Destry (TV series)
A wandering lawman seeks those who framed him.
Destry is a Western television series that aired on ABC in 1964 as a midseason replacement for 77 Sunset Strip. Starring John Gavin, it was based on the classic James Stewart film Destry Rides Again and a subsequent remake starring Audie Murphy. The series ran from February 14 until May 8, 1964.
Quick Facts
- Based on
- the character created by Max Brand
- Company
- Revue Studios
- Runtime
- 60 minutes
- Starring
- John Gavin
- Producer
- Frank Telford
- Opening theme
- "Destry"; performed by The Ledbetters
- Theme music
- Randy Sparks
- Composer
- Jerry Goldsmith (three episodes)
- Cyril J. Mockridge (one episode)
- Morton Stevens (one episode)
Facts from the source article.
Premise
The series follows Harrison Destry, son of Tom Destry, after his release from prison. Harrison had been a lawman until he was framed for a crime and jailed. Now wandering the West, he searches for the people who framed him. Like his father in the earlier films, Harrison prefers non-violent solutions to conflicts, leading to comedic situations. Gavin described the character as believing that a hero is a man who thinks slower than a coward, and that it is better to live with one's boots on than die with them on.
Production
Guest stars on Destry included Chris Alcaide, Med Flory, Ron Hayes, Roger Mobley, Susan Oliver, Stuart Randall, Barbara Stuart, and Olive Sturgess. John Gavin was the fifth actor to portray the character Destry, following Tom Mix, James Stewart, Audie Murphy, and Joel McCrea. In a 1963 interview, Gavin reflected on the role's importance, noting that when he came to Universal they were making 40 pictures a year, but the number dropped to eight or nine after he signed. He expressed that doing a series was like putting the cart before the horse, but he was glad for the experience, having shot more film in five weeks than in his entire life. He described Destry as a man who would ride around trouble, and who is not always a fool or a clown but has been kicked in the head a few times and knows what is going on.
Reception
Critics panned Destry: the Los Angeles Times called it a “lacklustre... routine, second-grade hoss opry,” and the New York Times deemed it a “pedestrian telling of an awkward adventure.” Viewers agreed, and the show was canceled after 13 episodes. Star John Gavin partly blamed the departure of the network executive who had greenlit the series.
More in American Broadcasting Company Western Dramas
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