It's been so long since I saw it in its original network run, that I didn't remember the final episode until I saw it today.
It seemed unfinished, with no full judicial hearing and no verdict. It seemed like an end-of-season cliffhanger. Does anyone know if that was the original intent?
The broadcast date of the final episode was June 27, 1961 so it was probably the last show of the season. I have not been able to find any information about the reason the show did not continue, in 1961-62 season. It must have been cancelled but Hugh O'Brian web site does not provide any information about why the show ended.
I hadn't seen that last episode, The Outlaws Cry Murder in fifty years. I was wondering the same thing but I also could not find any info on the internet. Here are some guesses:
1. The number of TV westerns was dwindling since its heyday a few years earlier. Maybe ABC just decided to pull the plug.
2. Desi and Lucy were recently divorced and Desi subsequently sold his share of Desilu to Lucy. Maybe Wyatt Earp fell victim to studio turmoil. I'm not clear on the exact timeline for all of this.
3. Hugh O'Brian played the character for seven years. Maybe his contract ran out and he did not re-sign or maybe Desilu dropped him. Maybe he wanted to move to motion pictures.
4. The Gunfight at the OK Corral episode was pretty violent for back then; slow motion deaths, multiple gunshot wounds (still not too much blood or torn clothing). Maybe there was an uproar from outraged church groups and such.
This is all just speculation on my part. I was 9 or 10 at the time. I do remember the cliffhanger aspect of the Clanton episodes but did not remember this last episode. I'm sure I was disappointed Wyatt Earp wasn't on the next September. If I knew why at the time, I sure don't remember.
This was one of my favorite shows when I was 8 or 9, but I don't remember watching the last episode back then. However, I just watched the final episode on Encore Westerns, and I'm convinced that, at the time it was made, they were planning more episodes. Evidently, something changed during the summer, and that was that!
shareI just watched The Outlaws Cry Murder on Encore Westerns and I agree that it seemed like a cliff-hanger. It ended with no decision by the judge as to whether to try the Earps and Doc Holliday for murder. It looked bad, as the judge seemed predisposed to rule against the Earps. I think if the producers knew that this was going to be the final episode of the series, they would have ended it more like what happened in real life -- insufficient evidence to bring the Earps to trial.
shareAt the start of the previous episode, Wyatt is seen giving his under oath testimony, and explains via flashback, the events leading to, and during the OK Corral. Judge Spicer informs Wyatt that Ike Canton, and Behan, have previously given their depositions. At the end of The Outlaws Cry Murder, we find out that were just in court. So we're to understand, that chronologically, we saw the final scene, at the beginning of the previous episode. Wyatt was on his way to testify, as he exited the room, and the series concluded. Sort of an early Pulp Fiction scene shift lol
shareMeant to say, that THEY were just in court.
shareI was just a little too young to have seen the show in it's original run. After watching the final episode I had the same questions you have and am glad to read some of the guesses here.
I would like to say I have searched and searched for any answers over the last week or so to no avail. I was left with that sad feeling similar to ending a great book and wishing there was more to read. But in this case it was worse as over 50 years have passed and most all involved have passed on many, many years ago. "They don't make shows like that anymore."
Yeah, I doubt there's anything on the Web about why the series ended this way. Perhaps there's some consolation in knowing that, in real life, the decision was made that there was not enough evidence to try them for murder.
It is better to be kind than to be clever or good looking. -- Derek
I watched the five-part series finale when it was first aired, and as I recall from the publicity and articles in TV GUIDE, etc., it was intended as a finale and not a cliffhanger--although admittedly that final episode was unsatisfying. I suspect that it was, however, intended to end the series because they didn't want to go into the unpleasant aftermath of the shoot-out and hearing: Virgil's crippling, Morgan's death, and Wyatt's Vendetta Ride against the Cowboys.
shareNo, it was always intended to be the conclusion. From 1961:
There are only six bullets in a Western revolver, and Hugh O'Brian figures six years is about the limit for a successful television horse opera. After completing his tenure in The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp this February, the actor said, "It's time for me to get off the horse while the getting's good. I'll miss Wyatt. I'm grateful for all he's done for me. And I hope I did him justice, too." Playing the famed Western lawman for a half-dozen years has made the square-jawed actor one of the wealthiest young men in Hollywood. Thanks to the popularity of the series Hugh has had the wherewithal to invest wisely, establish himself as an actor, and corral a million dollars in assets. He owns extensive acreage in California, Florida and Nevada. He is part owner of the Whispering Waters Hotel in Palm Springs, holds large interests in four bowling alleys, and is up to his six gun in stocks and bonds. He also owns his home free and clear. "Earp left me a hell of a legacy." Hugh grinned. "We had wonderful ratings from the beginning because we were the first adult Western series on the air. Now we're making a hit in other countries. "I'll be getting money from reruns in this country, in addition to first showings in England, Australia, Germany and South America. "But I'm glad the show is over. It's important lo leave when you're winning. And our last five shows will take us out in a blaze of gory glory." O'Brian and company have planned one of TV's most unusual finales. The final five segments will be a five-part serial based on the battle of the 0. K. Corral. "Arguably, that was the most dramatic moment in Earp's life, and was the last great gun battle of the gun fighter period," he explained. The actual battle itself was filmed in slow motion--another first. "The fight is so fast that it would be just a blur at normal speed. But in slow motion we demonstrate exactly how these men faced each other. We show the individual shots fired, why some of the bullets went astray and what happened when they hit their marks." O'Brian acknowledges there are many more tales to be told about the legendary lawman. "He lived a long, colorful life, so we don't leave the characters neatly in a static place," the actor commented. "But those stories are for future writers to tell." The five-parter begins Tuesday, May 30, on ABC, and concludes June 27. With the series behind him, O'Brian is looking forward to making movies, appearing in guest shots on other TV shows, and invading the Broadway stage. He was much cheered by favorable reviews for his recent appearance in "The Play of the Week" in which tough New York critics praised his performance. "I first started in the theater,' Hugh said, "and I'd like very much to go back to it." If he doesn't get the opportunity, Hugh can always buy a theater and put on his own shows- all thanks to to good old Wyatt Earp.
Thank you so much for those details.
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -- A. Einstein
Thank you so much for those details.
I wish that other OPs were as considerate as you are!
I came here today because I learned of Hugh O'Brian's death. This thread raised interesting Qs about a series I watched as a kid. Your info is invaluable.
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