Little-known mistakes and bloopers in The Rifleman

Actor Paul Fix, who played Marshal Micah Torrence on The Rifleman, also felt a great responsibility for Crawford.

During the filming, he became an extra father to Crawford, and he made sure that all the weapons used during the filming were secured. For Paul Fix, his obsession with security around Crawford was personal.

Fix himself had a near-death experience as a young boy when he played around with his brother and a weapon misfired. The bullet was a hair’s breadth from killing Fix; it was a miracle that he survived.

Buddy Hackett twist

In a surprising twist of casting, Buddy Hackett, known for his comedic genius, played the father of an actor who was actually four years his junior.

In one episode of The Rifleman, Buddy Hackett portrays Daniel Malakie, a father who discovers that his two sons, Ben and Jud, have landed in jail. Interestingly, Christopher Dark, who played the “boy” Ben, was born in 1920, while Hackett was born in 1924. This age dynamic makes for some creative casting, proving that Hollywood has a knack for bending traditional family roles and age expectations…

Baby girl was played by a baby boy

Does the name Robert Anacher ring a bell? No? That’s understandable! His most notable role came was when he played the adorable baby girl Fancy in the episode The Baby Sitter. But as it turns out, the girl was actually a boy.

Shot dead with a pistol

In the pilot, which was originally intended for Gunsmoke (1955), Chuck Connors’ character was named John McCain. According to IMDB, he didn’t have any children and was a dead shot with a pistol.

Sammy Davis Jr. impressed the crew

Know as “Mr Show Business” and “the greatest entertainer ever to grace a stage in these United States” – Sammy Davis Jr. is a dearly missed superstar who forever carved himself into American history.

But did you know he made an appearance in The Rifleman? In the episode Two Ounces of Tin, Sammy Davis Jr. portrayed the outlaw Tip Corey. He showcased impressive skills with a gun, demonstrating quick draws and impressive twirling maneuvers. What’s remarkable is that all of these stunts were performed by Davis himself, without a stand-in!

The hair styles

Despite being set in the 1880s, most of the actors in The Rifleman sported hairstyles that mirrored the trends of the 1950s and 1960s, when the show was actually filmed.

This anachronism is further highlighted by the wardrobe choices, as many of the men wore full-front button-down shirts — a style that didn’t even emerge until the 1920s and didn’t gain popularity until the 1930s. It’s a fascinating blend of historical context and mid-century flair that adds an unexpected twist to the classic Western!

Chuck Connors’ headstone

Chuck Connors, renowned for his athletic prowess, smoked three packs of Camel cigarettes daily. Remarkably, he was one of only twelve athletes in history to play both Major League Baseball and in the NBA.

In the fall of 1992, Connors was hospitalized due to pneumonia. Tragically, three weeks later, he succumbed to lung cancer. He was laid to rest at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, where his headstone proudly displays the logos of the three sports teams he represented: the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Cubs, and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Kevin Joseph “Chuck” Connors (April 10, 1921 – November 10, 1992)He is one of only 12 athletes in the history of…Posted by Hollywood Page Of Death on Friday, November 10, 2023

As we wrap up our journey through the iconic world of The Rifleman, it’s clear that this classic Western series has left an indelible mark on television history.

With its unforgettable father-son bond, memorable characters, and a perfect blend of action and moral lessons, the show continues to resonate with audiences today. I still watch the reruns now. RIP Johnny and Chuck

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