Saturday, January 9, 2010

Have Gun - Will Travel

We get a 24/7 western channel, that runs old movies and TV shows. I especially like Have Gun - Will Travel. In fact, I'm announcing here that I'm on a new career path, as the gray-haired, post-menopausal therefore emotionally-charged, all-black wearing, with a string-of-pearls-around-her-neck female version of Paladin, BooneDocksWilcox the gunslinger. Unlike Cheyenne Bodie in Cheyenne who takes a couple of beatings on each show before he solves evil in the town, Paladin just pistol whips or shoots the bad guys, that will be my style too.

Paladin was a male role model who memorized poetry in a 1950s television series. Have Gun — Will Travel was an American Western television series that aired from 1957 through 1963. The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman gunfighter who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when forced to fight, excelled. Paladin lived in the Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, where he dressed in formal attire, ate gourmet food, and attended the opera. Hey, I've been living in an RV but I can handle a big-city hotel, good food, plus I have cousins that live in San Francisco.


When working, he dressed in black, used calling cards, wore a holster that carried a characteristic chess knight emblem, and carried a derringer under his belt. Paladin charged steep fees for his services — typically a thousand dollars a job. My emblem will be a turkey and I won't come cheap either.

His primary weapon was a custom-made, .45 caliber Colt Single Action Army revolver that was perfectly balanced and of excellent craftsmanship. It had a one-ounce trigger pull. The derringer that Paladin hid under his belt had saved his life numerous times. Ever a man of refinement, Paladin even carried a few expensive cigars in his boot when out on adventure. Don't think I will smoke cigars, how 'bout if I walk around eating expensive chocolate?


My Mama was from San Francisco, she loved gunfighters, and the finer things in life so I'm for hire (in a warm climate please) and working on my business cards. You'll be hearing from me.

10 comments:

John Going Gently said...

I was right.....we are ALL of us, nuts sometimes!!!

Louise said...

I just started following your blog, and I'm enjoying it immensely.

Thanks for the memories. I remember the show well. Yup, showing my age. I'll let you do the gunfighting. My tastes always ran more to marrying Little Joe Cartwright.

Mary Humphrey said...

Joanna, I think the cold has affected you.........and.........I love it! LOL!!!

I might use your calling card sometime...on a very pesty critter.

Are you keeping warm?

Alison said...

Never saw the show, but I think your plan is a good one. After all, black is slimming, right?

But...what will Mike do?

Kelly said...

Oh I sooo remember this show. I wanted to grow up to be his trusty sidekick. Then as I matured into a teen I just wanted him. I still think the all black outfit and the silver chess player were very cool. the first goth cowboy. Alex

Anonymous said...

You're such a nut.... a fun nut!

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
(Hope you are okay since your fall on the road)

Boozy Tooth said...

Hey, all-black wearing, with a string-of-pearls-around-her-neck female version of Paladin...

You have no idea how you crack me up. You are so freaking whip smart and funny. And those hilarious videos you post with your cuter-than-baby-bunnies North Carolina Appalachian drawl, ohmigod, I love you. I want us to be sisters. I'll even hold your gun for you.

Tammy said...

Too funny! Got a chuckle out of me on this cold morning. I think this winter is driving us all a little nuts.. in a GOOD way of course.
Tammy

Mom L said...

Ahh, Joanna, you really brought back the memories with this one! Yep - I'm definitely old enough to remember Paladin! One of my childhood heroes. I loved his slinky mustache. I can just see you now.....

Nancy in Iowa

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

I think I want to stand behind you. I know I'll be safer back there. You are one tough cookie, Joanna, with a great sense of humor and love of life.

Thanks for making me smile,

~Lisa