I thought about buying this series until I started to watch it. James Arness is great as the old mountain man of the small clan of Macahan's that are the main plot line of this series. Without him I don't think I would have watched it. Eve Marie Saint's character is just to namby-pamby for that time period of our history in my opinion. She doesn't want any one killed but also doesn't see why her son should run just because he is chased by the law for desertion, whether right or wrong. Bruce Boxleitner is the son on the run and he is plus and minus acting his part. The two sisters, one is a dreaming socialite wanna be and the other is a down to earth common sense type. Indians show up as the usual protagonists and are beaten as usual. Jack Elam is excellent is his relatively brief role. He laughs as the Injuns are torturing him until Arness does a mercy (?) killing. There is a gunman who appears as honorable (as much as that time frame had honor) who is developing into a love interest for Saint. She is a 3 year widow since husband dear went and died in the Civil War. This death is conveniently witnessed by the oldest son. Eventually they will set out for Oregon, make it, well some will, and be successful in the end.

This TV-series is/was truly excellent ! It is interesting, fun and exciting. The characters are all watch-able ; Zeb, Luke, Laura, Aunt Molly, Hillary and Mr.Beasley. :-) The actors all do a great job. The main title (theme) is terrific and I wish somebody would post a link to somewhere on the web, where it can be obtained/purchased. I can only seem to find the soundtrack for the original movie (1963) and NOT the TV-mini (1978)...I saw the show for the first time when I was 10 - so that doesn't count. :-) he he However, I saw it again last year and now that I'm thirty-something, I still think it's a tremendous show ! :-)I recommend the show to anybody, although obviously some parts may be a little scary for small children.All in all, one of the greatest (mini) TV-series ! :-)

How the west was won, was sendt on tv in Norway in they early eigthies. I'v never forgot it, and has waited and waited for a rerun, or that dvd's or vhs's should show up in the stores. Can't wait to see it again, but so far my wish has not come thru. I had like most of the girls in Norway, a hugh crush on Luke and Wolf Paw! And the week could'nt go fast enough, waiting for the next episode. My highest wish for the future is that the whole series will be released on dvd, so I can buy it and see it as much as i want to. And I know that many in Norway would agree with me, we never forgot the Macahans, and saturday night on tv has'nt been the same since!!!!!!!!!!WE ALL LOVE THE MACAHANS, THE GREATEST WESTERNSERIES EVER MADE PLEASE RELEASE IT ON DVD OR VHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel sorry for those of you who missed the adventures of Zeb and his family. Zeb (Arness) is the greatest man ever walked the screen. Josh is the little boy who never got to do anything. He is getting slapped around of all different sorts of people.Luke is the handsome longhaired young stud who travels the west, facing problems proving to be the nephew of Zeb. Laura is the kid sister who just loves everything and everyone.Laura is the oldest sister whose eyes starts to glow every time a man passes the macahan ranch. She is every feminist worst nightmare, hence she characterais the beutiful but week woman who just waits for a man to fulfill her dreams.In summary, this is the greatest show ever broadcasted. Here in sweden nightclubs were forced to close when macahans was aired. Everybody was sitting at home watching it at saturday nights. more than half the swedish population that is. Just order the tapes and enjoy.