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» » Caravana The Albert Farnsworth Story (1957–1965)

Short summary

When little Peggy O'Toole splatters mud on Albert Farnsworth's prized leather boots, she ignites a feud between the proud British colonel and Peggy's grandfather, the hot-headed Irishman Mike O'Toole. Jeremy Oakes, the colonel's orderly, tries to diffuse the situation, but with the colonel's proud, arrogant personality it's not long before Farnsworth has insulted others and tried the patience of Major Adams. The major orders Farnsworth to keep to himself and tasks Tim O'Toole with keeping Peggy and his father away from the colonel. But the wagon train's close quarters lead to continued confrontations involving more and more people, which threaten to spill out of control. In the meantime Cheyenne Indians approach the wagon train. The Cheyenne demand supplies in exchange for safe passage. Major Adams decides to accept the offer. Before he can close the deal Colonel Farnsworth interrupts the meeting. The colonel's rude remarks insult the Cheyenne, who declare they will take the supplies ...

Episode writer, Gene Coon, was the producer of the 'Star Trek' episode "The Alternative Factor" (Season 1, Episode 27). Robert Brown ("Tim O'Toole) portrayed that Star Trek episode protagonist, Lazarus.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Mataxe
    When Wagon Train was on I remember two Irish based stories. One involved a search for an informer on the wagon train who had fled to America and was traveling on the train. The second one was a more humorous one though it had some very serious moments about. That would be the Albert Farnsworth Story and it starred Charles Laughton.

    Laughton plays a spit and polish English army colonel from India who is now traveling in the American west with his batman James Fairfax. Though they are in the American west now, Laughton and Fairfax observe the proprieties of their relationship from the Indian Army.

    There's an Irish family, the O'Tooles, traveling with the train headed by Derrick DeMarney and you know the cultures clash. It's pretty funny at times. Later on the two find they have need of each other.

    Ward Bond worked with just about every star in Hollywood at some point in his career. Just look at the list of his film credits. One of the few he hadn't worked with was Charles Laughton. He made up for it with Laughton and some others who guested on Wagon Train.

    Laughton is wonderful as the stern, unbending British officer who turns out to be quite human after all.
  • Episode cast overview:
    Ward Bond Ward Bond - Major Seth Adams
    Robert Horton Robert Horton - Flint McCullough (credit only)
    Charles Laughton Charles Laughton - Colonel Albert Farnsworth
    Frank McGrath Frank McGrath - Charlie Wooster
    Terry Wilson Terry Wilson - Bill Hawks
    James Fairfax James Fairfax - Jeremy Oakes
    Terence de Marney Terence de Marney - Mike O'Toole
    Robert Brown Robert Brown - Tim O'Toole
    Gina Gillespie Gina Gillespie - Peggy O'Toole
    Kathleen O'Malley Kathleen O'Malley - Sharry O'Toole
    Orville Sherman Orville Sherman - Freehan
    John Kroger John Kroger - Lieutenant
    Jan Arvan Jan Arvan - Indian Chief
    Quentin Sondergaard Quentin Sondergaard - Trooper
    Neyle Morrow Neyle Morrow - Cheyenne Indian
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