Wanted: Dead or Alive (TV Series) Eight Cent Reward (1958) User Reviews

Dennis the Menace meets the Bounty Hunter and Santa Claus!

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 2 January 2020]

This appears to be a favorite episode of many "Wanted: Dead or Alive" fans and one can see why. The writers depart from a typical story line to have seven year old Laddie Stone (Jay North) hire Josh Randall (Steve McQueen) for eight cents! to bring in Santa Claus! This was young North's first credited film appearance and television viewers would get to see him star in his own series the following year as Dennis the Menace, based on the original comic strip created by Hank Ketcham. The would be Santa Claus in the story is town drunk Ben Hatch (Lloyd Corrigan) who volunteers for the job after Randall is put on the spot by a couple of jokers (Robert Foulk, Richard Reeves) who give him the business about always getting his man. The well intentioned Santa is derailed by a bottle of horse liniment and is summarily rejected by Laddie as the real deal, but the story has a twist ending provided by a weary traveler who provides the much anticipated Christmas gift for Laddie's father (Mort Mills) while leaving no footprints in the snow outside. It's not supposed to be at all credible, but back on December 20th, 1958 when the show first aired, it was just the kind of Christmas present 'Dead or Alive' fans might have been looking for.

One Of My Favorited

[Easygoer10 · 10/10 · 21 December 2019]

I love this particular show. As it is well known, Steve McQueen was born in 1930; right at the start of the Great Depression, and spent almost his entire childhood with no father (he left his very young mother before Steve was born) and his mother basically dumped him with her uncle. Shortly thereafter, Steve ended up in The Boys Republic in Chino, CA, a home for "wayward boys". He was nearly sent to prison for escaping from the boy's home several times. He ultimately left after the 9th Grade. This was a thread which ran throughout McQueen's life; Especially in his choice of film roles. He was great father to his son and daughter, plus loved children, and they loved him. He became the most famous and highest paid actor for years. He donated hundreds of blue jeans and t-shirts to The Boy's Republic, and when he could, would return there to on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. He and his wife spent hours talking and listening to the boys there. That is real love: The giving of your time. As his 2nd wife Ali MacGraw said (I am paraphrasing): "Every man wanted to be like him, every woman wanted to sleep with him, and every child wanted to be mentored by him." This particular episode costars Jay North, who went on to very large success on the TV adaptation of the well known comic strip "Dennis the Menace". Young Mr. North (cast as "Dennis") appeared in 146 episodes. You can see this side of Steve McQueen in every biography or film made about his life.

Hokey, Sappy, Maudlin, even Schmalzy but, . . .

[pensman · 10/10 · 23 December 2016]

Of course it's predictable. A young boy who has been disappointed two years in a row pays Josh eight cents to find Santa Claus. The town barflies make fun of Josh and the boy's request which sends the boy home in tears. Both parents are upset with Josh as their son is unhappy and they don't need anyone adding to their son's disappointment. Josh hits on the expected plan to get the town drunk to play Santa but of course the plan goes awry as expected. And Christmas Eve there is a visitor, a wandering stranger grateful for a meal and a warm place for the night, but Lloyd Corrigan (BenHatch and would be Santa) gets exposed, pretty sure the smell of spirits was a giveaway, and everyone goes to bed sad. But Christmas morning everyone wakes to the sound of gunfire. Laddie Sone gets his gift: a rifle so his dad can fight off wolves. Of course everyone watching could see this coming, even as to the stranger who we are to believe was the real Santa. And I don't care. In a day when too many have become cynical and mean spirited, it's nice to see something uplifting.

If you are of a certain age, look close at Laddie and see the future Dennis the Menace, Jay North.

Here Comes Santa Claus

[ccthemovieman-1 · 6/10 · 30 August 2006]

There was no hiding the fact it was Christmas season because this story is a real departure from the normal fare. I am not a "grinch." Christmas is very important but this episode was kind of sappy and predictable, not up to standards, although it did has neat ending.

A little boy "Laddie" (Jay North, from "Lassies") gives Josh eight cents to see if he can find Santa Clause. Josh isn't interested but two guys in the bar make it seem like he is to the kid, so the young guy goes home happy thinking Josh will do the job. Randall reluctantly (because he is a soft-hearted guy underneath) goes to the kid's house to explain to him but finds that's too tough an assignment.

He winds up hiring the town drunk to come out and play Santa Claus, so at least he and the parents will find out what special the kid keeps wanting but won't tell anyone but Santa. Of course, the drunk - despite promises he'll stay sober - gets tanked and.....well, I won't spoil the rest.