Six Shooter, The

The Six Shooter was a captivating Western radio drama that aired on NBC from 1953 to 1954. Starring the legendary James Stewart, this short-lived series quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing Stewart’s iconic drawl and impeccable timing. The show followed the adventures of Britt Ponset, a wandering gunfighter in the twilight years of the American Old West.

Created by Frank Burt, The Six Shooter blended elements of traditional Western storytelling with a touch of whimsy and humor. Each episode presented Ponset with a new challenge or mystery to solve, often involving colorful characters and moral dilemmas. Stewart’s portrayal of Ponset as a reluctant hero with a strong moral compass set the series apart from many of its contemporaries.

The show’s unique approach to the Western genre was evident in its opening narration, which described Ponset as “angular and long-legged” with skin “sun-dyed brown”. His titular six-shooter was described as “gray steel and rainbow mother-of-pearl, its handle unmarked”. This poetic introduction set the tone for each episode, inviting listeners into a world of adventure and intrigue.

Despite its short run, The Six Shooter left an indelible mark on the landscape of radio Westerns. Its blend of drama, humor, and Stewart’s star power created a listening experience that continues to captivate audiences decades after its original broadcast.

The Stars

James Stewart was the undeniable star of The Six Shooter, bringing his considerable Hollywood clout to the world of radio drama. His distinctive drawl and ability to convey both toughness and vulnerability made Ponset a complex and relatable character.

While Stewart was the main attraction, The Six Shooter also featured a rotating cast of talented radio actors.

Notable performers included Parley Baer, Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Howard McNear, Jeanette Nolan, and Dan O’Herlihy. These versatile actors brought life to the various townsfolk, outlaws, and fellow travelers that Ponset encountered on his journeys.

William Conrad, famous for his role as Matt Dillon in the radio version of Gunsmoke, made several appearances on The Six Shooter. Interestingly, he was often credited under the pseudonym “Julius Krelboyne” to avoid confusion with his Gunsmoke character.

Key Dates

• September 20, 1953: The Six Shooter debuts on NBC, airing on Sunday evenings at 9:30 PM Eastern Time.
• October 11, 1953: The show moves to a new time slot, 8:30 PM on Sundays.
• November 8, 1953: Another time change sees the program shift to 8:00 PM on Sundays.
• April 1, 1954: The Six Shooter moves to its final time slot, Thursday evenings at 8:30 PM.
• June 24, 1954: The final episode of The Six Shooter, titled “Myra Barker,” airs on NBC, bringing the series to a close after 39 episodes.

Other Information

Sponsorship Challenges: Despite its star power and critical acclaim, The Six Shooter struggled to secure consistent sponsorship. Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company expressed interest in sponsoring the show, but James Stewart declined, feeling that a cigarette sponsorship didn’t align with his public image. Coleman Company sponsored the first four episodes, but no other advertisers stepped in to support the series long-term.

Distinctive Theme Music: The haunting theme music for The Six Shooter was titled “Highland Lament”. It was arranged by series composer Basil Adlam and written by British film composer Charles Williams.The evocative melody perfectly set the mood for each episode’s Western adventure.

Narrative Technique: One of the most distinctive features of The Six Shooter was Stewart’s use of whispered narration during tense scenes. This technique heightened the drama and provided a unique listening experience, allowing the audience to feel as if they were privy to Ponset’s inner thoughts.

Television Adaptations: While The Six Shooter had a short life on radio, attempts were made to bring the concept to television. James Stewart filmed a pilot episode titled “The Windmill,” co-starring Barbara Hale, John McIntire, and Edgar Buchanan. However, this pilot failed to sell.

In 1957, the concept was successfully adapted for television under the title The Restless Gun, starring John Payne. By this time, Stewart’s film career had fully rebounded, making him unavailable for the TV series. The character’s name was changed from Britt Ponset to Vint Bonner, but the spirit of the original radio show remained.

Legacy: Despite its brief run, The Six Shooter has left a lasting impact on the world of old-time radio. The combination of James Stewart’s star power, Frank Burt’s writing, and the show’s unique blend of Western action and thoughtful storytelling has made it a favorite among vintage radio enthusiasts.

The final episode, “Myra Barker,” provided a poignant and fitting conclusion to the series. In this episode, Ponset falls in love and considers settling down, only to realize that his true calling is to continue his wandering ways. This bittersweet ending encapsulated the essence of Britt Ponset’s character and the series as a whole.

The Six Shooter remains a testament to the power of radio drama and the enduring appeal of the Western genre. Its ability to paint vivid pictures in the minds of listeners, coupled with James Stewart’s masterful performance, ensures that this short-lived series continues to be celebrated by old-time radio aficionados and Western enthusiasts alike.

It's Joy's favorite series.