Zane Grey Theatre (TV Series) The Man in the Middle (1960) User Reviews

Never could get into this replayed plot

[kfo9494 · 5/10 · 21 September 2016]

In this repeated plot, Indian hatred raises its head as a cowboy shoots an Indian and believes he is right just because the person is an Indian. In comes Locke Gardner (Michael Rennie), a US Marshal, that is going to arrest the cowboy, Tod Mulvey, for the killing. But as with any episode with this kind of plot, there is potholes all through the show.

First the person that killed the Indian is the son of the Marshal's friend named Dan Mulvey. Dan had been shot with two Indian arrows a while back and has a limp and a dead arm. So there is not much lost for the Indian shooting. Also when the Marshal arrest Tod and brings him to the Sheriff's office, the townsfolk do not agree with the Marshal and sets the town against the US Marshal.

There is nothing wrong with the acting or casting in the episode, it is just that this plot has been played out in nearly every western book and film since the beginning of print. One lawman stands up against the entire town so that the rule of law can be followed-- nothing new in this show. It felt like a repeat on the first time viewing the show.

A disagreeable errand

[bkoganbing · 4/10 · 27 December 2016]

Michael Rennie is the guest star in this Zane Grey Theater episode as a US Marshal who is on a disagreeable errand. He's visiting the ranch of old friend Louis Jean Heydt tracking down a killer. Said killer turns out to be Richard Jaeckel, Heydt's son.

Jaeckel has shot down an Navajo chief's son whom he thought was going to steal some cattle. In the old days that was just routine, but now the Navajos are on a reservation and under the protection of the government such as it is.

This sets Rennie against the whole town as Heydt is owner of the local Ponderosa. I think some of you might see some parallels with the Kirk Douglas/Anthony Quinn classic western Last Train From Gun Hill.

Unfortunately it's not as good and the ending given how Jaeckel's character is presented is a real cop out.

Definitely one of the lesser stories from the Zane Grey Theater.

The Man in the Middle

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 4 May 2024]

In his introduction host Dick Powell talks about the role of the low paid Indian agent. A role not many people wanted.

Locke Gardner (Michael Rennie), a US Marshal did not want to be an Indian agent. He is stuck in the role and now finds himself having to fulfil the role with the best of his abilities.

Tod Mulvey (Richard Jaeckel) shot an Indian boy from the reservation in the back. He claims the boy was trying to steal his cattle. The boy later dies and he was the son of Gray Wolf.

Only the townsfolk are up in arms with Tod getting arrested by the Marshall. The local sheriff does not want to jail Tod. His father rounds up the locals to help his son escape. Locke Gardner is determined to hunt Tod down.

This is certainly a hackneyed story and a weak ending. Although interesting that no local sees there is anything wrong to shoot dead an Indian kid in the back. Never mind get arrested for it.