THE SWAMP FOX (1959-1961) – With the 4th of July fast approaching, it’s past time for a seasonal post. The Swamp Fox is a piece of Forgotten Television that ran sporadically on Walt Disney’s programs. Eight episodes were produced over two years with Leslie Nielsen in the lead role and each one filled a 1-hour time slot.
For people unfamiliar with this hero of the Revolutionary War, he was a Colonel (later a General) and his real name was Francis Marion. He was a guerilla leader fighting against the British army during their occupation of South Carolina during the war.
Marion and his men knew the South Carolina swamplands like the proverbial backs of their hands and could strike the British then disappear deep into the swamps, foiling any pursuit. Obviously, as a television production The Swamp Fox featured a very romanticized version of Marion and his escapades.
In the starring role Leslie Nielsen is good but not great and is sometimes so solemn that the supporting cast members overshadow him. Given his later comedy career a viewer can’t help but expect Nielsen to say things like “I am serious. And don’t call me Francis.” Continue reading
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