This week’s quote is actually from one of Tim’s television performances, the Cowboy in Africa episode “The Red Hand of Michael O’Neill”. It first aired on February 5, 1968. This is one of his appearances that has seriously eluded me in my search; I can’t seem to find a copy of it anywhere. However, I recently bought a copy of the original script (by veteran TV writer Don Ingalls), which is as close to finding the actual episode as I’ve managed to get. So here is a quote from the script, featuring Timothy as the title character, Michael O’Neill. Also in the scene are Bonnie Beecher (Mrs. Wavy Gravy!) as Deirdre O’Neill, Chuck Connors as Jim Sinclair (the “cowboy” of the title), Ronald Howard (the son of Leslie Howard) as Wing Commander Hayes, Mac McLaughlin as Buck O’Neill, and an uncredited actor as Dr. Madaba.

EXT. RANCH YARD – DAY

141  FULL SHOT

as Hayes moves out from the house, followed in a moment by Jim and Deirdre. John Henry watches from the corral area where he is saddling the cowboys’ horses. Deirdre walks out to meet the car, Jim waiting a little behind her. The auto jerks to a halt and Mike O’Neill steps out. His face is hard, his eyes squinting little points of anger.

DEIRDRE

Father…

He looks past her to Jim, ignores her. Advances toward the cowboy.

MIKE

They tell me you’ve got my boy here.

Hayes has moved out and joins Jim now. The doctor moves into frame in b.g.

JIM

That’s right.

MIKE

The District Commissioner gave me part of the story… the doctor’s report the rest. You’re a smooth liar, Sinclair, but you’re not going to get away with it!

Jim’s jaw tightens.

MIKE (continuing; to Hayes)

Where is he?

Hayes indicates the house, holding Jim in check.

HAYES

In there…

Mike starts for the doorway.

MIKE

I’ll be taking him home.

142  ANOTHER ANGLE

Reactions from all. Jim steps in front of Mike.

JIM

Just a minute, O’Neill.

(to doctor)

Doctor Madaba… can this man’s son be moved?

DOCTOR

Only at great risk.

(to Mike)

If you read my report, you  must know that.

HAYES

Listen to the doctor, Mr. O’Neill — you can’t move your son!

MIKE

You watch me!

DEIRDRE

He’s unconscious! He can’t be moved!

Mike’s eyes probe at her, dismiss her, settle on Jim.

MIKE

I came a stranger into this place, Sinclair… although warned against you… I was willing to wait… judge you on your own…!

(shakes his head)

Instead you’ve shot my son… a cheap revenge because he took the  measure of your friend…!

JIM (angry)

Think what you want! But you move that man in there and he may die!

MIKE

Not because I move him, cowboy! Because you shot him!

He shoulders past Jim, enters the house. Jim takes a step after him, but Hayes grabs his arm and holds him. The doctor hurries inside, however.

HAYES

We can warn him but we can’t stop him, Jim.

143  DEIRDRE

standing there helplessly, hopelessly.

144  ANOTHER ANGLE

as Jim crosses to her. His hand touches her shoulder in silent encouragement.

MIKE’S VOICE (o.s.) (ferocious)

Get in the car, girl!

Jim turns.

145  ANOTHER ANGLE

Mike stands in the doorway of the house, holding Buck, blanket-wrapped, in his arms. His eyes burn at Jim… Now, he walks forward toward them, Buck’s arms and legs dangling.

MIKE (continuing)

I said get in the car! Hold your brother!

She looks at him, turns and walks off to the Land Rover. Mike places Buck across her lap. Then he gets into the car, looks once again at Jim.

MIKE (continuing)

Sinclair! If my boy dies… I’ll be back! I’ll be back for your life!

The Land Rover pulls out, as all watch, and we

FADE OUT.