Watch Have Gun, Will Travel

Have Gun, Will Travel was a popular CBS Western series that aired from 1957 to 1963. It starred Richard Boone as Paladin, a highly skilled and intelligent cowboy and gunman who traveled the Old West and took on various dangerous assignments for wealthy clients in exchange for money.

The show's name was derived from Paladin's business card, which had the phrase "Have Gun - Will Travel" on it. It perfectly summed up his profession, as he was always ready and willing to take on any assignment.

Paladin was not your typical western hero. He was well-educated and worldly, with a knowledge of literature, philosophy, and various languages. He was a cultured and refined gentleman who dressed in black and carried a distinctive gun with an ivory grip.

His back story was shrouded in mystery, and little was known about his past. He was a man of few words, but he had a strong moral code and was always on the side of justice, even if it meant going against his clients' wishes.

The supporting cast of the show included Kam Tong as Hey Boy, an Asian shopkeeper who worked as Paladin's assistant and occasional ally. He often provided Paladin with valuable information and acted as a sounding board for his ideas and plans.

Other recurring characters included Lisa Lu as Hey Girl, Hey Boy's sister who helped out at the store, and Ben Wright as Englishman, a fellow gunfighter who occasionally crossed paths with Paladin. There were also many guest stars who appeared on the show, including Charles Bronson, Lee Van Cleef, and James Coburn.

Each episode of Have Gun, Will Travel was a self-contained story that followed Paladin as he traveled to different towns and took on a wide variety of assignments. Some episodes dealt with social issues such as racism, sexism, and classism, while others were more straightforward tales of revenge, greed, or love.

The show was notable for its high production values, intricate plots, and strong performances. Richard Boone was excellent as Paladin, and his portrayal of the character was both menacing and charismatic. He was able to convey a sense of danger and unpredictability, while also showing a softer side when dealing with the vulnerable or the helpless.

The show's themes and messages were ahead of its time, and it often tackled issues that were controversial or taboo in the 1950s. It explored complex moral issues and the consequences of violence, and it refused to shy away from the harsh realities of life in the Old West.

Overall, Have Gun, Will Travel was an innovative and groundbreaking Western series that paved the way for other shows in the genre. Its blend of action, drama, and social commentary made it a hit with audiences and critics alike, and it remains a beloved classic of television history.

Have Gun, Will Travel is a series that ran for 6 seasons (225 episodes) between September 14, 1957 and on CBS