Tuesday, May 28, 2013

TV Western Themes: "Branded" and "The Virginian"

The answers to this week's TV quiz referenced the theme song to the 1965-66 Chuck Connors Western series Branded. Frankly, I was surprised by the number of people who remembered both the series and the song fondly. Did you know the series was created by the prolific Larry Cohen (e.g., The Invaders TV series, It's Alive, Phone Booth)? So, for all you Branded fans, here's that famous opening (and as a bonus, the closing, too):


And to get everyone prepared for James Drury's interview at the Cafe next Monday, here's the opening theme to The Virginian. It was composed by Percy Faith, who is best known for his instrumental cover of Max Steiner's Theme from a Summer Place. That record was a #1 smash in 1960 and remains the best-selling instrumental single of all time. Note that these opening credits for The Virginian are from 1963 and include the famous NBC peacock.


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5 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 28, 2013 at 8:58 PM

    Well, Branded was a running gag in the cult classic The Big Lebowski. I think they even sang some of the lyrics to it.

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    1. Rick29May 28, 2013 at 9:57 PM

      Thanks for mentioning that! I had totally forgotten that The Dude sang BRANDED while intoxicated.

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  2. Patti May 29, 2013 at 11:56 AM

    Branded was one of the shows I never heard of. Sure, I was only 4 years old then, but my dad was huge into Westerns. I can't imagine that he didn't watch it.

    Wasn't Chuck Connors "The Rifleman?" I do remember that show.

    I am currently into "Whispering Smith," the Audie Murphy Western which lasted only 1 season.

    "The Virginian" video was a real treat...I sure do remember the NBC peacock and the "living colors." Fun trip down memory lane.

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  3. Caftan WomanMay 29, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    I'm going to have to win the lottery to complete the collection of "The Virginian" on DVD, but I'm working on it. I love that show!

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  4. toto2May 30, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    It is always great to hear the themes of classic TV shows. I don't recall seeing "Branded" but I have heard its theme.

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