Big Valley The Lady from Mesa (1965–1969) Online

Lee Grant as guest star highlights this episode of The Big Valley as the daughter of a Barkley family ranch hand who is shot and seriously wounded by rustlers. In his delirium E.J. Andre the ranch hand calls out for his daughter whom he has told is a school teacher in a distant town.

When Peter Breck goes to get her though, she's no school teacher. In fact Grant is singing for her supper and doing other things to get by in the town saloon. Still Breck brings her back to the ranch where Andre slips in and out of a coma.

One thing that Grant does well as an actress is essay bitchiness in her roles. No one quite does that as well she does. Her she's one embittered individual against a father who deserted the family and forced her into the circumstances she's in as she sees it.

As for the people that shot Andre, they've got reasons of their own to finish the job.

Lee Grant gives a really good performance in this Big Valley story.

Sam Williams is an old ranch had that has been with the Barkley's for many years. He is shot by cattle rustlers and is in serious condition. As he lays near death he keeps calling his daughter's name Rosemary.

Nick sets out to Mesa Nevada where Sam's daughter is suppose to be a school teacher. However Nick finds out that Rosemary (Lee Grant) is not a member of society but a dancing saloon girl. At first Rosemary does not want to see her father but after a Nick Barkley saloon fight she agrees to take the trip only after being paid to make the trek.

Most people are shocked to find out that she is a saloon dancer even with her prancing around in her bright color saloon dress. And the Barkley's will try to let Sam believe that his daughter is still a school teacher. But the circumstance changes when Jarrod learns that the cattle rustlers are closer than anyone expected.

Lee Grant and Peter Breck are excellent together in this nice story. It is always nice to get an episode featuring Peter Breck and this one does not disappoint.

I love The Big Valley- and the series never gets old. The amazing Barbra Stanwyck, newcomers Linda Evans and Lee Majors, and of course Peter Breck and Richard Long made a terrific series. Really terrific. Very rarely do you see a performance where the actor BECOMES the character. Watch this episode with Lee Grant as Rosemary Williams- especially during the scenes with her father. She is amazing and beautiful inside and out. What a talent. Nothing rings untrue, and it is real enough to make you cry. Wonderful acting, and one of my favorite episodes. Whatever time Lee Grant was forced to forgo acting, she more than made up for it.