Series Premiere (Pilot)

The High Chaparral - Destination Tuscon - NBC - September 10, 1967

Western

Running Time: 60 minutes

Written by Denne Bart Petitclerc

Produced by David Dortort

Directed by William F. Claxton

Stars:

Leif Erickson as John Cannon

Cameron Mitchell Buck Cannon

Mark Slade as Billy Blue Cannon

Henry Darrow as Manalito Montoya

Linda Cristal as Victoria Montoya Cannon (Credits only)

Joan Caulfield as Anna Lee Cannon (Episode 1)

Don Collier as Sam Butler

Rodolfo Acosta as Vaquero

Bob Hoy as Joe Butler

Roberto Contreras as Pedro

Jerry Summers as Ira

Ted Markland as Reno

Jacklyn O'Donnell as Jo

Mike De Anda as Chavez

Evelyn King as Mabel

From the High Chaparral episode "The Reluctant Deputy"

Real Diego Showing + Concerned Felipe

Diego: It's, um… A shame the war with the French goes so poorly. Risendo: Poorly? We are close to victory. Diego: Well, but just yesterday I received a letter from an old friend, a captain in the cavalry. He tells me our armies are being routed. Risendo: And just what would be the name of your friend, this captain? Diego: He said that his men are laying down their arms in surrender. After all, he should know what's he talking about. He's in the front lines, not collecting taxes in the colonies… Risendo, raising his voice: I'll have his name! Diego: It's really not important. Risendo: Lieutenant Hidalgo, take this arrogant caballero to the cuartel! *Diego walks toward Hidalgo as Victoria whispers worriedly to Don Alejandro, who then looks over at a worried Felipe.*

The High Chapparal. First shown on US television on 10 September 1967 and ran for four seasons, finishing in March 1971. The High Chapparal was the name of the ranch in the series run by the Cannon family (Chapparal being the name of a plant). The main stars were Leif Erickson, Cameron Mitchell, Henry Darrow and Linda Cristal with Mark Slade also starring in the first three seasons.

I love the character of Zorro, an early prototype superhero. Without Zorro we probably wouldn’t have Batman. Created by author Johnston McCully in his 1919 book The Curse of Capistrano, wealthy landowner Diego Vega adopts the secret identity of “Senor Zorro” as he fights injustice in 19th century California. While occasionally using a gun or a whip, his primary weapon is a sword. And I guess that…