Search - Rawhide - The Complete First Season on DVD

Head 'em up, move 'em out

Junglies | Morrisville, NC United States | 10/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Throughout my childhood my television watching was dominated by two types of show, westerns and secret agents. Have Gun Will Travel, Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Cheyenne to name but a few were particular favourites but the one which has withstood the ravages of time the most has been Rawhide.

Others will cite the large and looming prescence of Clint Eastwood as a major reason for this durability but for the me the success of this particular show likes elsewhere.

While the typical western concentrated on the wild west aspects of gunslinging, bank robbery, Indians, etc the plots of Rawhide are of a much different origin. To be sure there are aspects of those experiences but the backdrop and textures of Rawhide are much richer and complex.

For example, the black and white views of right and wrong out west are much more of shades of gray with the show. There is a greater degree of complexity involved and differing perspectives. People make mistakes and come to realise that. Older, wiser heads prevail over more hotheaded, reactive ones.

Similarly, Rawhide deals with issues which often would not be deemed worthy in the typical western. there is a greater human touch involved. Often it is easier to understand a perception of fear which engenders violent action as a pre-emptive strike than to see all of the protagonists as men of deliberate action.

The notion of lawlessness is also superceeded by a sense of the growth and limits of the law in the face of challenges, both physical and political, from people who live outside of the traditional lawkeeping forces of military or much later sherrif's personnel.

Character development is another understated aspect of this show where we see the community of trail herders grow with each passing mile. The almost father-son relationship between Gil favour and Rowdy Yates which results in the latter growing from a young hothead to an older wiser and more mature second in command is intersting to observe through passing episodes.

What I am trying to say is that Rawhide takes a broader view of the west than almost every other show and it is that which has sustained it's popularity over the years.

A great series which I am happy to watch over again."

Amazing, timeless television, hands down!

Chris Pratl | Illinois | 06/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being that I'm only 37-years old, I am in the minority that did not bear witness to the show when it originally aired in '59 up to '66, but I'm glad some 50-years later I discovered this gem of celluloid history.

As Clint Eastwood if my favorite living actor I was naturally drawn to this because, frankly, I'd never seen any of the episodes. It's bad enough modern television can't hold a candle to the old days, but to play the same insipid shows in never-ending loops as stations are wont to do is criminal. I believe the Halmark channel or ME-TV shows the occasional Rawhide but this set is a wonderful addition to the home library. I have never had more than a passing interesting westerns, be in television or big-feature films, but Rawhide is a moment in time gloriously contained on a terrific DVD set. All pains have been taken to retain the original feel while modernizing ever-slightly in the mastering process. I'm also introduced to the great Eric Fleming, Sheb Wooley, Paul Brinegar, as well as a myriad of other cast members that are fun and a part of my psyche now and forever.

I was never a "Bonanza guy" or anything close, but Rawhide just has the feel of real trials and tribulations not saturated in mediocrity or "same-old-same-old" rhetoric. Mr. Fliming as Gilbert Favor, the trail boss, was nothing short of superb and Eastwood as ramrod Rowdy Yates is just drenched with great characterization, talent and honing of skills for future endeavors (anyone not spotting the "Harry Calahan" grimace ten years beforehand in some episodes is missing something amazing). The overall surrounding/supporting cast is so natural and tight that it truly integrates you as one of the drovers; You care about the characters and the plots as if they were your own, the true mark of great television.

I cannot recommend this set any higher than my peers before me have, but thanks for allowing me to spout off, so to speak. I'm so sorry I missed the original run but I forever have it in my personal library and implore all of you to check out what the old west was like for the men who fed our families."