There were so many Westerns on TV at this stage they were desperate to vary the formula. This one is about a circus, which is cute. The ostensible stars are Chill Wills, Richard Jaekel and John Derek but the bulk of the story involves guest star Aldo Ray - who plays a drunken former lion tamer. Knowing Ray was an alcoholic gives this tremendous resonance - we see scenes of him being boozing and self loathing. It's a good performance.
(Derek and Ray made Saturday's Hero together as well which gives it an extra layer.)
On the concept front, Wills is ideal in this show but Derek and Jaekel are too stock I feel - nothing wrong with them as actors they're just a little too Wagon Train when the show would've benefited from some more obviously showbiz style stars I think - like a brassy showgirl or something.
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