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The Big Valley

The Big Valley was a television Western which ran on ABC from 1965 to 1969.

Major Characters
-Victoria Barkley, portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck, was the widowed matriarch of the wealthy, influential Barkley family living in 19th century Stockton in California's central valley. Victoria Barkley was the undisputed master of the Barkley ranch. In fact, Stanwyck's refusal to portray Barkley as fragile was controversial at the time. Barkley's husband, Thomas, had been killed several years prior in the universe of the series.

-Jarrod Thomas Barkley, the eldest son, was a respected attorney. Richard Long played the role as the more intelligent and calmer of the Barkley sons. While Jarrod preferred the law to settle disputes, he was known to resort to frontier justice and violence when necessary. Jarrod was briefly married in one episode only to see his new wife killed off almost immediately.

-Hot-tempered younger son Nick Barkley, who managed the family ranch, was portrayed by Peter Breck. Nick was well-known for his leather vests and large black hat. He was also notorious for getting into fist fights. At times, he would fight with his brothers as well.

-Linda Evans played Audra, Victoria's only daughter. Much like her mother, Audra was no wall flower and often was involved in daring stunts and did not ride side-saddled.

-Heath Barkley was the illegitimate son of Victoria's late husband. Lee Majors portrayed Heath, who gradually gained acceptance from the rest of the Barkley clan. Although Nick initially detested Heath, they eventually became close. In fact, Nick eventually became closer to Heath than Jarrod.