HONDO - THE COMPLETE SERIES (ABC 1967) Ralph Taeger, William Bryant, Kathie Brown, Buddy Foster, Noah Beery Jr., Gary Clarke

Inspired by a 1953 John Wayne film of the same name Hondo was an ABC western drama that told the stories of Hondo Lane (Ralph Taeger), a former Confederate cavalry officer who had moved west following the Civil War. 

Hondo had once lived among the Apaches and had been married to Chief Vittorio’s (Michael Pate) beautiful daughter before she was killed as part of a massacre of Indians by the United States Army Cavalry.  Now Hondo and his faithful dog, Sam, travel alone as a troubleshooter for Colonel Crook (William Bryant) and the army, bringing peace between the white settlers and the Native Americans fighting to keep their land and way of life.  Occasionally Hondo must fight to counter land grabbers and other outlaws.

Hondo has the right mix of perspectives needed to troubleshoot the dangers found in the lawless and powder-keg atmosphere that envelopes the Arizona Territory of the 1870s.

Also aiding Hondo is frontier widow Angie Dow (Kathie Brown), her son Johnny (Buddy Foster), grizzled sidekick Buffalo Baker (Noah Beery Jr.) and Captain Richards (Gary Clarke).

A couple cast notes: Hondo's frequent sidekick, Buffalo Baker, is portrayed by Noah Beery, Jr., the nephew of Wallace Beery and son of Noah Beery, who later played "Rocky" in the NBC series The Rockford Files with James Garner.  And, the actor playing the little boy, Johnny Dow, was played by Buddy Foster, older brother of Jodie Foster, who later co-starred on the CBS comedy Mayberry RFD.

Notable guests include Michael Reenie, Robert Taylor, Nick Adams, Annette Funicello, Robert Reed, Claude Akins, John Carradine and Farley Granger.

This set features all 17 episodes produced.

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Number of DVDs: 4

Number of Episodes: 17

Quality: 9/10

Running Time: 8 hr 54 min

Aspect Ratio: Full Screen

NOTES: This is a fan-made DVD set. Not    a studio release.