(Note: I am reviewing off of a "best of" DVD, have seen Episodes 1, 2, and now on to 7.)
Local businessman in Rising Springs, Arizona Joe Ridgely (Raymond Greenleaf) buys into a racehorse partnership, but cannot raise the money to insure him. Enter insurance man Ralph Courtwright (John Hubbard), who can write a 50% policy for $5000, but the partnership can only raise $4900. Dr. Baxter to the rescue with the difference, and he has veterinary expertise too when he certifies the horse. But a scam is afoot.
Greenleaf, a veteran of 1949's "All The King's Men," handles upright citizen duties. Reliable 50s-60s guest star Hubbard is the smoothie, complete with pencil mustache. Brunette beauty Virginia McGuire, whose complete acting career came and went with this outing, is the innocent caught in Hubbard's machinations. "Dragnet" stalwart Stacy Harris is an East Coast villain import.
Baxter is again a forensic sleuth, and he has shifted over to a practical buggy and team as his hero vehicle. Makes sense; you cannot carry much medical equipment in a saddlebag. And true to life that a western MD would be more nattily dressed than a standard-issue ranch hand. Production values are mainly put into a barn fire.
A previous episode dated the series as taking place in 1904, and the writers seem ok with easing up on the covered wagons and Colt 45's to show a loose depiction of the Progressive Era West. A developed racetrack and a plethora of business suits set the scene, though requisite Stetsons are still plentiful.
Baxter finally picks up a gun in the denouement, but handles things mainly with fisticuffs. It would have been pleasing to see him get together with McGuire as a romantic interest, but the writers probably wanted his bachelorhood as a draw for a bit. A reasonably complete half hour of movie serial action.
Local businessman in Rising Springs, Arizona Joe Ridgely (Raymond Greenleaf) buys into a racehorse partnership, but cannot raise the money to insure him. Enter insurance man Ralph Courtwright (John Hubbard), who can write a 50% policy for $5000, but the partnership can only raise $4900. Dr. Baxter to the rescue with the difference, and he has veterinary expertise too when he certifies the horse. But a scam is afoot.
Greenleaf, a veteran of 1949's "All The King's Men," handles upright citizen duties. Reliable 50s-60s guest star Hubbard is the smoothie, complete with pencil mustache. Brunette beauty Virginia McGuire, whose complete acting career came and went with this outing, is the innocent caught in Hubbard's machinations. "Dragnet" stalwart Stacy Harris is an East Coast villain import.
Baxter is again a forensic sleuth, and he has shifted over to a practical buggy and team as his hero vehicle. Makes sense; you cannot carry much medical equipment in a saddlebag. And true to life that a western MD would be more nattily dressed than a standard-issue ranch hand. Production values are mainly put into a barn fire.
A previous episode dated the series as taking place in 1904, and the writers seem ok with easing up on the covered wagons and Colt 45's to show a loose depiction of the Progressive Era West. A developed racetrack and a plethora of business suits set the scene, though requisite Stetsons are still plentiful.
Baxter finally picks up a gun in the denouement, but handles things mainly with fisticuffs. It would have been pleasing to see him get together with McGuire as a romantic interest, but the writers probably wanted his bachelorhood as a draw for a bit. A reasonably complete half hour of movie serial action.
