I noted at the start of the movie that James Drury (the Virginian from the TV series) was included in the cast. I assumed it would be a cameo but it must have been a REALLY BRIEF cameo because I couldn't find him when I looked (unless his appearance has really changed that much)!
shareHe was the rider who told The Virginian that Trampas killed the "men he sent after him" and was at the saloon in town.
shareThe fact that the role was so small was an insult to James Drury since he played the title role for nine years in the TV series.
Drury should have been cast as Judge Henry (Drury was 66 at the time) or as Sam Balaam (Weaver role). I read somewhere that Pullman resented Drury being in the movie and used his influence to cast him in a very small role.
The fact that the role was so small was an insult to James Drury since he played the title role for nine years in the TV series.
Don't be silly. Of course he would have liked a larger part, but it's true that Pullman felt he could be overshadowing in a larger part. It was thanks to Drury's agent and his contacts that he got even the bit part. Actors are peculiar sometimes when it comes to these things and fail to see the overall benefit of sharing some recognition with a fan favorite.
I agree that he'd have been just fine as the judge. Didn't really care for the actor playing that part much.