Watch Tales of Wells Fargo

Tales of Wells Fargo was a western television series that aired on NBC from 1957 to 1962. The show followed the adventures of Jim Hardie, a special agent for the Wells Fargo stagecoach company. The character was played by Dale Robertson, who also served as the show's co-producer.

Set in the 1860s, the show was set against the backdrop of the American frontier, and each episode saw Hardie traveling the country to deliver mail, protect gold shipments, and apprehend criminals. The show was notable for its attention to historical accuracy, with many of the stories based on actual events.

In addition to Robertson, the show also featured a talented supporting cast, including William Demarest as Jasper "J.P." Morgan, the owner of the Wells Fargo company, and Virginia Christine as his secretary, Christine Johnson. Jack Ging played a recurring role as the deputy marshal, Clay Morgan.

The show's format was similar to other westerns of the time in that it followed a case-of-the-week format. However, what set Tales of Wells Fargo apart was its attention to the details of the Wells Fargo company, and the role it played in the settlement of the West. The show's writers did extensive research into the workings of the company, and often used real-life incidents in their stories.

One recurring theme of the show was the conflict between law and order and the individual's desire for freedom. Hardie often found himself caught in the middle of these conflicts, as he tried to bring criminals to justice while also respecting the rights of those he encountered. His character was often torn between his loyalty to the law and his admiration for the resourcefulness of the criminals he pursued.

Another theme of the show was the role of technology in the settlement of the West. Wells Fargo was known for its use of the telegraph, which allowed it to quickly and efficiently communicate with its agents and customers across vast distances. This technology was often a key element of the show's stories, as Hardie and other characters used it to track down criminals and stay one step ahead of them.

Despite its focus on historical accuracy, the show was still a product of its time, and some aspects of it may seem dated to modern audiences. For example, the show's portrayal of Native Americans was often stereotypical, and the show's treatment of women was often limited to traditional gender roles.

However, these issues are balanced by the show's strengths, including its strong writing and performances, its historical accuracy, and its attention to the details of the Wells Fargo company. The show remains a classic of the western genre, and a valuable document of the role that Wells Fargo played in the settlement of the American West.

Tales of Wells Fargo is a series that ran for 6 seasons (337 episodes) between March 18, 1957 and on NBC