For a show that lasted nine seasons I'm amazed how little the show was promoted. Very few merchandising items exist. A Virginian Game, Roberta Shore /Randy Boone LP, Film Projector,
One issue Comic. Any more items out there?
In the UK Annuals were published each year for the Christmas market. They consisted of illustrated stories and comic strips bound in a hardback book. I have a collection of numerous TV western titles including, Wagon Train, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Rawhide, High Chaparall, Alias Smith & Jones, Cheyenne, Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, Laramie etc.
Many have photo covers in colour and were published when colour TV didn't exist or the shows were filmed in b/w. So to see a colour still on the cover from a b/w show such as Wagon Train was quite thrilling. But an annual of 'The Virginian' was never published. Amazing but true.
I think one reason might have been the copyright issue with 'The Virginian' name. Another was the lack of success of the Gold Key comic. But it is surprising to see so little merchandise for the third most sucessful TV western in history.
I have a copy of the book "The Men From Shiloh: Lone Trail For The Virginian". Its a paperback printed in 1971 by Lancer Books, Inc. I haven't had the chance to read it yet. There is a picture of Doug McClure and James Drury on the front cover. If you didn't know who these two guys are you wouldn't recognize them.
Bob - The film projector I mention is more like a film viewer if I recall correctly. It showed strips of film with various scenes from The Virginian. I have the exact details in my files but they're under a pile of stuff while we have new carpets laid.
Sharon - Yes I forgot about this book. I bought a copy last year. Trampas looked very different in The Men From Shiloh. Not a change for the better. Most fans agree the new outfit wasn't a good idea. The Virginan's new outfit was okay but not distinctive enough. I have no reason why they didn't stay with the classic outfit fans loved so much.