User Reviews

Interesting to see the teenager who twists everything around in his mind so that nothing is his fault and everyone is out to get him, to keep him down. And thus, justifying pretty much any action.

A pretty common theme today and one that clearly isn't that new. I think what is new is the number of people who feel that way today.

Regardless, Tommy Sands does a pretty good job of playing obnoxious Larry Hannify, the young man who is a quick thinking liar and able to scam almost anyone, at least for a while. As the show goes on, Larry's crimes increase to murder, also increasing his desperation.

SPOILER: In the end, Larry appears to have the drop on Flint and the sheriff, but Callahan, whom Larry wronged earlier in the show, gets a chance to stop him with a horrible pitchfork throw that still somehow finds its mark.

This is an epic episode for Robert Horton, who becomes an older brother figure, or uncle figure, for a young man who claims to be abused by others.

We learn he is truly a "pity party" young man, though. How much? We don't know. Flint (Horton) gives him the benefit of the doubt, and tries to encourage the young man.

There are a few turns in this story, so I won't spoil it. It has great drama in it, though, and it's great Theater. The best movies and TV shows work as well on stage as on camera, and this one does just that.

A Dying Orville Sherman rather dramatically rides up to the Wagon Train and asks for Flint McCullough. He's got tuberculosis and $342.00 to show for his life and he gives it to Robert Horton. And one other thing, a teenage son in the next town where they've settled. Then poor Sherman dies.

What he didn't tell Horton was that his son was in jail. Tommy Sands plays the son and the title role in The Larry Hannify Story. Horton and his father were in the Civil War together which is why Sherman entrusted Horton with Sands. But there's an armed robbery charge pending.

Sands gets a final break from the law in an unusual prairie probation arrangement, he's placed in Horton's custody on the promise he leave the territory forever. Sands of course is protesting his innocence all along. It's just prejudice from a northern town to a southern family.

Tommy Sands got a chance to sing a Civil War ballad Aura Lee which was an added treat. And does good in the part of a juvenile delinquent in the old west.

The episode also featured an appearance of Dodger outfielder Wally Moon who had just come off a career season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He plays a sheriff and he has a few lines towards the end of the episode. As an actor he was a great ballplayer.

Whether Tommy Sands is a good or a bad kid you have to watch the Larry Hannify Story to find out.