Iron Horse – “The Rail Runs West”

by Brian H.

Alternative Title: Joy Unconfined

Original Air Date: September 12, 1966

Directed by: James Goldstone

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this program!

Synopsis: Ben Calhoun (Dale Robertson) wins a railroad company in a Kansas City, Missouri, poker game and intends to continue construction of the railroad to the town of Scalplock. Lucas Joy (Steve Ihnat), Ben’s former partner and now an enemy, attempts to sabotage his efforts.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Ben purchases a private railroad car which he is surprised to learn comes with a woman, Marta Grenier (Diana Hyland). She suggests to Ben that he has purchased her along with the car. Marta first appears holding a large fluffy black smoke cat as she reclines on her bunk.

Iron Horse - The Rail Runs West - Joy Unconfined - Marta Diana Hyland lying on bunk with longhair black smoke cat
Iron Horse - The Rail Runs West - Joy Unconfined - Marta Diana Hyland holding longhair black smoke cat
Iron Horse - The Rail Runs West - Joy Unconfined - Marta Diana Hyland holding longhair black smoke cat
Iron Horse - The Rail Runs West - Joy Unconfined - Marta Diana Hyland holding longhair black smoke cat animated gif

The cat mysteriously disappears during this scene and does not appear again.

Iron Horse - The Rail Runs West - Joy Unconfined - Marta Diana Hyland lying on bunk with longhair black smoke cat with Ben Dale Robertson
Iron Horse - The Rail Runs West - Joy Unconfined - Marta Diana Hyland lying on bunk with longhair black smoke cat with Ben Dale Robertson

Final Mewsings: Ben should have claimed ownership of the cat as well.

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