The 1950's ushered in the Golden Era of the TV Western, one of the most popular genres ever produced for the small screen. Every network had numerous westerns on the air, ranging from children's Saturday afternoon fare to adult prime time dramas. At one time over 32 hours of western entertainment were available on the three networks!
One of the most memorable of all, Tales of Wells Fargo, premiered on NBC Television in 1957, instantly rising to #3 in the ratings in its first season.
When people think of Tales of Wells Fargo, images of rearing horses and blazing guns come to mind, and of course, the one and only Dale Robertson as Agent Jim Hardie, troubleshooter for the Wells Fargo stage coach line. Not a typical heartthrob, Robertson managed to portray a rough and tough lawman and a gentle and sympathetic soul at the same time, winning over both male and female viewers with each exciting half-hour episode.
The Wells Fargo Stage Line played a heroic role in the history of the West, ferrying passengers and cargo from Missouri to California over a harsh and sometimes hostile land. In Tales of Wells Fargo, Agent Hardie faced weekly tests of will and character, as he protected the stage coaches from outlaws, bandits and Indian raiders, seeing them safely through their journey.
Each week, a great line-up of guest stars joined Robertson on the road west, including some of the best actors in Hollywood. The list includes Chuck Connors (The Thin Rope), Lee Van Cleef (Alder Gulch), Michael Landon (Sam Bass), Dan Blocker and Denver Pyle (Renegade Raiders), Jack Elam (The Hijackers), Stacy Keach, Sr. (The Target) and one of Steve McQueen's first appearances on network TV (Bill Longley)!
In the tradition of its best selling releases of Wagon Train and Laredo, TMG and NBCUniversal are proud to present the complete first two seasons of Tales of Wells Fargo, 52 episodes of the very best in classic television westerns. So saddle up and hit the trail!
