User Reviews

Remake of 1955 Kirk Douglas actioner "Man Without a Star," tailored to provide a back story for Gary Clarke's character, improves on original in some respects, including better acting and more logical plot progression. Brian Keith effortlessly slides into the star's boots with a lusty performance as the jaded fiddlefoot who takes a liking to the greenhorn Steve. His good-natured mentoring, particularly during an amusing shooting lesson, adds poignancy to Steve's difficult decision to break away and side with Judge Garth in a festering land dispute. Gary Clarke's winning personality helped lay the foundation for the success of "The Virginian." His premature departure early in season three left a glaring vacancy that was never adequately filled.

This is not a new plot by any means. This has been used on the big screen with Kirk Douglas in the staring role. What makes this episode interesting is seeing Brian Keith and Ben Johnson at work. Brian Keith dusts off his role as mentor to the greenhorn. He excelled in this role teaching Steve McQueen in "Nevada Smith", and does it again here too. While not the best in the series, it is better with Brain Keith and Ben Johnson on the payroll. I would liked to have seen Ben Johnson with a larger role, but the plot formula did not leave him much room.

This episode of The Virginian is a remake of the Kirk Douglas classic western Man Without A Star with Brian Keith, Gary Clarke, Geraldine Brooks, Ben Johnson, and DeForest Kelley playing the parts that Kirk Douglas, William Campbell, Jeanne Crain, Jay C. Flippen, and Richard Boone played in the original. The story is told from Clarke's perspective and we learn how he arrived at Medicine Bow and the Shiloh Ranch.

Keith and Clarke arrive riding a freight car into Medicine Bow and they both get hired by Johnson foreman of a ranch recently purchased by Geraldine Brooks. Certain arrangements concerning the open range that keep everyone friendly and avoid a range war are about to be upset by Brooks. She wants quick profits and doesn't care about conservation issues either. Friends Keith and Clarke fall out over this.

The Virginian cast regulars with the exception of Lee J. Cobb and Clarke are barely seen if at all. Still even with the regulars absent that all star guest star lineup make this one a winner.

I'm a fan of the Virginian and I rate this higher than most because it is a great story line, builds up the character development for Steve, and has a great guest appearance by Brian Keith.

Sorry not really a review. So probably like most ppl here, i've watched the Virginian many times over many years. I can't believe this is an episode that i've never seen! I'm guessing that before today, i must've read that this episode centered on Steve - i would've passed. He has simply never been "my cup of tea" i guess. I've tried, i WANT to like him but the writers make him act like such a sniveling irrationally angry pud .. i really have tried. Reason i'm finally perusing it now is that the description mentioned BRIAN KEITH - one of my childhood heroes & crushes! (SO jealous of Buffy!) Mr Keith is worth every bit of Steve's pity party pouting emitting from his giant head that's far too big for his scrawny little body with the perpetually balled up fists. Sorry. Point is - so very glad i finally watched it! Always did sort of wonder where the heck Steve came from?! Never did actually wonder how he became good with a gun & learned all those necessary cowboy tricks but now i'm glad i know & watching the process with the lovely Brian Keith made it wonderfully entertaining!

BONUS: pleasantly surprised to realize that this episode seems to have helped me understand Steve & his issues, lol i'm not becoming irritated with him nearly as often - & that's allowing me to enjoy episodes that i've been avoiding for years! Again, SORRY for submitting only a comment, if i could find a better venue then i'd surely cease annoying you. All. 😘