Summary:\u00a0 A unique solution to a difficult situation?
\nRating:\u00a0 General Audiences\u00a0 (2,150 words)<\/p>\n
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\u201cDAMN IT MIKE!\u201d Pernell muttered as Don McDougall shouted, \u201cCUT!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cast members and crew hurried forward in hopes of rendering any aid needed to one of their stars.<\/p>\n
Using his hands and arms to ward off any assistance, Pernell rose to his feet with an exasperated, if not painful, expression on his face.\u00a0 The whole crew knew they were pushing it by having Mike lift Pernell, but they felt it was needed as part of the close-up footage.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook, it\u2019s not my fault!\u201d Mike offered, shrugging his shoulders as an acceptance of his guilt.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen whose fault is it?\u201d Pernell retorted; his right hand slowly massaging his lower back.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, Pernell, he can\u2019t help it,\u201d Dan tried to lessen the anger of their castmate.<\/p>\n
Facing off to the larger man, \u201cOh, he can\u2019t, can\u2019t he.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cListen, I tried to lift you but from that position on the ground, it’s as awkward as…\u00a0 I tried to let you down gently,\u201d inserting himself between his two friends, pushing them farther apart with his arms. \u201cThe writers should have realized there’d be a problem when they rewrote the dang script!\u201d<\/p>\n
Moving forward from where he had stopped near some of the props, \u201cMichael is correct.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, you\u2019d\u2026\u201d Pernell cut off quickly at seeing Lorne\u2019s expression.\u00a0 He knew it wasn\u2019t really Mike\u2019s fault, but still his pride, and his back.<\/p>\n
Once within the group, Lorne spoke directly to Pernell.\u00a0 \u201cLook, you\u2019re eight years older than Michael, have at least<\/em> three inches in height,\u201d he paused until the man nodded, \u201cand what\u2026,\u201d Lorne\u2019s eyebrows rose, \u201cthirty pounds heavier?\u201d<\/p>\n The actor who portrayed his eldest son nodded once more, and his anger seemed to deflate.<\/p>\n Continuing, \u201cThe script was originally written for Michael\u2019s character to be the one to slip out of camp to get water for us, and for Adam to be the rescuer after Little Joe was shot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d\u00a0 Mike then offered, somewhat petulantly, \u201cAnd, it would have worked too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHush now, Mike,\u201d Dan shoved into the smaller man with his elbow.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t really blame Pernell for the script change.\u00a0 I mean, he can\u2019t help it if his back is acting up.\u00a0 You saw it, as well as the rest of us, how stiffly he was moving as he tried to sneak away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThankfully, most of your fans will think you\u2019re just making sure none of us are looking your direction while you\u2019re casually sauntering away,\u201d Lorne stated before asking, \u201cHow is your back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnce I get on a heating pad for a while, it\u2019ll be better.\u201d<\/p>\n Standing near the group, Don, who had yet to offer any comments, said, \u201cI guess Mike can be thankful that Elliott didn\u2019t change the scene to involve Hoss instead of Adam.\u00a0 It could have been practical.\u00a0 Just be thankful he didn\u2019t write it to have Mike lift Dan.\u00a0 If Mike can\u2019t lift Pernell, there\u2019s no way he could lift Dan.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a real laugh Don,\u201d Dan harangued.<\/p>\n Mike turned to look at the director.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, a real laugh.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t matter which version of the script we use, no offense Dan, but using Hoss\u2019 character just wouldn\u2019t work.\u00a0 First, Hoss wouldn\u2019t be that foolish.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike Adam\u2019s really that foolish?\u201d Lorne quickly covered his mouth and words with a cough.<\/p>\n Ignoring his on-screen father, and pointing back to the larger man, \u201cEven if Hoss was the rescuer, at\u2026at his size the Indians would have no trouble shooting him before he ever reached his mark to rescue me.\u00a0 So,” Mike held up his left hand, with his thumb holding down his ring and little fingers, just to emphasize his point, “we\u2019d be down two Cartwrights.”<\/p>\n \u201cGuess it wouldn\u2019t work to swap Mike’s role out for Dan to do, either?\u201d Don inquired.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Mike sarcastically answered.<\/p>\n \u201cMike, that was a rhetorical question,\u201d Pernell clarified.<\/p>\n Exclaiming, \u201cI know!\u201d Mike threw his hands up over his shoulders and head.\u00a0 “NBC states that only stuntmen can do the stunt work, which leaves everyone but Henry and me out of consideration.”<\/p>\n \u201cSo, how do we fix this?\u201d asked Don.\u00a0 \u201cWe can\u2019t ask Mike to carry Henry.\u00a0 He weighs almost the same as Pernell.\u00a0 And with the rest of the scenes, it\u2019s just not practical to go back to the original script only to have Henry stand in for Pernell while carrying Mike, there\u2019s just too many action scenes yet to film.\u00a0 And with Pernell\u2019s back, I don\u2019t want to make matters worse!\u00a0 So, it makes sense for his character to be the one shot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suggest we take an early lunch,\u201d Lorne offered.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll give us time to come up with a solution.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess,\u201d Don offered.\u00a0 \u201cPernell, why don\u2019t you head back to your trailer to change outfits.\u00a0 Get into clothes that don\u2019t have,\u201d waggling a hand towards the man dressed in black, \u201cblood<\/em> on them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLUNCH!\u201d Don dejectedly yelled and headed towards his own trailer.<\/p>\n #####<\/p>\n \u201cHey Pernell, wait up a moment,\u201d Mike called out, as he followed his co-star towards their trailers.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Mike?\u201d turning around, his posture exposed his discomfort.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, I\u2019m really sorry about dropping you,\u201d reaching out a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Pernell accepted the handshake and apology.<\/p>\n “Do you have any ideas on how to fix this?\u201d<\/p>\n Pernell quietly answered, \u201cThey’ve already rewritten the script due to my back, carrying the canteens is about as much as I can lift right now.\u00a0 And there’s no way you can carry me because of NBC.”\u00a0 Crossing his arms before pinching the bridge of his nose, he eventually asked, “What about Betty?\u201d<\/p>\n Thinking for a moment, \u201cEndicott?\u00a0 The stunt gal who\u2019s generally cast as an uncredited saloon girl?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s her.\u00a0 What if we have her as my stand-in for this part of the scene?\u00a0 Return to the original script and have her carry you.\u201d\u00a0 Shaking his head and mumbling to himself, “No, we still have the height and weight disparity.”<\/p>\n Quick to answer over Pernell’s mumbling, “Won’t work, there’s still the post rescue scenes for you to be involved in, if my character is the one shot.\u00a0 Remember?”<\/p>\n “Yeah,” Pernell signed.\u00a0 “Guess Adam stays the one who’s shot, and you rescue me, or rather Betty.”<\/p>\n \u201cHow much does she weigh?\u201d<\/p>\n Dropping both arms to his side in a typical Adam mannerism, \u201cMike, you never ask a woman her age and definitely, never her weight.\u201d<\/p>\n Chagrined, \u201cYeah.\u201d\u00a0 Giving his costar an honest look, “You don’t look so thrilled.”<\/p>\n “I know, and it’s my idea.\u00a0 It’s just that…she’s barely over five feet tall!”<\/p>\n Trying to hide a smirk over the twelve inches difference between the actor and his potential stand-in, “Do you think she’d do it?”<\/p>\n “I think so. As you mentioned, she’s already an uncredited cast member and a stunt performer for the show.\u00a0 Besides, she asked me a little while ago, if there was ever a time, I needed a stand-in, like for scenes riding away from the camera, if I’d mind if she subbed for me.”<\/p>\n Nodding his head and thinking about how it could work.\u00a0 “Do you think we can convince Don to shoot the scene farther away than originally staged?\u00a0 That, and if I fire the gun a few times, the smoke might help hide the fact I’m not really carrying you.\u201d<\/p>\n “Restaging the scene would help.\u00a0 And I don’t see why Don wouldn’t agree.”<\/p>\n “I can’t believe she came to you.” Mike laughed, but then sobered up, “What if Don doesn’t agree?”<\/p>\n Believing their ideas were the answer to their situation, “Then we get James involved.”<\/p>\n “The AP?” Mike asked.<\/p>\n “Yeah, he was there when Betty approached me, saying Lorne already had a stand-in since he wasn’t really that comfortable on horses. She also knows the trouble I had while riding those first two horses they brought in during the pilot; though she said she’d be comfortable in riding Scout.\u00a0 Anyway, James said it was fine with him.” Pernell look around cautiously and quietly asked, \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you have Betty’s phone number?\u201d<\/p>\n Embarrassed, Mike answered, \u201cIf I did, don\u2019t you think I would have gone and immediately called her when you first asked about her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPoint taken.\u201d Placing a hand to his younger co-star\u2019s shoulder, \u201cListen, let me get changed, then I\u2019ll go talk to Don, have him contact Betty or her agent, see if we can get her here later today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u00a0 I\u2019ll let Lorne and Dan know our idea.\u00a0 Then, I’ll get with wardrobe to arrange a set of black pants and shirt in her size, and tell makeup they’ll need to do something about her hair.\u00a0 Especially if she might be a regular for you.\u201d\u00a0 Almost turning to get on with his errands, “Oh, and Pernell, after you talk with Don, get on that heating pad until Betty arrives!”<\/p>\n #####<\/p>\n \u201cACTION!\u201d<\/p>\n Carrying the canteens, Henry Wills seamlessly slipped into the role of Adam Cartwright, running towards the waterhole and fell right on cue in reaction to the sound of the rifle shot.\u00a0 The stunt was flawless, tumbling and ending up exactly as the scene was choreographed.<\/p>\n Pernell quickly resumed his role and positioned himself on the ground, blood<\/em> glistening on his shirt.<\/p>\n Mike, with pistol in hand, ran.\u00a0 Darting left and right, seeking cover among the scrub brush that littered the landscape as his character \u201cLittle Joe\u201d attempted to rescue his brother, Adam, all while trying to avoid being shot by Cochise and his braves.<\/p>\n In close up, positioning to lift Pernell from the ground, Mike was acutely aware that his friend tried not to tense up as he prepared for the lift; after all, his character was supposed to be unconscious. Before Mike could do more than that, Don shouted \u201cCUT!\u00a0 Get Betty into the scene!\u201d<\/p>\n “You okay Pernell?” Mike inquired as he offered a hand to help him up.<\/p>\n “Yeah, thanks.”<\/p>\n John Banse escorted Betty, helping her assume the position from where Pernell had just slowly risen.\u00a0 John turned, looking to make sure the camera rig had been moved farther back from where it was in the previously filmed scene.\u00a0 Running to get out of the camera shot, he yelled, \u201cPlaces everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n Returning to his kneeling position, Mike kissed Betty\u2019s hand before placing her right arm around his neck and whispered, \u201cHiya, sweetheart.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnnnnnnd ACTION!\u201d Don shouted as he leaned forward in his seat to make sure all went according to the revised script.<\/p>\n Mike easily lifted Betty and teased, \u201cI\u2019ll try to be as gentle as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust get me out of this scene in once piece,\u201d Betty answered.\u00a0 \u201cThe things I do for you two.\u201d<\/p>\n She flinched in reaction to the multiple times Mike returned fire with his revolver.<\/p>\n “Easy there,” he huffed out at his exertion.\u00a0 “I gotcha.”<\/p>\n Once the actors were to their next mark and Betty safely set to the ground, Don yelled \u201cCUT!\u00a0 Great job everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n Walking to where Mike, Lorne, Dan, DeForest, and Betty stood, Pernell carefully took her hand and leaned forward to give his stand-in a brief kiss on her cheek.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Betty,\u201d he whispered, releasing her hand.<\/p>\n As she unbuckled the gun belt from her waist and handed it, and the gun it contained, to the prop master, she teasingly answered, \u201cJust don\u2019t let it get out that I stood in for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Mike spoke, \u201cYou know how the networks are; the episode maybe airs twice.\u00a0 Once during the regular season and a possibly a second time during summer reruns.\u00a0 And as far away as the camera was, none of the viewers will know the difference.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure no one but those of us on set will ever know the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShucks,\u201d Dan guffawed while wrapping an arm around her shoulders, \u201cEven if it did get out, no one would believe someone as sweet as you could pass for a lug like him.\u201d\u00a0 Those around him laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a wrap!\u201d\u00a0 Don shouted, while approaching the group of actors.\u00a0 Continuing to speak loudly so everyone on the set could hear, \u201cWe\u2019ll see everyone back here tomorrow morning, bright and early!\u201d\u00a0 Lowering his voice, \u201cExcept you Betty.\u00a0 I really do appreciate you coming in on such short notice.\u201d<\/p>\n “I’m just glad that no one thought of having Henry dress as Little Joe and Mike dress as Adam to shoot the scene,” she laughed as she left the group of dumfounded men; eagerly pulling off the wig, then fluffing her hair, while at the same time looking forward to getting out of the all-black attire.\u00a0 \u201cDon,” calling over her shoulder, “I\u2019ll be looking forward to that little bonus in my paycheck!\u201d<\/p>\n #####<\/p>\n The following morning, Pernell assumed his position, comfortably laying on the ground, feigning unconsciousness; a hidden pad helped ease the pains in his back.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t that beat all,\u201d Dan laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAll Pernell has to do for the rest of this shoot is lie around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u00a0 I\u2019m wounded here!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The end<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Production Note<\/strong>:\u00a0 No actors or stand-ins\/stunt doubles were harmed during the filming of the above scenes.<\/p>\n For those who didn\u2019t know, it is a fact that Betty Endicott was a stand-in for Pernell in this scene. \u00a0She had previously approached Pernell with the request, and Jim Lane approved the deal. \u00a0Another report states that Michael and Pernell worked out the re-staging during lunch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Author’s note<\/em>:\u00a0 After recently rewatching this episode and knowing the Betty was Pernell’s stand-in, I was inspired to write this story.\u00a0 It may not have actually happened this way, but I claim creative license.\u00a0 This story has undergone numerous edits as I kept searching for confirmation of various behind-the-scenes facts I found online that conflicted with what my muse said.\u00a0 I hope you enjoyed reading!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Honor of Cochise <\/strong><\/p>\n Originally aired:\u00a0 October 8, 1961<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cast and Crew<\/strong> appearing\/referenced in this story:<\/p>\n Lorne Greene, Ben Cartwright<\/p>\n Pernell Roberts, Adam Cartwright<\/p>\n Dan Blocker, Hoss Cartwright<\/p>\n Michael Landon, Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n DeForest Kelley, Army Captain Moss Johnson<\/p>\n Don McDougall, director<\/p>\n John Banse, production supervisor<\/p>\n Betty Endicott, stand-in double for Pernell Roberts<\/p>\n Henry Wills, stunt double for Pernell Roberts<\/p>\n James W. Lane, associate producer (AP)<\/p>\n Cochise, portrayed by Jeff Marrow<\/p>\n Elliott Arnold, writer<\/p>\n