The Land Grabbers

The sight of the elderly, but elegant Alan Napier in the full dress uniform of a Bengal Lancer racing for a claim in the Oklahoma Land Rush is reason enough to watch this Laredo story. Under their leader Philip Carey our three Rover Boy Rangers are in charge of keeping order at the land rush and watching out for cheaters.

Not easy when you consider there are people come down to us in history as 'Sooners' looking to jump the gun and steal the best tracts of land. Commissioner Fred Clark and Philip Carey have their hands full.

The Rangers are so sympathetic to Napier, daughter, Audrey Dalton, and little grandson Keith Jones. But they could lose their jobs without the appearance of impartiality.

What do they do? Let's say the good people pull it out in this fine and funny Laredo episode.

Captain Parmalee (Philip Carey) takes the Rangers out to police a nearby homesteaders land giveaway. The Laredo quartet check in with Fred Clark (as Commissioner Smoot), who will administrate the proceedings, in Fort Hall. While waiting for the "land rush" to begin, Chad (Peter Brown) romances shapely brunette widow Audrey Dalton (as Alice Coverly); and, Reese (Neville Brand) entertains the homesteaders' children, including Ms. Dalton's son Keith Jones (as Robert Coverly). Joe (William Smith) tries to keep his pals focused on their job.

Grandfatherly uniformed Alan Napier (as Major Donaldson) steals the show. The lucky TV antenna would soon point Mr. Napier in Batman's direction, where he would memorably run stately Wayne Manor, as Bruce's butler "Alfred". Young Mr. Jones gives Reese a good lesson on Indians. This episode's story is misshapen on several levels, unfortunately. For example, the thugs who want to cheat during the "land rush" get around so quickly, it was unnecessary for them to break the rules. And, the charming Coverly family certainly features an odd progression of British accents.

*** The Land Grabbers (12/9/65) R.G. Springsteen ~ Neville Brand, Peter Brown, William Smith