The Television Show Laramie: A Classic Western Drama
The late 1950s and early 1960s witnessed a surge of Western-themed television shows. Among them, “Laramie,” produced by Revue Studios, the same company behind “Wagon Train,” stood out as one of the best. Premiering in 1959, “Laramie” offered a unique perspective, diverging from the typical Western narratives of the time. That year saw 28 new Western shows across the major networks, most filmed in black and white and focusing on lone cowboys or groups of friends battling villains. “Bonanza,” notably, was the exception, being the first prime-time adult Western filmed in color. Most of these shows lasted only a couple of seasons, unlike “Bonanza’s” impressive 14-season run.
“Laramie” distinguished itself by focusing on the complex relationship between two brothers, Slim (John Smith) and his younger brother (Robert Crawford Jr.), in the Wyoming territory of the mid-1800s. Their dynamic, rarely explored in Westerns, led to compelling and unpredictable storylines. The show also featured Jess Harper (Robert Fuller), a seemingly hardened loner who gradually integrated into the family despite initial suspicion. Hoagy Carmichael rounded out the main cast as a seasoned ranch hand.
Initially, “Laramie” struggled in the ratings. NBC considered cancellation but ultimately chose to revamp the show. This decision proved crucial to its survival in a competitive television landscape. By its third season, “Laramie” underwent significant changes, including a switch to color filming. Robert Crawford Jr. and Hoagy Carmichael departed, leaving John Smith and Robert Fuller as the leads. Spring Byington joined as a caring maternal figure, and Dennis Holmes as a young orphan taken in by the Sherman Ranch.
“Laramie” aired on NBC from September 15, 1959, to May 21, 1963, spanning four seasons and 124 episodes. The first two seasons (64 episodes) were filmed in black and white, while the final two seasons (60 episodes) transitioned to color. The show marked Robert Fuller’s breakthrough in television, establishing him as a prominent star. Only Fuller and Smith remained with the series throughout its entire run. Crawford Jr. appeared in the first season and made a guest appearance in the third. Byington and Holmes joined for the final two seasons. Carmichael was exclusive to the first season, while Stuart Randall and Eddy Waller (a recurring stagecoach driver) appeared in the first three.
“Laramie” boasted an impressive roster of guest stars, including established Hollywood names and rising talents. Brian Keith, Dan Duryea, Adam West, Everett Sloane, and Anita Sands were among those who graced the show. Notable character actors like Warren Stevens, Thomas Mitchell, and Arthur Hunnicutt also made appearances. The series featured future genre stars such as Harry Dean Stanton, R.G. Armstrong, L.Q. Jones, and Morgan Woodward. Claude Akins appeared in four episodes, while Julie London, Vera Miles, and Ernest Borgnine each made memorable contributions. The guest star list also included John Anderson, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, Denny Miller, and Rod Cameron (who appeared in six episodes). Ron Harper, Jan Merlin, John Lupton, Gregory Walcott, and Edgar Buchanan lent their talents to the show. Dennis Patrick, Lee Van Cleef, Russell Johnson, Gary Clarke, and Harry Lauter were among the many familiar faces. George Macready, Alex Cord, Joanne Linville, Lloyd Nolan, and Ellen Burstyn also made appearances. Rounding out the impressive roster were Parley Baer, Ray Danton, Carolyn Jones, Richard Devon, future Star Trek actors DeForest Kelley and Leonard Nimoy, future Hogan’s Heroes star Ivan Dixon, future Green Acres star Eddie Albert, future Dallas star Jim Davis, future Dukes of Hazzard star Denver Pyle, future Tarzan actor Jock Mahoney, and teen idol Tommy Sands.
Following “Laramie’s” success, Robert Fuller went on to star in “Wagon Train” and achieved even greater fame in the 1970s with the hit medical drama “Emergency!” alongside Julie London, Randolph Mantooth, and Kevin Tighe, produced by Jack Webb.
