Retro : Yes, There Still Is a ‘Virginian’ : NBC TOOK CHANCE ON 90-MINUTE SHOW, AND IT PAID OFF

NBC took a gamble when the network introduced its new Western, “The Virginian,” on Sept. 19, 1962. Westerns were still a popular TV series genre, but most sagebrush sagas were either 30 minutes or an hour in length. “The Virginian” was different--it was the first 90-minute Western.

The peacock network’s gamble paid off. “The Virginian,” which was set in 1880s Wyoming Territory, endured for nine seasons on NBC and currently is seen in repeats Saturdays on the Family Channel.

“The Virginian” made a TV superstar of James Drury, who had previously held supporting roles in such films as Walt Disney’s “Pollyanna.” He was cast perfectly in the title role, a mysterious, taciturn young man who never revealed his real name. Teen heartthrob Doug McClure co-starred as the wild and reckless cowhand Trampas.

The two men worked at the sprawling Shiloh Ranch. Over the seasons, the ranch was owned by Judge Henry Garth (Lee J. Cobb, from 1962-66) and the Grainger brothers, John (Charles Bickford, 1966-67) and Clay (John McIntire, 1967-68). When the series was retitled “The Men of Shiloh” in its last season, Stewart Granger rode the range as new Shiloh owner, Col. Alan MacKenzie.

“The Virginian” was based on the classic 1902 Owen Wister novel and had previously been made into three feature films, including a 1929 version starring Gary Cooper and a 1946 Technicolor adaptation with Joel McCrea.

Ironically, the first pilot for “The Virginian” was filmed in the late 1950s with Drury and was a complete bust. And for this probable reason: The producers had decided to make the character a dandy, complete with hunting boots, tight pants and lace. The only weapon he packed was a tiny pistol.

Over the years, “The Virginian” attracted top-flight guest-stars such as Robert Redford, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. And several regulars, including Tim Matheson, David Hartman and Lee Majors, went on to bigger and better roles.

“The Virginian” airs Saturdays at noon on the Family Channel.