Law of the Gun

Very few TV series began with such a talented cast and such a strong story, one by the still highly regarded Frank Gruber.

Rory Calhoun was an almost perfect choice for the title role: Tall, slender, darkly good-looking, and in good-enough shape physically to be able to jump off a roof himself.

His character is Bill Longley, a wandering character who, as the series promotions say, is not looking for trouble, but trouble finds him. In this first episode, trouble is represented by Kyle Richards, as played by Neville Brand, an actor who also had a long career. Here he is strong and forceful as the leader trying to stir up a lynch mob.

His target is Les Torbit, played by John Larch, another large talent. Torbit is in jail, locked up by the sheriff, excellently played by veteran, and talented, Karl Swenson.

Even a casual watching of this episode shows every player giving a solid performance. That means not only more-than-capable performers, but a good director, in this case Jerry Thorpe.

Though I barely remember seeing this series from my very young days, I felt lucky at finding Series 1, Episode 1 while looking for something else. This show is much more than nostalgic -- it is impressive. I do hope you will find and watch "Law of the Gun," the very first episode of "The Texan."