Even sixty years later, *The Rifleman* stands as a television landmark, celebrated for the powerful bond between widowed rancher Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors) and his son Mark (Johnny Crawford). But beyond its heartfelt stories of morality and frontier justice, the series holds a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes trivia, historical bloopers, and fascinating facts that only the most dedicated fans might know.
Here are 20 secrets from the town of North Fork:
1. **Anachronistic Denim:** In an early episode, a shirtless Lucas McCain repairs a wagon wheel—revealing "W" stitched on his back pocket. He’s wearing Wrangler jeans, a brand not produced until the 1940s, despite the show being set in the 1880s.
2. **A Real Son’s Cameo:** Chuck Connors' real-life son, Jeff Connors, appeared in the episode "Tension," playing the mourner Toby Halpern. Jeff passed away in 2014.
3. **A Hard-Won Role:** Chuck Connors initially turned down the part of Lucas McCain due to a low salary offer. Producers were convinced he was perfect after taking their children to see him as a strong father figure in *Old Yeller*. They returned with a vastly improved offer, including a 5% ownership stake in the series.
4. **The Iconic Rifle Was a Star:** The modified 1892 Winchester rifle, famous for its rapid-fire lever action in the opening credits, was genuinely operated by Connors. His athletic background as a professional baseball and basketball player made the complex maneuvers look effortless.
5. **A Duke-Worthy Prop:** That very same rifle had a prestigious Hollywood pedigree. It was the identical weapon previously wielded by John Wayne in his classic 1939 film, *Stagecoach*.
6. **Timeline Trouble:** The show is set in the 1880s, but the 1892 Winchester model McCain uses hadn’t been invented yet—a classic Hollywood anachronism.
7. **A Hotel by Any Other Name:** The recurring Madera Hotel was called the "California House" in the pilot episode. The reason for the name change was never explained on-screen.
8. **Johnny Crawford’s Rocky Start:** Johnny Crawford was reportedly "blacklisted" at age 3 after his first film audition. He refused to give back a chocolate bar for a second take during a scene with Rosalind Russell.
9. **The Search for a Leading Lady:** After the character Milly Scott (Joan Taylor) departed, producers tested over 60 actresses to find a new romantic interest for Lucas. Chuck Connors was deeply involved in the search, which ultimately led to casting Patricia Blair as Lou Mallory.
10. **Baseball Legends Guest-Starred:** Real MLB Hall of Famers appeared on the show, including Brooklyn Dodgers star Duke Snider and pitcher Don Drysdale.
11. **A Family Affair:** Johnny Crawford's brother, Bobby Crawford, appeared in the episode "Second Witness." Both young actors earned Emmy nominations in 1959 for their work on the series.
12. **A Protective Set:** Both Chuck Connors and actor Paul Fix (Marshal Micah Torrence) were fiercely protective of young Johnny Crawford on set. Fix, who had a childhood brush with death from a misfired gun, was especially vigilant about weapon safety.
13. **Comedic Casting Twist:** In one episode, comedian Buddy Hackett played the father of an actor (Christopher Dark) who was actually four years *older* than him.
14. **Baby Girl? Actually, a Boy:** The infant "Fancy" in the episode "The Baby Sitter" was played by a baby boy named Robert Anacher.
15. **A Different Pilot Origin:** The original pilot was conceived for *Gunsmoke*. In that version, Connors' character was named John McCain, had no son, and was a dead shot with a pistol, not a rifle.
16. **Sammy Davis Jr.’s Stuntwork:** The legendary entertainer guest-starred as an outlaw in "Two Ounces of Tin" and performed all his own gun-twirling and quick-draw stunts, impressing the crew.
17. **1950s Hair in the 1880s:** The actors' hairstyles and many of their button-down shirts were pure 1950s/60s fashion, not accurate to the show’s 1880s setting.
18. **Chuck Connors’ Lasting Tribute:** Connors’ headstone at San Fernando Mission Cemetery features the logos of the three professional sports teams he played for: the Boston Celtics, Chicago Cubs, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
19. **A Bond That Transcended the Screen:** The deep respect between Connors and Crawford extended off-camera. Crawford cherished learning from Connors, who would recite Shakespeare and tell baseball stories between takes.
20. **A Television Pioneer:** *The Rifleman* is recognized as the first network TV series to center on a single parent raising a child, making its core relationship groundbreaking for its time.
With its unique blend of action, heart, and timeless values, *The Rifleman* secured its place in television history. The series remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the unforgettable partnership at its core.
