The Would-Be Gentleman of Laredo

Donnelly Rhodes and Madelyn Rhue are the guest stars in this Laredo episode. They are a pair of con artists who are pretending to be brother and sister and the heirs to a Spanish land grant that will give them the city and most of Laredo county. For chasing off 'bandits' and saving their lives their dying 'father' makes Neville Brand a third partner in their scheme.

My problem with this episode is I didn't see the necessity for making Brand a partner nor for Rhue trying to romance Neville Brand.

On the other hand there is Peter Brown trying to teach his former Ranger friend the fine points of being a gentleman, how to dress, talk, and even fencing lessons. All to fit in with the new circles he will run int. Let's say Brand is a less than willing pupil.

Some funny moments but hardly the best Laredo story.

Reese (Neville Brand) interrupts an abduction, saving handsome Donnelly Rhodes (as Don Carlos) and beautiful Madlyn Rhue (as Dona Dolores) from apparent death. As a reward, the young couple's dying father gratefully gives Reese a partnership in his estate. As it turns out, the old man's estate includes land ownership of most of the county, including the city of Laredo.

Unaware the duo are part of a land scam, Reese is elevated to tycoon overnight. Chad (Peter Brown) and Joe (William Smith) ponder life at Company B without Reese, and Capt. Parmalee (Philip Carey) gives him a leave of absence. Reese joins Mr. Rhodes and Ms. Rhue on the Board of Directors at the bank. As the fraudulent owners steal the Laredo citizens' assets, Capt. Parmalee suspects the new landlords may not be kosher.

This is a nicely performed, albeit mediocre, episode. Rhodes, Rhue, and banker Barry Kelley (as Quinn O'Connell) doing very well in their featured roles. The regular cast shines, too, with Chad humorously trying to make Reese a "gentleman" worthy of the title, by teaching him to fence. Listen for Peter Brown to speak both Spanish and French.

**** The Would-Be Gentleman of Laredo (4/14/66) Earl Bellamy ~ Neville Brand, Peter Brown, Donnelly Rhodes