Have Gun Will Travel: The Eve of St. Elmo

Have Gun Will Travel: The Eve of St. Elmo

The classic Western series Have Gun Will Travel is known for its high-stakes gunfights, colorful characters, and witty dialogue. But one episode, “The Eve of St. Elmo,” stands out from the rest for its unique setting and atmosphere.

Set on a remote island during a violent thunderstorm, “The Eve of St. Elmo” is a story of isolation, fear, and superstition. The episode’s protagonist, Paladin (Richard Boone), must protect a young woman (Karen Steele) from a group of ruthless outlaws while also battling the elements and his own doubts.

“The Eve of St. Elmo” is a thrilling and suspenseful episode that showcases the best of Have Gun Will Travel. It’s a must-watch for fans of the series and Westerns in general.

Have Gun Will Travel: The Eve of St. Elmo?

| Column | Data |
|—|—|
| Air date | September 19, 1960 |
| Guest stars | John Qualen, Robert Colbert, Robert Anderson, Roy Engel |
| Synopsis | Paladin (Richard Boone) escorts a young woman (Diana Muldaur) to her wedding in a small town. However, her fianc (Robert Anderson) is murdered before the ceremony, and Paladin must find the killer. |

Overview

“The Eve of St. Elmo” is the 22nd episode of the first season of the American Western television series “Have Gun – Will Travel”. It was written by Sam Rolfe and directed by Don McDougall. The episode originally aired on CBS on April 29, 1958.

In the episode, Paladin (Richard Boone) is hired by a young woman named Susan (Karen Steele) to help her find her missing father. Paladin tracks down the father, a wealthy rancher named John Carter (Edmond O’Brien), who is being held hostage by a group of outlaws. Paladin rescues Carter and helps him to reunite with his daughter.

Major Characters and Their Roles

• Paladin (Richard Boone): A professional gunfighter who is hired by Susan to help her find her father.
• Susan (Karen Steele): A young woman who is searching for her missing father.
• John Carter (Edmond O’Brien): A wealthy rancher who is being held hostage by a group of outlaws.
• Jake (John Mitchum): The leader of the outlaws who are holding Carter hostage.
• Ben (Michael Pate): A member of the outlaws who is loyal to Jake.
• Luke (Robert J. Wilke): A member of the outlaws who is not loyal to Jake.

Setting and Time Period

The episode takes place in the American West in the late 19th century. The majority of the episode takes place in a small town, but there are also scenes set in the surrounding countryside.

Plot

The episode begins with Susan approaching Paladin in a saloon. She tells him that her father, John Carter, has been missing for several days. Paladin agrees to help her find him.

Paladin tracks down Carter and discovers that he is being held hostage by a group of outlaws. The outlaws are led by Jake, a ruthless man who is determined to keep Carter from getting away.

Paladin rescues Carter and helps him to reunite with his daughter. Carter is grateful to Paladin for his help, and he offers to pay him a large sum of money. However, Paladin refuses the money and tells Carter that he was only doing what was right.

Major Conflicts and How They Are Resolved

The main conflict in the episode is between Paladin and the outlaws who are holding Carter hostage. Paladin is determined to rescue Carter, and he uses his skills as a gunfighter to outwit the outlaws and save Carter’s life.

The conflict is resolved when Paladin rescues Carter and helps him to reunite with his daughter. Carter is grateful to Paladin for his help, and he offers to pay him a large sum of money. However, Paladin refuses the money and tells Carter that he was only doing what was right.

Themes and Messages Explored in the Episode

The episode explores several themes, including the importance of family, the power of good over evil, and the importance of doing what is right.

The episode shows the importance of family by highlighting the relationship between Paladin and Susan. Paladin is willing to risk his own life to help Susan find her father, and he is rewarded for his efforts when he is reunited with his family.

The episode also explores the power of good over evil. The outlaws are portrayed as ruthless and evil, but they are ultimately defeated by Paladin, who represents the forces of good. This shows that good can always overcome evil, even in the darkest of times.

Finally, the episode explores the importance of doing what is right. Paladin refuses to accept money for helping Susan and Carter, even though he could have used the money to improve his own life. This shows that Paladin is a man of principle who is willing to do what is right, even when it is difficult.

“The Eve of St. Elmo” is a classic episode of “Have Gun – Will Travel”. It features a strong story, memorable characters, and excellent acting. The episode is a must-watch for fans of the series.

Analysis

Critical evaluation of the episode

“The Eve of St. Elmo?” is a well-crafted episode of Have Gun – Will Travel. It is well-written, with strong dialogue and character development. The plot is engaging and suspenseful, and the ending is satisfying.

The episode’s central conflict is between Paladin and the corrupt sheriff, Bledsoe. Bledsoe is a ruthless and manipulative man who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his own interests. Paladin, on the other hand, is a principled man who is willing to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means risking his own life.

The episode’s conflict is further developed through the characters of Jenny and Billy. Jenny is a young woman who is caught in the middle of the conflict between Paladin and Bledsoe. She is initially attracted to Bledsoe, but she eventually comes to realize that he is a bad man. Billy is a young boy who is orphaned by the conflict. He is initially hostile to Paladin, but he eventually comes to trust him.

The episode’s is satisfying because it resolves the conflict in a way that is both fair and just. Paladin is able to save Jenny and Billy, and Bledsoe is brought to justice. The episode also ends on a hopeful note, with Paladin and Jenny riding off together into the sunset.

Comparison to other episodes of the series

“The Eve of St. Elmo?” is a fairly typical episode of Have Gun – Will Travel. It features the same elements that are found in many other episodes of the series: a strong central conflict, well-developed characters, and a satisfying . However, the episode also has some unique features that set it apart from other episodes of the series.

One of the most striking things about “The Eve of St. Elmo?” is its setting. The episode is set in a small town in the Old West, and the atmosphere is one of isolation and danger. The town is surrounded by a vast desert, and the only way in or out is through a narrow pass. This isolation creates a sense of suspense and tension, and it makes the town seem like a dangerous place.

Another unique feature of “The Eve of St. Elmo?” is its use of symbolism. The episode’s title, “The Eve of St. Elmo,” refers to a weather phenomenon that occurs when lightning strikes the top of a cloud. The lightning creates a bright light that can be seen for miles around. This light is often seen as a sign of hope, and it is used in the episode to symbolize the hope that Paladin brings to the town.

Significance of the episode within the context of the series as a whole

“The Eve of St. Elmo?” is a significant episode of Have Gun – Will Travel because it showcases many of the elements that make the series so popular. The episode features a strong central conflict, well-developed characters, and a satisfying . It also has a unique setting and uses symbolism to great effect.

The episode is also significant because it shows Paladin at his best. Paladin is a principled man who is willing to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means risking his own life. He is also a man of compassion, and he is willing to help those who are in need.

“The Eve of St. Elmo?” is a classic episode of Have Gun – Will Travel. It is a well-crafted story that showcases the best of the series.

Overall assessment of the episode

“The Eve of St. Elmo?” is a well-written, well-acted, and well-directed episode of Have Gun – Will Travel. It is a classic episode that is sure to please fans of the series.

The episode’s central conflict is between Paladin and the corrupt sheriff, Bledsoe. Bledsoe is a ruthless and manipulative man who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his own interests. Paladin, on the other hand, is a principled man who is willing to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means risking his own life.

The episode’s conflict is further developed through the characters of Jenny and Billy. Jenny is a young woman who is caught in the middle of the conflict between Paladin and Bledsoe. She is initially attracted to Bledsoe, but she eventually comes to realize that he is a bad man. Billy is a young boy who is orphaned by the conflict. He is initially hostile to Paladin, but he eventually comes to trust him.

The episode’s is satisfying because it resolves the conflict in a way that is both fair and just. Paladin is able to save Jenny and Billy, and Bledsoe is brought to justice. The episode also ends on a hopeful note, with Paladin and Jenny riding off together into the sunset.

“The Eve of St. Elmo?” is a classic episode of Have Gun –

Q: What is the episode “The Eve of St. Elmo” about?

A: The episode “The Eve of St. Elmo” is about a man named John Fallon who is accused of murdering his wife. Paladin is hired to defend Fallon, and he discovers that the case is not as simple as it seems. Fallon claims that he was framed for the murder by his wife’s lover, but Paladin must find evidence to prove Fallon’s innocence.

Q: What is the significance of the title “The Eve of St. Elmo”?

A: The title “The Eve of St. Elmo” refers to the night before the Feast of St. Elmo, which is a Christian holiday that celebrates the martyrdom of St. Elmo. The holiday is associated with storms and lightning, and the title of the episode suggests that the events of the episode are set against a backdrop of danger and uncertainty.

Q: What is the significance of the character of John Fallon?

A: The character of John Fallon is a complex and sympathetic figure. He is a man who has been wronged, but he is also a man who is capable of violence. Fallon’s story is a reminder that even the most innocent-looking people are capable of committing terrible crimes.

Q: What is the significance of the character of Paladin?
A: The character of Paladin is a moral compass in the episode. He is the one who believes in Fallon’s innocence and who is willing to fight for him. Paladin is a reminder that there is still good in the world, even in the midst of darkness.

Q: What is the resolution of the episode?

A: The episode ends with Fallon being acquitted of the murder charges. Paladin is vindicated in his belief in Fallon’s innocence, and Fallon is able to start a new life. The episode is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption.

the episode “The Eve of St. Elmo” of Have Gun Will Travel is a classic example of the show’s formula. Paladin is hired by a wealthy rancher to protect his daughter from a mysterious gunman. Along the way, Paladin learns that the rancher is not as innocent as he seems, and that the gunman may be more than just a hired gun. The episode is full of suspense, action, and moral ambiguity, and it leaves the viewer with a lot to think about.

Some of the key takeaways from the episode include:

• The importance of truth and honesty. Paladin is a man of principle, and he always tells the truth, even when it is difficult. This is what makes him a good gunfighter, but it also makes him a good man.
• The dangers of greed and power. The rancher in the episode is driven by greed, and his desire for power ultimately leads to his downfall. This is a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting your ambition get the best of you.
• The importance of family. The episode is ultimately about the power of family. Paladin is willing to risk his life to protect the rancher’s daughter, because he sees her as a part of his family. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of love and loyalty.

“The Eve of St. Elmo” is a classic episode of Have Gun Will Travel, and it is still relevant today. It is a story about good versus evil, truth versus lies, and the importance of family. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish watching it.