Review of Calhoun: County Agent

A passionate but overly ambitious drama, this appears to be a precursor to "Falcon Crest", substituting orange groves for grape vineyards. Instead of ruthless wine barons, this focuses on neighboring farmers, struggling with their daily lives, and now facing the possibility of a blithe that could spread throughout the valley. Jackie Cooper plays a long time resident whose vineyard is stricken and must warn his neighbors, sending the valley into a panic. Barbara Stanwyck plays a sophisticated newcomer involved with Cooper whose estranged husband (Howard Duff) shows up to report about the tainted trees. A bunch of minor subplots are set up, but none are really interesting. I really couldn't have seen this as a series, but it's nice to see Stanwyck in one of her rare TV appearances, a different type of big valley. Beverly Garland and BarBara Luna play supporting parts but are overshadowed by the main plot. Apparently, this never even aired, so it's a nice discovery to add to my nearly complete Barbara Stanwyck collection.