Have Gun Will Travel Christmas Episode: A Look Back at the Classic TV Special
Have Gun – Will Travel Christmas Episode: A Holiday Tradition for Western Fans
For over 60 years, the classic western TV series “Have Gun – Will Travel” has been a holiday tradition for fans of the genre. The show’s Christmas episode, “The Christmas Gift,” first aired in 1958 and has been repeated every year since.
Set in the Old West town of Laramie, Wyoming, “The Christmas Gift” tells the story of Paladin (Richard Boone), a bounty hunter who is hired by a wealthy rancher to find his missing son. Along the way, Paladin encounters a variety of colorful characters, including a beautiful saloon singer, a ruthless outlaw, and a young boy who is searching for his father.
“The Christmas Gift” is a heartwarming story about love, loss, and redemption. It is also a reminder that even in the harshest of times, there is always hope.
In this article, we will take a closer look at “The Christmas Gift” and explore why it has become such a beloved holiday tradition. We will also discuss the show’s impact on the Western genre and its legacy as one of the most popular TV westerns of all time.
| Episode | Airdate | Title |
|—|—|—|
| Season 2, Episode 10 | December 25, 1958 | “The Christmas Gift” |
| Season 3, Episode 13 | December 25, 1959 | “The Christmas Story” |
| Season 4, Episode 12 | December 25, 1960 | “The Christmas Carol” |
Overview
The Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode, “The Christmas Gift,” first aired on December 25, 1958. It is the only episode of the series to be set during the Christmas season. The episode follows Paladin (Richard Boone) as he helps a young boy find a Christmas gift for his mother.
The episode is significant for several reasons. First, it is one of the few episodes of Have Gun Will Travel to focus on the Christmas holiday. Second, it features a young actor, Johnny Crawford, in his first major role. Third, it is a well-written and acted episode that showcases the best of the series.
The episode has received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics have praised the episode for its heartwarming story and emotional impact. Others have criticized the episode for being too sentimental and unrealistic. However, most critics agree that “The Christmas Gift” is a well-made episode that is a worthy addition to the Have Gun Will Travel series.
Plot
The episode begins with Paladin riding his horse into a small town on Christmas Eve. He is greeted by a young boy named Johnny, who tells him that his mother is very sick and that he needs a Christmas gift for her. Paladin agrees to help Johnny find a gift, and the two of them set off on a journey.
Paladin and Johnny travel to several different towns, looking for a gift that will make Johnny’s mother happy. They eventually find a beautiful music box, which Johnny believes is the perfect gift. However, the music box is very expensive, and Johnny does not have enough money to buy it.
Paladin offers to buy the music box for Johnny, but Johnny refuses. He says that he wants to earn the money himself. Paladin is impressed by Johnny’s determination, and he agrees to help him find a way to earn the money.
Paladin and Johnny work together to find odd jobs around town. They earn enough money to buy the music box, and they deliver it to Johnny’s mother on Christmas Eve. Johnny’s mother is overjoyed with the gift, and she thanks Paladin for his help.
The episode ends with Paladin riding away from the town, reflecting on the importance of family and Christmas.
Analysis
The Christmas Gift” is a well-written and acted episode that showcases the best of the Have Gun Will Travel series. The episode is heartwarming and emotional, and it features a strong performance by Johnny Crawford. The episode also explores the themes of family, love, and sacrifice.
The episode is significant for several reasons. First, it is one of the few episodes of Have Gun Will Travel to focus on the Christmas holiday. Second, it features a young actor, Johnny Crawford, in his first major role. Third, it is a well-made and acted episode that showcases the best of the series.
The episode has received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics have praised the episode for its heartwarming story and emotional impact. Others have criticized the episode for being too sentimental and unrealistic. However, most critics agree that “The Christmas Gift” is a well-made episode that is a worthy addition to the Have Gun Will Travel series.
Themes
The Christmas Gift” explores several themes, including family, love, and sacrifice.
The theme of family is explored through the relationship between Johnny and his mother. Johnny loves his mother very much, and he is willing to do anything to make her happy. His mother is also very loving and supportive of Johnny. The relationship between Johnny and his mother is a beautiful example of the power of family.
The theme of love is explored through the relationship between Paladin and Johnny. Paladin is a kind and compassionate man, and he loves Johnny like a son. Johnny also loves Paladin, and he looks up to him as a role model. The relationship between Paladin and Johnny is a beautiful example of the power of love.
The theme of sacrifice is explored through Paladin’s willingness to help Johnny find a Christmas gift for his mother. Paladin could have easily bought the music box for Johnny himself, but he instead chooses to help Johnny earn the money himself. Paladin’s sacrifice is a beautiful example of the power of sacrifice.
The Christmas Gift” is a heartwarming and emotional episode that showcases the best of the Have Gun Will Travel series. The episode is significant for several reasons, including its focus on the Christmas holiday, its feature of a young actor in his first major role, and its well-written and acted script. The episode explores several themes, including family, love, and sacrifice. The episode is a worthy addition to the Have Gun Will Travel series.
3.Characters
The major characters in the episode “Have Gun, Will Travel Christmas” are Paladin (Richard Boone), Samuel Clemens (Walter Brennan), and Holiday (Joan Blondell).
- Paladin is a gunfighter who travels the Old West, helping those in need. He is a skilled fighter and a quick-witted conversationalist.
- Clemens is a former slave who has become a successful author. He is a wise and compassionate man, and he provides Paladin with much-needed guidance.
- Holiday is a young woman who is searching for her father. She is resourceful and determined, and she proves to be a valuable asset to Paladin and Clemens.
The characters in this episode develop in a number of ways. Paladin learns from Clemens about the importance of compassion and understanding. Clemens learns from Paladin about the importance of courage and strength. Holiday learns from both men about the importance of self-reliance and determination.
The relationships between the characters in this episode are complex and nuanced. Paladin and Clemens are initially wary of each other, but they eventually learn to trust and respect each other. Paladin and Holiday develop a romantic relationship, but their relationship is tested by the challenges they face. Clemens and Holiday form a bond of friendship, and they help each other to find their way in the world.
4.Production
The episode “Have Gun, Will Travel Christmas” was produced by CBS Television. It was directed by Robert Butler and written by John McGreevey. The episode was filmed in the early 1960s, and it aired on December 25, 1960.
The episode was produced using a variety of technical techniques. The episode was shot on film, and it was edited using traditional film editing techniques. The episode also featured a number of special effects, such as the use of miniatures and rear projection.
The episode was produced in the context of the Cold War. The episode reflects the cultural anxieties of the time, such as the fear of nuclear war and the threat of communism. The episode also celebrates the American values of individualism and self-reliance.
The episode “Have Gun, Will Travel Christmas” is a classic example of American television. The episode features strong characters, complex relationships, and a compelling story. The episode is also a valuable historical document, as it reflects the cultural anxieties of the Cold War era.
Q: What is the name of the Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode?
A: The Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode is titled “The Christmas Gift.”
Q: When was the Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode first aired?
A: The Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode was first aired on December 25, 1958.
Q: Who wrote the Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode?
A: The Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode was written by John Meston.
Q: Who directed the Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode?
A: The Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode was directed by Robert Stevens.
Q: What is the plot of the Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode?
A: The Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode tells the story of Paladin (Richard Boone) helping a young boy (Johnny Whitaker) find a Christmas gift for his mother.
Q: What are some of the memorable moments from the Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode?
A: Some of the memorable moments from the Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode include Paladin giving the young boy a gift, Paladin singing “Silent Night,” and Paladin riding off into the sunset.
Q: What is the significance of the Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode?
A: The Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode is significant because it is a heartwarming and uplifting story that captures the spirit of the holiday season.
the Have Gun Will Travel Christmas episode is a classic example of the show’s unique blend of Western adventure and holiday cheer. The episode features all of the show’s signature elements, including Paladin’s quick wit, his unwavering sense of justice, and his willingness to help those in need. The episode also offers a heartwarming reminder of the importance of family and friendship during the holiday season. Whether you’re a fan of Have Gun Will Travel or just looking for a good holiday story, the Christmas episode is sure to please.