The Big Valley

(1965-1969)

Western

The Big Valley is a one hour television Western series which ran on ABC from September 15, 1965, to May 19, 1969, starring Barbara Stanwyck as a California widowed mother, which was loosely based on the Hill Ranch located at the western edge of Calaveras County, not far from the town of Stockton.

Victoria Barkley was the widow 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.  Set in the 1870's in California's gorgeous San Joaquin Valley, the series tells the story of Stockton's richest and most powerful family, The Barkleys.  Led by the family matriarch and widow Victoria Barkley, they live on the Barkley Ranch managing their cattle, mines, citrus groves and logging camps. Victoria's brood consists of her two sons, Jarrod and Nick, daughter Audra, and step-son Heath. The Barkley family members bond together like glue when troubles arise such as land disputes, squatters, bank robbers, horse thieves, kidnapping, injuries and illness. They share strong family values, joy, laughter, heartache and pain as they deal with life's problems

Jarrod Thomas Barkley, the eldest son, was a respected attorney played by Richard Long. 

Hot-tempered brawling younger son Nick Barkley played by Peter Breck

Linda Evans played beautiful Audra, Victoria's only daughter. 
 
Heath Barkley was the illegitimate son of Victoria's late husband. Lee Majors portrayed even-tempered but rough and tumble Heath.

The Big Valley Intro