Wagon Train (TV Series) The Kitty Angel Story (1959) User Reviews

Wagon Train-Kitty Angel Starring Anne Baxter

[ebach-264-953484 · 9/10 · 7 May 2016]

I have enjoyed this series as whole since 1 of the classic networks (METV) put it on their Saturday schedule. It really is carried by Anne Baxter's Kitty Angel character who was excellent. She plays a dance hall girl that joins the Wagon Train and is ostracized by the upright married woman on the train.

While on the trail, she cares of an Indian baby who was found abandoned. The child develops small pox. Because of being ostracized as well the small pox, Kitty is isolated with the exception of an old prospector who helps her take care of the child.

I was not familiar with Anne Baxter but have really enjoyed seeing her performances on DVD in shows like Cannon and Columbo. It's my understanding she was a big star in the 1940s that left Hollywood after marrying but then returned for guest roles in the late 60s. I really did enjoy seeing her in a 40s western, Yellow Sky, with Gregory Peck.

Excellent episode in my view because of Ms Baxter as well as the old prospector who both were excellent. The episode is better than my review, but you'll have to see to comprehend.

Family is Those Who Care

[jpsartre-74463 · 10/10 · 21 August 2020]

I agree with bkoganbing's assessment that this ep shows how families are made by people who care about each other - blood doesn't matter. I've seen this in several eps and love the overall theme. After seeing this one, I was somewhat wishing those times were here again, when there seemed to be more free agents in the new world who would be open to joining forces with someone they cared about. Sure would be better than an abusive family of origin....

The makings of a family

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 21 November 2017]

Contrary to those who say that families are only of a blood kin, this Wagon Train episode tells us that families can be made by chance and circumstance.

The circumstances here are that Robert Horton finds an Indian papoose in a burned out village and brings it to the Wagon Train. At the same time some of the high and mighty puritanical types are complaining about the presence of saloon entertainer Anne Baxter on the train. But when no one else wants to take the Indian babe, Baxter volunteers to though she's got no training in motherhood.

The only two willing to help her are cantankerous old Henry Hull and Vivi Janiss who just lost her child. Then the baby develops smallpox and things really stack against Hull and Baxter.

This episode also features a fight between Baxter and Kathleen Freeman one of the puritanical wives. Freeman has weight on her side, but Baxter has some moves.

A nice story and families are what you create.