 | The Virginian was a western tv series which aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971 for a total of 249 episodes. It was the first western to air in 90-minute installments each week (75 minutes excluding commercial breaks). Loosely based on the Owen Wister novel, the series revolved around a ranch hand, played by James Drury,who went by the name The Virginian; his real name was never revealed in the nine years the show was on the air.The series took place in Medicine Bow,Wyoming, and revolved around The Virginian's quest to maintain an orderly lifestyle for the ranch he worked on, which was called Shiloh Ranch.Other key characters included Trampas (played by Doug McClure) and Steve Hill (played by Gary Clarke).The main horse played was named Joe |
The ranch had four owners throughout its run: Judge Garth (played by Lee J. Cobb), the Grainger brothers (played by Charles Bickford and John McIntire) and Colonel Alan McKenzie (played by Stewart Granger; the Graingers were replaced by a Granger who didn't play a Grainger). The theme song was titled "Lonesome Tree" and was written by Percy Faith and conducted by Revue musical director, Stanley Wilson. In the final year, when Col. McKenzie took over Shiloh Ranch, the name of the program was changed to The Men from Shiloh, and the look of the series was completely redesigned, with much broader brims and higher crowns on the hats, beards and moustaches, and jauntier and more imaginative costumes for the characters. Unfortunately, however, after nine years the series was near the end of its run and the improvements could not save it. Film Set of Medicine Bow while Filming The Virginian 
The Virginian Episodes can be viewed Des Martin's Guide View List of Episodes & Storylines Here |
