Off-beat first episode from the 1950's Western series. The ending's not predictable and builds some suspense as we wonder who'll win the target shooting match, McCain or Vernon. Then too, McCain and son need the prize money for down payment on their hoped for little ranch. So it's not just a question of who's the better marksman. Also, pairing the brawny, hulking Connors with small, super-clean Hopper presents quite a contrast. Then too, Hopper's a long way from his usual hairy hipster. The script's by Sam Peckinpah just getting his foot in the industry door, which likely accounts for the creative plotline. There were dozens of westerns on TV during that period. Connors, however, creates a visual contrast to the usual heroes, looking more like a villian than the usual good-looking good guys. With his gimlet eyes and etched face, he's quite a contrast to the usual heroes. And I suspect that winsome little son, Johnny Crawford, was added to soften Connors's tough guy image. Anyway, it's a nifty first entry that sets up the rest of the series, so give it a try.
Review of The Sharpshooter
