Andrew V McLaglen.
An Ethical Dilemma
lexyladyjax5 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Today's more sophisticated audiences may find the ending is telegraphed, but this one was unusual for its time. The question Paladin asks is 'what's the difference between justice and murder?' We learn that Paladin is a complex character rather than a shoot 'em, plant 'em gunslinger.
Paladin shows great compassion and humanity in granting the last wish of killer Manfred Holt (Bronson). But can a man change his nature?
In an interview in the book, Richard Boone: A Knight Without Armor In A Savage Land, Peggy Stewart (Sarah Holt) remembers that Bronson spoke more words to her in character than he did in person. In later years Stewart was formally introduced to Bronson by her husband and Bronson said 'hello' to her at last.
The gunfight between the two men is beautifully filmed. The timing is set for them to draw weapons when a drop of water falls from the water pump. The camera angle frames them
Wouldn't a gunfight would have been better arranged without the horses in the background, liable to be struck by stray bullets?
Paladin's Horse: Bay with crooked white blaze and two front white stockings (Curley), playing the part of Rafter
Paladin's Gear: Concha black hat, black Western button down shirt, white tie, black pants, black holster with colt, spurs, regular Western saddle
Forgot To Duck: Shot in the shoulder by Holt
Paladin Shoots: Holt
Paladin Kills: 1
Paladin Disarmed: 2
Paladin shows great compassion and humanity in granting the last wish of killer Manfred Holt (Bronson). But can a man change his nature?
In an interview in the book, Richard Boone: A Knight Without Armor In A Savage Land, Peggy Stewart (Sarah Holt) remembers that Bronson spoke more words to her in character than he did in person. In later years Stewart was formally introduced to Bronson by her husband and Bronson said 'hello' to her at last.
The gunfight between the two men is beautifully filmed. The timing is set for them to draw weapons when a drop of water falls from the water pump. The camera angle frames them
Wouldn't a gunfight would have been better arranged without the horses in the background, liable to be struck by stray bullets?
Paladin's Horse: Bay with crooked white blaze and two front white stockings (Curley), playing the part of Rafter
Paladin's Gear: Concha black hat, black Western button down shirt, white tie, black pants, black holster with colt, spurs, regular Western saddle
Forgot To Duck: Shot in the shoulder by Holt
Paladin Shoots: Holt
Paladin Kills: 1
Paladin Disarmed: 2
Death Wish
zsenorsock20 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I love seeing Charles Bronson in early roles like this. He's really quite good. In this he stars as Manfred Holt, an escaped prisoner who's been sentenced to hang, but is determined to go see his wife and newborn son before he is executed. Palladin makes a deal with him--he'll let him go see his wife and son if he gives his word he won't try and escape or give him a hard time on the way back to prison.
In addition to Bronson, Barry Cahill makes the first of his seven appearances on the series, this time as Abe Talltree. Peggy Stewart, who plays Manfred Holt's wife would also return to the series as a different character in the 1961 episode "The Brothers".
Palladin again uses his judgment, and his powers of observation as well as his gun, in the end maybe even doing Holt a favor rather than taking him back where he'll be hung from a rope.
In addition to Bronson, Barry Cahill makes the first of his seven appearances on the series, this time as Abe Talltree. Peggy Stewart, who plays Manfred Holt's wife would also return to the series as a different character in the 1961 episode "The Brothers".
Palladin again uses his judgment, and his powers of observation as well as his gun, in the end maybe even doing Holt a favor rather than taking him back where he'll be hung from a rope.
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