The father-son relationship depicted in The Rifleman is still regarded as one of the finest in television history, even after 60 years.
For those who were children in the late 1950s, this Western classic was essential viewing in many households, imparting enduring values such as respect and honesty.
However, in addition to its impactful scenes, The Rifleman also featured a number of lesser-known errors, bloopers, and interesting tidbits that only the most dedicated fans might catch.
Stay tuned as we reveal the hidden treasures behind this legendary Western…
Those early Westerns, including The Rifleman, were filled with historical inaccuracies, but who really minds? They remain incredibly enjoyable to watch and present more complex characters than what we see on television today. Each episode offered a significant lesson, often centered around fundamental human values with a touching moral twist.
The Rifleman showcased the iconic Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher and expert marksman raising his son, Mark, portrayed by the delightful Johnny Crawford. Together, they enchanted viewers with their sincere relationship and exciting escapades in the Old West.
Although the series is celebrated as one of the greatest ever made, even the finest can have their missteps… So let’s take a look behind the scenes and reveal some facts that many viewers were unaware of!
Lucas McCain, a trendsetter
It’s not surprising that cowboy Lucas McCain chose jeans, but it seems he was ahead of fashion trends by about fifty years! Observant viewers might have noticed a moment in “End of a Young Gun,” one of the early episodes featuring Michael Landon, where a shirtless Lucas is seen fixing a wagon wheel.
You can spot a “W” stitched onto the back pocket of his jeans, and yes, he’s indeed wearing Wranglers. The twist? The series takes place in the 1880s, but those jeans didn’t start being made until the 1940s. More than just a fashion-forward cowboy, Lucas McCain is a genuine trendsetter and certainly ahead of his era!
Connors’ real son
As I mentioned, one aspect I truly appreciated about the show was the father-son dynamic. But did you know that Chuck Connors’ actual son appears in the series? In the episode “Tension,” Mark and Lucas go to the funeral of Sid Halpern, a friend of the McCains.
The widow and her son, Toby, are present, both dressed in black. Jeff Connors, who was Chuck Connors’ second son with Faith Quabius, played the young Toby and had two lines. Unfortunately, Jeff passed away in 2014.
Securing Chuck was quite a challenge.
Casting the lead role in The Rifleman proved to be a difficult task.
Chuck Connors had to surpass 40 other actors, but getting the role was anything but certain. At first, he declined the offer due to a low salary from ABC, as he could earn more working as a freelance actor.
However, Connors ultimately landed the role in a surprising manner. It all began when the producers took their children to watch Old Yeller, where Connors played a strong father figure. Following that experience — likely influenced by the kids’ feedback — the producers returned with a significantly improved offer, which included a five-percent stake in the show. And just like that, everything was in place!
The 1892 Winchester rifle
Each episode of The Rifleman began with Chuck Connors demonstrating his incredible abilities, unleashing what seemed like an unending stream of shots with his saddle-ring carbine. With a touch of drama, he would twirl the rifle, smoothly switch it from his right hand to his left, and load a new cartridge, all while casting a fierce gaze straight into the camera.
To achieve these memorable moments, the production team employed two identical 1892 Winchester rifles — one for the actual filming and the other as a spare.
Some viewers might have thought that the opening sequence featuring the 1892 Winchester rifles was a result of trick photography or some form of manipulation. However, the reality is that Connors was genuinely that quick and nimble with his carbine. As a former athlete who played professional basketball and baseball in both major and minor leagues before moving into acting, he possessed remarkable skills and coordination that made those swift actions appear effortless. What we do know is that the weapon had been modified to allow for rapid firing by cycling its lever action.
The Duke connection
Lucas McCain’s reliable Winchester rifle was more than just a prop; it was a genuine scene-stealer with a fascinating backstory.
The Rifleman was set in the 1870s and 1880s, making it impossible for the 1892 Winchester rifle to have been around during that era.
Nevertheless, this iconic rifle had a previous cinematic life, first appearing in John Wayne‘s classic 1939 film, Stagecoach. Producer Arnold Levin later disclosed the thrilling twist: the rifle used by Lucas McCain was the very same one brandished by the Duke in his legendary film.
The Madera Hotel
The Madera Hotel was a prominent landmark in North Fork, making frequent appearances in different episodes of the series.
However, in the pilot episode titled The Sharpshooter, the hotel was renamed California House. This led to speculation about a potential change in ownership between episodes, but the true reason for the sudden name change remains a mystery.
Johnny Crawford faced a setback in his career
At just 3 years old, Johnny Crawford stepped into the spotlight during an audition. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well – he ended up getting blacklisted after his performance as a toddler actor.
“I don’t recall the film, and I ended up on the cutting room floor anyway. I played one of several refugee children in a scene where Rosalind Russell was meant to hand out chocolate bars. I believe I got blacklisted after this movie because they had to reshoot the scene, and I refused to return my chocolate bar for the second take,” Johnny Crawford shared with The Miami Herald in 1973.
“Challenging” task of finding a new female lead
While widower Lucas McCain was mainly dedicated to raising his son, the series also included various romantic interests. In the third season, it appeared that Lucas and Milly Scott, portrayed by Joan Taylor, were on the verge of a new romance.
However, this plotline came to an end when Milly departed from the show in season four, with a vague reason that she needed to return east.
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This left producers looking for a new female lead, which led to the introduction of the character Lou Mallory. The task was to find an actress who not only suited the role but also had undeniable chemistry with Chuck Connors.
To guarantee a successful pairing, Chuck took an active role in the casting process. However, this proved to be more difficult than expected. Chuck interviewed more than a dozen women who appeared to be ideal for the role but just didn’t quite connect.
“A few months ago, I was given what I believed was a dream assignment. It certainly began on a dreamlike note but nearly spiraled into a nightmare,” the actor recounted.
After thoroughly evaluating over 60 women, the final decision was made in favor of the gorgeous red-haired Patricia Blair, who came from Texas.
Do you recognize this baseball hall-of-famer?
As mentioned earlier, Lucas McCain was an exceptionally talented baseball player. Nevertheless, he could never quite reach the level of former Dodgers star Duke Snider, who made a special guest appearance on the show. (Chuck Connors only managed to hit two home runs throughout his Major League Baseball career).
The renowned baseball player, affectionately known as “the Duke of Flatbush,” played the role of Wallace in the episode titled The Retired Gun. Another baseball legend who appeared on the show was Don Drysdale.
Johnny Crawford’s brother made an appearance.
The Rifleman focused heavily on family dynamics and was the first network television series to depict a single parent raising a child.
Alongside Jeff Connors, another family member of the show’s stars also appeared: none other than Bobby Crawford, Johnny’s brother.
He took on the role of Freddy in the episode Second Witness, and both he and Johnny delivered such remarkable performances that they received Emmy nominations in 1959. Bobby, whose full name is Robert Lawrence Crawford Jr., continued his acting journey and played Andy Sherman on the NBC series Laramie from 1959 to 1960. He is still alive today and is currently 80 years old.
Overly protective of Johnny Crawford
It is well-known that Chuck Connors took care of the young Johnny, and the two actors maintained a strong friendship off-screen after the series concluded.
From an early age, Johnny Crawford looked up to Chuck Connors, especially due to his love for baseball. Their warm relationship during The Rifleman significantly influenced Crawford’s life, as he gained essential insights from his mentor both on and off the set.
“Listening to Chuck share his baseball tales or reciting Casey at the Bat or delivering speeches from Shakespeare was a captivating part of my education. People are often surprised to learn that Chuck Connors is familiar with Shakespeare,” Crawford shared with The Buffalo News.
Their unique bond is wonderfully illustrated in the classic photograph below, highlighting the profound camaraderie and mutual respect they had for one another.
Actor Paul Fix, who portrayed Marshal Micah Torrence on The Rifleman, also felt a significant sense of duty towards Crawford.
While filming, he took on the role of an additional father figure to Crawford, ensuring that all the weapons used during production were properly secured. For Paul Fix, his intense focus on safety around Crawford was deeply personal.
Fix had a close brush with death as a child when he and his brother were playing with a weapon that accidentally discharged. The bullet came perilously close to taking Fix’s life; it was nothing short of a miracle that he survived.
Buddy Hackett twist
In an unexpected casting twist, Buddy Hackett, celebrated for his comedic talent, played the father of an actor who was actually four years younger than him.
In one episode of The Rifleman, Buddy Hackett takes on the role of Daniel Malakie, a father who learns that his two sons, Ben and Jud, have been arrested. Interestingly, Christopher Dark, who played the “boy” Ben, was born in 1920, while Hackett was born in 1924. This age difference leads to some inventive casting, showcasing Hollywood’s ability to challenge traditional family dynamics and age norms…
The baby girl was actually portrayed by a baby boy.
Does the name Robert Anacher sound familiar? If not, that’s perfectly fine! His most recognized performance was as the charming baby girl Fancy in the episode titled The Baby Sitter. However, it turns out that the girl was, in fact, a boy.
Shot and killed with a pistol.
In the pilot episode, which was initially meant for Gunsmoke (1955), Chuck Connors’ character went by the name John McCain. As per IMDB, he had no children and was an expert marksman with a pistol.
Sammy Davis Jr. left a lasting impression on the crew.
Known as “Mr. Show Business” and hailed as “the greatest entertainer ever to grace a stage in these United States,” Sammy Davis Jr. is a beloved superstar who has etched his name into American history.
Did you know he made a guest appearance in The Rifleman? In the episode titled Two Ounces of Tin, Sammy Davis Jr. took on the role of the outlaw Tip Corey. He displayed remarkable gun skills, showcasing quick draws and impressive twirling techniques. What’s truly amazing is that all these stunts were executed by Davis himself, without the use of a stand-in!
The hairstyles
Even though the show is set in the 1880s, many of the actors in The Rifleman sported hairstyles that reflected the trends of the 1950s and 1960s, the actual decades when the show was filmed.
This anachronism is further emphasized by the wardrobe selections, as numerous men donned full-front button-down shirts — a style that didn’t even appear until the 1920s and only gained popularity in the 1930s. It’s a captivating mix of historical context and mid-century style that brings an unexpected twist to the classic Western!
Chuck Connors’ headstone
Chuck Connors, famous for his athletic skills, used to smoke three packs of Camel cigarettes every day. Interestingly, he was among only twelve athletes ever to compete in both Major League Baseball and the NBA.
In the autumn of 1992, Connors was admitted to the hospital due to pneumonia. Sadly, three weeks later, he lost his battle with lung cancer. He was interred at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, where his headstone prominently features the logos of the three sports teams he played for: the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Cubs, and the Brooklyn Dodgers.
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As we conclude our exploration of the legendary world of The Rifleman, it’s evident that this timeless Western series has made a lasting impact on television history.
With its unforgettable father-son relationship, iconic characters, and a wonderful mix of action and moral teachings, the show still resonates with viewers today. I still enjoy watching the reruns. RIP Johnny and Chuck
