Post by Doris McCraw
aka Angela Raines
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| Photo (C) Doris McCraw |
I am closing in on the end of the year-long at those little-known Western TV shows. A list of previous show discussions can be found at the end of this post.
This month the show I'm focusing on is "MacKenzie's Raiders". It ran in syndication for one season much like the previous month's show. It began in October 1958 and ended in July 1959. I've read the idea for the show was the book, "Mackenzie's Raid" by Russell P. Reeder.
The premise of the show: Colonel Mackenzie receives orders from President Grant to pursue bandits across the border from the United States into Mexico to stop crime in that area of Texas. Of course, if captured across the border the government would deny all knowledge. The location: Fort Clark near Braackettville in southwest Texas in the 1870s.
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| Richard Carlson Image from Wikipedia |
The show starred Richard Carlson. Carlson, born in 1912 in Minnesota, Carlson received a master's degree in English from the University of Minnesota. He taught drama at his alma mater. He decided to pursue the craft eventually appearing on Broadway and then moved to California to continue the practice of the craft. He remained in California passing away in 1977 at the age of 65.
As a side note, there really was a Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie, 1840-1899. He was a Union officer who served in the Civil War and later in the West.
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| The real Colonel Mackenzie Photo from Wikipedia |
If you would like to check out an episode of the show, here is a link to a YouTube option:
Mackenzie's Raiders - Episode 1
For more on the real Col. Mackenzie:
An article from the Texas State Historical Society
Links from previous posts:
Doris
I've really found this series about rare TV/Film westerns fascinating, Angela. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've enjoyed it. Not only do I enjoy the research of the stars, etc. but finding and watching the shows has been a blast.
DeleteDoris
Another series that totally escaped me until you raised it. That old photo of the real Col. MacKenzie looks remarkably modern. Maybe the lack of facial hair makes him look more 20th century?
ReplyDeleteA lot of these shows didn't last long and as a result they fell under the radar. I love finding, watching, researching and sharing what I find.
DeleteThe real Mackenzie looked so young. Does make you wonder what drove him. Doris
My parents undoubtedly watched this show, but I sure don't remember it. I am, however, familiar with Col. MacKenzie as a Civil War officer and then later as a "military peace keeper' out West.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to follow up on Mackenzie's Colorado connection.
DeleteThe show is pretty good, even thought it only lasted one season, and Carlson seemed to hit the right note for the shows main character.
Doris