User Reviews

This episode is simply superb. A talented guest cast, led by Nick Adams, delivers a psychological drama rather than a standard cowboy story. The only representative of the Rawhide cast in this episode is Eric Fleming in a small role.This episode belongs to Nick Adams. It is a shame that Emmy Awards were not given at this time for guest performers on series television because Nick Adams deserved one for his performance as an inexperienced and reluctant leader of rebellious soldiers. It is some of his finest work. John Drew Barrymore, in the role of the villain, provides strong support. I am not a Rawhide fan per se; nor am I a Western enthusiast. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Anyone who enjoys fine acting and a well written drama will enjoy it as well. Put it on your must see list.

This Rawhide episode has trail boss Eric Fleming tracking down some stray cows when he comes upon a small army detail who has captured and requisitioned them for food. Fleming gets injured trying to recover the cattle which of course is his responsibility. Why the trail boss is out picking up strays is something I haven't figured out yet because his responsibility is with the main body of the herd.

The focus of the story is on Corporal Nick Adams who inherits the detail being the ranking person there after the lieutenant in charge died from a burst appendix. Command does not come easy to him and there's Private John Drew Barrymore looking to undermine him.

The detail mission is to get some Ute chiefs to the reservation, but they have more than the usual problems with a man in charge not sure of himself and an angry Gil Favor who wants money for his cattle and/or someone's hide.

The story was rather confusing and though the cast gave a good account of themselves, a little clarity in the writing could have helped.