Watched the very first 3 or 4 episodes of The Rifleman on Tivo (from AMC) the other day — outstanding. Then they showed the penultimate episode from the last season that was the ultimate stinker. Seemed like a pilot for a new show — Connors had a bit cameo appearance and it seemed like The Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres all rolled into a Western.
Never could really get into Rawhide much.
While it is always a good western some Rawhide episodes were truly outstanding, sometimes Eric Fleming was almost scary hard and focused, a grit that we don’t see from modern actors and roles.
Something that no one mentions, is that Rawhide was also a kind of western Twilight Zone, with many spooky mysteries and supernatural plots.
I can’t even bring myself to watch “The Rifleman” without screaming at the TV.. I worked on that show for 4 episodes in the early days of it’s run.. I got to work with Chuck Connors, up close and personal, and was thrilled to get the opportunity until I got to know him..
He was undoubtedly the most obnoxious, arrogant bastard I have ever worked for.. Next to Jerry Lewis, the worst in Hollywood, in my opinion..