Wagon Train (1957)
The landmark American Western that followed pioneers across the frontier — one unforgettable journey at a time — for eight celebrated seasons.
Wagon Train - Series Information
- Original Title: Wagon Train
- First Air Year: 1957
- Last Air Year: 1965
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Western, Drama, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (75 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 284
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 18, 1957 (United States - TV-PG), September 18, 1957 (United Kingdom - PG), September 18, 1957 (Germany - 12), September 18, 1957 (France - 12), September 18, 1957 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: NBC, ABC
- Production Companies: Universal Television, Revue Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 幌馬車隊 (JP), Караван повозок (SU), Trailmaster (US), La grande caravane (FR), Caravana (ES), Caravana (BR), Caravana (AR), Caravana (VE)
Wagon Train - Plot
The series initially starred veteran movie supporting actor Ward Bond as the wagon master, later replaced upon his death by John McIntire, and Robert Horton as the scout, subsequently replaced by lookalike Robert Fuller a year after Horton had decided to leave the series. The series was inspired by the 1950 film Wagon Master directed by John Ford and starring Ben Johnson, Harry Carey Jr. and Ward Bond, and harkens back to the early widescreen wagon train epic The Big Trail starring John Wayne and featuring Bond in his first major screen appearance playing a supporting role. Horton's buckskin outfit as the scout in the first season of the television series resembles Wayne's, who also played the wagon train's scout in the earlier film.
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Wagon Train - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Frank McGrath
- Terry Wilson
- Robert Horton
- John McIntire
- Ward Bond
- Denny Miller
- Robert Fuller
- Michael Burns
- Chick Hannan
- Norman Leavitt
Writers
- Norman Jolley
- Jean Holloway
- Gene L. Coon
- Robert Libott
- Allen H. Miner
Wagon Train - FAQs
Where can you stream Wagon Train today?
Wagon Train is available to stream on several platforms in the United States, including Starz, Philo, YouTube TV, Spectrum On Demand, and Starz Amazon Channel via subscription, as well as Tubi TV for free with ads. Availability may vary by region.
Was Wagon Train based on a true story?
Wagon Train was not based on a single true story, but it was inspired by the historical reality of 19th-century westward migration across the American frontier. It also drew direct inspiration from John Ford's 1950 film Wagon Master, adapting its premise and even casting Ward Bond from that film.
Who were the main cast members of Wagon Train?
The principal cast included Ward Bond as Major Seth Adams, later replaced by John McIntire as Christopher Hale. Robert Horton played scout Flint McCullough, later replaced by Robert Fuller as Cooper Smith. Frank McGrath and Terry Wilson provided comic and dramatic support throughout the series' run.
Why did Ward Bond leave Wagon Train?
Ward Bond did not leave Wagon Train by choice — he died of a heart attack on November 5, 1960, during the show's fourth season. His role as wagon master Major Seth Adams was subsequently taken over by veteran character actor John McIntire, who carried the series through its remaining seasons.
How many seasons and episodes does Wagon Train have?
Wagon Train ran for 8 seasons and a total of 284 episodes from 1957 to 1965. Season counts range from 26 to 39 episodes per season. The series aired first on NBC before moving to ABC for its final seasons, making it one of the longest-running Westerns of its era.
What is Wagon Train about?
Wagon Train follows a group of pioneers traveling westward across the American frontier in the post-Civil War era. Each episode typically spotlights a different traveler or guest character joining the train, blending adventure, moral dilemmas, and frontier hardship under the guidance of a steadfast wagon master.
When did Wagon Train first air on television?
Wagon Train premiered on September 18, 1957, on NBC. The series ran until 1965, spanning eight seasons and 284 episodes. It became one of the most popular television programs of its era, at one point ranking as the number-one rated show in the United States.
What is the content rating for Wagon Train?
Wagon Train carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers. The series features frontier action and dramatic storytelling consistent with classic Western television of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
More About Wagon Train
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