Watch Rawhide
- TV-PG
- 1959
- 8 Seasons
-
7.9 (4,189)
Rawhide is a classic western television series that aired on CBS from 1959 to 1965, starring Eric Fleming as Gil Favor, Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates, and Paul Brinegar as the trail cook, Wishbone. The show follows a group of cowboys on a never-ending cattle drive across the American West. Each season typically consisted of 30 to 32 hour-long episodes, which were filmed in black and white. In the early seasons, Rawhide was known for its gritty, realistic portrayal of life on the trail. The cowboys faced all sorts of challenges, from hostile weather conditions to hostile Native Americans, and they had to rely on their wits and their trusty horses to survive. Over time, the show evolved into more of an action-adventure series, with the focus shifting away from the daily grind of the cattle drive and towards individual stories of danger and excitement. The show continued to be popular, however, thanks to its charismatic lead actors and the timeless appeal of the western genre. Eric Fleming was the star of the show, playing the role of Gil Favor, the trail boss of the cattle drive. Fleming imbued his character with a sense of authority and leadership, and he was the driving force behind many of the show's plotlines. He was also responsible for keeping the cowboys in line and making sure that everyone did their job on the drive. Clint Eastwood, who played the role of Rowdy Yates, was the breakout star of Rawhide. Although his character was initially meant to be a supporting one, Eastwood's screen presence and natural talent quickly made him a fan favorite. Rowdy was the tough and rebellious cowboy of the group, with a quick wit and an even quicker draw. The rest of the cast included Paul Brinegar as Wishbone, the cook who kept the cowboys fed and happy; Sheb Wooley as Pete Nolan, the scout who was always on the lookout for danger; and John Ireland as Jed Colby, a former outlaw who joined the group in later seasons. Raymond St. Jacques also appeared in a few episodes as Simon Blake, a highly educated black man who faced discrimination from some of the other characters. Rawhide was known for its impressive stunts and action sequences, which were often performed by the actors themselves. The show also featured a memorable theme song, sung by Frankie Laine, which became a hit in its own right and is still recognized today as one of the most iconic theme songs in television history. In conclusion, Rawhide was a beloved western series that captured the adventure and danger of life on the trail. Its talented cast, thrilling action sequences, and enduring popularity have made it a classic of the genre, and it remains a must-watch for fans of westerns and television history.