| Complete series cast summary: | |||
| Leif Erickson | ... |
Big John Cannon
(97 episodes, 1967-1971)
|
|
| Cameron Mitchell | ... |
Buck Cannon
(97 episodes, 1967-1971)
|
|
| Henry Darrow | ... |
Manolito Montoya
(97 episodes, 1967-1971)
|
|
| Linda Cristal | ... |
Victoria Cannon
(96 episodes, 1967-1971)
|
|
| Mark Slade | ... |
Billy Blue Cannon
(80 episodes, 1967-1970)
|
|
|
|
Don Collier | ... |
Sam Butler
(63 episodes, 1967-1971)
|
|
|
Robert F. Hoy | ... |
Joe Butler
(63 episodes, 1967-1971)
|
|
|
Roberto Contreras | ... |
Pedro
(61 episodes, 1967-1971)
|
The Cannon family runs the High Chaparral Ranch in the Arizona Territory in 1870s. Big John wants to establish his cattle empire despite Indian hostility. He's aided by brother Buck and son Billy Blue. When Blue's mother was killed (in the first episode) John united his family with the powerful Montoyas by marrying their daughter Victoria (whose brother Manolito now lives with them as well). Written by Ed Stephan <stephan@cc.wwu.edu>
This show is one of the best TV shows I have ever seen, and definitely the best western.
This show is ahead of it's time in many ways. I wasn't even born when this show had it's original run but saw it on re-runs during the 80's and 90's and the show still held up to modern TV shows. Where most old TV shows tend to seem a bit dated 25-30 years down the track High Chaparral is still top quality viewing. The stories are well written and the acting is quite good.
The way that the Apache aren't just portrayed as mindless savages is also a very modern outlook. If the show is ever re-run again I will make a point to watch every episode.