The Big Valley
Rich widow Victoria Barkley ran a huge ranch in California's
San Joaquin Valley in the 1870's, with the help of her four sons
(A youngest son, Eugene, was seen in early episodes) and her
daughter.
Eldest son Jarrod was a successful San Franciscan lawyer, who
handled the family's legal affairs, and Nick Barkley ran the
ranch.
Heath (Lee Majors) was the illegitimate son of Victoria's late
husband Tom and threatened to leave the family home regularly.
Ultimately iron-willed Victoria would calm him down by reassuring
him that he was indeed a Barkley, and then he'd stay. Heath was
Majors' first acting job after only six weeks of drama
school.
Completing the family was Linda Evans (in her pre-Dynasty
days) as daughter Audra.
The Big Valley was created as an attempt to rival both Bonanza
and The Virginian but
unfortunately only lasted four seasons.
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