Have Gun Will Travel: Three Bells to Perdido

Have Gun – Will Travel: Three Bells to Perdido?

“Three Bells to Perdido” is the 11th episode of the first season of the American Western television series Have Gun – Will Travel. It originally aired on CBS on November 24, 1957. The episode was written by John Meston and directed by Charles Marquis Warren. In the episode, Paladin (Richard Boone) is hired by a young woman named Laura (Diana Douglas) to find her father, who has been missing for several months. Paladin’s investigation leads him to a small town called Perdido, where he discovers that Laura’s father is being held prisoner by a ruthless outlaw named Frank Harlan (Lee Marvin).

“Three Bells to Perdido” is a classic example of the kind of stories that Have Gun – Will Travel was known for. It is a well-written, suspenseful, and action-packed episode that features some of the best performances in the series. The episode also features some beautiful cinematography, including some stunning shots of the desert landscape.

If you are a fan of Westerns or of Have Gun – Will Travel, then “Three Bells to Perdido” is an episode that you definitely need to see. It is a classic episode that is sure to please fans of the genre.

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Episode	Original Air Date	Synopsis
Three Bells to Perdido	October 25, 1957	Paladin and Boone are hired by a wealthy rancher to find his daughter, who has been kidnapped by a gang of outlaws.
The Man Who Wouldn’t Die	November 1, 1957	Paladin and Boone are hired by a man who claims to be a former Confederate soldier who is being hunted by a group of bounty hunters.
The Man Who Was Too Good	November 8, 1957	Paladin and Boone are hired by a man who is being blackmailed by a woman who claims to have evidence that he murdered her husband.

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Characters

Paladin is a mysterious gunfighter who travels the Old West, offering his services to those in need. He is a skilled marksman and a master of disguise. He is also a man of principle, and he always tries to do what is right, even when it is difficult.

Joshua McCabe is a wealthy rancher who hires Paladin to find his missing son, Billy Hammond. He is a good man, but he is also a proud man, and he is reluctant to ask for help.

Billy Hammond is a young man who is headstrong and rebellious. He runs away from home after a fight with his father. He is eventually kidnapped by a group of outlaws led by the Preacher.

The Kid is a young boy who is befriended by Paladin. He is a street urchin, but he is also a kind and compassionate boy. He helps Paladin in his quest to rescue Billy.

The Preacher is the leader of a group of outlaws who have kidnapped Billy. He is a ruthless and cunning man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

The Mayor is the leader of Perdido, the small town where Billy is being held captive. He is a corrupt man who is in league with the outlaws.

The Sheriff is the lawman in Perdido. He is a good man, but he is also powerless to stop the outlaws.

The Townspeople are the residents of Perdido. They are a mix of good and bad people, but they are all united in their fear of the outlaws.

Plot

Paladin is hired by Joshua McCabe to find his missing son, Billy Hammond. Paladin tracks Billy to Perdido, a small town in the desert. Paladin discovers that Billy has been kidnapped by a group of outlaws led by the Preacher. Paladin rescues Billy and helps him escape from the outlaws. Paladin returns Billy to his father, and the two of them ride away together.

Have Gun Will Travel: Three Bells to Perdido is a classic Western film starring Richard Boone as the mysterious gunfighter Paladin. The film is based on a story by Geoffrey Homes, and it was directed by Budd Boetticher. Three Bells to Perdido was released in 1960, and it was the third film in the Have Gun Will Travel series.

Have Gun Will Travel: Three Bells to Perdido is a well-made Western film with strong performances from Richard Boone and Lee Marvin. The film is a classic example of the Western genre, and it is still enjoyable to watch today.

Themes

The episode “Three Bells to Perdido” explores a number of themes that are central to the Western genre. These themes include the importance of family, the power of friendship, the value of courage, and the importance of justice.

• The importance of family is a recurring theme in Westerns. In “Three Bells to Perdido,” the importance of family is explored through the relationship between Paladin and his brother, Jake. Jake is a former outlaw who has turned his back on his family. Paladin is determined to bring Jake back to the family ranch, and he eventually succeeds. The episode shows that family is a source of strength and support, and that it is important to stay connected to one’s family, even when they have made mistakes.
• The power of friendship is another important theme in Westerns. In “Three Bells to Perdido,” Paladin’s friendship with the sheriff, Dan Troop, is essential to the success of the mission. Troop is a good man who is dedicated to his job, and he is willing to help Paladin even though he knows that it will be dangerous. The episode shows that friendship is a valuable asset, and that it can help people to overcome difficult challenges.
• The value of courage is a third important theme in Westerns. In “Three Bells to Perdido,” Paladin must demonstrate his courage in order to save his brother. He faces danger and adversity, but he never gives up. The episode shows that courage is essential for achieving success, and that it is a quality that all people should strive to possess.
• The importance of justice is a final important theme in Westerns. In “Three Bells to Perdido,” Paladin is determined to bring Jake to justice for his crimes. He believes that everyone is entitled to a fair trial, and he is willing to risk his own life to ensure that Jake receives a just punishment. The episode shows that justice is essential for a civilized society, and that it is a value that all people should uphold.

Analysis

The episode “Three Bells to Perdido” is a classic example of the Western genre. The episode features all of the elements that are typically associated with Westerns, including a strong hero, a dangerous villain, and a thrilling plot. The episode also explores some of the themes that are central to the Western genre, such as the importance of family, the power of friendship, the value of courage, and the importance of justice.

The episode is well-crafted and entertaining. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the plot is engaging and suspenseful. The episode also features some beautiful cinematography and music. Overall, “Three Bells to Perdido” is a well-crafted and entertaining episode of Western television.

The episode “Three Bells to Perdido” is a classic example of the Western genre. The episode features all of the elements that are typically associated with Westerns, including a strong hero, a dangerous villain, and a thrilling plot. The episode also explores some of the themes that are central to the Western genre, such as the importance of family, the power of friendship, the value of courage, and the importance of justice. Overall, “Three Bells to Perdido” is a well-crafted and entertaining episode of Western television.

Q: What is the plot of “Three Bells to Perdido”?

A: The episode begins with Paladin (Richard Boone) riding into Perdido, a small town in the Arizona Territory. He is met by the town sheriff, who tells him that a man named John Dekker has been murdered. Paladin agrees to help investigate the crime.

Paladin learns that Dekker was a former outlaw who had recently turned himself in to the law. He had been accused of murdering a man named George Rawlins, but the charges were dropped due to lack of evidence. Paladin suspects that Rawlins’s brother, Frank, is responsible for Dekker’s murder.

Paladin tracks down Frank Rawlins and confronts him. Frank admits to killing Dekker, but he claims that he was justified in doing so. He tells Paladin that Dekker had raped his sister, and that he had no choice but to kill him.

Paladin is sympathetic to Frank’s situation, but he tells him that he cannot allow him to go unpunished. Paladin challenges Frank to a gunfight, and Frank is killed.

Paladin leaves Perdido, knowing that he has done what is right.

Q: What are some of the themes explored in “Three Bells to Perdido”?

A: The episode explores several themes, including justice, vengeance, and the nature of evil.

The episode suggests that justice is not always served by the law. Dekker was a man who had committed a crime, but he was also a man who had turned himself in and was willing to face the consequences. Frank Rawlins, on the other hand, was a man who took the law into his own hands and killed Dekker without a trial. The episode suggests that Frank’s actions were not justified, even though he was motivated by a desire for revenge.

The episode also explores the nature of evil. Dekker was a man who had committed a crime, but he was also a man who was trying to change his life. Frank Rawlins, on the other hand, was a man who was consumed by hatred and revenge. The episode suggests that evil is not always found in the people who commit crimes, but it can also be found in the people who are driven by a desire for vengeance.

Q: What is the significance of the title “Three Bells to Perdido”?

A: The title “Three Bells to Perdido” refers to the three bells that are located in the town of Perdido. The bells are rung every day at noon, and they are said to mark the time when the town was founded. The bells are also said to be haunted by the ghosts of the people who have died in Perdido.

The title “Three Bells to Perdido” is significant because it suggests that the town is a place of mystery and danger. The bells are a reminder of the town’s past, and they are a symbol of the evil that lurks in Perdido.

Q: What is the significance of the character of Paladin?

A: Paladin is a complex and enigmatic character. He is a gunfighter, but he is also a man of honor. He is willing to use violence when necessary, but he is also willing to fight for justice. Paladin is a symbol of the American West, and he represents the best and worst of the frontier.

Have Gun Will Travel: Three Bells to Perdido is a classic episode of the western television series. It features all of the elements that made the show so popular, including action, suspense, and humor. The episode also explores the themes of loyalty, friendship, and redemption. It is a must-watch for fans of the series and westerns in general.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

• Loyalty is a central theme in the episode. Paladin is loyal to his friends, even when they make mistakes. He is also loyal to his principles, even when it means putting himself in danger.
• Friendship is another important theme. Paladin’s friendship with Clementine is tested when she makes a decision that he disagrees with. However, their friendship is ultimately stronger than their differences.
• Redemption is a third major theme. The episode explores the possibility of redemption for a man who has committed a terrible crime. Paladin believes that everyone deserves a second chance, and he helps the man to find redemption.

Have Gun Will Travel: Three Bells to Perdido is a well-written and well-acted episode that is sure to please fans of the series. It is a classic western that is still relevant today.