Biography | Virginian History | Shiloh History | Image Gallery Audiobooks | Autographed Photos | Order Online | Home HISTORY OF THE MEN FROM SHILOH
written by Paul Green
NBC - 90 minutes
September 16, 1970 - September 8, 1971
24 episodesAs Virginian fans viewed the opening title sequence of 'The Men From Shiloh' they realized the old and much loved 'ride-in' had gone forever. Jack Cole's visuals, consisting of a mixture of authentic western stills, cast photos and early seventies lower case typography served as a backdrop to Ennio Morricone's stylish theme. Not since 'The High Chaparral' had there been a more memorable title sequence to a TV Western series. Expectations for the show were high. But viewers soon became frustrated with the revamped format.
The new owner of Shiloh Ranch was Colonel Alan MacKenzie, played by Stewart Granger. His manner was formal, becoming a former Indian military academy member. He even had his own batman (John McLiam as Parker). The Virginian had grown sideburns and Trampas a moustache. Roy Tate was a newcomer to Shiloh in the form of Lee Majors, en route from the Big Valley. The feminine touch was sorely lacking.
Universal was producing a show at the time called 'The Name of the Game' in which characters rotated between episodes but rarely interacted. The producers of 'The Men From Shiloh' unwisely adopted a similar formula. The interaction between The Virginian, Trampas, the owners of Shiloh Ranch and the ranch hands in the original Virginian series was missing for a great deal of the time in The Men From Shiloh.
Stewart Granger expressed dissatisfaction. "I created the role myself and the episodes took ten days at a time to shoot. But I have to say again, I did not enjoy doing the show. I hate doing TV. It's all rush and dash and you work too many hours. It is done too quickly, so there is no quality in a show."
Despite the gruelling schedule and the new format the series did boast some good episodes. The opening episode in which Mackenzie arrives in Medicine Bow for the first time was noteable for the frosty greeting he received from The Virginian and Trampas. Both indicated it might be time to move on after nine years at Shiloh. The idea of an Englishman running a ranch wasn't to their liking. But by the episode's conclusion MacKenzie showed he had what it takes and The Virginian and Trampas had a change of heart and decided to stay.
The episode 'The
Best Man' saw Trampas travelling across the border to be best
man at his friend's wedding only to discover the bride knew nothing
about the wedding plans. The episode guest starred Desi Arnaz
and featured the song 'Take A Look Around' that re-appeared in
a later Trampas episode and even made the transistion to an episode
of 'Alias Smith and Jones'.But the series in its entirety failed to capture the hearts of the viewers and it was cancelled after one season. Mistakes were made that seemed obvious even at the time of the original broadcast. The costume design was flawed. Trampas and Roy Tate both wore costumes no self respecting cowboy would be seen dead in. The Virginian fared better but even his new outfit lacked the distinction of the original series. Characterisation was uneven. Glen A Larson's penchant for comedy was badly mis-timed when Trampas was made to appear as a fool in certain segments. In the original series Trampas had evolved from an irresponsible kid with a liking for trouble to a cowboy who would be willing to put his neck on the line for his friends.
Some commentators refer to 'The Men From Shiloh' as the final season of 'The Virginian'. I prefer to view it as a sequel. Its failure has probably as much to do with the decline of the Western genre in the seventies as the quality of the series.
Following the cancellation of 'The Men From Shiloh' James Drury made guest appearances in 'Alias Smith and Jones' and 'Ironside' and the occassional TV movie before starring in another weekly series of his own in 1974. 'Firehouse' centred around a group of firemen, with Drury in command as Captain Spike Ryerson. The 30 minute show lasted one season. Soon after he left Hollywood to pursue business interests in Texas but returned to TV in the nineties with the recurring roles of Captain Tom Price in 'Walker Texas Ranger' and Ethan Emerson in 'The Adventures Of Brisco County'. He was also re-united with Doug McClure in 'The Gambler Returns: The Luck Of The Draw' and appeared with Clu Gulager and Clint Walker in an episode of 'Kung-Fu: The Legend Continues'. His most recent appearance was as The Rider in the TNT adaptation of Owen Wister's 'The Virginian' with Bill Pullman taking the title role. It's an emotional experience for fans of the original series to hear James Drury mentioning Medicine Bow again.
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