James Garner Westerns: Maverick

Maverick Theme Song

Written by composers David Buttolph (music) and Paul Francis Webster (lyrics).
Sung by ? “a male chorus”.

Maverick Lyrics

(Go ahead … sing along)

Who is the tall, dark stranger there?
Maverick is the name.
Ridin’ the trail to who knows where,
Luck is his companion,
Gamblin’ is his game.
Smooth as the handle on a gun.
Maverick is the name.
Wild as the wind in Oregon,
Blowin’ up a canyon,
Easier to tame.

Riverboat, ring your bell,
Fare thee well, Annabel.
Luck is the lady that he loves the best.
Natchez to New Orleans
Livin on jacks and queens
Maverick is a legend of the west.

Riverboat, ring your bell,
Fare thee well, Annabel.
Luck is the lady that he loves the best.
Natchez to New Orleans
Livin on jacks and queens
Maverick is a legend of the west.
Maverick is a legend of the west.

(Natchez is in SW Mississippi)

MAVERICK
Maverick TV Banner

“Nuthin’ up my sleeve … ”
Garner never needed to cheat. 

JAMES GARNER - MAVERICK
JAMES GARNER – BRET MAVERICK
James Garner and Jack Kelly
James Garner (Bret Maverick) and Jack Kelly (Bart Maverick)Mavericks

In the first 7 episodes of Maverick, James Garner starred alone. Then Jack Kelly was brought in. The series employed an unusual format: Garmer and Kelly appeared alone in some episodes – then together. Kelly was good, but there was never any doubt who had the charisma: Garner was the Star. And when he left during Season 3, the series definitely declined in popularity.

Reviews

MAVERICK: A Genuine Classic Western – TVRAGE http://www.tvrage.com/shows/id-4399

From the Golden Age of the 50’s era, “MAVERICK” can be classified as one of the best Western TV series during this period. ABC network channel produced the whole 5 season of this show from 1957-1962 with very outstanding and definitely top-class episodes every week. James Garner playing as Bret Maverick really portrayed his role very well as the smooth and stylish man of the Western culture. I remember, many girls fantasize him for being so attractive and all men want to be like him. His character as Bret was so modish, calm with no pressure that has great sense of humor, a poker champion, and most of all physically strong. What’s more interesting in his character is, he chose to use his intelligence over his power. Most episodes show the funny side of James Garner that why the public viewers commended his role as Maverick with these unique qualities!  Review posted on Monday, July 15th 2013 at 1:53 am

Maverick IMDB
A solid “8”

Maverick wanabees …. 

Mavericks ...

Not fast enough boys … 

James and Jack Garner
James and brother Jack Garner

Comics …

Maverick Comics

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Westerns – popular in the 50’s 

File:Warner Brothers television westerns stars 1959.JPGPhoto of all the Warner Brothers Studio television western stars who had programs on ABC. From left: Will Hutchins (“Sugarfoot” Brewster-Sugarfoot), Peter Brown (Johnny McKay-Lawman), Jack Kelly (Bart Maverick-Maverick), Ty Hardin (Bronco Laine-Bronco), James Garner (Bret Maverick-Maverick), Wayde Preston (Christopher Colt-Colt .45), John Russell (Dan Troop-Lawman).

Author: jcalberta

Howdy! I love Westerns. ... and the intent of MyFavoriteWesterns.com is to celebrate Western Movies/Film - old and new. This site will eventually show my top 30 favorite Westerns - or more. I will have original graphic work with regular updates. All this - and more ... Yee Haw ... !! - jcablerta / Moderator / Administrator

8 thoughts on “James Garner Westerns: Maverick”

  1. I always liked Bart better than brett. Reason being Bart always used just his charm and gentleman like qualities. Brett always used his wits and plans to outwit the badguys. That was good .Brett was good at that. Also I liked the way he says when in doubt. My pappy used to say…. you got to know when to hold Em and when to fold them.

    1. Great show. Didn’t last as long as it should have. Kelly was originally thought of as the lead, but Garner’s charm soon eclipsed him. Kelly got work right up to the end though (1992), but was also successful off screen in real estate and politics. Acting’s not everything.

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