NathanFilming On The Ranch
Although The Rifleman was set in New Mexico, it was all filmed in Los Angeles. Most of the ranch scenes were taken in Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas, Iverson Ranch in Chatsworth and even Corriganville Movie Ranch. Some scenes were also shot in Paramount Ranch to give the illusion that it all happens in the countryside.
The Show Rankings
During its initial airing in 1958-1959, The Rifleman was the 4th most popular show on TV. A staggering 14,547,450 viewers tuned in to see The Rifleman and it was during the time 43,950,000 households owned television sets in America. The show wrapped up in 1962-1963 following a gradual drop in ratings after four hit seasons.
The Stuntman
The director revealed that the Stuntman for the show Archie Butler appeared even more than the lead characters in the whole show. He did double work as he did stunts for almost all the other actors and even guest stars. Butler has also appeared in multiple movies such as Across the Wide Missouri, Westward the Women and Bonanza.
The Actor’s Relationship
Johnny and Connors maintained very healthy work relations but was nowhere near the father-son bond they had on the show. Crawford actually revealed his thoughts on Connors as a father figure in an interview saying, “Not really. I had great respect for him and I loved working with him but he was very different off-screen. He was incorrigible; a practical joker. It was fun all the time but he wasn’t a good influence on me aside from his acting. He used a lot of four-letter words and he was very imposing. He loved intimidating people. I got a kick out of him.”
Top 40 Five Times
As a 13 year old, Johnny’s career was pretty impressive. He starred in The Rifleman, The Mouseketeers, The Lone Ranger, The Loretta Young Show and even making the Top 40 list five different times. His songs include “Cindy’s Birthday,” “Rumors,” “Your Nose Is Gonna Grow,” and “Proud” that were very huge during the early 60s.
Kevin Joseph Connors
Chuck Connors was world renowned but Kevin Joseph Connors was his birth name. He came on this earth on April 10, 1921. His parents Allen and Marcella raised him and sister Gloria during the Great Depression era. He could have a rather normal childhood and eventually joined Bay Ridge Boy’s Club getting many lessons Bay Ridge Celtic coach John Flynn.