Rawhide (1959-1965)
Clint was a young buck running around Hollywood when he got his big break starring in the long-running TV western Rawhide. Clint was an unknown when he was cast as Rowdy Yates, the cocky sideman on a cattle drive from Texas to Missouri. Clint’s career has had a strong connection to music … his love of jazz, Morricone’s Spaghetti Western theme, and obviously Every Which Way but Loose - and Rawhide is still a familiar tune to many who have never even seen the show.
Clint was second banana on Rawhide. He usually was the one getting himself in trouble … in the two episodes I watched Clint got shot, got drunk, and got thrown in jail. The appeal of the show is that this group of misfits get themselves into as much trouble during the journey as the cattle. Most of the guys on the crew are unlikable trouble-makers and Clint squabbles with the leader most of the time.
The crew finally make their destination - Sedalia, Missouri (home of the Wheel Inn) only to find the buyers have all left because of a market crash. But thanks to some smooth talking by Clint, the cows get sold and the gang can head to town to get drunk and enjoy some goober burgers. The show continued its run for several years after they sold the cows, so I’m not sure what they did week after week - maybe they started a co-ed softball league.
Mr. Ed (1961)
I’m not sure exactly why Clint guest-starred on Mr. Ed, but considering he hasn’t made many television appearances in his career, it does seem like an odd choice. I’d bet there was some woman involved that Clint was chasing after.
Mr. Ed was a talking horse, of course. Clint plays himself and moves in next door to Mr. Ed and his longtime companion, Wilbur. Wilbur is an architect and he must be doing pretty well considering that he lives next door to a TV star. Mr. Ed isn’t too excited about Clint moving in next door cuz he’s got his eye on a philly - and Clint’s horse might just steal her away. Sounds crazy - but I have to admit that I did laugh once, when Mr. Ed called Clint a mule head.
A show about a talking horse probably wouldn’t last long in this day and age - although last year we did have the Caveman show. I haven’t really done much research on Mr. Ed. I’m not sure why he talks … was it a freak accident? But he sure is a surly bastard. My theory is that Mr. Ed doesn’t talk at all. Wilbur is apparently the only one who can hear Mr. Ed, so maybe the whole thing is in Wilbur’s head, allowing him to express his deep-seeded anger to the world around him, a la Fight Club.
Amazing Stories (1985)
In the 80’s, Spielberg was the man. He quickly became one of the biggest directors of all time with hits like Jaws, ET, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. So when it was announced that Spielberg was going to produce a TV show, the nation was giddy with anticipation. Sunday evenings would once again become a time for the family to gather around the TV to be thrilled, shocked, and awed. Surely, Amazing Stories would be a program that would run for decades, win every Emmy, and be remembered for generations as grandparents share stories of the premiere of Amazing Stories ... the show lasted for one year and hasn’t been mentioned again.
Spielberg envisioned Amazing Stories as a Twilight Zone for the new generation. Each week, a new story that would entertain and provide discussions around the watercooler all week. Spielberg lined up top notch actors and directors that would increase the scale of the television screen to blockbuster status. Clint signed on to direct an episode, Vanessa in the Garden, about an artist on the verge of international fame, when a tragic accident steals away his beautiful muse.
Distraught, the artist (Harvey Keitel) destroys his entire collection of work, vowing to never paint again. Until he discovers that painting his beautiful bride can magically bring her back to life. This was the 80’s, so of course the muse was played by Ms. Locke. She certainly has provided a lot of inspiration to this Year of Eastwood.
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