"Father Murphy" (1981) TV series 1981-1983

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Creator:

Michael Landon

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

3 November 1981 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Family | Western

Plot Keywords:

Cult Favorite | Character Name In Title

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 5 wins & 6 nominations

Cast

Merlin Olsen	...	John Michael Murphy (34 episodes, 1981-1983)
Katherine Cannon	...	Mae Woodward (34 episodes, 1981-1983)
Timothy Gibbs	...	Will Adams (34 episodes, 1981-1983)
Moses Gunn	...	Moses Gage (34 episodes, 1981-1983)
Scott Mellini	...	Ephram Winkler / ... (32 episodes, 1981-1983)
Lisa Trusel	...	Lizette Winkler / ... (31 episodes, 1981-1983)
Kirk Brennan	...	David Sims / ... (31 episodes, 1981-1983)
Byron Thames	...	Matt Sims / ... (31 episodes, 1981-1983)
Michael Reynolds	...	John (30 episodes, 1981-1983)
Jason Anderson	...	Jason / ... (26 episodes, 1981-1983)
Richard Bergman	...	Father Joe Parker (14 episodes, 1981-1983)

Runtime:

USA:48 min (35 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Big Sky Ranch - 4927 Bennett Road, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company:

NBC Productions

Trivia:

Murphy's dog was Mine.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Hercules Against the Moon Men (#5.10)" (1992)

Father Murphy: One of the Best TV Shows

"Father Murphy" was one of the best TV show of all time, many of its episodes very touching and inspirational. I will illustrate my point with thoughts on my five favorite episodes of Season 1...... 5. "Eighty-Eight Keys to Happiness." The sparked interest of the blind orphan at the possibility of Gold Hill buying a piano transforms very well into the excitement and humor involved with Moses' willingness to compromise with the saloon. Furthermore, Rodman's annoyance at the situation, his sudden metamorphosis into gambling greed, and his pathetic mother make for one of the greatest and funniest sequences of the entire series. 4. "In God's Arms." In the spirit akin to such classics as "It's a Wonderful Life," Father Joe Parker eventually discovers a strength that he took for granted all along and affects people's lives for the better in the process. This episode perhaps causes some of us to question our own beliefs in the existence of God while suggesting that the faith and its positive effect on mankind is more important. 3. "The Horse From Heaven." The concept of a mentally challenged person who is ridiculed and made to feel inferior having a depth down inside that she can have such a wonderful relationship with animals is simply priceless. It stands to reason that Ada becomes a hero at the end, deservedly so. The adage of the meek inheriting the earth is more present at the conclusion of this episode than in any other point in the series. 2. "The Pilot Episode." Making the ending all that more charming, John Murphy is not just some guy who feels like helping orphaned children. He is a complex man with childhood-influenced problems of his own. The long ago tragic death of his father haunting him, Murphy must decide between the urge to be alone and the possibility of helping many children in a worse situation than his own. The occurrence helps Murphy re-discover the concept of love, and it is all that more appropriate that he marries Mae Woodward at the conclusion of the first season. 1. "Knights of the White Camelia." This gripping episode is my favorite of the series for several reasons. The concept of love versus hate is often very powerful, and this episode succeeds as a fine example with several lessons to learn within the hour. We generally see bigots as very evil and very worthless people. The story of runaway bugler Jeff teaches us that a so-called 'bigot' can be a nice boy with a sincere willingness to learn and be productive deep down inside. He was steered along the unrighteous path, with his father there as a solid guide to lead him back on track as the episode concludes. Speaking of which, when Moses refers to the KKK by saying "They got sons too," we are all reminded that it is not a perfect world, such problems still existing and probably always will. In my opinion, however, the greatest lesson of all is that these eerie-seeming white-hooded monsters are in reality "the townspeople" (the banker, the barber, etc.) If you think that the hateful bigots are all vicious monsters burning in hell, think again. The butcher, the baker, the lawyer, the doctor, the hairdresser, the grocery clerk, need I go on? Watch out! It is priceless for "Father Murphy: Knights of the White Camelia" to express to us such teachings in no uncertain terms. A terrific series that should have lasted many more seasons.