A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic TV Show "Have Gun – Will Travel"

## 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 1. "Three Bells to Perdido" (Series Premiere) 2. "The Outlaw" - Explores complex moral dilemmas 3. "The Long Night" - Paladin trapped in a saloon with mysterious strangers 4. "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](https://www.imdb.com/) ## 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](https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/storefront) - [CBS All Access](https://www.paramountplus.com/) - 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.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic TV Show "Have Gun – Will Travel"

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