Temple Houston is a Western cowboy series that aired on NBC in 1963-64, marking the first attempt at a one-hour series with a true lawyer as the protagonist. Unlike typical cowboys who rely on guns, this series tells the story of Temple Lea Houston, a young lawyer who uses legal knowledge and wit to fight injustice in the harsh Wild West.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The series Temple Houston is set in the pioneering era of America, in a small town in Texas. Temple Lea Houston (played by Jeffrey Hunter) is a lawyer who has just returned to set up his practice after graduating. He faces various cases, from defending the innocent to fighting the influence of corrupt businessmen and negotiating with outlaws. The highlight is that Temple uses a gun only as a last resort, relying primarily on words and evidence. He is aided by George Taggart (Jack Elam), a bounty hunter friend, and Joe Shivers (Robert Rothwell), a close friend who works as a court clerk.
Acting and Characters
Jeffrey Hunter portrays Temple Houston with dignity and charm, effectively conveying intelligence and determination in seeking justice. Although this role is not as challenging as his part in The Searchers, Hunter makes the character compelling. Jack Elam as George Taggart brings humor and playfulness to relieve tension. Robert Rothwell as Joe Shivers plays a loyal friend who offers encouragement. While the supporting cast's performances are not outstanding, they smoothly drive the story forward.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
The series was directed by multiple directors, including William Witney, Richard C. Sarafian, and others, resulting in uneven quality across episodes. Overall, the cinematography, shot at Warner Bros. studios and some real locations, provides an authentic Western atmosphere, though not as expansive as cowboy films of the same era. The music, composed by John Williams (in early episodes) and others, uses familiar country and orchestral tunes, creating adequate emotional engagement but not standing out.
Editorial Analysis
Temple Houston is a series that boldly experiments with a protagonist who is not a gunslinger or fighter but a lawyer—a progressive concept for 1963. However, the series is constrained by traditional Western storytelling, so many episodes still revolve around guns and shootouts. Although Temple tries to use the law, he sometimes resorts to force, contradicting the intended concept. Nevertheless, for fans of classic series who want to see a different perspective on cowboys, Temple Houston is an interesting work that deserves recognition as a pioneer.
Verdict
Temple Houston is a cowboy series with a novel concept for its time. If you are a fan of classic Westerns and want to try something different, this series is worth seeking out. However, if you expect legal realism or intense action, you may be somewhat disappointed.
👍 Pros
- +Protagonist is a lawyer who uses intellect over guns
- +Jeffrey Hunter delivers a charming lead performance
- +Content differs from typical cowboy series of the era
👎 Cons
- −Many episodes still emphasize gunfights over legal proceedings
- −Inconsistent quality across episodes
- −Some production elements feel dated
Top Cast
FAQ
The series has 26 episodes in one season, airing from 1963 to 1964.
The character Temple Houston is based on a real person, Temple Lea Houston, son of Sam Houston, former president of the Republic of Texas, but the storyline is fictional.
Currently, the series is hard to find; it may be available on DVD or some streaming services, but not on major platforms in Thailand.
