User Reviews

Found an old VHS tape at the flea market with 5 The Rebel shows that someone had recorded off their TV years ago - this show "Miz Purdy" is one of them. Nick Adams as Johnny Yuma who comes upon the bodies of two men and a woman murdered ruthlessly on their farm. He rides for help and stops at the next farm where he is held prisoner by a rifle wielding lone woman who is afraid he is one of the marauders pillaging the area. The lady is played by the always lovely Patricia Breslin who you may remember from Peyton Place but I remember from People's Choice 1950s TV show opposite talented Jackie Cooper. Always a great actress. In watching Nick Adams in these shows I've been impressed with his talent as well. Anyway, Johnny finally gets her to accept him and just in time as the marauders arrive at her farm. Sorry, can't reveal the ending, but great acting as in all The Rebel shows.

"Miz Purdy" guest stars Patricia Breslin in the title role of Elizabeth Purdy, a lone housewife whose husband is out on patrol, trying to catch up with a band of marauders who used to run with Quantrill. Johnny Yuma is also on their trail, stopping at the Purdy ranch to find no one around, until a conk on the head puts him out. Miz Purdy chains him to an anvil and takes his boots, unsure whether he's part of the murderous gang or not, until the arrival of the deadly Preacher (Ken Mayer, second of three) proves Yuma's fortitude, able to kill him with the man's own knife. It's certain the other four aren't far behind, George Tess (Jason Evers) the leader and fellow rebel, just itching to take down Johnny Yuma. Jason Evers had just changed his first name from Herb, having just starred in "The Brain That Wouldn't Die," while lovely Patricia Breslin proves herself more than a pretty face, as a pregnant wife with enough grit and moxie for two husbands (she had already retired from the screen by the time she married Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell in 1969).

This episode was very impressive because it was different in at least two ways from westerns of that period.

I have always had respect for women who played strong characters without having to diminish a man to be strong.

Ms. Purdy showed that she was capable of pulling her weight when it came to the battle.

Johnny showed realism in having to reload during the fight. Nick Adams over time shows to me to have been an underrated actor who could have had more success if he had gotten better breaks.

.Well done by all.