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.
Sept. 23,2010 We just read about the Saddle Up Festival and 40-Yr Virginian Reunion. HOW CAN WE PURCHASE A DVD OF THIS 3-HR SPECIAL?????? We hope it is or soon will be available since we had no idea this was happening and wish to own this if at all possible. Every day we watch THE VIRGINIAN on Encore Westerns #305 and love every episode more than the next. Thank you so much. Sandra & Leonard Peterson
It’s hard to believe watching the Virginian, Doug McClure passed away in 1995. I was about 10 years old in 1965. I remember watching the Virginian, but I don’t remember seeing so many famous actors as guest stars on the show. I guess at that time, many of the actors were just starting their careers. I am glad James Drury is still in the land of the living. His character always had a serious look on his face even with a smile. Trampas was a trickster and he always made me laugh. Lee J. Cobb aka Judge Garth was my… Read more »
I bought the complete set of the Virginian and am watching them whenever I have a day off work. Back in the 60’s I had to spend all my time studying for high school trigonometry, so couldn’t watch the show, but vowed to see them someday. When I was at college, my brother phoned me. He was sobbing, with the news that Trampas had died. He was really torn up about it. We grieved together. The show was so intelligently written, thought-provoking, riveting, and humorous. I love James Drury and the other regulars. It is like a modern-day morality play,… Read more »
The Virginian was a very good show.However what ever happened to all tyhe onwers of shilow?Lee j cobb /charles bickford etc.
I just saw the first few episodes of “The Virginian” on satellite and was really taken aback at what a quality show it was and very watchable. I’m 49, and though i do remember it starred Drury and McClure, I didn’t remember much else about it and was pleasantly surprised to see that Lee J. Cobb was one of the stars (in the early years). He is in some of my favorite classic movies (On the Waterfront, 12 angry men, etc) and a great actor. One of the first episodes had Brian Keith and Ben Johnson as guest stars and… Read more »
Did Doug McClure do any real cowboy work? I have, and know what its about. He rode like a professional bulldogger, handled a rope as good as any i’ve seen, like he grew up with one in his hand. Riding and roping as well as he did can only be learned from hours & hours of doing it, especially roping, you don’t just pick up a rope and have the ability to handle it with the ease that he did, unless you have roped so much, it’s like an extension of you.
To All: I was at the Sound Garden, a music and DVD store on last Saturday in Baltimore, Maryland. I asked about the first season of the Virginian. I was told by a Sound Garden employee, the Virginian would be out on May 25, 2010. I look forward in ordering my copy from the Sound Garden on the 25th of May. Dan I too enjoyed watching Cheyenne staring Clint Walker. Doug McClure was the best in my book and Robert Wolders aka Texas Ranger Erik Hunter from the series Laredo was a close second. LOL I enjoyed Neville Brand aka… Read more »
Clint Walker is the best with James Drury a close second.I never missed a Cheyenne episode and seldom a Virginian.If the show looked as though Mr.Drury may be stepping in and out…it bugged me.
I agree with you Dot 100%. I look forward in seeing the Virginian daily on Encore Westerns and especially when Trampas is the focus. Trampas character was comedic and he made me laugh. Trampas was masculine, but he also showed his human side many times. I was born in 1955 and I’m approaching my 55th birthday in June. It seems like yesterday I use to sit around watching westerns like the Virginian, Big Valley, Laredo, Bonanza, High Chaparral, and Cheyenne. Watching these old series makes me feel good inside and to forget about the depressing things going on in the… Read more »
Hi all: I have been meaning to drop by for several weeks but got a bit overwhelmed with projects. I was able to attend the Spirit of the West festival in Scottsdale, AZ in March and boy oh boy, did I have a great time. There were so many of the Western stars of yesteryear in attendance. Most notably for me was James Drury who is well into his seventies now. He was super gracious and accommodating and I talked him into having a picture taken with me. A true treasure for sure. They set up interview tables for all… Read more »
I ma a big fan of Western movies and TV series. The Virginian as many other so called old TV series had one significant difference to all what we see today: They were humans, with human fellings and emotions, There was no need to overdue the blood presence or the violence. Is always good to read MILD VIOLENCE. Those TV series actaully are timeless. I enjoyed them while a kid and now at 61 years Film and video producer.
Correction: I was born in NYC and I enjoyed watching the Virginian as a child. My favorite character was Trampas. I didn’t like Randy’s character. The character was boring! I watch the Virginian daily on Encore thru my Comcast cable company. I wished the Virginian was showed daily on Encore Westerns. I recently caught an episode of the Virginian on the IFC cable channel at night. I miss Doug McClure, and he passed away too early in life. My other favorite character was Deputy Sheriff Ryker. Those were the good old days in my life watching television growing up. It… Read more »
I was born in 1955 in NYC and I enjoyed watching the Virginia as a boy. My favorite character was Trampass. I didn’t like Randy. He was boring. I watch the Virginian everyday on Encore thru my Comcast cable company. I wished the Virginian on everyday more than once on Encore. I caught an eposide of the Virginian on IFC a cable channel at night last week. I miss Doug McClure and he passed away to early in life. Those were the good old days watching television. Most stuff on television today is garbage. I hate all these darn reality… Read more »
Did “The Virginian” character have a first name. We have purchased the entire series, and have viewed almost all of it and no first name. It was extremely noticable in the episode where he almost marries, but his intended dies at the wedding rehearsal.
@Frank Fiumano: Nope. As far as I know, they never revealed it. Unless it was “The.” lol
nope, they never said his name…
The new movie ; The Virginian said his name was Jefferson South.
I liked Gary Clarke too.I wonder why he was written out of the show.
I read that he wanted his part expanded, they fired him!