IMDb RATING
7.6/10
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Loosely based on historical fact, the series portrays the gunslinging Wyatt Earp and his successful determination for law and order.Loosely based on historical fact, the series portrays the gunslinging Wyatt Earp and his successful determination for law and order.Loosely based on historical fact, the series portrays the gunslinging Wyatt Earp and his successful determination for law and order.
- Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys
- 2 nominations total
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While there's plenty of myth mixed in with the facts, this chronological series actually provides more historical accuracy in many of its episodes than most media treatments of Earp, excepting only the movies "Tombstone" and the 1994 "Wyatt Earp." That is especially true when it comes to specific, historical episodes in the series, such as the shooting of Dora Hand and the gunfight at the OK Corral. Hugh O'Brien is good in the title role, reflecting what many of his contemporaries described as Earp's taciturn nature. John Wayne, who met the real Wyatt while working as a set hand for John Ford, told O'Brien that he "had nailed Earp," based on his own interactions with the real lawman. There are plenty of fanciful things included as well, but given the era this series earns its reputation as one of the better early, adult westerns.
For my wife when she was a girl, Hugh O'Brien was Wyatt Earp. A cleaner better hero would be hard to find. When he finally killed someone, Wyatt was devastated and the star portrayed it beautifully. Oddly, there is some evidence this was historically accurate. No semi-professional gambling, no failed businesses, no "wives" and yet the staging of the famous Tombstone street fight was, garb apart, among the least inaccurate. Based on Stewart Lake's imaginative biography this series did for the 1950s what Lake's book did for the 1930s: cemented the Legend of Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp for as long as anyone remembers the Old West. Recently (2009) I watched the episodes contained in a boxed set of DVDs and was frankly astonished at Hugh O'Brien's portrayal of Wyatt Earp. There was an edge, a darkness to his Earp that I missed when I was young. O'Brien certainly captures the nobility that Lake's book placed to the fore but the actor also captured very subtly the coldness, the reserve, the calculating quality of the real Earp. I now, half a century after first watching "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp", have belatedly realized what a fine actor Hugh O'Brien was. Thank you, Mr O'Brien!
When TV Land recently began showing reruns of "Wyatt Earp," I had forgotten that, apparently in the early episodes, the only music heard was an a cappella male quartet. Not only did they sing the theme song, but periodically during those episodes, to augment certain special "drama," they would chime in, humming either low in the background for sentimentality, or swelling to full volume when the emotions were supposed to be at peak. The only lyrics heard were those of the theme song; otherwise, the musical accompaniment consisted entirely of that periodic humming in four-part harmony. Written out, it appeared, "mmmm-oooooo-AAAAHHHH-OOOOOHHH!!" Bypassing a full orchestra was one sure way to save a chunk of cash for the budget. Then in other, perhaps later, episodes, orchestral music replaced that humming, and the a cappella quartet only sang the theme song. I must admit that the humming contributed a rather corny element to the show.
I was a big fan of this show back when it was popular; I thought Wyatt Earp was 'the thing'. There was always plenty of action from Wyatt and Doc, and when they weren't taking care of business, Shotgun Gibbs could be counted on for some good gunplay. Two of my favorite western actors were in this one which was another reason for my interest - Myron Healy and Morgan Woodward, 2 of tinseltown's primo bad guys [who did stoop to playing good guys every now and then]. To see these two actors now I must watch some old western that might pop up on tv from time to time. I'll wager the real Wyatt wasn't a handsome, flashy dresser like O'Brien: more like an unwashed thug. Ah, Hollywood.
The corruption of politics, woman's roles, the pain, pride and conflict following the civil war, a non-drinking Marshall who thinks before he shoots - this is a gem from the 50's.
I also enjoy so many of the faces that briefly appear that also came into their own fame in coming years.
Very impressed with the scriptwriters of the show.
This review is based on the first 13 shows of the first season.
I also enjoy so many of the faces that briefly appear that also came into their own fame in coming years.
Very impressed with the scriptwriters of the show.
This review is based on the first 13 shows of the first season.
Did you know
- TriviaThis show, along with Gunsmoke (1955) helped launch a great era of the TV western. Westerns became so popular on TV that by the end of the 1950s, there would be as many as 40 Westerns in prime time.
- GoofsWhether or not Wyatt Earp owned the famous "Buntline Special" Colt Single Action Army Revolver is the subject of great debate, with little evidence proving either case. He may have had one, but there are no records or documentation available.
- ConnectionsEdited into Wyatt Earp: Return to Tombstone (1994)
- SoundtracksThe Legend Of Wyatt Earp
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Harold Adamson
Performed by The Ken Darby Singers
- How many seasons does The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp have?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime
- 30m
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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