1 9 5 7 – 1 9 5 8 (USA)
32 x 30 minute episodes
Alan Hale Jnr (who later crashed the SS Minnow and marooned himself and all his passengers on Gilligan’s Island ) starred as the heroic engineer of the “Cannonball Express” (Engine No. 1) which traversed Illinois for the Midwest and Central Railroad Company circa 1890.
John Luther “Casey” Jones routinely outwitted the slimy sidewinder’s that attempted to break the law or would otherwise stop him bringing his famous train in on time – including the rival Southern & Panhandle Railroad Company.
Along the way, he was taken hostage by mail robbers and escaped prisoners, foiled gold bullion robbers, fought off marauding Apaches and saved the life of the president.
He was aided by his fireman, Wallie Simms (Dub Taylor), his conductor, Red Rock Smith (Eddy Waller) his wife, Alice (Mary Lawrence), his young son, Casey Jnr (Bobby Clark), and their faithful dog, Cinders.
Based on the mournful ballad in which the (real-life) hero is tragically killed, this series for youngsters was much perkier.
John Luther ‘Casey’ Jones
Alan Hale Jr
Red Rock Smith
Eddy Waller
Wallie Sims
Dub Taylor
Alice Jones
Mary Lawrence
Casey Jones Jr
Bobby Clark
Episodes
Night Mail | Spurline to Danger | Death Rides the Tender | The Gunslinger | A Badge for Casey | The Trackwalker | Prison Train | President’s Special | Way Station | Satan’s Wall | The Old Timer | Run To Deadwood | The Marauders | One-Way Ticket | Lost Train | Storm Warning | Iron Men | Girl In The Cab | Night Run | Layover at Jamestown | The Black Box | Star Witness | The Dutch Clock | Dark Rider | Dangerous Hours | Treasure of Sam Bass | Hard Luck Train | The Silk Train | Lethal Journey | Honeymoon Express | The Fire Eater | Mrs Casey Jones