I just discovered this show after reading a January 1963 issue of New Mexico magazine. The article was entitled 'Empire - On Location' and described how the program made good use of the natural scenic beauty of New Mexico - evident in this episode. Just look at those clouds! Some episodes filmed on famous Eaves movie ranch. If you love New Mexico as much as I do, (plan on retiring there this year from Ohio), then I heartily recommend the Route 66 episodes filmed in and around Santa Fe in the mid 1960's.
I worked on this TV Show when I was 16 during the summer. My father was head of the transportation department on the TV Series. I worked as a Stand-In for actors during the filming. The show was filmed at several ranches near Santa Fe, NM. Post more films if you have them!
My first viewing of an "Empire." Richard Egan makes a commanding presence as Redigo (unique name for a regular, series lead). Standing next to Terry Moore and Ryan O'Neal, why he towers over them. New Mexico location filming assets: brilliant scenery, effective locations for story purposes (wide open country, resort swimming pool, main house and guests' quarters, corrals, country roads and two lane highways, etc.) and finally, that unique, intense New Mexico sunshine. Guest stars Keir Dullea and Sharon Farrell turn in good performances in well-written parts. The women's hairdressers had their jobs cut out of them with the hair blasted by sun and wind while driving in the convertibles and just being outside. WHAT was with Terry's LONG, braided pigtails (coming out of the sides of her cowboy hat) that pop up after we've seen in her earlier scenes her hair styled nicely at its shoulder length?) Story Points: 1) I thought the bully foreman -- and he WAS quite a bully -- was going to reappear in Act IV and do harm to Keir's character, Skip. 2) Redigo buying back Skip's prized gold and silver, rodeo champ belt buckle from the pawnshop and surprisingly presenting it back to its rightful owner -- nice touch; nice character trait viewers are let in on. 3) Two or three times we see the Hispanic, male cook take supportive actions on Skip's behalf. 4) The ending surprised me; we'll assume our guest star remains as s a content, efficient asset to the ranch's operation. Being crippled or succumbing to fatal injuries from bronc rides, whether at the professional rodeo or at the ranch, were strong candidates. 5) We'll take for granted regular Ryan O'Neal has more to do than his token appearances in 'Stopover on the Way to the Moon.' This was five episodes before the "massacre" of the female cast, Terry Moore and Anne Seymour, who "Empire" 'sent packin'' back to Hollywood. NBC's or Screen Gems' call and why?. . . At conclusion of end credits we hear the same off-screen voice from those wonderful "Route 66" episodes (another location-filmed series) letting us know: "This has been a Screen Gems film presentation." Finally, thanks to our hostess, "Viet Gurl," for posting a full, network length copy -- 51 mins. vs. the too-often, abominable, cut-down 42 - 44 minute syndication or MeTV, TV Land-type versions.
Hoping someone reading this can help. When this programme came to the UK it was renamed Big G! I used to have nightmares from the credits of this and Route 66! I thought I was 4 at the time but found out in April I was not quite 3! There was a scene that used to appear at the end of both programmes I think with a shouty word. I remember the advert break picture and I think Big G was shouted out at the beginning! Too young to remember the actual programme! But I would like to face what frightened me! Thanks to RU-vid have been able to face other credits, tunes on shows that gave me nightmares! Would really appreciate seeing opening and closing credits for Big G as it was in the UK!
I would love to see more episodes of Empire or Redigo. They were favorites of mine years ago... nostalgia!! Does anyone know where I could find more of them?
SHARON FARRELL (Lisa Barry) was just another pretty TV actress building up a good reputation when she was cast as a JANIS JOPLIN-like singer in an episode of "The Name of The Game". Seemingly out of left field, she gave a magnificent, unforgettable performance, a genuine tour-de-force that blew everyone's mind (vernacular of the day). Yes, she was better than Bette Midler in "The Rose". Overnight she easily became the most sought-after actress in town. Hollywood fumbled it, of course, and stuck her in a big, glossy, A-list treatment of Jacqueline Susann's "The Love Machine". It was a disaster.
Originally telecast (in color) on January 1, 1963. 4:08- ART GILMORE: "'EMPIRE'! Brought to you by------CHRYSLER! Makers of THESE fine cars: CHRYSLER......PLYMOUTH......IMPERIAL......DODGE.......DODGE TRUCKS!!! All QUALITY ENGINEERED by CHRYSLER CORPORATION!"
