School Days (7 Oct. 1960)

Dave has been meeting evenings with the local schoolmarm, Miss Larson, to learn how to write his name. On this night, after he leaves, she is attacked by local no-count Frank Ritchie, who ... See full summary »

Director:

André De Toth

Writers:

Robert Heverly, Sam Peckinpah (creator)

Stars:

Brian Keith, R.G. Armstrong, Margaret Field

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Brian Keith	...	Dave Blassingame
R.G. Armstrong	...	Shell Davidson
Margaret Field	...	Eleanor Larson (as Maggie Mahoney)
John Anderson	...	Leth Ritchie
Richard Rust	...	Deputy Sheriff Tyson
William Tracy	...	Doug Ritchie
Bill Quinn	...	Ted Manning
William Mims	...	Ray Huff (as Bill Mims)
Dub Taylor	...	Walt Smith
James Anderson	...	Frank Ritchie
Frank Hagney	...	Al

Storyline

Dave has been meeting evenings with the local schoolmarm, Miss Larson, to learn how to write his name. On this night, after he leaves, she is attacked by local no-count Frank Ritchie, who tries to rape her. Screaming for help, Ritchie kills her just as Dave returns and guns him down. Not yet dead, Frank is taken to the closest house by Dave, which happens to be the other two Ritchie brothers, Leth and Doug. They capture Dave and concoct a story that Dave killed the schoolmarm and Frank was murdered trying to stop him. However, Dave escapes before the law and the angry townsfolk can arrive -- thus the man hunt begins!

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Plot Keywords:

murder | school teacher

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Genres:

Action | Western

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 October 1960 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Four Star Productions, Free Star-Winchester

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[instead of chewing on the ropes that hogtie Dave, his dog Brown climbs on a table to eat a steak]
Dave Blassingame: I sure hope you enjoyed that, Brown, 'cause it's gonna be your last meal off me. You're gonna make a beautiful saddle blanket for somebody. You go ahead and eat it - every bit of it - 'cause you ain't gonna live long enough to digest it. Man's best friend...

User Reviews

Let's Hang Somebody, Anybody

Perhaps the most powerful drama of the series. Dave's desire to learn to write lands him in a mountain of trouble. Unusually strong cast lends credibility to lynch mob plot-- especially, RG Armstrong whose forceful personality and hulking presence could command a screen like no other. Just the thought of him leading a posse is enough send an audience running for cover. Also featured is that very fine actor John Anderson, an authoritative presence in his own right-- appearing here as a no-account local scum.

Can't help but notice the episode was directed by Andre de Toth, the perfect overseer for a story that emphasizes rivalry, treachery, and shifting alliances. I expect Peckinpah went out of his way to hire him for this episode, the success of which is largely due to the director's unflinchingly sardonic view of human nature. My one complaint: did they have to make the schoolmarm so sweet and pretty. She just doesn't fit.

Best line-- "Arf! Arf!", Brown's friendly comment on the passing posse, just enough to get their attention and send Dave to the hangman's noose. Thanks a lot, Brown. Also notable for apparent jape at Lassie series. Brown dives through window to save Dave, only to find the uneaten dinners on the table more inviting. Dave's response, "You better enjoy it, cause it's your last meal." Yup, man's best friend.

Particularly effective entry, with very fitting conclusion.