In the golden age of television, when westerns and heartwarming family dramas captured the imagination of audiences across the nation, one show stood out for its unique bond between a boy and his extraordinary horse. Fury, which aired on NBC from 1955 to 1960, followed the adventures of Joey, a young orphan, and his loyal and powerful horse, Fury. The show quickly became a fan favorite, not just for its wholesome storylines, but because of the magnificent equine star who stole the show: Fury, played by the American Saddlebred Highland Dale.
Highland Dale, affectionately nicknamed “Beaut” by his trainer, was not just any horse. He was a true Hollywood star, with a career that spanned both television and film, captivating audiences with his intelligence, beauty, and incredible presence on screen.
The Discovery of a Star
Highland Dale was born in 1943, and it didn’t take long for him to capture attention. At just 18 months old, Hollywood horse trainer Ralph McCutcheon recognized something special in the young Saddlebred. With an elegant build, expressive eyes, and a calm yet majestic demeanor, Highland Dale was a perfect fit for Hollywood’s growing demand for animal actors. McCutcheon, who had an impressive history of training horses for the screen, took Highland Dale under his wing and began shaping him into a star.
From the Silver Screen to Stardom
Before landing his iconic role as Fury, Highland Dale had already made a name for himself in film. In 1954, he appeared in Gypsy Colt, a film about a young girl and her beloved horse. His performance, marked by grace and emotional depth, won over audiences, but his star power was only beginning to rise.
In 1956, Highland Dale was cast in the classic film Giant, alongside Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean. The film became an instant classic, and while the human stars received most of the spotlight, Highland Dale’s performance further solidified his reputation as one of the most talented animal actors in the industry. His versatility and ability to express emotion made him stand out in a crowded field of equine performers.
The Role of a Lifetime: Fury
Though Highland Dale had already proven his star power, it was his role in Fury that would forever cement his place in television history. Cast as the titular horse, Fury, Highland Dale played the loyal and intelligent companion to Joey, an orphan boy played by Bobby Diamond. Week after week, audiences tuned in to watch their adventures on the Broken Wheel Ranch, captivated by the strong bond between Joey and Fury.
Fury was portrayed as more than just a horse; he was Joey’s protector, friend, and confidant. The show’s plotlines often involved Fury saving the day, whether by rescuing Joey from danger or outsmarting villains. Highland Dale’s remarkable ability to communicate and perform complex tasks on screen gave the character of Fury a lifelike quality that endeared him to viewers of all ages.
Highland Dale’s portrayal of Fury was a testament to the skillful training he received from McCutcheon, who had an eye for selecting horses with both talent and personality. It’s said that Highland Dale was able to perform nearly 100 different tricks, including counting, bowing, and even playing dead. His scenes were often done in one take, a rare feat in the industry.
Life After the Spotlight
After Fury ended its five-season run in 1960, Highland Dale continued to work in Hollywood for a few more years, though none of his roles rivaled the fame he found on the show. He eventually retired to McCutcheon’s ranch in Santa Clarita, California, where he spent the remainder of his life in peace.
Highland Dale passed away in 1973, leaving behind a legacy that few animal actors have matched. His career spanned over two decades, and his performances in both film and television made him one of the most beloved horse stars of his time.
The Legacy of Highland Dale and Fury
Though it has been many years since Fury aired, the legacy of Highland Dale lives on. The show holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up watching it, and Fury remains a symbol of the deep bond between humans and animals. Highland Dale’s ability to convey emotion and his strong connection with his human co-stars elevated him to a status few horses ever achieve.
Highland Dale’s story is not just one of a horse who became a television star, but of a true partnership between an animal and the humans who worked with him. Ralph McCutcheon’s careful training, combined with Highland Dale’s natural talent, created a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of animal lovers and horse enthusiasts alike.
In an era when television was still finding its voice, Fury and Highland Dale showed that sometimes, the most compelling stars don’t speak at all—at least not in words. Their message was one of loyalty, friendship, and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his horse, a bond that still resonates today.