John Wayne’s involvement in the iconic Western series Wagon Train remains somewhat of a hidden gem in television history. Although he only made a brief appearance, his distinctive voice unmistakably identified him. There’s a widespread misconception that Wayne declined a role in Gunsmoke, a show that holds the record for one of the longest-running series in American television. In the 1950s, it was nearly unheard of for major film stars to transition to the small screen, especially actors of Wayne’s caliber, who typically would not consider starring in a TV series. However, demonstrating his camaraderie, Wayne recorded an introduction for Gunsmoke as a favor for its leading star, James Arness.
Wagon Train aired for an impressive eight seasons, chronicling the adventures of a wagon train as it trekked to California. The show is notable for featuring various guest stars, including Charles Bronson, Leonard Nimoy, and Bette Davis. Interestingly, Wagon Train drew inspiration from Wayne’s early cinematic endeavor, The Big Trail, which, despite its grand ambitions, flopped at the box office and hindered Wayne’s career for nearly a decade.
John Wayne as General William T. Sherman in Wagon Train
Wayne’s Unique Drawl Reveals His Secret Cameo
Pioneering Wagon Train was initially hosted by actor Ward Bond, a frequent collaborator with Wayne featured in films like The Searchers and Rio Bravo. In a special episode titled “The Colter Craven Story,”Bond leveraged his relationships in Hollywood to evoke Wayne’s involvement in this particular story of an alcoholic doctor. This emotional episode is made even more memorable due to Bond’s tragic passing shortly before its airing. Within “The Colter Craven Story,”Wayne makes a fleeting appearance as General William T. Sherman, albeit credited under the alias Michael Morris.
Wayne’s cameo is characterized by anonymity; not only is he using a pseudonym, but his character’s face remains largely concealed throughout the scene. Yet, his recognizable vocal style and characteristic gait cannot be masked. This role provided Wayne an opportunity for historical immersion, as he reprised the character of General Sherman just two years later in the epic film How the West Was Won.
John Ford’s Direction of Wagon Train Episode
A Final Collaboration: Ford, Wayne, and Bond
Ward Bond’s influence extended beyond acting; he persuaded director John Ford to helm “The Colter Craven Story.”Having Ford—one of Hollywood’s most revered directors—at the helm elevates this Wagon Train episode above the typical fare. This collaboration underscores the respect Bond commanded among both Ford and Wayne, as they were willing to join forces on a television project. Sadly, this marked the last time the three worked together.
Ford directed Wayne in a commendable 14 films, beginning with Stagecoach in 1939 and concluding with 1963’s Donovan’s Reef. Moreover, Ford had previously directed Bond in the film Wagon Master in 1950, which, along with The Big Trail, served as a foundational inspiration for Wagon Train itself. The narrative of “The Colter Craven Story”revolves around Bond’s character, Adams, as he attempts to help Craven reconcile with his Civil War trauma to regain his competence as a doctor, which includes flashbacks featuring Wayne as General Sherman.
More Than One TV Appearance: Wayne’s Television Ventures
Wayne’s Selective Television Appearances
Wayne’s appearance in Wagon Train fit the classic definition of a cameo, down to his use of a pseudonymous credit. This was not his first television endeavor; he had previously collaborated with Ford on “Rookie of the Year,”a segment of the anthology series Screen Directors Playhouse. In this 1955 episode, Wayne took on his only leading role in a television show, portraying a sportswriter who recognizes that a budding baseball player is the son of a legendary player.
Wayne’s cameo appears again in another Ford project, Flashing Spikes, a 1962 episode of Alcoa Premiere, featuring notable actors like James Stewart and Jack Warden. Much like his role in Wagon Train, this marked another brief appearance for Wayne.
Throughout the following years, Wayne remained primarily focused on movies, yet he made occasional guest appearances on variety shows, such as Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. While it would have been intriguing to see Wayne and Ford partner for a Western miniseries, time did not align for such an endeavor. Nevertheless, it’s a unique aspect of his career to catch glimpses of the legendary movie star in television’s classic programming.
Source: FETV
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