Have Gun Will Travel The Last Laugh?

Have Gun – Will Travel: The Last Laugh?

The Have Gun – Will Travel television series aired from 1957 to 1963. It starred Richard Boone as Paladin, a mysterious gunfighter for hire who traveled the Old West seeking justice and helping those in need. The show was a huge success, and it remains popular to this day.

But what was the secret to Have Gun – Will Travel’s success? Was it the charismatic performance of Richard Boone? The intriguing stories? The beautiful cinematography? Or was it something else entirely?

In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons why Have Gun – Will Travel was such a successful television series. We’ll look at the show’s characters, stories, and production values, and we’ll try to determine what made it such a classic.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy a look back at one of the greatest westerns of all time.

Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh?

| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|—|—|—|
| Episode Number | 25 | Season 5 |
| Airdate | May 13, 1963 |
| Guest Stars | Robert Karnes, Don Keefer, and Jeanette Nolan |
| Summary | Paladin is hired by a man named James McKay to find his missing wife, Susan. Paladin tracks Susan to a small town in Arizona, where she is being held captive by a group of outlaws. Paladin rescues Susan and helps her escape, but the outlaws pursue them. Paladin and Susan eventually make it to safety, and Susan is reunited with her husband. |

“Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh?” is the final episode of the American Western television series “Have Gun Will Travel.” It was first broadcast on CBS on March 27, 1963. The episode was written by William R. Burnett and directed by Robert Butler.

The episode stars Richard Boone as Paladin, a professional gunfighter who travels the Old West seeking to help those in need. In the episode, Paladin is hired by a wealthy rancher named John Carter (John McIntire) to protect his daughter, Mary (Julie Gregg), from a band of outlaws led by Carter’s former business partner, Frank Tanner (James Gregory).

The episode is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is the final episode of the series, and it brings closure to the characters and the story. Second, it offers a commentary on the changing times, as the Old West is giving way to the New West. Third, it explores themes of death, loss, and redemption.

The Significance of the Episode

The episode “Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh?” is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is the final episode of the series, and it brings closure to the characters and the story. The episode sees Paladin come to terms with his own mortality and find peace with his past. He also helps Mary Carter to find her own way in the world, and the two of them share a final moment of laughter before parting ways.

Second, the episode offers a commentary on the changing times, as the Old West is giving way to the New West. The episode is set in 1890, a time when the frontier is rapidly disappearing and the old ways of life are giving way to new ones. Paladin represents the old West, while Mary Carter represents the new. The episode explores the tensions between these two worlds, and how each must find a way to adapt to the changing times.

Third, the episode explores themes of death, loss, and redemption. Paladin is forced to confront his own mortality when he is shot and killed by Frank Tanner. This event forces him to reflect on his life and the choices he has made. He also comes to terms with the loss of his friend, Joshua McCabe (Stephen McNally), who was killed in the previous episode.

The episode also explores the theme of redemption. Paladin is able to redeem himself for his past mistakes by helping Mary Carter. He helps her to find her way in the world, and he gives her the strength to face the future. The episode ends with Paladin riding off into the sunset, a symbol of his hope for the future.

The Themes of the Episode

The episode “Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh?” explores a number of themes, including death, loss, and redemption. The episode also deals with the themes of friendship, loyalty, and honor.

• Death. The episode begins with Paladin being shot and killed by Frank Tanner. This event forces Paladin to confront his own mortality and reflect on his life. He also comes to terms with the loss of his friend, Joshua McCabe, who was killed in the previous episode.
• Loss. The episode explores the themes of loss and grief. Paladin is devastated by the loss of his friend, Joshua McCabe. He also feels a sense of loss for the Old West, which is rapidly disappearing.
• Redemption. Paladin is able to redeem himself for his past mistakes by helping Mary Carter. He helps her to find her way in the world, and he gives her the strength to face the future. The episode ends with Paladin riding off into the sunset, a symbol of his hope for the future.
• Friendship. The episode explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and honor. Paladin is a loyal friend to Joshua McCabe, and he is willing to risk his own life to save him. He is also a loyal friend to Mary Carter, and he helps her to find her way in the world.
• Honor. Paladin is a man of honor, and he always strives to do the right thing. He is willing to risk his own life to protect those who are in need, and he always stands up for what he believes in.

The episode “Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh?” is a powerful and moving exploration of the themes of death, loss, and redemption. The episode is also a fitting end to the series, as it brings closure to the characters and the story. The episode is a must-watch for fans of the series, and it is a reminder that even in the face of death, there is always hope for the future.

Q: What is the plot of “Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh”?

A: The episode begins with Paladin (Richard Boone) and his new partner, Mark Saber (John Russell), arriving in the town of Cimarron. They are met by Sheriff Jim Cantrell (Robert Bray), who informs them that a man named George Wingate has been murdered. Wingate was a wealthy rancher who had recently been feuding with a man named Jed Hawkins (Robert Emhardt).

Paladin and Saber investigate the murder and soon learn that Wingate was killed by a single gunshot to the head. They also learn that Wingate had been in financial trouble and had recently been forced to sell his ranch to Hawkins.

Paladin and Saber confront Hawkins, who denies killing Wingate. However, they soon learn that Hawkins had a motive for murder: he had been having an affair with Wingate’s wife, Sarah (Virginia Gregg).

Paladin and Saber eventually track down the real killer, a man named Frank Allison (Charles Drake). Allison had been hired by Hawkins to kill Wingate. He is arrested and brought to justice.

Q: What are the main themes of “Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh”?

A: The main themes of the episode are revenge, greed, and the power of love.

The episode explores the destructive nature of revenge. Allison kills Wingate in order to get revenge for a perceived slight. However, his actions only lead to more pain and suffering.

The episode also explores the dangers of greed. Hawkins is driven by greed to kill Wingate. His greed ultimately destroys him.

Finally, the episode shows the power of love. Sarah Wingate’s love for her husband prevents her from taking revenge on his killer. Her love is ultimately what saves her from a life of bitterness and despair.

Q: What is the significance of the title “Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh”?

A: The title “Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh” is significant for several reasons. First, it refers to the fact that the episode is the last one in the series. Second, it alludes to the fact that the episode is a comedy. Finally, it suggests that the episode will be a memorable one.

The episode is indeed a memorable one. It is a well-written and well-acted story that explores some of the most important themes in the series. It is also a fitting end to a classic series.

Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh is a classic episode of the Western television series that is still relevant today. The episode explores themes of revenge, justice, and the importance of family. The episode is well-written and acted, and it features some of the show’s most memorable moments. The episode is a must-watch for fans of Have Gun Will Travel and Westerns in general.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

• Revenge is not always the answer.
• Sometimes, the best way to get justice is through the law.
• Family is the most important thing in the world.

Have Gun Will Travel: The Last Laugh is a timeless classic that is sure to entertain viewers for generations to come.