BAT MASTERSON: DOUBLE SHOWDOWN {SERIES PREMIERE} (TV)
Summary
The second of two programs on this asset. Accessed on B:03689, starting at 0:25:42.
The first in this series of western dramas about the legendary western hero, William Barclay "Bat" Masterson. In this episode, two men attempt to capture Masterson, but he evades them easily and travels in a carriage to a small Arizona town, where he flirts with an attractive woman, Maria, and asks her to dinner. Elsewhere, "Big Keel" Roberts, who runs the Oriental saloon and who recently shot up the Alhambra, a rival gambling hall, in an attempt to destroy the competition, is unnerved to hear that Masterson is in town. Masterson dresses smartly for his date, aided by a young boy from town, and he explains the origins of his nickname "Bat." Out on his date with Maria, Masterson runs into Lucy, an old friend from Dodge City, and Big Keel observes their reunion. Masterson tells him that he is in town to help with the recent troubles at the Alhambra, and Big Keel notes that he is a "hired gun." When he leaves, Big Keel reminds Lucy that she "belongs" to him, to her distinct displeasure. At the end of the evening, Masterson bids Maria good night and fights off Big Keel's men again, and the town marshal, Caulder, warns him not to cause trouble for the townsfolk.
Later, at Alhambra, Masterson stops a cheater and then chats with his friend Shorty, the proprietor, and Shorty apologizes for bringing him into the dangerous situation, but Masterson says that he owes him a favor for previous good deeds. Masterson then learns that Big Keel has threatened to kill Maria if he does not leave town, but the next day he boldly sends a message to Big Keel that he is staying and has become business partners with Shorty. In response, Big Keel's men come and smash up the Alhambra, and Caulder closes both the Alhambra and the Oriental to prevent further trouble. Big Keel then invites Masterson to play one take-all hand of poker, with the loser leaving town forever. Masterson agrees, though Big Keel schemes to have Lucy deal him a winning hand, threatening to kill Masterson if she does not help him. When Masterson arrives, however, he brings along the entire town to watch, meaning that Big Keel cannot cheat. He tells him to draw from the top of the deck, knowing that he hid an ace at the bottom, and Masterson wins the hand, forcing Big Keel to show the ace and prove what kind of person he is to everyone.
Actor Gene Barry then talks about the legendary real-life Bat Masterson and offers another possible version of that fateful card game: Lucy deals and Big Keel loses again, despite his attempts to cheat. As soon as the game is over, however, Big Keel's men jump out and attempt to kill Masterson, but Lucy is the one hit. Masterson defeats the men and then orders Big Keel to fight him fairly, and when they both draw guns, Masterson is faster and Big Keel dies. Masterson then goes to Lucy, who is only injured, and carries her from the saloon. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: October 8, 1958 8:30 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:25:52
- COLOR/B&W: B&W
- CATALOG ID: 107021
- GENRE: Drama, western
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, western
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1958-1961
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Andy White … Producer, Writer
- Frank Pittman … Producer, Writer
- Gene Levitt … Writer
- Richard O'Connor … Based on the book by
- Walter Doniger … Director
- Gene Barry … Cast, William Barclay 'Bat' Masterson
- Robert Middleton … Cast, Big Keel Roberts
- Jean Willes … Cast, Lucy Slater
- Adele Mara … Cast, Maria Costa
- King Donovan … Cast, Shorty Keenan
- Charles Maxwell … Cast, Marshal Ed Caulder
- K.L. Smith … Cast, Chuck
- William Vaughan … Cast, Nelson
- Stephen Wootton … Cast, Sandy
- Quentin Sondergaard … Cast, Townsman behind Big Keel
- Leon Alton … Cast, Older card player
- Harry Raybould … Cast, Card player
- Nick Nicoll … Cast, Townsman
- Richard Warren … Cast
- Troy Melton … Cast
- James Winslow … Cast
- Sean Meaney … Cast