"First Blood" is probably the best-remembered episode of the "Tall Man" western series. Jan Merlin, who made a career out of playing vicious bad-guy types, stars as Hendry Grant. He's an arrogant gunslinger who wants to provoke a fight with Billy the Kid (Clu Gulager) just to see who's the fastest on the draw. Sheriff Pat Garrett (Barry Sullivan) gives him some advice on the subject. "Billy will put a bullet in your head before your pistol leaves its holster." It's advice that Gunslinger Grant should have taken to heart (or head).
The "Tall Man" series was under-rated in its day, probably because of the proliferation of westerns on TV at the time. Sullivan was an exceptional actor who could play all types. Gulager specialized in tough guys with a quirky sense of humor. He's best remembered as being Lee Marvin's partner-in-crime in 1964's "The Killers." He was also pretty good as the FBI guy in 1985's "Into the Night." Gulager has only worked sporadically in recent years. Likewise Merlin who was a familiar face on TV for decades. All three actors have an extensive and impressive body of work.
The "Tall Man" series was under-rated in its day, probably because of the proliferation of westerns on TV at the time. Sullivan was an exceptional actor who could play all types. Gulager specialized in tough guys with a quirky sense of humor. He's best remembered as being Lee Marvin's partner-in-crime in 1964's "The Killers." He was also pretty good as the FBI guy in 1985's "Into the Night." Gulager has only worked sporadically in recent years. Likewise Merlin who was a familiar face on TV for decades. All three actors have an extensive and impressive body of work.
