Combat! Billy the Kid (1962–1967) Online

A German large cannon is stopping the Allied lines that cannot advance. The location of the cannon is not found by the recon squads since the Germans hide it in different caves. Out of the blue, Saunders´ squad is assigned to follow the rookie Lt. William Benton, who is the son of the famous and respected General Benton and intends to locate the cannon. Lt. Benton comes with the experienced Sgt. Stoner, who was assigned to protect the lieutenant and refers pejoratively to him as "Billy the Kid". When Lt. Benton asks to bring excessive equipment to their mission, Saunders questions but receives no explanation. When they arrive at the location, the stubbornness of Benton causes the death of two soldiers. What is his plan?

"Billy the Kid" is a great episode of "Combat!" with important revelations. Even in times of war, sons of important people have privileges. Sgt. Saunders is the example of the perfect military, following orders and respecting his superior. The conclusion is condescending to Lt. Benton with his plan working out. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Billy the Kid"

"Billy The Kid" is a story about a general's son wishing to prove himself amidst constant harassment over his lieutenant's position and no field experience.

Lieutenant William Benton (excellently played by Andrew Prine) gets all of the easy assignments for his superiors' fear that if he screws up, they'll get revenge from his father, Lieutenant General "Bull" Benton. He leads Saunders & squad into dangerous territory to locate a kingsize German railroad cannon which has been causing American troops a lot of grief. Everyone in the entourage begins to doubt Benton's abilities after The Sarge saves their necks via keen perception.

Bob & Esther Mitchell did a fine job adapting Bivings F. Wallace's story for television while Bernard McEveety did a fine job directing it. There is method of madness to each detail and maybe, just maybe Lieutenant Benton acquired extremely valuable insights from his dad's environment while growing up. The viewer is treated first hand to how army engineers locate, plot out, and attack an enemy position. Heavy artillery scenes are outstanding throughout making me feel I missed out on firing large cannons in my lifetime. And never underestimate the outstanding stunt personnel both German & American who make the series possible. To create effect, one of the Germans does a back flip over a high log which must've hurt.

I found "Billy The Kid" very entertaining, educational, and suspenseful. And Saunders ending line about Billy The Kid is priceless!