I used to watch this series when I was in high school. Probably because of my maturity level I do not remember this one, but I saw it recently on"Me TV." This episode has a depth and content to it clearly missing from this genre at the time. It is introspective and touching at several points, all without dialog, most of the time. How this experience affects our hero leaves a lingering feeling as to how it we would handle it. Fight, flight and what comes after. Only the long running series "Gun Smoke" came close to having the moral content of this particular episode. Not a superhero, Josh's interest in the decanter of brandy/bourbon is human and interesting.
8 Reviews
Wanted: Dead or Alive - The Voice of Silence
Scarecrow-8827 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Exceptional television doesn't ask McQueen to overreach, but what he does do is perform subtlety successfully. In what I can only imagine would have to be considered one of this show's all-time best episodes gives western fans their shoot-out at the end while those of us who really appreciate good characters and a developing plot worth its salt aren't disappointed, either. The plot itself provides the show's bounty hunter (McQueen) with a most unusual request: he is to be paid $100 to watch a rancher's mute, deaf daughter over a day (and possibly a night) while away to attend to "business" (what this business is, the rancher won't reveal). The rancher's name is Frank Hagen (Roy Barcroft), and his daughter is Carol (Carolyn Kearney, who has an angelic face and sweet smile). So Frank leaves while Randall (McQueen) tries to evaluate the situation and learn how to adapt to a deaf person
it is a situation he's unprepared for.
I think the key to the episode's success is the work between McQueen and Kearney, in watching how they grow comfortable with each other while learning to communicate. There's a key scene some might consider "throwaway" in regards to a "traveler" desperate for a "handout" who happens across the ranch not intending to frighten anyone. It has a purpose in how it offers the possibility of danger, the way a deaf character would notice an intruder on their property (startled due to not being able to hear the intruder but spot him in her kitchen window), and Frank's reasoning for hiring "protection". Frank's admission of a past transgression, and how associates he isn't proud of are looking "to collect" provide a reason to pit McQueen against gunfighters who don't plan to turn around and leave the ranch. How the girl gets involved due to McQueen's empty gun adds a nice bit of suspense and emphasizes her need to step in and help. Nice camera shot (close up of McQueen, with Kearney standing in the middle of her yard, in front of her home, watching a new friend leave) by director Richard Donner shows he has an artistic eye. The diary of Carol, her willingness to let Randall read from it, and how the words dwell with Randall afterward give the episode its dramatic pathos. And Donner delivers what fans expect in their shootout with how Randall must deal in three-against-one odds. Good chemistry between McQueen and Kearney is the lynchpin that holds this all together.
I think the key to the episode's success is the work between McQueen and Kearney, in watching how they grow comfortable with each other while learning to communicate. There's a key scene some might consider "throwaway" in regards to a "traveler" desperate for a "handout" who happens across the ranch not intending to frighten anyone. It has a purpose in how it offers the possibility of danger, the way a deaf character would notice an intruder on their property (startled due to not being able to hear the intruder but spot him in her kitchen window), and Frank's reasoning for hiring "protection". Frank's admission of a past transgression, and how associates he isn't proud of are looking "to collect" provide a reason to pit McQueen against gunfighters who don't plan to turn around and leave the ranch. How the girl gets involved due to McQueen's empty gun adds a nice bit of suspense and emphasizes her need to step in and help. Nice camera shot (close up of McQueen, with Kearney standing in the middle of her yard, in front of her home, watching a new friend leave) by director Richard Donner shows he has an artistic eye. The diary of Carol, her willingness to let Randall read from it, and how the words dwell with Randall afterward give the episode its dramatic pathos. And Donner delivers what fans expect in their shootout with how Randall must deal in three-against-one odds. Good chemistry between McQueen and Kearney is the lynchpin that holds this all together.
Keeping It 'Original'
ccthemovieman-13 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Here's yet another totally original story in this series, which had three years of entertaining and well-written TV shows 50 years ago which are still fun to watch.
In this one, "Josh Randall" (Steve McQueen) is given a different job: just babysit, if you will, this man's deaf-mute daughter for one night while he's away. He is a loving father and doesn't want anything to happen to her. He's willing to pay Josh $100 for the night, which may be overnight and may not be.
I admit it was a bit strange Randall didn't ask the man where he was going or why he was so concerned. Did he expect trouble at the house? Well, trouble does start with a capital "T," the morning after the father arrives home, half dead from being shot. We find out the story and then witness a dramatic shootout the following morning.
All-in-all, it was another entertaining episode. Carolyn Kearney had an interesting face, and very wholesome-looking face. She played the deaf mute, "Carol Hagen." Her career was almost entirely TV shows. Meanwhile, Roy Bancroft did a nice job playing her father, "Frank Hagen.
In this one, "Josh Randall" (Steve McQueen) is given a different job: just babysit, if you will, this man's deaf-mute daughter for one night while he's away. He is a loving father and doesn't want anything to happen to her. He's willing to pay Josh $100 for the night, which may be overnight and may not be.
I admit it was a bit strange Randall didn't ask the man where he was going or why he was so concerned. Did he expect trouble at the house? Well, trouble does start with a capital "T," the morning after the father arrives home, half dead from being shot. We find out the story and then witness a dramatic shootout the following morning.
All-in-all, it was another entertaining episode. Carolyn Kearney had an interesting face, and very wholesome-looking face. She played the deaf mute, "Carol Hagen." Her career was almost entirely TV shows. Meanwhile, Roy Bancroft did a nice job playing her father, "Frank Hagen.
Wonderful episode
scamper6711 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the best episodes in the whole series, Randall takes the job of caring for a young girl who is also a deaf/mute, he is at first very uncomfortable around her which is understandable, but he is also gentle and sweet to her. My favorite part is when she allows him to read her personal thoughts from her diary, such beautiful writings that gives Josh a much clearer insight into her world of silence, and perhaps helps him listen to the world around him with more than just his ears, I know it did me, a very lovely and touching story. Even if you don't care for the series, I think you would benefit from watching this episode.
I created a world of my own, there is no need for tears...
I created a world of my own, there is no need for tears...
An excellent and unusual episode...
mcelhaney7 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is easily one of the best episodes of Wanted: Dead or Alive ever produced. Josh Randell is hired for one day to protect a girl for one day while her father is out of the house. The girl cannot speak or hear but does take care of the house. Her father returns wounded and soon follows the bad guys who aim to do more.
What makes this episode so unusual is that the condition of the girl highlights the "silent" aspects of McQueen's acting. Especially in the kitchen 'n living room scenes. Note his attention to the "bottle" on the living room table, his looks are priceless. But perhaps the most fondly remember scene is when the girl lets him read her diary.
Although my personal favorite is when Randell opens the kitchen door to investigate a potential intruder, one of the smoothest moves of stopping a door I've ever seen.
The final scene of Randell in the foreground remembering the words of the diary is expertly photographed, one of the best "shots" in the history of the series.
Richard Donner of "Superman" fame directs this episode and everyone gives a top-notch performance. One that can't be missed.
What makes this episode so unusual is that the condition of the girl highlights the "silent" aspects of McQueen's acting. Especially in the kitchen 'n living room scenes. Note his attention to the "bottle" on the living room table, his looks are priceless. But perhaps the most fondly remember scene is when the girl lets him read her diary.
Although my personal favorite is when Randell opens the kitchen door to investigate a potential intruder, one of the smoothest moves of stopping a door I've ever seen.
The final scene of Randell in the foreground remembering the words of the diary is expertly photographed, one of the best "shots" in the history of the series.
Richard Donner of "Superman" fame directs this episode and everyone gives a top-notch performance. One that can't be missed.
Perfect Gem
collings50020 January 2021
I like to watch the TV shows from the late 50s and early 60s, because every now and again you find a dazzling episode tucked amongst the standard fare. This episode is one of them. Beautifully acted, written, and directed. A perfect gem.
Most unique and enchanting episode of the series
indyrocker14 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Very amused to see that my favorite episode is the highest rated of the whole series ironicaly this episode has nothing to do with many if his other formulas repeated in the show. Josh is paid a mere $100 to look after a deaf and mute girl who although protrayed as much younger than Josh: the real life actress "Carolyn Kearney" was the same age as 30 year old Steve Mqueen! Her performance and the silent relationship with Josh showed a different side of his character it puts the bounty hunter in a position where hes not hustling to make a deal with some conniving female thus the romance is far more satisfying and sincere than any of His previous temporary bar/hotel girlfriends the silent acting is excellent and will keep you focused on a very rare look at joshes character. The elements of danger and expectations are effected by these aspects.
Missed Opportunity
Warlock7212 March 2024
This episode is very nice. Randall is asked to protect a deaf mute girl, and she is very sweet, innocent, and wholesome. Her Father (Roy Barcroft) does not explain much, and Randall is just happy to earn some money.
As Randall and the young girl (Carolyn Kearney) get to know each other without words, it is clear that they are making a connection.
Her Father returns, shot by a trio of convicts looking for his share of their loot from a crime they all committed years earlier. Seemed very unreasonable and greedy on their part.
Randall is told to take the daughter and run, but he decides to stay and fight. An excellent shootout occurs between Randall and the three thugs. The twist comes when Carolyn ends up saving Randall's life.
Now how could Randall just walk away? Married to a girl who came through when he needed her, whose Father owed him his life, what could be a better way to start a family? Even if he had not married her, I think that there should have been a second episode with Carolyn Kearney and Randall.
As Randall and the young girl (Carolyn Kearney) get to know each other without words, it is clear that they are making a connection.
Her Father returns, shot by a trio of convicts looking for his share of their loot from a crime they all committed years earlier. Seemed very unreasonable and greedy on their part.
Randall is told to take the daughter and run, but he decides to stay and fight. An excellent shootout occurs between Randall and the three thugs. The twist comes when Carolyn ends up saving Randall's life.
Now how could Randall just walk away? Married to a girl who came through when he needed her, whose Father owed him his life, what could be a better way to start a family? Even if he had not married her, I think that there should have been a second episode with Carolyn Kearney and Randall.
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