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Episódio
Temporada
The Rifleman
19587
FaroesteFamíliaAction & Adventure
Estreia
30/09/1958
País
Estados Unidos
Produção
Four Stars Productions
O Atirador é um programa de televisão western americano estrelado por Chuck Connors como o fazendeiro Lucas McCain e Johnny Crawford como seu filho, Mark McCain. A história se passa na década de 1880 na cidade de North Fork, Território do Novo México. O programa foi filmado em episódios em preto e branco, de meia hora. "O Atirador" foi exibido na ABC de 30 de setembro de 1958 a 8 de abril de 1963 como uma produção da Four Star Television. Foi uma das primeiras séries de horário nobre em que um pai viúvo criou uma criança.
About
Quick guide
A black‑and‑white Western about a widowed rancher teaching his son survival and justice.
Set in the 1880s in the fictional town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory, The Rifleman follows widowed rancher Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors) and his teenage son Mark (Johnny Crawford). As a Civil War veteran, Lucas protects the town with a custom Winchester rifle while teaching his son lessons of honor, responsibility, and frontier justice. Each half‑hour episode balances action with moral dilemmas, showcasing the challenges of single‑parent life in a rugged western community. The series also introduces recurring townsfolk such as Marshal Micah Torrance and bartender Frank Sweeney, who provide additional layers of community life. Viewers witness the growth of Mark as he learns to stand up for what is right, often with the help of his father's steadfast guidance and the support of fellow citizens.
What to know
- Series aired 1958-1963 on ABC.
- 168 half‑hour black‑and‑white episodes.
- Set in 1880s North Fork, New Mexico Territory.
- Protagonist Lucas McCain is a Civil War veteran and widower.
- Son Mark is a teenager navigating frontier life.
- Episodes center on moral lessons and frontier justice.
- Recurring characters include Marshal Micah Torrance and bartender Frank Sweeney.
- Title derives from Lucas's custom Winchester rifle.
Watch if
If you enjoy grounded Westerns where action is paired with family values and a strong sense of place, The Rifleman offers steady, character‑driven stories that highlight the challenges of single‑parenting in the Old West.
Skip if
If you prefer high‑energy, fast‑paced shows with flashy gunfights and modern production values, The Rifleman’s slower pacing and 1950s black‑and‑white format may feel dated.
family friendlycrime violenceintense actiondark tonepsychological elementssuspenseful
Premise and Setting
Premise and Setting: The Rifleman is set in the 1880s in the fictional town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. The series centers on Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher who uses his custom Winchester rifle to defend his son Mark and uphold justice in a rugged frontier community.
Main Characters
Main Characters: Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors) is a Civil War veteran and stoic father. His son, Mark McCain (Johnny Crawford), is a teenager navigating growing up in the Wild West. Recurring figures include Marshal Micah Torrance (Paul Fix) and bartender Frank Sweeney, all adding depth to the town’s everyday dramas.
Episode Themes
Episode Themes: Each 25‑minute episode balances action, moral dilemmas, and character growth. Storylines explore justice, redemption, and the hardships of frontier life. Episodes often involve outlaws, corrupt officials, or natural disasters, allowing Lucas to teach Mark practical lessons about courage, responsibility, and the cost of standing up for what’s right. These tales reinforce the series’ emphasis on personal integrity and community resilience.
Production Style
Production Style: The series uses a modest budget, typical of 1950s TV Westerns, with on‑location shooting and studio backdrops. The distinctive Winchester rifle is a visual cue, and the black‑and‑white palette gives the show a timeless, classic feel, while practical effects deliver realistic gunplay. The narrative pacing relies on character dialogue and moral instruction rather than flashy action.
Reception and Legacy
Reception and Legacy: The Rifleman aired for five seasons, amassing 168 episodes and ranking among ABC’s top Westerns. Critics praised its realistic gunplay and heartfelt storytelling. It helped set a standard for family‑friendly Westerns on television and inspired later series like The Virginian and Gunsmoke.
Where to Watch
Where to Watch: The entire series is available on DVD in restored boxed sets from 2013‑2017. Streaming options are limited; some episodes may appear on classic TV channels or subscription services. Fans can also find individual episodes on digital marketplaces or library collections for a nostalgic viewing experience.
FAQ
22 Q&A
What is the premise of The Rifleman?
The Rifleman follows Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher in the 1880s who uses his customized Winchester rifle to protect his son Mark and uphold justice in the frontier town of North Fork, New Mexico. Each episode blends action with moral lessons about responsibility and integrity.
Who are the main characters?
The main characters are Lucas McCain, played by Chuck Connors, a Civil War veteran and father, and his teenage son Mark, portrayed by Johnny Crawford. Supporting roles include Marshal Micah Torrance (Paul Fix) and bartender Frank Sweeney, who contribute to the town’s dynamics.
When did the show air?
The Rifleman premiered on September 30, 1958, and ran until April 8, 1963 on ABC. It produced five seasons during its original broadcast run.
How many episodes are there?
The series consists of 168 half‑hour episodes spread across five seasons, each episode exploring frontier challenges and family values.
Is the show in color or black‑and‑white?
All episodes were filmed and broadcast in black‑and‑white, typical of the era’s television productions.
What type of rifle does Lucas use?
Lucas McCain uses a modified Winchester Model 1892 lever‑action rifle, customized to allow rapid firing through a special lever mechanism showcased in the opening credits.
Why is the rifle a central element?
The rifle is a visual symbol of Lucas’s skill and determination. It also demonstrates the practical ingenuity of frontier life, while enabling dramatic showdowns without excessive gunplay.
Where was the series filmed?
Filming took place at Four Star Studios and on location in California, including the Iverson Ranch and Paramount Ranch, which provided authentic Western backdrops.
Who created the show?
The series was created by Arnold Laven and developed by Sam Peckinpah, a filmmaker known for his realistic portrayal of violence in Westerns.
How is the show received by critics?
Critics praised the realistic gunplay and the heartfelt storytelling, noting the show’s balance of action and moral instruction. It remains a respected example of early Western television.
What kind of violence is shown?
The Rifleman features gunfights and occasional physical confrontations typical of Westerns, but it avoids gratuitous gore, focusing instead on the consequences of violence and the importance of justice.
Are there any remakes or spin-offs?
There was a 2011 attempted remake that was never produced, and the show inspired several later Westerns, but no direct spin‑off series was created during its original run.
Is The Rifleman available on streaming services?
Streaming options are limited; some episodes may appear on classic TV channels or subscription services, but the complete series is primarily available on DVD and in some digital marketplaces.
Can I buy the entire series on DVD?
Yes, the entire series has been released in restored boxed sets from 2013 to 2017. These sets include all 168 episodes in sequential order.
What is the main moral lesson?
The show emphasizes honor, responsibility, and the value of standing up for what’s right. Lucas often teaches his son Mark to solve problems with courage and integrity.
Does the show depict single parenthood?
Yes, Lucas McCain’s role as a widowed father is central to the narrative, providing a lens through which the series explores the challenges and rewards of single parenthood in the frontier.
Who are some recurring guest stars?
Guest stars include actors like Lon Chaney Jr., Robert Vaughn, and Sammy Davis Jr., who appeared in various episodes, adding depth to the town’s diverse population.
How does the show portray the 1880s?
The series uses period‑appropriate costumes, settings, and language to recreate the atmosphere of the 1880s American West, while focusing on the social dynamics of a frontier town.
Why did the show end after five seasons?
The series concluded in 1963 due to typical network scheduling decisions and the natural end of its storyline arc, following five seasons of consistent viewership.
Was the series influential to later Westerns?
The Rifleman helped set a standard for family‑friendly Westerns, influencing later shows like The Virginian and Gunsmoke with its blend of action and moral storytelling.
Are there any notable episode themes?
Themes include justice, redemption, and the everyday struggles of frontier life. Episodes often feature outlaws, corrupt officials, or natural disasters, allowing Lucas to impart lessons to Mark.
Is there any behind‑the‑scenes information available?
Yes, the series has been documented in books, fan sites, and DVD commentaries, detailing production techniques, cast interviews, and Sam Peckinpah’s early work on Westerns.
