Union Pacific
Union Pacific is a Western television series starring Jeff Morrow, Judson Pratt and Susan Cummings that aired in syndication from 1958 until 1959. This show was inspired by the 1939 film also named Union Pacific, starring Joel McCrea, Barbara Stanwyck, and Robert Preston. The series follows the exploits of Bart McClelland, played by Morrow, as he supervises the construction and extension of the Union Pacific Railroad west of Omaha, Nebraska, to Promontory, northwest of Salt Lake City, Utah. McClelland was mostly concerned with right-of-way issues, which could be affected by stubborn landowners, ranchers, Indians, outlaws, and other factors. Helping McClelland with his work was surveyor Billy Kincaid, played by Pratt. Susan Cummings rounded out the cast as Georgia, proprietor of the Golden Nugget Saloon, the rolling bar that followed the railroad workers along the tracks. Union Pacific never developed a following and was cancelled after a single season. Union Pacific was filmed by California National Productions at the Iverson's Movie Ranch in Chatsworth in Los Angeles County, California. Other offerings were the syndicated Boots and Saddles and Pony Express and the NBC anthology series, Frontier, which aired from 1955-1956.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the 1860s, the Union Pacific Railroad faces immense challenges and opposition as it strives to complete the transcontinental railroad. Colonel Casey is tasked with overseeing the construction while dealing with sabotage, corrupt financiers, and the clash between the railroad company and local landowners. Amidst the epic struggle, romance blossoms between Casey and the spirited Mollie Monahan, a newspaperwoman who becomes a vital ally in his quest.
Critical Reception
Union Pacific was a commercial success upon its release, lauded for its grand scale, epic storytelling, and typical Cecil B. DeMille spectacle. While some critics found its length and traditional narrative a bit dated even for its time, audiences were captivated by the historical sweep and the classic Western adventure elements. It is remembered as one of DeMille's final grand productions.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its impressive scope and classic Western narrative.
- DeMille's signature directorial style delivers a grand spectacle.
- The film's historical depiction and adventure elements were engaging for audiences.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this film on Google is not readily available or has not been aggregated.
Fun Fact
Director Cecil B. DeMille himself appeared briefly in the film as a telegrapher, though he was uncredited.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources