Posted by Kevin Neilson on 8/19/2011

Did you know that the “Rawhide” television series ran from January 1959 through December 1965 and had a total of 217 episodes? This American Western series was shot in black and white and starred actors Eric Fleming and Clint Eastwood. “Rawhide” was the fifth-longest-running American Western television series.

“Rawhide” was set in the 1860’s and portrayed the challenges of men on a cattle drive. There were 20-25 riders looking after about 3,000 head of cattle. The cattle drive begins in San Antonio, Texas and follows the Sedalia Trail to a place about 50 miles east of Kansas City, Missouri. Besides the cattle representing a substantial amount of money, the trail boss also carried a substantial amount of money, so they were often in danger from thieves.

As the men traveled, they would often come upon people on the trail needing help, so they would get drawn into the other people’s troubles. Other times, cowhands would venture into nearby towns and get themselves into trouble, requiring rescue from the rest. Other situations involved parched plains, wolves, bandits, cattle raiding, murderers and so forth. The search for water was a constant problem as they traveled.

Some topics addressed in the series included an ex-soldier who had become addicted to morphine; the Mexican drover faced racism from those outside the crew; and Civil War anger was still fresh, as it had only ended four years previously. These topics got the audience’s attention. It was unusual in the 50’s for such topics to be addressed on television.

Stars of the show included Gil Favor, played by Eric Fleming, and Rowdy Yates, played by Clint Eastwood. Trail boss Gil Favor often had to keep a tight rein on the young Rowdy Yates, who was often impetuous. Favor was a strong, tough, savvy leader who was always “square” with his fellowmen and could get the job done.