MovieChat Forums > The Roy Rogers Show (1951) Discussion > Definitely set in post-WWII era

Definitely set in post-WWII era

posted 10 years ago by movies789
5 replies | jump to latest

I'm now watching the episode "Portrait of Murder" (March 1957), about a local artist with WWII battle fatigue/PTSD suspected of murdering the town veterinarian. Defending the suspect, Dave Shelton, to Roy, Dale says that despite Dave's "experiences in the Second World War, in the concentration camp", she didn't think him capable of killing anyone. (Offhand, I don't know of any other episodes that make such specific reference to the actual story-era.)

So (in answer to a couple of posts elsewhere as to the timeframe of the storyline), that puts it no earlier than mid-40s, and more likely early to mid-50s, the Old West scenic/story elements notwithstanding.

Still, the series is a fascinating blend of the Old West and Post-War eras; it's always fun to pick out anachronisms and indicators.

[–] movies789 10 years ago

Regarding "Nellybelle", Wikipedia notes that "The first Willys MB Jeeps were produced in 1941... and the first civilian models were produced in 1945."

[–] wrlord2001 10 years ago

There are no anachronisms. It takes place contemporarily.

[–] movies789 9 years ago

wrlord2001 replied "There are no anachronisms..."

Well, of COURSE there are: the whole Wild West theme - six-guns everywhere, 19th Century clothes and architecture, horses and buggies used almost exclusively for transportation and chasing outlaws, virtually no motor vehicles at all except for Nellybelle, no gas stations anywhere, no TV or radio or movies, etc., etc. Come on! The whole show SCREAMS 1880s Wild West, yet it has tidbits of present-day (1950s) technology as... anachronisms!

[–] movies789 9 years ago

More post-WWII references: I'm watching an episode now (S2/E2, "Outlaw's Return", 9/28/52) in which Roy, Pat, the sheriff and a horse-mounted posse are storming a remote house under intense gunfire from John Doucette's gang. Roy says to Pat, "Come on, Pat, you're an old tank-driver!" Pat grumbles, "This reminds me of the Battle of the Bulge!" and "This [gunfire from the house] sounds like a burp-gun!"

There was one episode that referred to two federal officers "flying in from Washington [DC]". And the weirdest episode for an "Old West" scenario ("Fishing for Fingerprints", Season 6 Episode 2) had Roy Rodgers manning a "Lake Patrol" speedboat, with twin outboards, chasing another speedboat, also with twin outboards, and showing a lakeside parking lot filled with '40s and '50s-era automobiles - yet, filled with the usual Old West elements, i.e. everyone packing six-guns and tearing around strictly by horseback.

The show was a fascinating, unapologetic blend of the 1880's and 1950's. It simply required complete and utter suspension of disbelief - more than any other show I can think of. As the saying goes, "you buy the premise, you buy the bit"; you just have to buy into the odd anachronisms and enjoy the ride.

[–] kowen-7 8 years ago

Loved Pat Brady & Nellybelle-he was a talented musician, loved when he sang in the movies-so comical, natural.
Glad he survived his service in WW2, my Dad served also.
Love the show and Roy Rogers movies, my favorites have Dale, Pat, Gabby, & the Sons of the Pioneers.