A Western drama series from ABC which screened on Friday evenings and was inspired by the Oscar-nominated 1953 John Wayne film of the same name.
The series told the stories of former Confederate officer Hondo Lane (Ralph Taeger) who operated in 1869 during the time of the Indian wars in the Arizona Territory, accompanied by his faithful dog, Sam.
Hondo had once lived amongst the Apaches and had been married to Chief Vittorio’s beautiful daughter before she was killed in a US Cavalry raid while pregnant with their child.
Hondo was now willing to work as a troubleshooter for Colonel Crook (William Bryant) and the army to bring peace to the territory but still occasionally sought advice from the chief, bizarrely played by white Australian actor Michael Pate in greasepaint!
Notable guest stars included Annette Funicello, Ricky Nelson, John Carradine, Denver Pyle, Robert Reed, Michael Rennie, Iron Eyes Cody, Forrest Tucker, Jamie Farr, Claude Akins, Jack Elam, and Alan Hale Jr.
Hondo quickly fell victim to its Friday night competitor, Star Trek, and series star Ralph Taeger slipped into oblivion.
Hondo Lane
Ralph Taeger
Buffalo Baker
Noah Beery Jr
Angie Downe
Kathie Browne
Chief Vittoro
Michael Pate
Colonel Crook
William Bryant
Johnny Dow
Buddy Foster
