Have Gun Will Travel – The Legendary Western That Redefined TV
Richard Boone as Paladin in Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series, the iconic Western that set a new standard for television storytelling.
Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series originally aired on CBS from 1957 to 1963, spanning six seasons and a total of 225 episodes. The show was a standout among Westerns of its time, blending action, drama, and a level of sophistication rarely seen in the genre. Unlike many Western protagonists, the central character was not a wandering cowboy or sheriff but a highly educated and well-dressed gunfighter who operated as a hired gun for those in need.
Set in the post-Civil War era, the series followed a gentlemanly yet deadly mercenary known as Paladin, who lived in San Francisco’s upscale Carlton Hotel. While he enjoyed the finer things in life, his real work took him across the American frontier, offering his expert marksmanship and strategic mind to those who could afford his services—or those he deemed worthy of his help. His calling card, which featured a chess knight emblem and the phrase "Have Gun Will Travel," became an iconic part of the show’s legacy.
Each episode presented Paladin with new challenges, often involving conflicts between law and morality. While he was a hired gun, he operated by a strict personal code, frequently using diplomacy and intelligence before resorting to violence. The show was praised for its strong writing, philosophical themes, and complex storylines, setting it apart from many of its contemporaries in the Western genre.
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Richard Boone
Richard Boone relaxes on a porch, embodying his signature rugged charm and intensity beyond his Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series days. Click Photo to Buy!!!
Richard Boone’s portrayal of Paladin in Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series remains one of the most distinctive performances in television Western history. Unlike the typical gun-slinging drifters of the genre, Paladin was an educated and cultured man who quoted Shakespeare as easily as he handled a six-shooter. Boone’s commanding voice, rugged charisma, and ability to bring depth to the character made Paladin more than just a hired gun—he was a moral enforcer who weighed justice over money. The show’s success was largely due to Boone’s ability to balance Paladin’s refined intellect with his lethal skills, creating a character that stood apart from the era’s traditional Western heroes.
Off-screen, Boone had significant creative input into the series, influencing scripts and ensuring Paladin remained a complex, thoughtful character rather than just another TV cowboy. His dedication to the role helped Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series become one of the most enduring Westerns of its time.
Before Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series, Richard Boone had already established himself as a versatile actor in film and television. He started his career in Hollywood during the late 1940s, landing roles in films such as Halls of Montezuma (1951) and The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (1951). His deep voice and commanding presence made him a natural fit for Westerns, war dramas, and crime films. Boone gained further recognition in the early 1950s with appearances in movies like The Robe (1953) and Dragnet (1954). Before stepping into the iconic role of Paladin, he starred in the television series Medic (1954–1956), which showcased his dramatic acting skills in a medical drama setting.
After the success of Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series, Boone remained a prominent figure in Hollywood, using his fame to take on diverse roles. He starred in The Richard Boone Show (1963–1964), an ambitious anthology series that allowed him to play different characters each week. Though it lasted only one season, it demonstrated his range as an actor. Boone continued working in Westerns, appearing in The Shootist (1976) alongside John Wayne and Big Jake (1971), another collaboration with Wayne. He also took on villainous roles, including in The Kremlin Letter (1970) and Against a Crooked Sky (1975), proving he could play both heroes and antagonists with equal intensity.
Later in his career, Boone moved to Florida, where he focused on stage work and teaching acting. Though he made occasional film and television appearances, including in Kona Coast (1968), his presence in Hollywood became less frequent. His final years were marked by a quieter life, but his legacy as Paladin in Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series cemented him as one of television’s most memorable Western stars. Boone passed away in 1981, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated by Western enthusiasts and classic television fans alike.
Kam Tong
Kam Tong played Hey Boy, the loyal and resourceful hotel attendant at the Carlton Hotel in Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series. As Paladin’s trusted associate, Hey Boy often served as the link between the sophisticated world of San Francisco and the rugged frontier. Though his primary role was delivering messages and arranging Paladin’s assignments, Hey Boy was more than just a side character—he provided humor, wisdom, and occasional assistance in Paladin’s missions. His presence helped ground the show in its upscale setting, offering a contrast to the danger and lawlessness of the Old West. During the fourth season, Kam Tong briefly left the series, and his absence was filled by Lisa Lu as Hey Girl, but he returned for the final two seasons, solidifying his place in the show’s legacy.
After Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series ended, Kam Tong continued to work steadily in film and television, often portraying dignified and intelligent Asian characters in an era where such roles were scarce. He appeared in popular shows like Bonanza, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and Kung Fu, showcasing his versatility as an actor. In film, he took on supporting roles in movies like Flower Drum Song (1961) and MacArthur (1977), where he played Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek opposite Gregory Peck. Despite never achieving leading-man status, Kam Tong left a lasting impression on classic television, remembered most fondly for his warm and understated performance as Hey Boy.
Theme Song The Ballad of Paladin
"The Ballad of Paladin," performed by Johnny Western, served as the theme song for Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series and became one of the most recognizable TV Western themes of its era. Released in 1962, the song captured the essence of Paladin’s character, describing his journey as a hired gun with a strict moral code. Written by Johnny Western, Richard Boone, and Sam Rolfe, the ballad's haunting melody and evocative lyrics perfectly matched the show's adventurous yet philosophical tone. Johnny Western, a country singer and songwriter, not only performed the theme but also made occasional appearances on the show, further cementing his connection to the series' legacy.
Lisa Lu
Lisa Lu stepped into Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series during the show’s fourth season as Hey Girl, temporarily replacing Kam Tong’s Hey Boy. As a hotel clerk at the Carlton Hotel, Hey Girl took over the role of assisting Paladin, delivering messages, and arranging his business affairs. Though her time on the show was brief, Lisa Lu brought a quiet strength and intelligence to the character, making her more than just a simple assistant. She provided a refreshing dynamic, offering a female presence in Paladin’s world while maintaining the same professionalism and reliability as her predecessor.
After Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series, Lisa Lu built an impressive career spanning both Hollywood and Chinese cinema. She appeared in classic TV series like Bonanza, The Big Valley, and Mannix, proving her versatility in both Westerns and modern dramas. In film, she took on key roles in Demon Seed (1977), Saint Jack (1979), and The Last Emperor (1987), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Later in life, she gained renewed recognition in The Joy Luck Club (1993) and Crazy Rich Asians (2018), where she played the matriarch Ah Ma. With a career that has lasted over six decades, Lisa Lu remains a respected figure in both American and Chinese entertainment.
Guest Stars
Throughout its six-season run, Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series featured an impressive lineup of guest stars, many of whom would go on to become household names in film and television. Denver Pyle, best known as Uncle Jesse on The Dukes of Hazzard, appeared in multiple episodes, often playing rugged frontier characters. James Best, another Dukes of Hazzard alum famous for his role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, also made an appearance, showcasing his versatility long before his comedic turn in the hit series. George Kennedy, who later won an Oscar for Cool Hand Luke and became a familiar face in action films like The Dirty Dozen and Airport, had an early role in the series, adding to his long list of Western performances.
Ken Curtis sings "Noah's Dove" on Have Gun Will Travel
Charles Bronson, who later became an action film icon with Death Wish, made a memorable guest appearance, bringing his trademark intensity to the show. Ken Curtis, known to millions as Festus Haggen from Gunsmoke, also stopped by Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series, further cementing his legacy in the Western genre. Strother Martin, another Cool Hand Luke alum famous for the line “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate,” brought his distinct, often slippery characters to the series. Horror legend Lon Chaney Jr., best remembered for playing The Wolf Man, also made an appearance, adding a touch of classic Hollywood horror to the Western setting.
Jack Elam, one of the most recognizable Western character actors with his distinctive lazy eye, appeared in multiple episodes, often as an outlaw or shady gunslinger. William Conrad, who later became famous as the star of Cannon and the narrator of The Fugitive, lent his deep, authoritative voice and commanding presence to the series. Vincent Price, known for his roles in Gothic horror films like House of Wax and The Pit and the Pendulum, also guest-starred, proving that his talent extended far beyond horror. Buddy Ebsen, later beloved as Jed Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies and Barnaby Jones, made an early stop on Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series, showing his range as both a dramatic and comedic actor.
Television legends Harry Morgan and June Lockhart also appeared on the show before finding fame elsewhere—Morgan later starred as Colonel Potter on MASH*, while Lockhart became well-known as the mother in Lassie and Lost in Space. Angie Dickinson, who later made waves in Rio Bravo and Police Woman, also guest-starred, adding a touch of charm and toughness to her role. With such an extensive roster of famous guest stars, Have Gun Will Travel Complete Series not only delivered compelling storytelling but also served as a launching pad for some of Hollywood’s most enduring talents.
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Further Reading & Resources
📖 Read: Art and Politics in Have Gun--Will Travel: The 1950s Television Western as Ethical Drama
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.