Post by Doris McCraw aka Angela Raines
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| Photo property of the author |
I am continuing my year-long look at TV Westerns, primarily the lesser-known shows that we may have missed, or were before some of us were born. This time I'm looking at the fringe Western, Yancy Derringer. I've written about his show before, but it bears another look.
The show was set in New Orleans at the time of reconstruction after the Civil War and ran for one season. The star is someone I spoke of in the last post, Jock (Jack) Mahoney. I confess I'm a fan. Tall, 6'4", with amazing blue eyes, and a stunt man to boot, he was a devastating combination.
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| Photo of Jock Mahoney from Find a Grave |
Some would say his portrayal of Derringer, a former Confederate soldier, captures the concept of the classic Western hero - a man of honor, quick wit, and ability to deal with danger.
The co-stars were no slouches either. Kevin Hagen as the assigned Northern administrator for New Orleans, was also tall, 6'2", and a perfect 'foil' for the antics of Derringer.
The other male co-star was X Brands, also 6'2" and a part-time stuntman. Although of European Heritage he played the part of Pahoo-Ka-Wah (Wolf Who Stands in Water), a Pawnee who never said a word, and had a shotgun as his weapon of choice. Watching Brands and Mahoney is a joy. Their chemistry s what helped make the show so fun to watch.
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| Photo of X Brands from Find a Grave |
I loved the attention to detail, and authenticity the show strived for. When I re-watch the shows I really feel like I'm in New Orleans during the reconstruction era. To me, this show is just plain fun and a testament to the Westerns of that bygone era.
Attached is a link to the first episode. Watch for the interaction between Brands and Mahoney as they're stranded on the river waiting for a boat to come along. Yancy Derringer - Season 1 Episode 1
Here's a link to last month's post. Range Rider
See you next time for another exciting adventure tale from Western TV shows I have and continue to enjoy.
Make sure to check out the other posts on this blog. The information and topics are as diverse as the stories the authors here tell.
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Doris
I'm fascinated by these series. They sound really interesting. The only regular series I saw was 'The High Chaperelle.' Sorry for spelling, I can't remember how it looks
ReplyDeleteChaparral is a fabulous show. Like you, I'm fascinated with these older shows. Doris
DeleteAnother series I definitely haven't seen. I did some research and noted that X Brands who played Pahoo was congratulated by the spokesman of the Pawnees for actually learning to speak the language in his portrayals of Native Americans. Now that's method acting Meryl Streep could be proud of.
ReplyDeleteBrands was an under rated actor in my book. I also love digging up and watching these older programs. So fun. I'm glad you are enjoying it too. Doris
ReplyDeleteYancy Derringer is currently available on Amazon Prime. I'm watching the episodes, and I'm having such a trip down memory lane. I haven't seen this show in...gosh...decades. haha The two prominant memories are the catchy, earworm-worthy theme song. I have memories of partial lyrics to the tune: Please, Yancy, oh please, Yancy, oh please come back to me..." and how dapper and debonair Yancy was. The child-me didn't understand those lyrics referred to the women who moved in and out of his life. Duh. Watching this show as a child, I certainly didn't appreciate the wit, innuendo, and humor Nor did I fully appreciate Jock Mahoney. The adult-me no longer has those deficits. hahaha This is a delightful show.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those shows you just sit back and enjoy the ride. Of course, eye-candy like Mahoney doesn't hurt. It ran for a bit on Pluto and of course it's on YouTube. Doris
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