We didn't have TV when this started here in the UK, but every Sunday evening I went to a neighbour's house to watch it, as religiously as going to Chapel in the morning and Sunday School in the afternoon.
Ward Bond was a great actor and was in some great films, but I think this enhanced his status greatly. I don't recall this one, but it was a long time ago. As much a TV Classic as Rawhide.
I thknk the reason some of these 'old-timers' look so corny is that we have become used to a higher standard of production, and costs; advancements in technology have transformed things greatly.
It's a bit like the early days of Rock'N'Roll and Sun and Cadence record labels.
Bob
