Though it isn’t remembered by many TV viewers today, The Virginian TV show was one of the most popular Westerns in its day. The NBC series ran for eight seasons, from 1962 until 1970. The characters returned in the 1970-71 season in a different format and the show was renamed The Men from Shiloh.
The Virginian series follows the adventures of a strong-willed man known only as the “Virginian” (James Drury) who works to maintain order on the Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming. Other regular actors during the run of the series include Doug McClure, Lee J. Cobb, John McIntire, Charles Bickford, Stewart Granger, Clu Gulager, Gary Clarke, Randy Boone, and Roberta Shore.
It’s often been remarked that The Virginian had such high production values that each episode looked like a feature film. The 249 installments are 90 minutes apiece and were all shot in color; a rarity for its day.
Now, nearly forty years after the end of the series, members of the cast are reuniting as part of the 10th Annual Saddle Up festival in Pigeon Forge, TN. On Saturday, February 27th, Drury, Clarke, Shore, and Boone will come together for a special three hour event that will include a meet and greet reception, a Q&A session, clips from the series, and autograph sessions.
The event will also mark the release of The Virginian on DVD. The complete first season is being released for the first time on DVD. Episodes have been restored and will be accompanied by special extras. The first season is being released in two ways; in a pair of half-season releases and also in a 10-disc, special collector’s edition tin
Tickets for the festival are $20 each for adults or $50 for the four day weekend, February 25-28th. Kids under the age of 17 are free. Aside from the reunion, the festival also features Western-themed concerts, shows, poetry readings, and dining. The Virginian castmembers will be attending each day, in addition to the reunion event.
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i like the 1968 show,called stopover,with herb jeffries,it was one of virginians best storys!
The Virginian has always been one of my favorite and Trampas was my favorite character. What was his first name on the show?
How Come I cant find DON QUINE who played Stacy Grainger in the series on the official Cast page?
….i remember my mother justloved this show we teased her that the virginian was her boyfriend..she just smiled…i thought i was too cool for westerns at the time..but now…i love watching these reruns…over and over..i told my husband that the virginian is now my boyfriend.my mother was soooo right
You are right Anita Lee, so was your Mum. My boys tease me for whaching the show, but he was quite a hotty:) Great show too.:)
Did anyone see the movie Backtrack staring the actors from ‘The Virginian’ and ‘Laredo’? I just finished watching it on Encore Westerns. This was a good movie with all my favorite actors from the 60′s. I miss Doug McClure aka Trampass.
THE VIRGINIAN was a GREAT show! Did the virginian have a name in the show? THANKS!!!
dee gillman » It was never mentioned.
No. They always had a creative way to skirt the issue. They would introduce, for example, My daughter Betsy, Trampas, and my “Foreman”.
James Drury was quoted as saying that even he did not know his own characters name.
I was a big fan of the Virginian, as a child, and appreciate it even more now. Never was there a better television series that denotes integrity, morals and plain old right from wrong. Every character has their own flaws, (Trampas, you womanizer) but everone in the cast is someone to look up to. I am on my second 10 disc set, and rarely do I see an ending that doesn’t bring tears to my eyes. Usually, out of general goodness, which we are so lacking in today’s world!
I enjoy watching The Virginian. It’s a shame it didn’t last for a few more seasons. Each storyline was adventurous and I love all the main characters, including those who did just a few seasons.
The Virginian is one of my favorites. I love watching it on Encore Westerns but alas, I have to give it up, my DirecTV is getting so expensive I have to cancel my movie subscription. The Virginian, Maverick, Cheyenne, Lawman, etc. will ALL be missed.
Does anyone know where the Virginian was Made?
I love watching The Virginian it always held my att. every time. It was a great show period. I had been watching The Virginian on Netflix and they did not renew contrack the first of year so i have not been able to fine it on the internet yet.I did not watch the last two episodes.
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