Have Gun Will Travel Season 1 Episode 7
If you are a fan of classic Western television shows, then you might have come across "Have Gun Will Travel" - a hit series that ran from 1957 to 1963. The show revolved around the adventures of Paladin, a gunfighter-for-hire who lived in San Francisco. One of the standout episodes of the series is Season 1 Episode 7, titled "A Man's Head."
The Plot of "A Man's Head"
In this episode, Paladin is hired by a rich banker named John Breckinridge to transport a valuable item - a man's head - from the Mexican border to San Francisco. As Paladin sets out on his journey, he is pursued by a group of bandits who want to steal the head for themselves. Paladin is also being tracked by a lawman named Sheriff Carter, who believes that Paladin is involved in a murder case.
The episode is full of action-packed sequences as Paladin battles the bandits and tries to clear his name. Along the way, he learns about the true value of the man's head and the reason why Breckinridge wants it in San Francisco. The episode ends with a thrilling showdown between Paladin, the bandits, and Sheriff Carter.
The Characters in "A Man's Head"
One of the reasons why "Have Gun Will Travel" was such a popular show was because of its memorable characters. In "A Man's Head," we see the return of some familiar faces such as Paladin (played by Richard Boone) and Hey Boy (played by Kam Tong). The episode also introduces us to new characters such as John Breckinridge (played by Theodore Newton) and Sheriff Carter (played by Roy Roberts).
Paladin is the main protagonist of the series and is known for his intelligence, wit, and resourcefulness. Hey Boy is Paladin's loyal and dependable Chinese assistant who helps him in his adventures. John Breckinridge is a wealthy and mysterious man who hires Paladin to transport the man's head. Sheriff Carter is a no-nonsense lawman who is determined to bring Paladin to justice.
The Themes in "A Man's Head"
Like many Western shows, "Have Gun Will Travel" often explored themes of morality, justice, and honor. In "A Man's Head," we see Paladin grappling with the idea of transporting a man's head and whether or not it is the right thing to do. The episode also touches on the themes of greed, deception, and betrayal as the various characters try to get their hands on the valuable item.
Another interesting theme in the episode is the clash between the old ways and the new ways. Paladin represents the old-school gunfighter who abides by a certain code of honor and justice. Sheriff Carter, on the other hand, represents the new wave of lawmen who believe in following the letter of the law at all costs. The tension between these two characters adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot.
Conclusion
"A Man's Head" is a classic episode of "Have Gun Will Travel" that showcases the show's strengths in storytelling, characterization, and action. With its memorable characters and thought-provoking themes, the episode remains a favorite among fans of the Western genre. If you haven't seen it yet, it's definitely worth checking out.
