Hondo represented a somewhat more mature view of this type of show. It was not truly a “western” in the classic sense: none of the characters were cowboys, cattle were seldom seen, and the word “ranch” was never spoken. Instead, the series revolved around a small town run by a Union military post. The captain of this post functioned as the authority of law. While the main character, Hondo Lane, was an interesting variation on the classic western hero–a temperamental loner, wanted for murder he didn’t commit, and for which he had been exonerated. Hondo was employed by the Union army as an Indian scout. He had been married to an Indian woman and remained on good terms with her father, the Apache chief.

Hondo

Season 1 Ep.06: Hondo And The Apache Kid

Crusading newspaper reported Jack Graham is wrongly convinced that the Apache Kid is being unjustly persecuted by the U.S. Army. When they capture him he writes a story claiming Hondo is a Judas and promises the Kid that his newspaper will hire the best lawyers possible to get him off. The Apache Kid escapes, killing a guard, and kidnaps Star Bird from Vittoro’s camp after killing her father. Hondo is sent to track him down. He comes across young Emmy Jo, whose father was murdered by the Kid, and takes her back to the fort. He finds out that Graham has gone out after the Kid to show him the telegram from his newspaper guaranteeing their help. Graham finds Star Bird, who has been physically abused by the Kid, bound against some rocks. Just then Hondo arrives and the Kid grabs Graham and threatens to kill him. Hondo fights with and captures the Kid. Back at the fort Graham tells Hondo he’s written a story praising him for his actions, repayment for saving his life. Hondo decks him, knocking him into a water trough, and tells him they are even.

In the Arizona Territory of the 1870s Hondo Lane, ex-Confederate Calvary Captain, works as a scout. Hondo is a loner who travels with a dog named Sam. Hondo had lived with the Apaches for a while and had married the daughter of their chief Vittoro. Hondo’s Indian bride was slain in a massacre by the army and he still mourns her death. He now troubleshoots for the army, trying to avoid more killing as he faces land swindlers, renegade Indians and outlaws. The base of operations is Fort Lowell which is commanded by young Captain Richards who is watched over by Colonel Crook. Buffalo Baker is Hondo’s fellow scout and friend. Angie Dow is a widow who runs the general store with the help of her nine-year-old son Johnny. She is Hondo’s romantic interest. Many times Chief Vittoro and the Apaches assist Hondo and the Calvary with keeping the peace.

This show is based on both the original Louis L’Amour novel and the John Wayne movie. Less

Cast and Crew:

Ralph Taeger, Noah Beery Jr. and Michael Pate

Directors: Alan Crosland Jr., Harry Harris
Production Company: Andrew J. Fenady Productions, Batjac Productions, MGM Television
Audio/Visual: mono, color
Date Release: 1967
Additional details in:

Hondo in IMDB | Hondo in Wikipedia

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