Man Called Shenandoah, A (1965)

What a treasure to find that this somewhat obscure Western series is now available on DVD! "A Man Called Shenandoah" starred Robert Horton (from Wagon Train) in this William M. Fennelly production that tragically only lasted two seasons. As with most Westerns of the era, the stories were based around a gimmick of some sort. In this case, the onset of amnesia due to a head injury left Mr. Horton (given the name Shenandoah by the woman who helped nurse him back to health) to conduct an unending search for his true identity episode after episode. The scriptwriting was notably inventive and clever - not an easy task with half-hour shows. Mr. Horton plays his character brilliantly and also wrote and sang the show's theme song. If you watched Wagon Train, you may recall that he rode a big, beautiful blanket appaloosa, and the same horse joins him in this series about a quarter of the way in. Everyone who was anyone in Hollywood character acting at the time shows up sooner or later. The crisp black & white restoration is as good as I have seen (and I am a collector of the Westerns of the 1950's through the mid-1960's). My theory is that this series was more sophisticated, with more believable drama, more twisting plotlines, and less shoot-'em-up action than the average viewers were looking for in that era because the quality of the overall work should have kept this series on the air for many years. It should also be noted that William M. Fennelly had also produced an earlier excellent Western with the same high standards and attention to detail, "Trackdown," starring Robert Culp, that sadly has not been restored and brought to DVD.

The 1960s seemed to feature quite a few stories about amnesiacs in search of themselves — after all, that was a recurring theme in the culture overall — and it was used to very good effect in this fine, underrated Western. Utilizing the soon-to-vanish half-hour drama format to powerful effect, the series starred a nuanced Robert Horton as Shenandoah, a man shot, left for dead, who awakens with no memory of his identity or his past. He can only track down whatever wisps of information come his way in an effort to discover the truth. Along the way, his encounters with others are often gritty & emotionally darker than one might expect from a Western of that time.As is the case with series from that time, the guest stars are a mix of strong character actors & budding stars in their own right, soon to make names for themselves in both TV & film. But Robert Horton definitely holds everything together with his determined presence — a presence that sometimes reveals the searching, uncertain man beneath. The B&W photography is stark & effective; and the title song, both written & sung by Horton, is a mournful, bittersweet thing that captures the essence of his continuing quest. Highly recommended!

This series was originally broadcast in England during the mid sixties.It was shown late at night on a Wednesday evening.As I had to go to school the next day,I was only allowed to watch occasional episodes as a special treat.I loved the episodes that I was allowed to see.The series was never repeated and I longed to see it again.Occasional snippets turned up on YouTube,which left me longing for more.Internet sites offered unofficial copies,which were questionable quality and had many episodes missing.The sellers assured would be buyers that the series was never going to be released in any high definition quality.This release is a joy for all of us who have been waiting for years to own this series.The picture and sound quality is superb and watching it makes me ask why it was never repeated on British television.This is a western for adults that is both challenging and entertaining.It should have had far greater success when originally broadcast and gives Robert Horton the opportunity to show what a fine actor he really was.Warner brothers have given us the opportunity to rediscover this lost sixties classic and they should be commended for having the courage to do so.

This half hour program was previously only available from a home produced video, so it is wonderful that the studio finally dug it out of mothballs so you can actually see the actors! It was a nice program featuring Robert, but aside from him, the overall cast lacked brilliance. Robert & I agreed the scripts were good, but needed a full hour to develop the themes. Nevertheless, it was a role he made good. He also sang the theme song & wrote different ending lyrics for many of the specific shows. His talents were many in his industry. I was with him when he died, & I miss him, so just being able to hear his voice & see something different than Flint McCullough brings him closer.

I liked Robert Horton looking for who he was.

This Western Drama series was unusual about a man searching for his identity following a head injury due to an attack.It was a very good drama. I'm sure it would have gotten a second season .It was very well acted by Robert Horton who also wrote the lyrics to the theme song and he had a very good voice and sang the title song. One of the reasons it might have not gotten a second season was that in late 1966 the Corrigan ranch that was the location for many TV Westerns was shut down. I would recommend this series.

Interesting limited-run western. Half-hour episodes are fun to watch and generally well-written. Good guest stars, especially if you like 60s era television.

This business of a man getting all of these leads as to his identity, and always finding himself in tricky situations only to find that a lead did not work out for him is tiring for the viewer. I am only halfway through the discs, but always seeing Robert Horton ride off into the sunset with disappointment after yet another lead falls through is a frustrating story arc for the viewer. I also expected that he would follow up on a name mentioned at the end of one episode in the following episode (s). But the writers did not go there. It is little wonder that the series did not last long. I gave it three stars for Robert Horton's performance and that of his guest stars.

Thrilled to receive this item. I will be looking forward to watching it. Thank you.watching it

Über 50 Jahre habe ich darauf gewartet, dass diese Serie endlich auf DVD veröffentlicht wird. Diese Westernserie hat nichts vom Charme von damals verloren. Einfach grandios. Nur leider schade, dass keine deutschen Untertitel mit eingebaut worden sind. Wäre schön, wenn das noch nachgeholt werden würde!

Great to watch the old westerns, I can remember when I was young.

I have been looking forward to A Man Called Shenandoah being released on DVD for many years. It was well worth the wait. I was not disappointed. This was a fine series with Robert Horton being perfectly cast in the lead role. It's a shame that he does not find his identity in the final episode.

Oh die Tage meiner Kindheit sind zurück. Spannende Westernserie.Bild und Ton für das Alter ( über 60 Jahre ) sind erstaunlich gut.