A good episode of a great series, including some future (and former) big names. Names like Dennis Hopper, R.G. Armstrong, Leif Erickson from the series High Chaparral, Tony Award-winner Sidney Blackmer, and very busy (though not very famous) character actor Charles Arnt. Perhaps the biggest name of all is series creator and episode writer Sam Peckinpah, director of The Wild Bunch and many other highly regarded films. What brings the Rifleman series above the typical Action/Western series of the time was the relationship between Lucas & son Mark McCain: The respect they had for each other, as well as the elder McCain's attempts to teach his boy how to be a man. This episode doesn't really show that. Like most series, the producers probably developed the show a lot during its first year or so. Yet it's a compelling story, told quickly (in a half-hour). That, plus the great cast of supporters, are what makes this such a good episode.
9 Reviews
Great Start to Series
gordonl569 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
THE RIFLEMAN – "Sharpshooter" – 1958
This is the first episode from the 1958 to 1963 western series, THE RIFLEMAN. Over the course of 168 episodes we follow the life of Lucas McCain and his son, Mark. They have just moved to the small western town of North Fork where they hope to start a new life. Chuck Connors headlines the series with Johnny Crawford as his son. Connors is a world class hand with a Winchester rifle which of course ends up getting him in no end of trouble.
Connors and son Crawford ride into North Fork and take a room at the local hotel. They wish to hunt up the seller of a small ranch they saw on their ride into town. The seller, the town Judge, Sidney Blackmer, is also the man in charge of the next days "turkey shoot" contest with a $500 dollar prize. Connors, no slouch in the shooting department pays his 10 dollar entry fee.
What Connors does not know, is that the town is more or less ran by local heavy, Leif Erikson. Erikson has no intention of losing and has imported a top hand with a six-gun. The ringer, Dennis Hopper, is lightning fast and deadly accurate. Erickson plans on making a goodly profit by betting on the unknown Hopper.
The town Sheriff, R.G. Armstrong cautions Connors that Erikson does not take kindly to losing. The local graveyard is full of people who crossed him. The turkey shoot starts and soon only Hopper and Connors are left in play. When Connors next round comes up, he looks over to his son, Crawford. What he sees is Erickson holding the boy with one hand while resting his other on his gun. Connors takes the less than subtle hint and misses his target. Hopper is declared the winner.
Hopper however is not so sure he is the better man and asks Connors if he threw the event. Hopper and Connors son, Crawford have struck up a friendship and Hopper knows about them wanting to buy a ranch. Also in the mix is Hopper's uncle, Charles Arnt. Arnt is the one who has sold Hopper's skill with a gun to Erikson. Erikson had cleaned up with a 10,000 dollar win by betting on the kid, Hopper, to win the event. Arnt gets himself shot when he pushes Erickson for a large cut of the gambling wins.
Needless to say Connors and his Winchester are drawn into a battle with Erickson and his men. Shots are exchanged with Erickson and crew being the losers. Hopper is wounded when he steps in to help Connors. The town is more than happy with the demise of Erickson and his bunch. Judge Blackmer sells Connors the ranch just outside of town and all are happy.
This was a pretty good start to the series in my humble opinion and well worth a watch if you run across it.
Of particular note here is the writer of the episode, Sam Peckinpah. Peckinpah is of course well known to Western fans as the writer, director of, THE WILD BUNCH.
This is the first episode from the 1958 to 1963 western series, THE RIFLEMAN. Over the course of 168 episodes we follow the life of Lucas McCain and his son, Mark. They have just moved to the small western town of North Fork where they hope to start a new life. Chuck Connors headlines the series with Johnny Crawford as his son. Connors is a world class hand with a Winchester rifle which of course ends up getting him in no end of trouble.
Connors and son Crawford ride into North Fork and take a room at the local hotel. They wish to hunt up the seller of a small ranch they saw on their ride into town. The seller, the town Judge, Sidney Blackmer, is also the man in charge of the next days "turkey shoot" contest with a $500 dollar prize. Connors, no slouch in the shooting department pays his 10 dollar entry fee.
What Connors does not know, is that the town is more or less ran by local heavy, Leif Erikson. Erikson has no intention of losing and has imported a top hand with a six-gun. The ringer, Dennis Hopper, is lightning fast and deadly accurate. Erickson plans on making a goodly profit by betting on the unknown Hopper.
The town Sheriff, R.G. Armstrong cautions Connors that Erikson does not take kindly to losing. The local graveyard is full of people who crossed him. The turkey shoot starts and soon only Hopper and Connors are left in play. When Connors next round comes up, he looks over to his son, Crawford. What he sees is Erickson holding the boy with one hand while resting his other on his gun. Connors takes the less than subtle hint and misses his target. Hopper is declared the winner.
Hopper however is not so sure he is the better man and asks Connors if he threw the event. Hopper and Connors son, Crawford have struck up a friendship and Hopper knows about them wanting to buy a ranch. Also in the mix is Hopper's uncle, Charles Arnt. Arnt is the one who has sold Hopper's skill with a gun to Erikson. Erikson had cleaned up with a 10,000 dollar win by betting on the kid, Hopper, to win the event. Arnt gets himself shot when he pushes Erickson for a large cut of the gambling wins.
Needless to say Connors and his Winchester are drawn into a battle with Erickson and his men. Shots are exchanged with Erickson and crew being the losers. Hopper is wounded when he steps in to help Connors. The town is more than happy with the demise of Erickson and his bunch. Judge Blackmer sells Connors the ranch just outside of town and all are happy.
This was a pretty good start to the series in my humble opinion and well worth a watch if you run across it.
Of particular note here is the writer of the episode, Sam Peckinpah. Peckinpah is of course well known to Western fans as the writer, director of, THE WILD BUNCH.
A great start for the series
kfo94947 December 2013
Lucas and Mark arrive in North Fork and believe that this is the place to settle down. In order to help raise money for the farm they want to buy, Lucas enters a 'turkey shoot' in town. But North Fork is a town that is controlled by a man, Jim Lewis, that has bet his money on another young shooter, Vernon (played by Dennis Hopper), so he threatens Mark's life so that Lucas will lose the shoot. But it is not over yet.
Jim Lewis has his gang kill Vernon's uncle leaving the young shooter alone. Now Lucas has had enough. He tells Vernon if he does not return from his meeting with Lewis that Mark is his responsibility. Lucas enters the saloon to meet Lewis and his gang.
Great acting all around in this episode. With a near all-star cast, this episode was bound for greatness. The feeling you get from the ending of this show will kick-start the entire series run. Good watch.
Jim Lewis has his gang kill Vernon's uncle leaving the young shooter alone. Now Lucas has had enough. He tells Vernon if he does not return from his meeting with Lewis that Mark is his responsibility. Lucas enters the saloon to meet Lewis and his gang.
Great acting all around in this episode. With a near all-star cast, this episode was bound for greatness. The feeling you get from the ending of this show will kick-start the entire series run. Good watch.
Ten is not high enough!
mitchrmp8 February 2011
This was an EXCELLENT way to begin this WONDERFUL series! It first appeared on Zane Grey's Theater. If you ever get a chance to read information on the background of this episode, you should because it is absolutely fascinating on how Lucas McCain came to carry a rifle and have a son.
Of course, there are so many wonderful scenes in this episode. I couldn't go through every one of them, but I will state that one of my favorite scenes is near the beginning as Lucas and Mark are riding onto what would soon become the McCain Ranch. Father and son side-by-side. Then riding into town and Lucas looking into Mark's eyes before leaving to go do his "thing." Then the hug at the end. It sets up the relationship you will soon find.
Of course, what they don't really tell you is that Lucas' wife, Margaret, died of Small Pox when Mark was only six years old. You get this information over the next four years (the disease isn't named until the fifth season).
Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford did an excellent job in this first episode, along with all the wonderful character actors! I can not say enough about it.
Of course, there are so many wonderful scenes in this episode. I couldn't go through every one of them, but I will state that one of my favorite scenes is near the beginning as Lucas and Mark are riding onto what would soon become the McCain Ranch. Father and son side-by-side. Then riding into town and Lucas looking into Mark's eyes before leaving to go do his "thing." Then the hug at the end. It sets up the relationship you will soon find.
Of course, what they don't really tell you is that Lucas' wife, Margaret, died of Small Pox when Mark was only six years old. You get this information over the next four years (the disease isn't named until the fifth season).
Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford did an excellent job in this first episode, along with all the wonderful character actors! I can not say enough about it.
Fine Combination of Cast and Writer
dougdoepke4 July 2021
Off-beat first episode from the 1950's Western series. The ending's not predictable and builds some suspense as we wonder who'll win the target shooting match, McCain or Vernon. Then too, McCain and son need the prize money for down payment on their hoped for little ranch. So it's not just a question of who's the better marksman. Also, pairing the brawny, hulking Connors with small, super-clean Hopper presents quite a contrast. Then too, Hopper's a long way from his usual hairy hipster. The script's by Sam Peckinpah just getting his foot in the industry door, which likely accounts for the creative plotline. There were dozens of westerns on TV during that period. Connors, however, creates a visual contrast to the usual heroes, looking more like a villian than the usual good-looking good guys. With his gimlet eyes and etched face, he's quite a contrast to the usual heroes. And I suspect that winsome little son, Johnny Crawford, was added to soften Connors's tough guy image. Anyway, it's a nifty first entry that sets up the rest of the series, so give it a try.
Rifleman's toy replica Winchester - kid's favorite
don-w-hoffman29 April 2017
In 1960 Rifleman was a must see TV western among the 20 kids on the 1700 block of Newton Street in Victoria BC. Across the street was an open field with a grove of trees and Bowker Creek. Many kids would show up to play cops and robbers or cowboys and Indians. Many hours were spent hiding and hunting with our cap guns. Xmas of 1960 my brother Tom and I opened our only presents. Our wishes came true.They were holsters with a double set of six-guns. His was black handled and mine white. Very cool.The gang met out in the field and who shows up but one kid with spud rifle and another with a Rifleman Winchester cap-gun. Fun times.
The Rifleman was the best of the best
frank41225 October 2020
The Rifleman was the greatest series in TV history. Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford had great chemistry and off the set had a wonderful friendship. Dennis Hopper was the best choice to start this series off to a booming success. Not to mention an all-star cast that's second to none. Leif Erickson, Sidney Blackmer, Charles Arnt, R.G. Armstrong and Mickey Simpson give outstanding performances. These people knew their craft and worked it to perfection. North Fork is on the map forever with The Rifleman. This is entertainment at it's finest with a wonderful life message with each episode.
Fine First Episode of a Fine, Fine TV Series
cdelacroix16 June 2007
Yesterday, I happened to flick on my TV and ran across a re-play of this episode of The Rifleman. After a few minutes, I realized, to my astonishment, and serendipitous pleasure, that I had just walked in within the first few minutes of the very first episode of this wonderful series. I watched the rest of the 1/2 hour show and was wholly delighted.
And then just had to look this up on IMDb. The synopsis was accurate, and the comment of my predecessor, theseekerhp, was "right on". I feel honored and grateful to add my own homage to that of my predecessor.
I was born in 1954, and watched the series when I was probably about 7 or 8 years old. I loved it, and Lucas McCain, and Mark, became etched into my memory. That opening logo, with the sparse scenery, enormous boulder and Luke taking an aggressive stance with that amazing adapted Winchester rifle, have become part of my mind's eye view of the great Tales of the American West.
All of the key features of The Rifleman are present in that very first episode. That includes, pace theseekerhp, the relationship between Lucas and Mark. Their father - son relationship is of course a core feature of the series. It is the fundamental distinctive of The Rifleman's place in the lore of the Western story.
Each episode of The Rifleman was, as it had to be, a fast glimpse of a very strongly etched story line. You only got the very briefest glimpse of the story; but there were surprising complexities that suggested much more reaching beyond the horizon of the 1/2 hour quick-n-dirty script. The first episode is no different in that regard. I can remember sometimes coming away from a Rifleman show feeling like something was missing. No wonder: there were things not said, things not shown, things "over there" beyond the craggy horizon. I frankly didn't know that Sam Peckinpah was the creator of The Rifleman; but now that I know, that sure explains so much in this regard.
One thing about Lucas and Mark. Their relationship was in some ways much "tougher" than that of other classic father-son relationships: compare Andy Griffith and Opie, or Father Knows Best. Lucas, we know from the series, had a rough past; and he retained in his present some very, very rough features. The tough guy with a heart-of-gold is a classic figure, perfected in the Western by John Wayne. But this wasn't really Lucas McCain. Lucas is a Peckinpah male, an American Western man's man, and although we see in this very first episode his open love for his son, we also see a very rough man perfectly capable of naming names and kicking butt. This side of Lucas was never far from the surface and we see it again and again in the series. And it's a part of the kind of man that Lucas is seeking to help rear in Mark. Lucan McCain is not Mr Mom. Yet the father-son relationship that he brings us has truly become a classic and remains classic to my memory as well.
Thanks, Sam Peckinpah, for bringing Lucas McCain and his son to the town of Northfork in this very first episode; and for allowing us to be their guests at Northfork over the years.
And then just had to look this up on IMDb. The synopsis was accurate, and the comment of my predecessor, theseekerhp, was "right on". I feel honored and grateful to add my own homage to that of my predecessor.
I was born in 1954, and watched the series when I was probably about 7 or 8 years old. I loved it, and Lucas McCain, and Mark, became etched into my memory. That opening logo, with the sparse scenery, enormous boulder and Luke taking an aggressive stance with that amazing adapted Winchester rifle, have become part of my mind's eye view of the great Tales of the American West.
All of the key features of The Rifleman are present in that very first episode. That includes, pace theseekerhp, the relationship between Lucas and Mark. Their father - son relationship is of course a core feature of the series. It is the fundamental distinctive of The Rifleman's place in the lore of the Western story.
Each episode of The Rifleman was, as it had to be, a fast glimpse of a very strongly etched story line. You only got the very briefest glimpse of the story; but there were surprising complexities that suggested much more reaching beyond the horizon of the 1/2 hour quick-n-dirty script. The first episode is no different in that regard. I can remember sometimes coming away from a Rifleman show feeling like something was missing. No wonder: there were things not said, things not shown, things "over there" beyond the craggy horizon. I frankly didn't know that Sam Peckinpah was the creator of The Rifleman; but now that I know, that sure explains so much in this regard.
One thing about Lucas and Mark. Their relationship was in some ways much "tougher" than that of other classic father-son relationships: compare Andy Griffith and Opie, or Father Knows Best. Lucas, we know from the series, had a rough past; and he retained in his present some very, very rough features. The tough guy with a heart-of-gold is a classic figure, perfected in the Western by John Wayne. But this wasn't really Lucas McCain. Lucas is a Peckinpah male, an American Western man's man, and although we see in this very first episode his open love for his son, we also see a very rough man perfectly capable of naming names and kicking butt. This side of Lucas was never far from the surface and we see it again and again in the series. And it's a part of the kind of man that Lucas is seeking to help rear in Mark. Lucan McCain is not Mr Mom. Yet the father-son relationship that he brings us has truly become a classic and remains classic to my memory as well.
Thanks, Sam Peckinpah, for bringing Lucas McCain and his son to the town of Northfork in this very first episode; and for allowing us to be their guests at Northfork over the years.
The Sharpshooter
Prismark1028 February 2024
The story was written by Sam Peckinpah. It guest stars a young Dennis Hopper.
This pilot episode was originally shown for the anthology series Zane Grey Theatre.
The Rifleman is Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors) an civil war soldier, a widower who has a young son Mark.
Lucas is an ace shot with his specially adapted rifle. He never uses a handgun.
He and his son has arrived at the town of North Fork, New Mexico where a ranch is for sale. The town is run by dastardly Jim Lewis.
To get money for the ranch together Lucas enters a shootout where people are making bets. Some know Lucas is good. Young Vernon Tippert (Hopper) is also a hotshot.
Lewis wants a sure thing that means putting Lucas under pressure. The best way to do that is threatening his son.
Watching the show for the first time. It is very much formulaic. Lucas has to take on Lewis and his minions. It is a question whether Tippert is with Lucas or against him.
Given that Tippert's uncle is killed, that question is easy to answer. The fresh faced Tippert also has a meaningful bond with Mark.
This pilot episode was originally shown for the anthology series Zane Grey Theatre.
The Rifleman is Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors) an civil war soldier, a widower who has a young son Mark.
Lucas is an ace shot with his specially adapted rifle. He never uses a handgun.
He and his son has arrived at the town of North Fork, New Mexico where a ranch is for sale. The town is run by dastardly Jim Lewis.
To get money for the ranch together Lucas enters a shootout where people are making bets. Some know Lucas is good. Young Vernon Tippert (Hopper) is also a hotshot.
Lewis wants a sure thing that means putting Lucas under pressure. The best way to do that is threatening his son.
Watching the show for the first time. It is very much formulaic. Lucas has to take on Lewis and his minions. It is a question whether Tippert is with Lucas or against him.
Given that Tippert's uncle is killed, that question is easy to answer. The fresh faced Tippert also has a meaningful bond with Mark.
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