Ep 3. Les Girls

Have Gun, Will Travel is a Western drama television series that aired on CBS from 1957 to 1963, starring Richard Boone as Paladin, a gun-for-hire with a heart of gold.

In season 3 episode 3 of Have Gun, Will Travel, titled "Les Girls," Paladin is hired by a troupe of female dancers who are being threatened by a local rancher who wants them off his land. The dancers, led by their tough and independent leader, Julie (played by the talented Angie Dickinson), have been performing for the local cowboys in the saloons and honky-tonks around town. However, when they decide to take their show on the road and set up camp on the rancher's property, things quickly turn sour.

The rancher, played by actor Martin Landau, is a gruff and surly man who does not take kindly to having a bunch of "loose women" on his land. He views the dancers as a threat to the morality of his community, and he is determined to get rid of them by any means necessary. His hired hands begin to harass the dancers, and one of them is even beaten up in the middle of the night. The dancers turn to Paladin for help, and he agrees to take on the task of protecting them.

Paladin is initially skeptical of the troupe of dancers, but he quickly comes to respect their talent and strength of character. He works to rally the women and create a plan of defense against the rancher and his men. The episode features several exciting action sequences, including a shootout and a memorable scene in which Paladin and the women perform a daring rescue mission.

One of the standout aspects of "Les Girls" is the strong feminist message that runs throughout the episode. The women are portrayed as capable and resourceful, refusing to be cowed by the men who seek to intimidate them. Paladin, too, is shown as a champion of women's rights, fighting to defend their freedom to live and work as they choose. The episode was ahead of its time in its portrayal of women as strong and independent, and it remains a compelling piece of television history today.

In addition to the powerful underlying themes, "Les Girls" also features excellent performances from the cast. Angie Dickinson is particularly impressive as Julie, bringing a toughness and vulnerability to the role that makes her character instantly likable. Richard Boone, as always, is superb as Paladin, bringing a depth and complexity to the character that makes him one of the most iconic figures in the history of Westerns.

Overall, season 3 episode 3 of Have Gun, Will Travel, "Les Girls," is a standout episode of the series that combines thrilling action with forward-thinking social commentary. It remains a must-watch for fans of Westerns and anyone who appreciates strong, independent women on screen.