Big John macht Dampf (TV Movie 1968)

Big John macht Dampf: Directed by Don Taylor. With Dan Blocker, Susan Clark, John Dehner, Warren Oates. The blacksmith of a small western town finds himself an outcast. He had led the townspeople west in hopes of starting a new life, only to find the town that they founded is to be bypassed by the railroad.

“By far this was Dan Blockeru0026#39;s best movie role. He is sensitive, shy and awkward. He plays the town blacksmith, upon whom the citizenu0026#39;s have relied to lead them to where the railroad will come. It misses by a few miles and Dan is ostracized. But when he seeks to learn to read the local school marm becomes his love interest. Soon he is quoting Emerson and his regained confidence leads to a happy end for everyone. But not before the local bad guys try to do him in and get the money for themselves. This film is by far better than any of his work in Bonanza and gave Dan Blocker the opportunity to stretch a little as an actor.”