The Gun and the Pulpit (1998) Director: Frank Q. Dobbs Studio: Turner Pictures Starring: Robert Urich (Jess Harper), Darren McGavin (Rev. Elijah Crow), Art LaFleur, Brendon Boone, Jim Beaver Release Date: February 7, 1998 (TV Movie) Runtime: 93 minutes Format: Color | Stereo | Sound | Live Action Country: United States Language: English Genres: Western | Drama | Action | TV Movie Summary: The Gun and the Pulpit tells the story of Jess Harper, a skilled gunslinger who arrives in a small, troubled town ready to leave his violent past behind. When the local preacher unexpectedly dies, Harper is convinced by townsfolk to take up the mantle of minister—not just to provide spiritual guidance, but to protect the town from corrupt forces threatening its survival. Balancing sermons with quick draws, Harper uses his unique blend of faith and firepower to bring justice and redemption to a community on the edge. This TV Western combines traditional frontier action with themes of personal transformation and community resilience, highlighting how one man’s strength can inspire change both inside and outside the church. Background: Based on the novel by William Corcoran, The Gun and the Pulpit was produced as a made-for-television movie during the late 1990s resurgence of Western-themed TV films. Directed by Frank Q. Dobbs, known for his work in Western and action genres, the film features Robert Urich, a veteran TV star with roots in Western dramas. The movie balances classic Western tropes with a more modern sensibility, focusing on character development and moral complexity rather than just gunfights. It reflects a nostalgia for the Old West, filtered through 1990s television production values and storytelling style. Trivia: Robert Urich was a well-known television actor, famous for Spenser: For Hire and several Westerns. Darren McGavin, who plays the elderly preacher, is also remembered for his roles in A Christmas Story and Kolchak: The Night Stalker. The film was shot in Texas, utilizing authentic Western towns and landscapes. The Gun and the Pulpit was one of several Western TV movies airing on cable networks during the 1990s revival of the genre. The story explores the theme of redemption through faith and personal courage, uncommon in more violent Westerns. The movie remains a favorite among fans of TV Westerns and Robert Urich’s work. Hashtags: #TheGunAndThePulpit #RobertUrich #WesternTVMovie #FrankQDobbs #1990sWestern #WesternDrama #MadeForTVMovie #DarrenMcGavin #RedemptionStory #ClassicWestern #GunfighterTurnedPreacher #TVWesternRevival #FaithAndJustice #OldWest #VintageWestern #CableTVMovies #WesternLegends #ActionDrama #WesternFans #RobertUrichFans