Whatever its other merits, Daniel Boone has a significant place in television history. If this show did not exist, Ed Ames, who costarred as Mingo, Daniel Boone's Oxford-educated Cherokee sidekick would not have gone on The Tonight Show to throw that errant tomahawk, which led to one of Johnny Carson's most famous quips). Aired from 1964-1970, this family-friendly wilderness adventure charted the adventures of Kentucky frontiersman Daniel Boone, indelibly portrayed by Fess Parker. Don't expect historical accuracy (for starters, Boone had 10 children—the series gives him one son, Israel, and a daughter who was written out in season two; Boone also did not save Benjamin Franklin from being hung by the British). The role of Boone fits Parker like a coonskin cap, which is apt since Parker first starred as Davy Crockett for Disney. Parker's Boone is a plain-speaking man of action and principle who, as the theme song proclaims, “fought for America to make all Americans free.” Daniel Boone will most appeal to Baby Boomers, who will also appreciate the passel of illustrious guest stars, including a young Kurt Russell, Burl Ives, Harry Dean Stanton, Frank DeKova (Chief Wild Eagle on F Troop), John Ford veteran Hank Worden, Barbara Hershey, and George Sanders. The folksy Boone is a solid role model, dispensing pioneer wisdom and offering life lessons that favor hard work and tolerance and discourage stealing. Compiling all 165 episodes from the show's six-season run (the first season is in black-and-white, the rest in color), this is recommended. (D. Liebenson)
Daniel Boone: The Complete Series
Fox, 36 discs, 8,150 min., not rated, DVD: $114.95 February 9, 2015
Daniel Boone: The Complete Series
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