Gene Barry Bat Masterson Tombstone Arizona 1960

''Bat Masterson'' is an American

Western Western may refer to: Places *Western, Nebraska, a village in the US *Western, New York, a town in the US *Western Creek, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western Junction, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western world, countries that id ...

television series A television show – or simply TV show – is any content produced for viewing on a television set which can be broadcast via over-the-air, satellite, or cable, excluding breaking news, advertisements, or trailers that are typically placed be ...

which was a fictionalized account of the life of real-life marshal/gambler/dandy

Bat Masterson Bartholemew William Barclay "Bat" Masterson (November 26, 1853 – October 25, 1921) was a U.S. Army scout, lawman, professional gambler, and journalist known for his exploits in the 19th and early 20th-century American Old West. He was born to ...

. The title character was played by Gene Barry, and the half-hour

black-and-white Black-and-white (B&W or B/W) images combine black and white in a continuous spectrum, producing a range of shades of grey. Media The history of various visual media began with black and white, and as technology improved, altered to color. ...

series ran on

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American English-language commercial broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast, its headquarters are l ...

from 1958 to 1961. The show was produced by Ziv Television Productions. "Bat" is a nickname for Masterson's first name, Bartholemew, although in both the 1958 pilot "Double Showdown" and 1961 episode "No Amnesty For Death", he says his name is William Barkley Masterson. Although the series was fiction, it claimed in the closing credits to be based on the biography ''Bat Masterson'', by Richard O'Connor.

Overview

Barry's Masterson often dressed in expensive Eastern clothing and preferred to use his cane rather than a gun to get himself out of trouble. Masterson was also portrayed as a ladies' man who traveled the West looking for women and adventure. Born Eugene Klass, actor Gene Barry had changed his last name as a tribute to actor

John Barrymore John Barrymore (born John Sidney Blyth; February 14 or 15, 1882 – May 29, 1942) was an American actor on stage, screen and radio. A member of the Drew and Barrymore theatrical families, he initially tried to avoid the stage, and briefly att ...

. The black

derby Derby ( ) is a city and unitary authority area in Derbyshire, England. It lies on the banks of the River Derwent in the south of Derbyshire, which is in the East Midlands Region. It was traditionally the county town of Derbyshire. Derby g ...

, fancy decorative vest, black jacket, and elegant gold-topped cane were his trademarks. Miniaturized toy versions were marketed to children as

tie-in A tie-in work is a work of fiction or other product based on a media property such as a film, video game, television series, board game, web site, role-playing game or literary property. Tie-ins are authorized by the owners of the original prop ...

products during the run of the series. When dressed more casually in episodes centered on outdoor action, Masterson would sometimes wear an identical but gray derby in place of the black one. After the

turn of the century Turn of the century, in its broadest sense, refers to the transition from one century to another. The term is most often used to indicate a distinctive time period either before or after the beginning of a century or both before and after. Ac ...

, the real-life Bat Masterson became a prominent writer of Western reminiscences as well as a flamboyant New York City newspaper journalist and close friend of

Damon Runyon Alfred Damon Runyon (October 4, 1880 – December 10, 1946) was an American newspaperman and short-story writer. He was best known for his short stories celebrating the world of Broadway in New York City that grew out of the Prohibition era. To ...

, and was the inspiration for the character "Sky Masterson" in Runyon's ''

Guys and Dolls ''Guys and Dolls'' is a musical with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It is based on " The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown" (1933) and "Blood Pressure", which are two short stories by Damon Runyon, and also b ...

'', portrayed by

Marlon Brando Marlon Brando Jr. (April 3, 1924 – July 1, 2004) was an American actor. Considered one of the most influential actors of the 20th century, he received numerous accolades throughout his career, which spanned six decades, including two Academ ...

in a

theatrical film A feature film or feature-length film is a narrative film (motion picture or "movie") with a running time long enough to be considered the principal or sole presentation in a commercial entertainment program. The term ''feature film'' originall ...

three years before the television series began.

Cast

Main cast

* Gene Barry as Bat Masterson (108 episodes) *

Allison Hayes Allison Hayes (born Mary Jane Hayes; March 6, 1930 – February 27, 1977) was an American film and television actress and model. Early life Allison Hayes was born to William E. Hayes and Charlotte Gibson Hayes in Charleston, West Virginia. She ...

as Ellie Winters (7 episodes) * Allen Jaffe as belligerent drunk (7 episodes) * Ken Drake as Burdette (6 episodes) * Troy Melton as government agent (6 episodes)

Guest cast

''Bat Masterson'' guest stars included the

character actor A character actor is a supporting actor who plays unusual, interesting, or eccentric characters.28 April 2013, The New York Acting SchoolTen Best Character Actors of All Time Retrieved 7 August 2014, "..a breed of actor who has the ability to b ...

Robert F. Simon Robert Frank Simon (December 2, 1908 – November 29, 1992) was an American character actor. Earlier years Simon began acting with Mansfield's Community Players organization when he worked as a clerk in a meat market. Following that experience ...

, who appeared as Harrison Whitney in the episode "Death by Decree", and

Richard Eastham Richard Eastham (born Dickinson Swift Eastham; June 22, 1916 – July 10, 2005) was an American actor of stage, film, and television, a concert singer known for his deep baritone voice, and an inventor. Early years Eastham's birth name was ...

, who appeared in the 1961 episode "A Lesson in Violence".

Stefanie Powers Stefanie Powers (born November 2, 1942) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Jennifer Hart on the mystery television series '' Hart to Hart'' (1979–1984), for which she received nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards a ...

appeared in the 1961 episode named "Dead Man's Claim" (using the name Taffy Paul) as Ann, the niece of the boarding house owner.

George Macready George Peabody Macready Jr. (August 29, 1899 – July 2, 1973) was an American stage, film, and television actor often cast in roles as polished villains. Early life Macready was born in Providence, Rhode Island on August 29, 1899. He graduate ...

appeared as Clyde Richards in the 1961 episode "Tempest at Tioga Pass".

Quentin Sondergaard Quentin Charles Sondergaard (January 11, 1925 – February 15, 1984) was an American film and television actor. He was known for playing Deputy Sheriff Quint in the American western television series '' Tombstone Territory''. Career Sonderga ...

appeared in various roles on the series five times between 1958 and 1961.

Dan Sheridan Dan Sheridan (September 3, 1916 – June 29, 1963) was an Irish-American actor who appeared in more than thirty-five television series between 1957 and his death at the age of forty-six in 1963. He was cast in forty-one episodes of the ABC/W ...

was cast as Joe Rankin in the 1959 episode "Election Day". The lovely Allison Hayes had a recurring role as card dealer Ellie Winters in 7 episodes. Yvonne Lime Fedderson was cast as Lola White in the 1960 episode "The Snare". Ron Hayes appeared four times in the role of

Wyatt Earp Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp (March 19, 1848 – January 13, 1929) was an American lawman and gambler in the American West, including Dodge City, Deadwood, and Tombstone. Earp took part in the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, during which la ...

Gary Vinson Gary Vinson (October 22, 1936 – October 15, 1984) was an American actor who appeared in significant roles in three television series of the 1960s: '' The Roaring 20s'', ''McHale's Navy'', and '' Pistols 'n' Petticoats''. Early years Vinson was ...

appeared as Billy Thompson in the 1958 episode "A Noose Fits Anybody".

Tyler McVey William Tyler McVey (February 14, 1912 – July 4, 2003) was an American character actor of film and television. Early years McVey was born Bay City, Michigan, to William David McVey and his wife, the former Jessie Arvilla Tyler. His moth ...

appeared from 1958 to 1961 in different roles in three episodes ("Dynamite Blows Two Ways", "Incident at Fort Bowie", and "Dead Man's Claim"). Ron Foster (1960) appeared twice as Toby Dawson in "Six Feet of Gold" and as Sheriff Buck Simpson in "Jeopardy at Jackson Hole" (1961).

James Coburn James Harrison Coburn III (August 31, 1928 – November 18, 2002) was an American film and television actor who was featured in more than 70 films, largely action roles, and made 100 television appearances during a 45-year career.AllmoviBi ...

also appeared in "Six Feet of Gold". Tom Greenway guest starred twice, as Charlie in "Buffalo Kill" (1959) and as Ben Pick in "Dagger Dance" (1961).

Brett King Brett King (born Bertell W. King, Jr.; December 29, 1920 – January 14, 1999) was an American actor who performed in films and on television between 1949 and 1967. Early life and film career King attended the American Theatre Wing in New Yor ...

appeared four times, beginning with the role of Hub Elliott in "License to Cheat" (1959); Douglas Kennedy was cast as Sheriff Jeb Crater in that same episode.

William Tannen William Tannen (November 17, 1911 – December 2, 1976) was an American actor originally from New York City, who was best known for his role of Deputy Hal Norton in fifty-six episodes from 1956 to 1958 of the ABC/Desilu western television ser ...

was cast in four episodes of ''Bat Masterson''. Patrick Waltz in Bat Masterson (The Fighter)

Diane Brewster, also known as "Beaver" Cleaver's second-grade teacher "Miss Canfield" in '' Leave It to Beaver'' and as gambler "Samantha Crawford" opposite

James Garner James Garner (born James Scott Bumgarner; April 7, 1928 – July 19, 2014) was an American actor. He played leading roles in more than 50 theatrical films, including ''The Great Escape (film), The Great Escape'' (1963) with Steve McQueen; Paddy ...

in ''

Maverick Maverick, Maveric or Maverik may refer to: History * Maverick (animal), an unbranded range animal, derived from U.S. cattleman Samuel Maverick Aviation * AEA Maverick, an Australian single-seat sportsplane design * General Aviation Design Bure ...

'', played the role of Miss Lynn Harrison in the 2-part episode "The Conspiracy" (1959).

Kevin Hagen Kevin Hagen (April 3, 1928 – July 9, 2005) was an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Hiram Baker on NBC's ''Little House on the Prairie (TV series), Little House on the Prairie.'' Early life Hagen was born in Chicago, Illinois, t ...

appeared as Ace Williams in "The Fourth Man" (1961). Lon Chaney Jr. played the role of Rance Fletcher in "Bat Trap" (1961).

Patrick Waltz Jack Richard Waltz (December 6, 1924 – August 13, 1972) was an American film and television actor. He was credited in his first film as Philip Shawn. Waltz was born in Akron, Ohio, the younger of two sons born to Frank and Lucy Leona (nee Dug ...

, Ray Kellogg and

Marie Windsor Marie Windsor (born Emily Marie Bertelsen; December 11, 1919 – December 10, 2000) was an American actress known for her femme fatale characters in the classic film noir features ''Force of Evil'', ''The Narrow Margin'' and '' The Killing''. Wi ...

had guest-starred in the episode "The Fighter". Donald Murphy made one appearance in 1960.

Anna Navarro Anna Delia Navarro (also cited Ana Delia Navarro; August 18, 1933 – December 27, 2006) was an American film and television actress. Early life With regard to Anna Navarro's birthplace, various references cite different locations. Some source ...

and

George Sawaya George Frances Carey Sawaya (August 14, 1923 – September 17, 2003) was an American actor and stuntman. He was best known for playing the role of Detective Lopez on Jack Webb's '' Dragnet''. Life and career Sawaya was born in Los Angeles, Ca ...

both made one appearance in 1961.

Production

Development

The series was loosely based on Richard O'Connor's 1957 biography of Masterson. This was highlighted by the book's front cover being shown at the end of the closing credits with an onscreen notation "based on". From 1955 to 1959,

Mason Alan Dinehart Mason Alan Dinehart (born 1936) is an American business consultant and retired actor best known for his role as a youthful Bat Masterson in 34 episodes between 1955 and 1959 of the ABC/Desilu television series ''The Life and Legend of Wyatt Ea ...

played a 20-something Bat Masterson in thirty-four episodes of the ABC/

Desilu Desilu Productions () was an American television production company founded and co-owned by husband and wife Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. The company is best known for shows such as ''I Love Lucy'', ''The Lucy Show'', ''Mannix'', ''The Untouchabl ...

western series, ''

The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp ''The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp'' is the first Western television series written for adults, premiering four days before '' Gunsmoke'' on September 6, 1955. Two weeks later came the Clint Walker western ''Cheyenne''. The series is loosely ...

'', starring

Hugh O'Brian Hugh O'Brian (born Hugh Charles Krampe; April 19, 1925 – September 5, 2016) was an American actor and humanitarian, best known for his starring roles in the ABC Western television series ''The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp'' (1955–1 ...

as the frontier peace officer

. Dinehart left the series, and Barry was cast as a 40-something Masterson in a separate series on a different network. In the year 1958-1959 both actors were featured in the role of Masterson. The 1991

television film A television film, alternatively known as a television movie, made-for-TV film/movie or TV film/movie, is a feature-length film that is produced and originally distributed by or to a television network, in contrast to theatrical films made for ...

''The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw'' featured both Barry as Masterson and O'Brian as Earp in a supporting cast peppered with such cameos. According to BMI and the sheet music, the theme music was written by Havens Wray (although incorrectly spelled by BMI as Ravens Wray). However it was likely written by

David Rose David Rose may refer to: Business * David Rose (real estate developer) (1892–1986), American real estate developer and philanthropist * David L. Rose (born 1967), American business executive and scientist at MIT Media Lab * David S. Rose (bor ...

, an ASCAP member who couldn't use his own name for a BMI composition. The words were by BMI writer Bart Corwin. The theme song was sung by Bill Lee, a member of the Mellomen.

Episodes

The series consisted of three seasons and 108 episodes:

Season 1 (37 episodes)

Gene Barry-Jacqueline Scott in Bat Masterson

Allison Hayes-Gene Barry in Bat Masterson

Season 2 (37 episodes)

Jean Willes-Gene Barry-Adele Mara in Bat Masterson

Season 3 (34 episodes)

Spin-offs and remakes

''Guns of Paradise'' (1990)

Barry recreated the role of Bat Masterson in an episode of the television series ''

Guns of Paradise ''Paradise'' (later renamed ''Guns of Paradise'') is an American Western family television series, broadcast by CBS from October 27, 1988 to May 10, 1991. Created by David Jacobs and Robert Porter, the series presents the adventures of fictit ...

'' (1990), alongside

''The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw'' (1991)

In '' The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw'' (1991) Barry played Masterson, also with O'Brian as Earp, as well as Jack Kelly as Bart Maverick and

Clint Walker Norman Eugene "Clint" Walker (May 30, 1927 – May 21, 2018) was an American actor. He played cowboy Cheyenne Bodie in the ABC/ Warner Bros. western series ''Cheyenne'' from 1955 to 1963. Early life Clint Walker was born Norman Eugene W ...

as Cheyenne Bodie.

Home media

TGG Direct TGG may refer to: * Rugby league football, sometimes referred to as The Greatest Game, shortened to "TGG" * Sultan Mahmud Airport, airport serving Kuala Terengganu, with IATA code: TGG * Terbium gallium garnet, a chemical compound whose crystals h ...

released the first and second seasons on DVD in Region 1 on January 29, 2013. The third and final season was released on November 5, 2013. Due to licensing issues, the episode ''Terror on the Trinity'' is not included.

In other media

Comic book

Dell Comics Dell Comics was the comic book publishing arm of Dell Publishing, which got its start in pulp magazines. It published comics from 1929 to 1974. At its peak, it was the most prominent and successful American company in the medium.Evanier, Mark" ...

issued nine issues of a quarterly ''Bat Masterson'' comic book between Aug./Oct. 1959 and Nov. 1961/Jan. 1962 with the initial issue a

Four Color ''Four Color'', also known as ''Four Color Comics'' and ''Dell Four Color'', was an American comic book anthology series published by Dell Comics between 1939 and 1962. The title is a reference to the four basic colors used when printing comic ...

tryout (#1013).

Comic Strip

Columbia Features syndicated a comic strip from September 7, 1959 to April 1960 written by

Ed Herron Francis Edward Herron (July 23, 1917 – September 2, 1966) was an American comic book writer and editor active in the 1940s–1960s, mainly for DC Comics. He is credited with co-creating Captain Marvel Jr. and the Red Skull, as well as such ch ...

and drawn by Howard Nostrand (Sept. 1959–Dec. 1959) and

Bob Powell Bob Powell (né Stanley Robert Pawlowski; While gives Stanislav Pavlowsky, and gives Stanislav Pavlowsky, Bails and Ware note: "family name corrected by his son, Seth R. Powell July 2006." October 2, 1916

(Dec. 1959–April 1960). Nostrand was assisted (on backgrounds) by

Neal Adams Neal Adams (June 15, 1941 – April 28, 2022) was an American comic book artist. He was the co-founder of the graphic design studio Continuity Associates, and was a Creator ownership, creators-rights advocate who helped secure a pension and re ...

who had just graduated from the School of Industrial Arts; it was among his first professional art jobs.Neal Adams: Renaissance Man Part I

References

External links

* {{IMDb title, id=0052445, title=Bat Masterson

NBC original programming 1958 American television series debuts 1961 American television series endings Cultural depictions of Bat Masterson 1950s Western (genre) television series Television series based on actual events Television series based on books Television series by MGM Television Black-and-white American television shows Television shows adapted into comics Western (genre) television series featuring gimmick weapons 1960s Western (genre) television series