The Life of American Hero and Old Hollywood Icon Audie Murphy

Audie moved into television with Whispering Smith, a Western series based on a railroad detective. Twenty-six episodes were filmed, but production was repeatedly disrupted by injuries, delays, and scheduling difficulties.

NBC began airing the show in 1961, yet complaints about its violence added to its problems. Only twenty episodes were broadcast before the series was canceled, ending what might have become a new phase of his career. Soon, an off-screen confrontation would strengthen his real-life tough-guy reputation.