MovieChat Forums > The Virginian (1962) Discussion > Betsy, Jennifer, or Elizabeth?

Betsy, Jennifer, or Elizabeth?

posted 12 years ago by rbecker28
6 replies | jump to latest

Just wondering which of The Virginian's three ingenues people liked best, or for that matter, least. I suppose Jennifer would come out third, as she was not on as long as the others. For my part I'm not sure which I like best, probably Elizabeth, though I didn't mind Jennifer. Betsy was OK but sometimes TOO much of an ingenue.

All three, of course, were portrayed as totally sweet, warm-hearted, full of life, and innocent. I think the Virginian started the trend of casting such girls in the ranch-centered westerns. Others who were portrayed similarly were Audra Barkley in The Big Valley, Teresa O'Brien in Lancer, and (though she was a little older) Victoria Cannon in High Chaparral.

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Henry_Framus_Valentine 12 years ago

I Like: Betsy`s personality and singing. Elizabeth`s bosom. Jennifer`s early departure.

Flag on the moon. How did it get there?

[–] daperfessa 12 years ago

I would probably say Betsy, although to be fair, I haven't seen many episodes with Jennifer & Elizabeth. That being said, I would put Elizabeth ahead of Jennifer, as she seemed to have a little more spark in her personality. In fairness though, Jennifer wasn't on that long, and really wasn't given much to do.

[–] wrlord2001 11 years ago

Betsy had a great ass.

[–] keithdemonde 11 years ago

I started watching The Virginian a few years ago thanks to my cable tv service adding on the COZI TV channel. I'm in my late forties and i've watched a lot of TV westerns from the 50's 60's & 70's but up until a few years ago i had never saw one episode of The Virginian although the title sounded familiar to me and i'm glad to have the opportunity to watch these wonderful episodes. Now to the question at hand: I've watched all three of The Virginian girls and my vote would have to go to Ms. Sara Lane (Elizabeth Grainger) Her character had evolved the most of all the three girls in my opinion. Roberta Shore (Betsy Garth) was a pretty good character but very much limited in her role under her overprotective adopted father Judge Garth. Watching Betsy getting married seemed odd to me because i never saw her "grow up" on the show. Unlike Elizabeth who i did see grow up in her 5 years on the show. Sara Lane also had the longest run of all the The Virginian females as well. Diane Roter (Jennifer) was a cutie but one minute you see her and the next minute she's gone. I didn't get enough of her character to place any value on Ms. Roter. I'm glad she was included in The Virginian 50th anniversary reunion in 2012. Nevertheless i strongly have to say that Sara Lane is my favorite Virginian girl, she was a very attractive woman and like what the other writer commented on, she was quite busty for such a young girl back in those times which ultimately resulted in a Very Busty Sara Lane at that 2012 50th reunion. Google the title to check out the pictures. Sara Lane is barely recognizable at 62-63 years of age as opposed to Diane Roter & Roberta Shore and Sara's boobs are Enormous! I loved the character of Elizabeth and i was saddened to learn she had left the show in 1970 I think the show lost a bit of it's popularity once she left which may have been in part as to why the show declined in the ratings and was cancelled the following year.

[–] rebekahrox 10 years ago

I looked up the pictures of the 50th anniversary reunion because I admit your reference to Sara's boobs peaked my curiosity. Whoa Nelly. Diane and Roberta looked great. I do admire Sara for showing up and apparently having a good time when she must know how shocking her appearance might be to colleagues and fans. I don't say this to be mean. I really do admire her: she must be a great gal with a lot of gumption and heart.

As far as my favorite, I like them all. But I do have a soft spot for Roberta Shore due to her tenure on some of the old Disney serials, including a memorable turn on Annette where she played a bitchy snob opposite La Funicello. She was awesome. (of course was sort of redeemed at the end.)