Thursday, August 18, 2016

THE SUPER SIX LIST: TOOB LIT


Several of the great classics of literature have been adapted into TV Westerns, with 'Maverick' leading the pack.  My favorite Western had four episodes that were inspired by the works of Shakespeare, Stevenson, and Sheridan.....


'MAVERICK' - "THE WRECKER"
Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
Bret Maverick wins the right to join a ring of shipwreck salvagers, but he is soon in debt up to his neck when he engages in a spirited bidding contest, spending $21,000 for a ship whose cargo is apparently only worth half that. Brother Bart soon finds out why their unknown rival was willing to bid so high - in addition to bales of silk and rice, the wreck's hold is full of illegal opium.


'MAVERICK' - "STATE OF SIEGE"
Based on a story by Robert Louis Stevenson
Finding himself delayed in New Mexico, Bart decides to visit a recent acquaintance at a nearby hacienda. However, the hospitality he expected quickly turns dangerous when the hacienda is placed under siege by a group of other landowners who claim they have been double-crossed in a treasonous plot.


'MAVERICK' - "THE RIVALS"

Based on the play by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
A rich playboy pays Bret Maverick to switch identities with him, so the playboy can court a wealthy young woman, who'd otherwise reject him.

Based on "Romeo And Juliet" by Williams Shakespeare
Bret and Bart are hired by the feuding Carteret and Montgomery families to settle a longtime dispute by a poker competition. The families are unaware of Bret and Bart's relationship, but when they become suspicious the stakes are considerably raised for the brothers.

'THE ADVENTURES OF JIM BOWIE' - "THE BRIDEGROOM"
Based on a story by Robert Louis Stevenson
To try to escape from a pursuing gang of waterfront toughs, Bowie pretends to be a prospective bridegroom for a wealthy French family's daughter.


'WAGON TRAIN' - "THE TOM TUCKETT STORY"
Based on "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
Ever since he was young, Tom Tuckett has been sent to good schools and looked after by an unknown benefactor. When he joins the wagon train he feels he's about to find out who that is but it isn't who he imagined.

TV MOVIE BONUS:

"EBENEZER"
Based on the novel "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens


{All descriptions from the IMDb.....}

Happy trails to you!


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