The father-son dynamic in The Rifleman continues to be celebrated as one of the finest in television history, even after six decades.
This iconic Western not only imparted enduring values such as integrity and respect but also became a staple in many households for those who experienced the late 1950s.
In addition to its unforgettable moments, The Rifleman contained several lesser-known mistakes, oversights, and intriguing facts that only dedicated fans might recognize.
Join us as we uncover the hidden gems within this legendary Western. The historical inaccuracies present in early Westerns like The Rifleman may be noted, yet they still offer more complex characters than much of today’s television, making them immensely enjoyable to watch. Each episode conveyed significant lessons, often highlighting essential human values with a poignant moral message.
In The Rifleman, the legendary Chuck Connors portrayed Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher and skilled marksman raising his son, Mark, played by the charming Johnny Crawford. Their captivating bond and thrilling adventures in the Old West captivated audiences.
Even the most acclaimed series can have its flaws, and despite its esteemed reputation, The Rifleman is no exception. Let us delve into the behind-the-scenes aspects and discover insights that many viewers may not have known!
Lucas McCain stands as a pioneer.
Cowboy Lucas McCain’s affinity for jeans is quite remarkable, particularly considering that he was approximately fifty years ahead of contemporary fashion trends. In the episode titled “End of a Young Gun,” featuring Michael Landon, observant viewers may recall a scene where Lucas repairs a wagon wheel while shirtless.
He is seen wearing Wranglers, identifiable by the “W” emblem stitched onto the back pocket of his jeans. The intriguing detail is that, despite the series being set in the 1880s, the production of those jeans did not commence until the 1940s. Lucas McCain stands out as a genuine trendsetter, showcasing a style that transcends his era.
As I have mentioned before, the father-son dynamic was a highlight of the show for me. Interestingly, the series includes a cameo by Chuck Connors’ real-life son. In the episode titled “Tension,” Mark and Lucas attend the funeral of their friend Sid Halpern. Among the attendees are the widow and her son, Toby, portrayed by Jeff Connors, Chuck Connors’ second son with Faith Quabius. Jeff had a brief role with two lines, but sadly, he passed away in 2014.
Casting Chuck for the role was no easy feat.
Securing the lead character in The Rifleman proved to be a challenging process.
Chuck Connors had to outshine forty other actors to land the role, and it was not a foregone conclusion. He initially turned down ABC’s modest salary offer, as he had the potential to earn more as a freelance actor.
In the end, Connors discovered an unexpected method to secure the role. The journey began when the producers took their children to witness Connors portray a robust father figure in Old Yeller. Following this experience, the producers returned with a significantly improved offer, which included a five percent ownership stake in the show, likely influenced by the children’s feedback. The arrangement was finalized in an instant.
The Winchester rifle of 1892
Chuck Connors showcased his remarkable skills by firing an apparently endless barrage of shots with his saddle-ring carbine at the start of each episode of The Rifleman. He would direct a fierce stare into the camera while skillfully maneuvering the rifle, effortlessly switching it from his right to his left hand, and dramatically loading a new cartridge.
To achieve these iconic scenes, the production utilized two identical 1892 Winchester rifles—one designated for filming and the other serving as a backup.
Johnny Crawford found himself on a blacklist.
Johnny Crawford made his on-screen debut at the tender age of three during an audition, which unfortunately did not go well. His performance as a young actor ultimately resulted in his blacklisting. Although I do not remember the specific photograph, I was ultimately cut from the final edit. In a particular scene featuring Rosalind Russell, where she was meant to distribute chocolate bars, I portrayed one of several refugee children. In 1973, Johnny Crawford recounted to The Miami Herald, “I believe I was blacklisted after this film because the scene required a reshoot, and I refused to return my chocolate bar for the second take.”
The challenging endeavor of selecting a new female lead
The series presented various romantic interests; however, the primary concern of widower Lucas McCain was the upbringing of his son. It seemed that Lucas and Milly Scott, portrayed by Joan Taylor, were on the verge of a romantic relationship in the third season.
This storyline, however, was ultimately discarded when Milly departed from the show in the fourth season, providing a vague explanation that she needed to return to the East.
Lucas McCain was an exceptionally talented baseball player, as was already mentioned. But he was never able to match the skill of Duke Snider, a former Dodgers star who appeared on the show as a guest. Throughout his Major League Baseball career, Chuck Connors only managed to hit two home runs.
Source Below
