Thursday Television Review: Laredo

Chad, Joe, Erik, and Reese

Laredo (1965-1967)

Starring: Philip Carey, Neville Brand, Peter Brown, William Smith, and Robert Wolders

Summary

Captain Parmalee (Philip Carey), of the Texas Rangers, is based in Laredo. His job is help keep peace in the state of Texas and try to keep his men from causing most of the trouble. A very stern man, Captain Parmalee doesn’t take much from anyone and is often short-tempered with the antics of his Rangers. Of course, he can’t help but smile at what occurs from day-to-day, yet will not show this side to his men.

Captain Parmalee

Probably the most boisterous of the group, definitely the most excitable, is Reese Bennett (Neville Brand). If Reese wants something, he will get it, and often with fists. A mighty temper, Reese doesn’t like to be told what to do, but is the most gullible guy around. He wouldn’t mind taking advantage of his fellow Rangers, nevertheless, he would do anything to save their lives and has a big heart for everyone.

Reese

Chad Cooper (Peter Brown) thinks he’s the best looking guy around and would love to take a lady out. He, like Reese, has a temper and won’t take anything from anybody. Chad is athletic and prides himself in his ability to solve a case. He also considers himself to be the best of the Rangers in his group.

Joe and Chad

Joe Riley (William Smith) may be one of most sensible of the Rangers in the group, certainly the most serious. Joe came from a more criminal background, but has turned a new leaf. The best tracker in Company B, he can track a person night or day. When Chad and Reese think they’ve got the best of something, Joe usually swoops in under them.

Joe Riley

Erik Hunter (Robert Wolders) is certainly the most sophisticated Ranger, priding himself in his European quaintness. Erik will not let a lady pass him by and is not above stealing a date from one of his comrades. Also the fanciest dresser among them, Erik wears some pretty wild colors, but always with sophistication. The smartest of the Rangers, he usually comes up with a plan to solve the case at hand, and the other Rangers follow. Captain Parmalee has the utmost confidence in him, until something changes that.

Erik in his fancy clothes

Combining the characteristics of each of the Rangers creates some of the wildest situations. With Chad and Joe always looking for a good time, Reese trying to figure out what’s going on, and Erik knowing all and being the only one having a good time, the four somehow still manage to solve their cases. It is usually Joe and Chad who are trying to pull one over on Reese, often succeeding. Captain Parmalee can only forgive when he sees the results.

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Review

Laredo was a fun series that ran for two years, combining the western fever that was spreading during that time with the comedy flavor that ran through many series in that era. The antics of the three Rangers (season two introduced the fourth in Erik Hunter) followed closely the storyline that was played out in the 1939 film Gunga Din with Cary Grant, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Victor McLaglen. Always able to solve their case, but finding every possible mess to get themselves into along the way.

Erik and Chad, undercover

Neville Brand was given a chance to play the “good guy” for a change, as he had built a career out of being a villain. Of course, not to consider him a softy, he certainly does have a heart and plays the part of the grumbling “hard-heart” exterior well. I’m not sure anyone is supposed to like Philip Carey’s part in this, as he usually is only seen to stop the boys from having their fun. Nevertheless, the show did need some stability.

Captain Parmalee, Joe, Chad, and Reese

This was Peter Brown’s second go at a western television series, his first being Lawman with John Russell. He would be able to express himself in an new way as a western law character, much more confident and brassy.

Reese, Chad, and Joe

William Smith was a body builder and sportsman, now landed in the part of Ranger Joe Riley. He plays the calm, cool, and collected guy well. Although having his goofy points, he is often the most level-headed of the group.

TV Guide magazine cover

Like many series of the era, this one brought on guest stars of all caliber, many of whom were not famous yet. A fun series to watch, especially as you follow the constant back and forth of loyalty and antics.

Ellen Nolan