‘Wagon Train’, NBC 1957-1962: ABC 1962-1965
‘Wagon Train’, NBC 1957-1962: ABC 1962-1965
The Indians and outlaws along the way were nothing compared to the difficulties behind the scenes. Series star Ward Bond and co star Robert Horton did not get along well on the set but they finally settled their differences two days before Bond died in the forth season. Oddly, no mention of his absence was ever made on the show. Bond died on November 5, 1960 and John McIntire assumed the job of wagon master but the next year, Horton left the show too. By early ’62, NBC had decided to replace the show but ABC stepped in to save it for three more seasons. In the 62-63 prime time season on ABC it continued as an hour show in black and white and in the daytime hours, reruns of the earlier seasons ran under the title ‘Trailmaster’ as not to confuse viewers. In 64, the show went color and to 90 minute format which was hugely expensive, but did not add many new viewers. The next year, it went back to 60 minutes and worse, back to black and white which drove the last few fans away. The last episode aired in September of 1965.
I read in the biography about MCA mogul Lew Wasserman, he sold WAGON TRAIN to ABC because NBC was waiting for what they considered a pro-forma contact from him to re-up the show. Lew took the notion if they didn’t want to contact HIM, they must not be interested.
a show that went to color and then back to black and white is a rare thing. I believe (not 100% sure) that “Science Fiction Theater” did this in the 50’s….and MAYBE “Hazel” in the 60’s when it went from NBC to CBS.