Ep 8. Cry of Gold

Daniel Boone was a popular TV series that ran from 1964 to 1970 and was centered around the life of American pioneer and folk hero, Daniel Boone. The series follows Boone, played by Fess Parker, as he explores the uncharted lands of Kentucky and encounters various obstacles along the way.

Season 2 Episode 8 of the show, titled Cry of Gold, follows Boone and his fellow frontiersmen as they set out on a hunt for gold. The episode begins with Daniel Boone and his friend Yadkin (played by Albert Salmi) discussing their plan to hunt for gold in the wilderness surrounding Kentucky. Boone is hesitant about the plan, warning that gold can bring out the worst in people, but Yadkin is dead set on finding the motherlode.

Boone and Yadkin set out on their journey with several other hunters, including a young man named Jed (played by David Doremus) who is eager to join the group. Along the way, they encounter a Native American tribe who warn them of the dangers of searching for gold. The natives explain that the greed for gold can lead to violence and destruction, and advise the hunters to turn back before it's too late.

Despite the warning, the hunters continue their search and soon come across a river where they believe gold is present. They begin to pan for gold, and soon they strike it rich. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when a band of outlaws led by a man named Forbes (played by Neville Brand) arrive on the scene.

Forbes and his men demand that Boone and the other hunters hand over their gold or face dire consequences. Boone refuses, and a tense standoff ensues. It soon becomes clear that Forbes and his men are willing to do whatever it takes to get their hands on the gold, and Boone and his fellow hunters are forced to defend themselves.

As the situation escalates, Jed becomes increasingly greedy and begins to side with Forbes and his men. Boone, Yadkin, and the other hunters try to reason with Jed, but he is too blinded by his desire for wealth to listen. In the end, it's up to Boone to outwit Forbes and protect his fellow hunters from harm.

The episode ends on a bittersweet note, with Boone and Yadkin lamenting the human weakness for greed and the destruction it can cause. They pack up their belongings and continue on their journey, hoping that the lessons they've learned will guide them as they explore the untamed wilderness.

Overall, Cry of Gold is a standout episode of Daniel Boone, showcasing the show's themes of adventure, danger, and the struggles of life on the frontier. The drama and tension of the episode keep viewers engaged from beginning to end, while the underlying message about the dangers of greed and the importance of integrity gives the episode a deeper layer of meaning. Fans of the show and those interested in tales of the American West will find plenty to enjoy in this classic episode.