The Baylor Crofoot Story

Though the western setting might fool you, examine this Wagon Train episode closely and you'll find that it very closely resembles The Barretts Of Wimpole Street. In a swaggering performance, possibly his best role, John Larch plays a medicine show pitch man who keeps his daughter Joyce Taylor in bondage to himself.

Though he is one sick twisted human being, Larch today would be some kind of motivational speaker for bullying. And just like Charles Laughton his attachment for his daughter is as filled with suggested incest for Norma Shearer.

Enter the Robert Browning of the piece Robert Culp. He's a schoolteacher and an amiable man who tries to fill the kids on the Wagon Train's heads with some learning. He's a marked guy in Larch's mind even before he shows an interest in Taylor.

This is one of the most memorable Wagon Train episode I recall from my youth. Larch's performance will stick with you like it did for me.