The Virginian comes upon a dead man tied to a dead tree. When he notices the U.S. Army canteen near the body, he places the body across his saddle and rides until he comes across a detail of the U.S. Cavalry. He gives them the body and goes on.
Cut to the U.S. Army outpost, where they are interring the dead man, who was Army Lieutenant Ben Carver (Mercer Harris). Presiding over the funeral is Col. Mark Hamilton (Morgan Woodward). As the funeral concludes, the bugler (Michael Burns) is ordered to play Taps, but refuses. He also disobeys an order to give the bugle to another officer, instead dropping it on the ground and stepping on it. He is then taken into custody for insubordination, and the punishment is 18 lashes, administered by the Colonel, who happens to be the bugler's father.
Subsequently, the bugler - Toby - flees the fort on a stolen horse, that he manages to cripple. The Virginian and the folks at Shiloh find him and take him in. He gives them a fake name and backstory.
The cat starts getting out of the bag, however, when the cavalry comes around looking for him. Clay Grainger (John McIntire) manages to fluff them off by not telling the whole truth. Part of the reason is that his niece, Elizabeth (Sara Lane) is developing a crush on Toby, and Clay feels he needs to hear Toby's side of the story before giving him up to the Army for further punishment. As it happens, Col. Hamilton is a childhood friend of Clay's. So Clay goes to the fort to speak with him, as well, and get his point of view.
An interesting episode, with good acting all around. Interesting to see the different points of view, how Lieutenant Carver and his death figure into the mix, and what inspires the behavior of the different characters. The resolution to the situation is satisfying.
4 Reviews
John McIntire Shines!
sascoach20032 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In this episode, John McIntire gets a chance to show off his often under stated, and underrated acting skills. Michael Burns' army bugler harbors ill will towards his hard-edged CO, also his father, played by Morgan Woodward. He deserts, and is found by The Virginian and Clay Grainger. The ensuing teleplay is well done, as veteran character actor Myron Healy also turns in a good performance as Woodward's executive officer, charged with bringing in the bugler deserter. However, Alan Hale is wasted as a grizzled sergeant. It is McIntire's very understated acting, however, that makes this episode.
Recycled story ?
robertademund-6278310 May 2021
Generational conflict
bkoganbing14 July 2020
After getting a good whipping Private Michael Burns runs away from the army and
is found on Shiloh range. The Grangers take him in. What John McIntire doesn't know is not only Burns's desertion, but that the commanding offricerof the fort is
Morgan Woodward who is Burns's father.
Woodward and Burns make a good study in generational conflict. As it turns out each is both right and wrong about the other.
Isn't that always the way.
Woodward and Burns make a good study in generational conflict. As it turns out each is both right and wrong about the other.
Isn't that always the way.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
