Hawke Durango And Hawke Larabee Show Openings

Here's a show with a fluctuating history. It started as Hawke Durango in July 1946 (5th or 12th depending on source) with Elliot Lewis as Hawke Durango and Barton Yarborough as Brazos John. Hawke owned the Gold Bar House, the town hotel. The show had the standard format of an unfolding story. Last episode was on Aug 16, 1946.

Then on October 3, 1946, Hawke Larabee arrives on the airwaves, this time with Barton Yarborough as Hawke, still owning the hotel.

In 1947, the show's format has Hawke relating a past story he was involved in.

He narrates the opening, setting the stage and the story starts. The Texas Rangers sing.

Sep 6, 1947, Elliot Lewis makes his return as Hawke. Now he's a rancher with Brazos as his partner. Barton Yarborough is back to being Brazos. And Andy Parker & Plainsmen are now singing the theme. The rest of the run seems to be of this format.

There are only a handful of episodes available, all we know of are listed here.

If you have any additional information on this series, please let us know.

Hawke Durango

8/02/46 Hawke's Hotel CBS

The local hotel, Gold Bar House, is owned by Hawke.Suzie arrives in town to marry Nefi Thatcher, and meets the gunslinger Brazos John. Hawke tries to keep Suzie from Brazos and has to convince him to forget her.
Chuck-A-Luck Jones is seen in the hotel
Elliot Lewis as Hawke
Barton Yarborough as Brazos
Frank Lovejoy?
Produced/Directed: Wm N Robeson
Writer: Kenneth Perkins
No singing
Next week: Hawke suspected of murder, Chuck-A-Luck's hearing saves him.

11/07/46 Tillie McGoon CBS
Hawke owns the hotel Gold Bar House. An old preacher drives thru town and as he dies, enlists Hawke to find Tillie McGoon and turn her to righteousness.
Barton Yarborough as Hawke
Directed: Wm N Robeson
Writer: Kenneth Perkins
No singing

5/22/47 Mulberry Creek CBS
Hawke's story relates the about the time, after leaving Sundown Wells, he arrived in the Gold Camp at Mulberry Creek.
Lucius Budlong is accused of murder and Hawke isn't convinced he's guilty after talking to his fiance Verity Collins.
Somber Jones is the town marshall, becomes Hawke's sidekick after resigning.
Barton Yarborough: Hawke
Jack McCoy: announcer
Richard Sandal: Director
Dean/Robeson
Songs: not announced
Next week: A range war at San Marcos

6/27/47 Rita Grayson CBS
Hawke relates the time that he Somber Jones were working at the Skillet Ranch -- Hawke is head cattle driver. Boss' daughter wants to go on the cattle drive.
Barton Yarborough as Hawke
Produced/Directed: Wm N Robeson
Writer: Dean Owen
Songs: Texas Rangers
Next week: 4th of July story

7/18/47 Mountain Central Railroad
CBS Hawke and Somber have a contract to supply fresh meat to the workers laying the railroad into Empire City. They become involved in a railroad war with the rival outfit trying to beat the MCR into the city.
Barton Yarborough as Hawke
Produced/Directed: Wm N Robeson
Writer: Dean Owen
Next week: Pretty woman wants to murder Hawke

9/06/47 Accused CBS
Hawke owns a ranch, Brazos is his partner. Hawke is accused of leaving the old half blind prospector Chuck-A-Luck in the desert without water.
Elliot Lewis as Hawke
Barton Yarborough as Brazos
Produced/Directed: Wm N Robeson
Writer: Kenneth Perkins and E. Jack Newman
Songs: Andy Parker & Plainsmen
Next week: Stampede

10/18/47 California Kid CBS
While passing by Big Horn, Hawke is accused of being the California Kid and arrested for murder.
Elliot Lewis as Hawke
Barton Yarborough as Brazos
Produced/Directed: Wm N Robeson
Writer: Gomer Kool and E. Jack Newman
Songs: Andy Parker & Plainsmen
Next week: Return of Edwin Crane

12/28/47 The New Church CBS
Hawke and Brazos check on the new church, wanting to make sure it's ready for services on Sunday. The rickety structure collapses with a stranger inside and Hawke suspects foul play.
Elliot Lewis as Hawke
Barton Yarborough as Brazos
Produced/Directed: Wm N Robeson
Writer: Arthur E. Orloff
Songs: Andy Parker & Plainsmen
Next week: --not mentioned--