HIGH CHAPARRAL, THE: ALLIANCE (TV)

Summary

One in this series of Western dramas about the Cannon family and their struggle to maintain and operate the High Chapparral Ranch.

Manolito runs into his old friend, the infamous outlaw Johnny Ringo. He reveals he has been hired as a bounty hunter by the United States army to capture Keono, an Apache accused of murdering an army officer and stealing his horse. Keono belongs to the tribe of Tularosa, an Apache chief notorious for his propensity for violence. John learns of this and is concerned that Tularosa might seek his retribution at High Chaparral. Ringo is apathetic towards High Chaparral's fate and rides off in search of Keono; meanwhile John sends Blue to speak to the army to elicit their aid.

Manolito follows Ringo to Tularosa's camp and tries to convince him not to go after Keono. Manolito warns Tularosa of Ringo's approach, but Tularosa asserts that Keono is not at fault and that he will attack if provoked. However, Manolito returns to find that Ringo has already captured and bound Keono while he was speaking to Tularosa. They ride off with their prisoner in tow, but are soon spotted by a pair of Apache scouts who immediately ride off to inform Tularosa. Meanwhile, Blue attempts to convince the nearby army commander, Major Ramsey, that sending a bounty hunter after Keono is a bad idea which could be disastrous for High Chaparral. Ramsey dismisses Blue's concerns and feels that High Chaparral does not warrant the army's assistance. His subordinate, Lieutenant Cooper, disagrees with him, but finds that there is little he can do to help High Chaparral.

Tularosa hears from his scouts and promises retribution. Blue returns to High Chaparral and John organizes a group to ride out to speak to Tularosa. Keono attempts to escape Ringo, but is recaptured. However, he manages to send his horse away, necessitating that he ride with Manolito and slowing their pace. Johnny does not kill Keono, having promised Manolito that he would not. A Colonel arrives at the army base from Washington, enraged at Major Ramsey's apparent lack of sound judgment in his command decisions. He relieves him of command and orders Lieutenant Cooper to take his position until a replacement arrives.

The Apache find Manolito and Ringo and chase after them. Soon they are cornered near a cave. Manolito attempts to exchange Keono for their freedom, but it soon becomes clear that Tularosa will attack them regardless of what they do. Left with no other options, Manolito and Ringo try to hold off the Apache assault. John and his party are spotted by an Apache sentry who promptly informs Tularosa. The Apache move off to intercept John and his men, and soon they are driven to Manolito and Ringo's position. The assembled band continues to struggle against the Apache, quickly running low on ammunition. Just when it seems they are defeated, Lieutenant Cooper and his men come charging over the hill, driving the Apache away. During all the confusion, Keono's horse arrives and Keono manages to escape on it. Everyone else makes their way back to High Chaparral to recover their wounds. The episode ends as Manolito bids farewell to Ringo. Commercials deleted.

Details

NETWORK: NBC
DATE: December 12, 1969 7:30 PM
RUNNING TIME: 0:49:31
COLOR/B&W: Color
CATALOG ID: B:03692
GENRE: Drama, western
SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, western
SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1967-1971
COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

David Dotort … Executive Producer, Created by
James Schermer … Producer
Phil Rawlins … Director
Don Balluck … Writer
Harry Sukman … Music by
David Rose … Theme Music by
Leif Erickson … Cast, John Cannon
Cameron Mitchell … Cast, Buck Cannon
Mark Slade … Cast, Billy Blue Cannon
Henry Darrow … Cast, Manolito Montoya
Linda Cristal … Cast, Victoria Cannon
Robert Viharo … Cast, Johnny Ringo
Bob Hoy … Cast, Joe
Roberto Contreras … Cast, Pedro
Donald Buka … Cast, Major Ramsey
X. Brands … Cast, Tularosa
Tyler McVey … Cast, Colonel Sheeton
Kahana (See also: Kim Kahana) … Cast, Keono
Jay Jones … Cast, Lieutenant Cooper