This episode is basically a retelling of the classic movie The Treasure of the Sierra Madre with big Clint in the role Walter Houston made famous. It is an examination of the effects that Greed has on one of the individuals of a party of Gold Seekers. There is an interesting appearance by Rod Taylor in the Tim Holt role. Long time character actor Edward Andrews gamely attempts the frothing Bogie role. It is somewhat quaint to see this smaller scale version of one of Warner's classic movies, but that was in keeping with Cheyenne which attempted to give a big movie look to the small screen. Cheyenne's side kick Smitty, played by a youthful L. Q. Jones is conspicuously absent in this episode. Story with a moral. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.
10 Reviews
Superb episode
asinyne30 November 2018
Yes this is a remake of Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Thing is, its actually a very well done episode. Rod Taylor stands out in a early performance and the overall production is superior. So what if the story is a re tread? It is a very enjoyable one. Of course it pretty much covers the same ground as the original so you know its gonna turn out bad but its a very fun ride all the same. I would like to add that the production values on many of these old western shows was downright amazing. Of course it was a lot easier to produce quality programming in those days and a helluva lot cheaper. Cheyenne is a great character and adding him to the mix only enhances the power of the narrative. Its a darn good show and I have no idea what the bad reviewer was drinking that spoiled his stomach while watching this. Truth is, its a minor western classic and even does justice to the original epic. Good one parkners
Flawed Reviews of This Episode
DD-9312 November 2013
Having just watched this episode, I felt compelled to comment on it -- and on the reviews of it here on IMDb.
Yes, this is a re-telling of Treasure of the Sierra Madre. So what? I don't know about the other reviewers, but even when I was young I was often aware that certain episodes of TV series I was watching were re-tellings of classic stories. One that stands out in my mind was the time Richard Basehart's Admiral Nelson of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea found himself in a re- telling of MOBY DICK, made even more intriguing by the fact that he played Ishmael in the original film version.
It was actually fun to see my favorite characters placed into those stories, and it was fun in this case as well. One never for a moment watches this episode and thinks Edward Andrews is trying to play Eugene Dobbs or that Rod Taylor is trying to play Curtin. And it is laughable to think Cheyenne Bodie has anything to do with Walter Huston's portrayal of the prospector Howard. The film of TOTSM was an instant classic, and a TV homage to it from the studio that produced the film is nothing to apologize for (I was amused by the poster who pointed out any idea of this TV episode "stealing" the plot from TOTSM would logically conclude with "Warner Bros. suing Warner Bros.")
I think was a well-done retelling of the story, with excellent performances from the three leads (once you extricate yourself from some foolish need to compare the performances to Bogart, Holt and Huston), and covers some territory the original didn't in terms of the racism against Native Americans. Particularly like how when Cheyenne (the brunt of some of the racism himself) is attacked for wanting to spend time with some "Injuns" in order to help them, comments along the lines of "Well, after spending some time with white people, it sounds like a pretty good idea".
As for the meaning of the title "The Argonauts", the answer is pretty self-evident. What were the Argonauts going in search of? And if you say "some sheep's fur", maybe there's another classic story you might need to revisit.
Yes, this is a re-telling of Treasure of the Sierra Madre. So what? I don't know about the other reviewers, but even when I was young I was often aware that certain episodes of TV series I was watching were re-tellings of classic stories. One that stands out in my mind was the time Richard Basehart's Admiral Nelson of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea found himself in a re- telling of MOBY DICK, made even more intriguing by the fact that he played Ishmael in the original film version.
It was actually fun to see my favorite characters placed into those stories, and it was fun in this case as well. One never for a moment watches this episode and thinks Edward Andrews is trying to play Eugene Dobbs or that Rod Taylor is trying to play Curtin. And it is laughable to think Cheyenne Bodie has anything to do with Walter Huston's portrayal of the prospector Howard. The film of TOTSM was an instant classic, and a TV homage to it from the studio that produced the film is nothing to apologize for (I was amused by the poster who pointed out any idea of this TV episode "stealing" the plot from TOTSM would logically conclude with "Warner Bros. suing Warner Bros.")
I think was a well-done retelling of the story, with excellent performances from the three leads (once you extricate yourself from some foolish need to compare the performances to Bogart, Holt and Huston), and covers some territory the original didn't in terms of the racism against Native Americans. Particularly like how when Cheyenne (the brunt of some of the racism himself) is attacked for wanting to spend time with some "Injuns" in order to help them, comments along the lines of "Well, after spending some time with white people, it sounds like a pretty good idea".
As for the meaning of the title "The Argonauts", the answer is pretty self-evident. What were the Argonauts going in search of? And if you say "some sheep's fur", maybe there's another classic story you might need to revisit.
"Gold can play some funny tricks on men. I've seen it."
faunafan20 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Cheyenne makes that prophetic statement early on. We can see it, too, almost from the beginning of this excellent episode. Two men start out as friends but that's not how they end up, and Cheyenne Bodie is stuck in the middle. It's the old story of greed coming between friends and nobody coming out the winner. All the characters are well-realized and well-cast. The tone is gritty and grimy, as it would be for men trying to strike it rich in desert gold country.
A pivotal scene comes in the middle of the night when Cheyenne gets up to make sure a mountain lion hasn't spooked the burros. The chronically suspicious Duncan (Ed Andrews), gun at the ready, thinks our hero is after his share of the gold but finds his stash right where he left it. In turn, Clancy (Rod Taylor) stirs and asks Cheyenne where his partner has gone. "Prowlin' around in the dark," mumbles Cheyenne, who wants only to go back to sleep. Skeptical Clancy goes to check his own pot 'o' gold and returns to the camp, where he finds Duncan giving him the evil eye. At this point, a weary Cheyenne props himself up on one elbow, head cocked, watching them. Duncan and Clancy are like two fighters sizing each other up. After a moment of this, Cheyenne looks from one to the other and says, "Looks like it's come around to me again, but I won't take my turn if you two will stop worryin' and go back to sleep. We've got work to do in the mornin'."
Various facets of Cheyenne Bodie's personality are becoming manifest with each episode, and in this one we learn more about what an indispensable asset he can be; in this instance, about mining and about renegade Indians, as well as providing a voice of reason. He's also eminently capable, smart, and ready to help when he can. And he has a subtle but keen sense of humor. A more well-rounded character would be hard to find.
This is the first episode in which his shirt comes off, but it fits the narrative. Anyway, who cares whether it does or not? Clint Walker is one fine lookin' man.
A pivotal scene comes in the middle of the night when Cheyenne gets up to make sure a mountain lion hasn't spooked the burros. The chronically suspicious Duncan (Ed Andrews), gun at the ready, thinks our hero is after his share of the gold but finds his stash right where he left it. In turn, Clancy (Rod Taylor) stirs and asks Cheyenne where his partner has gone. "Prowlin' around in the dark," mumbles Cheyenne, who wants only to go back to sleep. Skeptical Clancy goes to check his own pot 'o' gold and returns to the camp, where he finds Duncan giving him the evil eye. At this point, a weary Cheyenne props himself up on one elbow, head cocked, watching them. Duncan and Clancy are like two fighters sizing each other up. After a moment of this, Cheyenne looks from one to the other and says, "Looks like it's come around to me again, but I won't take my turn if you two will stop worryin' and go back to sleep. We've got work to do in the mornin'."
Various facets of Cheyenne Bodie's personality are becoming manifest with each episode, and in this one we learn more about what an indispensable asset he can be; in this instance, about mining and about renegade Indians, as well as providing a voice of reason. He's also eminently capable, smart, and ready to help when he can. And he has a subtle but keen sense of humor. A more well-rounded character would be hard to find.
This is the first episode in which his shirt comes off, but it fits the narrative. Anyway, who cares whether it does or not? Clint Walker is one fine lookin' man.
Surprisingly well done
vatonaught30 November 2019
Not a bad version of "Sierra Madre" at all
fpasserini20 April 2022
As an early episode in the Cheyenne series, it was a solid effort. The only thing missing was the quote. "Badges. We don't need no stinking badges." Nice to see Rod Taylor in one of his earlier TV roles in the USA. He was a solid actor. Liked him the most in "Sunday in New York." Clint Walker plays such an excellent portrayal of Cheyenne Bodie. I've become a big fan of the syndication on the INSP Network.
Flawed but interesting
dinky-416 July 2013
A curious episode. It attempts to fit "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" into the format of an hour-long TV show, and in the process, it tends to demote Clint Walker from a starring role to a supporting role. Its relatively brief running-time doesn't give Edward Andrews, (yes, Edward Andrews!), sufficient time to make entirely plausible his change in character, and it shortchanges a subplot involving Cheyenne's visit to an Indian village to help an ailing white woman, but the story still holds our interest and it gives Rod Taylor a pleasing role as Andrews's good-hearted partner. Taylor also gets a chance to bare his hairy chest which, though easy on the eyes, obviously can't complete with Walker's 48-incher. (This episode marks the first of many times on "Cheyenne" that Walker takes off his shirt.) In a sort of balancing act, we're introduced to both "good" Indians and "bad" Indians. But one question remains: just why was this episode called "The Argonauts?"
John Huston, someone was ripping you off
pensman30 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I agree with others who find this an odd episode. This was the third episode of the first season so why give the majority of screen time to Edward Andrews? Did someone owe him? I was nine so the clear rip-off of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre was lost on me. And no offense to my dad and other adults in my G.I. community, the concept of an homage wouldn't register as such. I am not being a snob or disparaging my dad, but most of these guys worked in the mills and these guys weren't film buffs. I would really like to know what the thinking was of the producers, other than a cheap script rewrite.
The real novelty for me was seeing Edward Andrews in the Bogart role of Duncan (Fred C. Dobbs) as I'm more accustomed to seeing him in fluff roles. And he did OK in this role; but the show is Cheyenne, not Duncan.
I almost feel it redundant to go over plot as today you sort of expect people to know The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, but in case: three men are brought together to pull gold out of a mine. As their respective bounty grows larger, they become increasing suspicious of one another. One of their group becomes so mesmerized by the gold that he loses all perspective on life, and loses his. Eventually all the gold is lost, and the survivors can laugh at the irony fate has given them.
Worth a watch. I guess it's a reminder that we all don't share the same cultural background even if it is assumed we do.
The real novelty for me was seeing Edward Andrews in the Bogart role of Duncan (Fred C. Dobbs) as I'm more accustomed to seeing him in fluff roles. And he did OK in this role; but the show is Cheyenne, not Duncan.
I almost feel it redundant to go over plot as today you sort of expect people to know The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, but in case: three men are brought together to pull gold out of a mine. As their respective bounty grows larger, they become increasing suspicious of one another. One of their group becomes so mesmerized by the gold that he loses all perspective on life, and loses his. Eventually all the gold is lost, and the survivors can laugh at the irony fate has given them.
Worth a watch. I guess it's a reminder that we all don't share the same cultural background even if it is assumed we do.
Warner Did This a lot.
Tsarsfield17 January 2022
Yeah this is a remake of The Treasure of Sierra Madre. But to a point made back in 2017 this was not a homage. WB routinely had tv shows recycle old movie plots. And, in fact, they would recycle scripts amongst shows they owned.
It was a way to save money. It was also a way to Move shows along or come up with plots back when shows made 35 plus episodes a year. Maybe not Cheyenne but most shows.
I think the fun is seeing how different actors can play the same part. Or how slight variations can give you a somewhat different plot. Or in this case how you can tell the essentials of a story in a much shorter time run.
It was a way to save money. It was also a way to Move shows along or come up with plots back when shows made 35 plus episodes a year. Maybe not Cheyenne but most shows.
I think the fun is seeing how different actors can play the same part. Or how slight variations can give you a somewhat different plot. Or in this case how you can tell the essentials of a story in a much shorter time run.
Skip "The Argonauts"
biggm29 June 2013
The word "Argonaut" might not be on the tip of many tongues, but long time movie fans won't have to strain their brains very hard to identify the origins of this episode.
TV audiences in 1955 didn't have the ability to watch the iconic Treasure of Sierra Madre on home video from their easy chair, so instead, they had to settle for this cringe worthy Warner TV retread of their own movie property. The series producers must have counted on the audience's short memory too, as the movie was less than seven years old at the time of this broadcast.
The Warner Westerns and detective shows of the 50's notoriously recycled Warner's own big screen scripts, and it was an unabashed part of their TV show production formula. Usually though, they did a much better job of finessing and concealing the re-write than this half-baked, paint-by-numbers Cliff Notes version of a first-rate movie. Edward Andrews was a decent TV actor, but he's unintentionally comical impersonating Humphrey Bogart's memorable "Fred C. Dobbs". Rod Taylor listlessly goes through the motions in the Tim Holt role, and Clint Walker, as the affably heroic Cheyenne, is simply a foil here, and hardly a substitute for Walter Huston's amazing Treasure of Sierra Madre performance. The actors looked self-conscious and embarrassed by this assignment, and rightly so.
I'm a big fan of the Cheyenne series, particularly the first season, and the show regularly offered superior scripting and rousing entertainment. Cheyenne moseyed down the wrong trail for "The Argonauts" though, which is a particularly painful-to-watch small screen adaptation of a peerless classic.
TV audiences in 1955 didn't have the ability to watch the iconic Treasure of Sierra Madre on home video from their easy chair, so instead, they had to settle for this cringe worthy Warner TV retread of their own movie property. The series producers must have counted on the audience's short memory too, as the movie was less than seven years old at the time of this broadcast.
The Warner Westerns and detective shows of the 50's notoriously recycled Warner's own big screen scripts, and it was an unabashed part of their TV show production formula. Usually though, they did a much better job of finessing and concealing the re-write than this half-baked, paint-by-numbers Cliff Notes version of a first-rate movie. Edward Andrews was a decent TV actor, but he's unintentionally comical impersonating Humphrey Bogart's memorable "Fred C. Dobbs". Rod Taylor listlessly goes through the motions in the Tim Holt role, and Clint Walker, as the affably heroic Cheyenne, is simply a foil here, and hardly a substitute for Walter Huston's amazing Treasure of Sierra Madre performance. The actors looked self-conscious and embarrassed by this assignment, and rightly so.
I'm a big fan of the Cheyenne series, particularly the first season, and the show regularly offered superior scripting and rousing entertainment. Cheyenne moseyed down the wrong trail for "The Argonauts" though, which is a particularly painful-to-watch small screen adaptation of a peerless classic.
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