Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain & Johnny Cawford as Mark McCain

The Rifleman

The Rifleman series includes 168 half-hour episodes and is an action-packed adventure series set in the frontier town of North Fork, New Mexico. It focuses on the shared experiences of the rifle-toting rancher, Lucas McCain, and his son Mark. A self-made man, a father, a marksman and a fearless fighter for justice, McCain is the archetypal hero of the American West. His rifle is a symbol of that heroism. Mark McCain, portrayed in the series throughout his growing years, is a youthful version of his father--courageous and compassionate. Left motherless at a young age, he looks to the older McCain for guidance as well as tenderness. This special father-son relationship is at the core of the series' appeal. A third and key character is Micah Torrance, the Sheriff of North Fork. Wise to the west and well-worn, the Sheriff is a close friend to the McCains and frequently shares in their adventures.

Chuck Connors starred as TV's Rifleman. There were a lot of Westerns on television in 1958, but none like The Rifleman. It was the most violent show on TV, alongside The Untouchables which also aired in 1958. This was a dark and disturbing series; the townspeople were all a bunch of craven, dim-witted dirt farmers -- ready to form a mob at a moment's notice but unwilling to individually stand up to any hothead who happened to stroll into town that morning.

The Rifleman ended its run after five seasons.

From TV Party. com's The Rifleman

[Back]