The Premise and Format
"Have Gun – Will Travel" is a classic American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 to 1963. Set in the late 19th century, the show follows Paladin, a professional gunfighter based in San Francisco's luxurious Hotel Carlton. His famous business card reads:
Have Gun Will Travel
Wire Paladin
San Francisco
The Protagonist: Paladin
Character Profile
- Portrayed by: Richard Boone
- Background: West Point graduate and former Army officer
- Dual Life:
- In San Francisco: A cultured gentleman in custom-tailored suits
- On assignment: A skilled gunfighter dressed in black
- Professional fee: $1000 per job (though often working for less or free for just causes)
Paladin is a Renaissance man who quotes Shakespeare and speaks multiple languages. His trademark black attire and chess knight emblem on his holster symbolize both his strategic mindset and moral code.
Supporting Characters
Hey Boy
- Portrayed by: Kam Tong
- Role: Hotel Carlton's bellhop and Paladin's friend and information source
Miss Hey Girl
- Portrayed by: Lisa Lu
- Role: Temporarily replaced Hey Boy during season 4
Notable Episodes
- "Three Bells to Perdido" (Series Premiere)
- "The Outlaw" - Explores complex moral dilemmas
- "The Long Night" - Paladin trapped in a saloon with mysterious strangers
- "The Great Mojave Chase" - Delivering a water pump to a drought-stricken town
Cultural Impact and Themes
The series broke new ground in several ways:
Writing Quality
The show attracted top writing talent, including Gene Roddenberry (later creator of Star Trek) and Sam Peckinpah. Scripts often addressed complex issues such as:
- Racism
- Sexism
- Social injustice
- Treatment of Native Americans
- Impact of violence on communities
Music Legacy
The show's theme song, composed by Bernard Herrmann and Johnny Western, became a hit single with its distinctive opening:
"Paladin, Paladin
Where do you roam?"
Production Details
Technical Specifications
- 225 episodes produced
- Filmed in black and white
- 30-minute episodes
- Produced by CBS Television Network
Awards and Recognition
- Emmy nominations for Richard Boone
- Writers Guild of America awards
- High ratings on IMDb
Legacy and Modern Relevance
The show's influence extends to numerous modern series featuring morally complex protagonists. It spawned various media adaptations:
- Radio series (1958-1960)
- Comic books
- Novels
Where to Watch
The series is available on various platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video
- CBS All Access
- DVD collections
The show's sophisticated approach to storytelling and character development continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a significant piece of television history.