October 2, 1958 (1958-10-02) – June 4, 1959 (1959-06-04)
Yancy Derringer is an American action/adventure series that was broadcast on CBS from October 2, 1958, to June 4, 1959, with Jock Mahoney in the title role. It was broadcast from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursdays.[1]
Background
The show was produced by Derringer Productions and filmed in Hollywood by Desilu Productions. Derringer Productions consisted of half interest for Warren Lewis and Don Sharpe as executive producers, a quarter interest to Jock Mahoney for starring in the series, and a quarter interest to Richard Sale and Mary Loos, husband and wife, as creators.[2] The show's sponsor was S. C. Johnson & Son,[3] and Klear floor wax was a regular sponsor.
Sale and Loos based the series on "The Devil Made a Derringer", a short story by Sale that appeared in All-American Fiction in 1938.[4] Sale was one of the highest-paid pulp writers of the 1930s. The story was never mentioned, but it was about a destitute aristocrat and troublemaker who returns to New Orleans three years after the American Civil War. In the story, Derringer has no first name; "Yancy" was added for the television series.[2]
Overview
The eponymous character, Yancy Derringer, is an adventurer and gambler. He is a former Confederate Army Captain who has returned to New Orleans, Louisiana,[1] in 1868, three years after the end of the American Civil War, during the southern Reconstruction Era. The state is under Union control and martial law. Life goes on in New Orleans, despite the fact that the city's atmosphere is forbidding, filled with trepidation and mourning. The Derringer family itself paid a heavy price in both lives and their family home and property during the Civil War. Yancy's brother David and his father Yancy Sr., died in the conflict.
Widely respected by all parts of New Orleans society as a Southerner who never surrendered, Derringer is recruited by the Federal City Administrator, John Colton, to work as a secret agent;[1] only Colton knows of this special role. Often at the beginning of an episode, Colton, a former Union Army colonel, asks Yancy to help solve New Orleans' present threat. Often, by the end of an episode, he arrests Yancy for breaking the law in order to do it. Yancy agrees to be Colton's "huckleberry" for the good of the city and his interests."[5]
Yancy has a strong conviction that the United States must be one nation again. Although he is based out of New Orleans, his Mississippi riverboat, the Sultana, and Yancy's propensity for adventure mean that some episodes take him far away from Louisiana; some stories take place as far away as Nevada and California.[citation needed]
Tommy Mara recorded the show's theme with an orchestra and chorus in 1959 for Felsted Records (Felsted 8561).[6]
Yancy lives at the family plantation, Waverly, and also owns a riverboat, the Sultana. (The actual riverboat of the same name sank from an explosion and fire on April 27, 1865.[8]) A lover of fine cuisine and the high life, he spends much of his leisure time at Madame Francine's Club (an exclusive members-only gambling house), the Sazerac Restaurant, or at the Charter House Restaurant, whose specialty is French cuisine.
When called to action, Yancy's weapons of choice are four-barrel Sharpspepperboxderringer handguns carried concealed (one held by a clamp inside the top of his hat, one in his vest's left pocket under his jacket and one up his jacket's left sleeve in a wrist holster) and a knife in his belt. (A belt buckle inset with a toy single-barrel derringer, sold by Mattel at the time and popularly associated with Yancy, did not resemble anything that the character actually used.) He is an expert marksman. He also carries a cane or a riding crop with hidden swords and is said to have iron fists: one punch and his opponent remains unconscious for a day. Yancy dresses elegantly, most often in a white suit with a long coat, ruffled white shirt, a silk vest, a sash instead of a belt, a black under-the-collar bow tie, and a white flat-topped straw hat with curled brim.
Yancy's sidekick, Pahoo-Ka-Ta-Wah, is a silent Pawnee American Indian who communicates only by sign language. Pahoo-Ka-Ta-Wah is Pawnee for "wolf who stands in water" (as mentioned in the first episode). Although Pahoo is short on talk, he is long on action. Beneath a blanket wrapped about his body, he carries a sawed-off double-barreled shotgun loaded with split buckshot, which he wields in emergencies. Most of the time, however, he uses a throwing knife sheathed on his back.
John Colton is the city administrator,[9] and a hard-nosed, incorruptible leader who works tirelessly to clean up New Orleans. Colton is also clever, and knows that his position would be untenable if he were personally caught using questionable methods to clamp down on crime. He therefore uses Yancy to unofficially deal with situations that cannot be resolved by conventional means.
Yancy's recurring love interest is Madame Francine. She is the strong-willed, beautiful owner of a members-only gambling house in New Orleans, and she or her business are often involved in Yancy's adventures. Her real name is Nora and she is actually Irish.
Robert McCord, III – Captain Amos Fry
Captain Amos Fry is the local head of the U.S. Secret Service who works closely with Colton to combat lawlessness in New Orleans. Fry does not know of Derringer's unpaid work as an espionage agent; often the amiable but plodding Fry is working on combating a problem in a legal manner, while Derringer—unconstrained by official law-enforcement policies and procedures—uses decidedly more unorthodox, colorful and possibly borderline-illegal methods to nullify the threat.
Jody Barker is a respectable-looking Bourbon Streetpickpocket. Yancy and Francine were wise to his ways, and frequently stopped him from fleecing club members. However, he was a useful source of information about doings in the criminal underworld, and sometimes participated in certain 'sting' operations for Yancy.
Larry J. Blake – Turnkey
Yancy spent so much time in the local jail (usually put there by Colton or Fry), he became great pals with the jailer, who was addressed as "Turnkey". The genial Turnkey (played by Larry J. Blake) often played poker in the cells with Yancy, and, sympathetic to Yancy's situation, sometimes aided in (or at least turned a blind eye towards) Yancy's escape plans.
Obadiah is Derringer's African-American servant.[10] A dignified pillar of the community, he is the head of a committee that represents "thousands of law-abiding citizens of New Orleans" in bringing a petition to the city administrator in the episode "V as in Voodoo". A club doorman addressed as Jeremiah is seen in a few episodes, but this character has no lines and is not credited.
After the program's single year on network television, its reruns found audiences in repeats and in syndication. NBC bought all 34 episodes from Don Sharpe Productions to show as part of the network's afternoon Adventure Theatre anthology series beginning February 8, 1960.[13] In 1961, it was broadcast in at least 43 TV markets,[14] including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and New Orleans.[10] Official Films Inc. handled the distribution.[15]
Critical response
A review of the premiere episode in The New York Times called it "nonsensical" and "distinctive in its silliness".[16] The review concluded, "Yancy Derringer is just too quaint to be entertaining."[16]
The trade publication Broadcasting, in a review of the first episode, said, "this overloaded action series threatens to sink in the first patch of bayou quicksand."[3]
Episodes
No.
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original air date
1
"Return to New Orleans"
Richard Sale
Mary Loos & Richard Sale
October 2, 1958 (1958-10-02)
In 1868, Yancy arrives home, penniless, after the war, only to discover he has a (woman posing as his) wife, Amanda Eaton (Julie Adams), he did not know about and that his family plantation, Waverly, has been turned into a gambling den. John Colton, the City Administrator of New Orleans, helps to return the Waverly to Yancy. John Colton asks Yancy to help rebuild New Orleans as his special agent.
Yancy helps a sea captain who was cheated out of his money in a dive on notorious Gallatin Street.
3
"Ticket to Natchez"
Richard Sale
Story by : Mary Loos & Richard Sale Teleplay by : Herman Hoffman
October 23, 1958 (1958-10-23)
City Administrator John Colton entrusts Yancy with an army payroll that is to be taken to Natchez, Mississippi, on Yancy's riverboat, the Sultana, but robbers have other plans. Guest star: Marie Windsor (Billie Joe)
4
"An Ace Called Spade"
Richard Sale
Story by : Mary Loos & Richard Sale Teleplay by : D.D. Beauchamp & Richard Sale
October 30, 1958 (1958-10-30)
Yancy is relieved to find that a newspaper story about City Administrator Colton's death is premature, but fears that Colton will be the victim of trickery in an upcoming duel. Guest star: Ray Danton (Spade Stuart)
5
"A Bullet for Bridget"
William F. Claxton
Story by : Mary Loos & Richard Sale Teleplay by : Frederic Brady
November 6, 1958 (1958-11-06)
We meet, for the first time, Bridget Malone, Madame Francine's cousin from Ireland, who, while visiting New Orleans, decides that Yancy is to be her future husband. Special guest star is star Jock Mahoney's real-life wife, Margaret Field, as Bridget Malone (as Maggie Mahoney).
6
"The Belle from Boston"
Richard Sale
Story by : Mary Loos & Richard Sale Teleplay by : Alvin Sapinsley & Richard Sale
November 13, 1958 (1958-11-13)
After City Administrator Colton hangs a member of an outlaw gang, the others decide to take revenge on his visiting sister.
A messenger is sent to New Orleans by a former general in the Civil War, but is killed before he can reveal what happened to a fortune that was taken from Richmond, Virginia.
8
"The Saga of Lonesome Jackson"
Richard Sale
Story by : Mary Loos & Richard Sale Teleplay by : Alvin Sapinsley
November 27, 1958 (1958-11-27)
A wealthy, but lonely, man who has come to New Orleans looking for a wife asks Yancy to help him.
9
"Memo to a Firing Squad"
William F. Claxton
Mary Loos and Richard Sale
December 4, 1958 (1958-12-04)
An army officer with vengeance in his heart tries to stop a presidential pardon. Without the pardon, a man is scheduled to die before a firing squad. John M. Pickard, who plays Lieutenant Weems, is among the guest stars.
10
"Three Knaves from New Haven"
William F. Claxton
Story by : Theodore and Mathilde Ferro Teleplay by : Theodore and Mathilde Ferro & Richard Sale
December 11, 1958 (1958-12-11)
Shop owners receive threats of violence if they refuse to sell their property to three strangers. Special guest star is star Jock Mahoney's real-life wife, Margaret Field, as Bridget Malone (as Maggie Mahoney).
11
"Marble Fingers"
William F. Claxton
Story by : Richard Sale & Robert Spielman Teleplay by : Robert Spielman
December 18, 1958 (1958-12-18)
Yancy tries to find out who's responsible for recent grave robberies. Guest star: Kasey Rogers (Blackeyed Sue)
12
"Old Dixie"
Richard Sale
Story by : Mary Loos & Richard Sale Teleplay by : John Hawkins & Richard Sale
December 25, 1958 (1958-12-25)
Special Christmas episode. Villains go after Yancy's dog, Dixie, after Yancy's father dies, leaving a note that only the dog knows where the family pre-war fortune is buried. Special guest star is star Jock Mahoney's real-life wife, Margaret Field, as Bridget Malone (as Maggie Mahoney). Guest star: Louise Fletcher (Miss Nelly/Alithea)
13
"Two of a Kind"
William F. Claxton
Mary Loos and Richard Sale
January 1, 1959 (1959-01-01)
Yancy and Pahoo are framed for a series of crimes and now face execution.
14
"Nightmare on Bourbon Street"
Richard Sale
Mary Loos & Richard Sale
January 8, 1959 (1959-01-08)
A mysterious mad bomber steals explosives and threatens to blow up the entire city of New Orleans. Guest star: Mary LaRoche
15
"The Fair Freebooter"
Richard Sale
Mary Loos & Richard Sale
January 15, 1959 (1959-01-15)
Yancy must deal with a female pirate, Coco LaSalle, who has stolen his shirts that he ordered from St. Louis. He goes after her into the deadly swamps. Colton tags along to recover a stolen necklace for representatives of the Mexican government.
16
"Mayhem at the Market"
Richard Sale
Theodore and Mathilde Ferro, Richard Sale (story by Theodore and Mathilde Ferro)
January 22, 1959 (1959-01-22)
Merchants are in such fear for their lives that Yancy gets no cooperation in his attempt to break a new protection racket.
A visiting Russian noble appears to have become a target for murder.
18
"A Game of Chance"
William F. Claxton
Mary Loos and Richard Sale
February 5, 1959 (1959-02-05)
Yancy suspects foul play when a lottery winner dies before she can collect.
19
"Panic in Town"
Richard Sale
Coles Trapnell
February 12, 1959 (1959-02-12)
A serial attacker is loose in New Orleans. He attacks women and cuts their hair. The authorities are seemingly powerless. A group of vigilantes decides to take over New Orleans.
20
"Hell and High Water"
Richard Sale
Richard Sale
February 19, 1959 (1959-02-19)
It looks like New Orleans is going to be flooded. Obadiah suggests to Yancy a risky scheme to save New Orleans. John Colton is taken prisoner by Lady Charity to protect her plantation property from Yancy's risky scheme. Meanwhile, Rogue Donovan tries to kill Yancy. Guest stars: Charles Bronson (Rogue Donovan), Patricia Cutts (Lady Charity)
21
"The Louisiana Dude"
William F. Claxton
Coles Trapnell
February 26, 1959 (1959-02-26)
Yancy wins a half interest in a silver mine. The Sultana's boiler blows up, and Yancy travels to Virginia City, Nevada, hoping to get five thousand dollars needed for a new boiler. Yancy discovers that his new partner is a beautiful woman. Guest stars: Hillary Brooke (Julia Bulette), John Cliff (Nat Greer), Harry Swoger (Big Jim Ogden), Addison Richards (Judge Harper), Steve Pendleton (Sheriff Anderson), Woodrow Chambliss (Captain Tom), James Anderson (Fitch), Booth Colman (Henry Duval)
22
"Longhair"
William F. Claxton
Story by : Kellam De Forest and Marjorie Helper Teleplay by : Coles Trapnell
March 5, 1959 (1959-03-05)
When famed General George Armstrong Custer visits New Orleans, Yancy discovers that he is being stalked by an indian seeking revenge for a past wrong. We meet, for the first time, Colorado Charlie, Indian scout.
23
"Thunder on the River"
William F. Claxton
Story by : Robert Spielman Teleplay by : Robert Spielman & Richard Sale
March 12, 1959 (1959-03-12)
Yancy decides to help a fellow riverboat owner whose fleet is being sabotaged by rivals trying to corner the market on river traffic. Guest star: Patricia Barry
24
"The Gun That Murdered Lincoln"
Richard Sale
Story by : Kellam De Forest & Marjorie Helper Teleplay by : Richard Sale
March 19, 1959 (1959-03-19)
Yancy is unjustly accused of having provided the weapon used by presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth.
25
"Collector's Item"
Richard Sale
Coles Trapnell
March 26, 1959 (1959-03-26)
To assist a woman in her crusade to provide a home for the city's orphans, Yancy comes up with a scheme that requires the aid of photography pioneer Mathew Brady.
26
"Fire on the Frontier"
Richard Sale
Mary Loos, Richard Sale
April 2, 1959 (1959-04-02)
Yancy's indian friend, Pahoo, becomes an important element in efforts to prevent a war with the Pawnee tribes. Guest stars: Robert Carricart (Thaddeus Stevens)
27
"Duel at the Oaks"
William F. Claxton
Coles Trapnell
April 9, 1959 (1959-04-09)
Yancy is in trouble for killing a man in a duel. John Vivyan guest stars as LeBow.
28
"The Wayward Warrior"
Richard Sale
William Fay, Mary Loos, Richard Sale
April 16, 1959 (1959-04-16)
Trying to stop some gun smugglers, Yancy has a run-in with a boxing champion and a rematch with a female river pirate, Coco LaSalle.
29
"A State of Crisis"
Edward Denault
Coles Trapnell
April 30, 1959 (1959-04-30)
With the city of New Orleans plagued by counterfeit money,[17] General Hugh Morgan arrives in New Orleans with orders promoting John Colton to a post in Washington and giving Morgan command of the city. Walter Coy guest stars as Slade Donovan.
30
"Outlaw at Liberty"
William F. Claxton
Coles Trapnell & Richard Sale
May 7, 1959 (1959-05-07)
Yancy is at a loss to figure out what's going on when an old wartime friend is charged with murder.
31
"V as in Voodoo"
Edward Denault
Mary Loos, Richard Sale
May 14, 1959 (1959-05-14)
Yancy tries to combat superstition when the city is terrorized by a mysterious voodoo priestess.
Yancy's good friend Miss Mandarin (Lisa Lu) is accused of smuggling opium into the city inside firecrackers.
33
"Gone But Not Forgotten"
Edward Denault
Richard Sale
May 28, 1959 (1959-05-28)
A friend of Yancy's comes to visit from Virginia City with news that his silver mine is doing well, but that there is a gravestone in the cemetery with Yancy's name on it. Dayton Lummis plays Judge Randall. Guest star: Joyce Jameson (Bonnie Mason)
34
"Two Tickets to Promontory"
Richard Sale
Coles Trapnell & Richard Sale
June 4, 1959 (1959-06-04)
On a train trip to a celebration of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, Yancy discovers a saboteur.[18]
DVD release
On October 9, 2012, Timeless Media Group released the complete series on DVD for the first time in Region 1.[19]
^ abcMcNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television: the Comprehensive Guide to Programming from 1948 to the Present (4th ed.). New York, New York: Penguin Books USA, Inc. p. 928. ISBN0-14-02-4916-8.