Secrets Of TV’s The Rifleman: More Than Just Guns And Good Times

#16. Play It Again, Paul

Apparently, there was an industry shortage in the 1950s of men who could play cowboys on TV. An actor named Paul Fix, who later played the part of Marshal Micah Torrance on the show, had an uncredited role in “The Sharpshooter” episode as a kindly doctor who patches up Hopper’s character. Also interesting is the next fact.

#17. Trekkie Tie-In

Paul Fix appeared in the (second) pilot episode of Star Trek, “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” as Dr. Mark Piper. When the cult sci-fi show was picked up by the network, Fix was replaced by DeForest Kelley. However, “Where No Man Has Gone Before” was eventually the third episode aired in season 1, meaning Dr. McCoy appeared as the ship’s physician before Dr. Piper.

#18. Beware The Candyman

Famous Rat Packer and entertainer extraordinaire Sammy Davis Jr. guest starred in an episode of The Rifleman aired late in season 4. His character, Tip Corey, was a mean and nasty sharpshooter who was cramping Lucas’s style. Many viewers were impressed with Davis’s talents in both shooting and spinning his gun for dramatic effect.

#19. What Might Have Been

Sam Peckinpah grew up on a ranch. Many felt that experience made him especially qualified to shape the stories on The Rifleman with reality and grit that can only be learned first-hand. Peckinpah was reportedly excited to keep those gripping scripts coming but he left the show after season 1 to apply his talents to movies, including such classics as The Wild Bunch and Straw Dogs.

#20. Shedding Mouse Ears

Johnny Crawford was one of the original 24 Disney Mouseketeers but was cut from the club after the first year when the membership was reduced to 12 years old. He next starred in a live NBC broadcast of Little Boy Lost, followed by a role on The Lone Ranger and many others. Crawford was 12 when he landed The Rifleman role. And then…

Secrets Of TV’s The Rifleman: More Than Just Guns And Good Times

#16. Play It Again, Paul

#17. Trekkie Tie-In

#18. Beware The Candyman

#19. What Might Have Been

#20. Shedding Mouse Ears

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