How the West Was Won 

The Macahans, a family from Virginia, headed by Zeb Macahan, travel across the country to pioneer a new land and a new home in the American West.

Creators:

Jim Byrnes, Albert S. Ruddy

Stars:

James Arness, Bruce Boxleitner, Kathryn Holcomb

Won 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 4 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
James Arness	...	Zeb Macahan 25 episodes, 1976-1979
Bruce Boxleitner	...	Luke Macahan / ... 25 episodes, 1976-1979
Kathryn Holcomb	...	Laura Macahan 25 episodes, 1976-1979
William Kirby Cullen	...	Josh Macahan / ... 25 episodes, 1976-1979
Vicki Schreck	...	Jessie Macahan 25 episodes, 1976-1979
Fionnula Flanagan	...	Molly Culhane 21 episodes, 1978-1979

Storyline

Episodes revolving around the Macahan family as they try to fulfill their dream of going to Oregon. They run into many setbacks along the way and are forced to delay their move many times as a result. Common wild west themes and characters abound, such as Native Americans and crazy mountain men.

---

Plot Keywords:

west | uncle | fugitive | civil war | native american | 

---

Genres:

Western

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 January 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Macahans

Filming Locations:

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site - 35110 Highway 194 East, La Junta, Colorado, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

MGM Television

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This mini-series starred James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke (1955). The narrator was William Conrad, who had originated the role of Marshal Matt Dillon on radio's "Gunsmoke".

---

Connections

Spun-off from How the West Was Won (1962)

User Reviews

Best of the "How the West Was Won" mini-series!

I remember watching this mini-series when it was first aired in the late 70's as a child. While I enjoyed the original tv movie THE MACAHAN'S" and the 78 & 79 mini-series which followed I still find the 77 mini-series to be the best one. I used to get goosebumps when I would hear the opening title song accompanied by William (Cannon) Conrad's narration.

First there is Zeb Macahan, a huge mountain man that does things as he sees fit. If it means standing against the Union Army or taking the law into his own hands he has got to be the coolest character on the show. I also was saddened when Zeb had to kill his trapper friend Cully Madigan to prevent him from being slain by Indians. I think my favorite line in the series comes from Zeb during the final moments of the series when Grey the bounty hunter is trying to take Luke to jail. Zeb, while under gun point by Grey, turns to him and says "Grey, I'm gonna lay hands on you and then it's gonna be all over!!" Nothing fazed this man.

Secondly I enjoyed the romance between Luke Macahan and Erika Hanks, the young lady that helped heal Luke's gunshot wound and hide him form his various pursuers. It unfolds in a believable way and the fate of their relationship will have the viewer near tears.

Lastly, the sets were all well done. It appears that most if not all the scenes were shot on location and not some studio back lot. I can only imagine what a visual treat it must have been like to work on the production of this mini-series.

I was luck enough to tape this series during the late 80's and still enjoy watching it at least once a year. Hopefully this mini-series and the other HTWWW series will find their way to DVD soon!!