"Lawman" (1958) TV series 1958-1962

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Release Date:

5 October 1958 (USA)

Genre:

Western

Plot Keywords:

One Word Title | Based On Novel

Cast

John Russell	...	Marshal Dan Troop (155 episodes, 1958-1962)
Peter Brown	...	Deputy Johnny McKay (76 episodes, 1958-1962)

Also Known As:

The Lawman (USA) (alternative title)

Runtime:

30 min (156 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Corriganville, Ray Corrigan Ranch, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Television

Trivia:

In the early 1960s when TV-western mania reached its peak, an American magazine sponsored a contest for the actors who portrayed western heroes and villains. Since the climactic moment of so many shows was the classic quick-draw shoot-out, the actors had to acquire that skill to play their scenes. The magazine held a competition among some of the stars of the shows, firing blanks, aiming not at each other but downrange, and using an electronic timer. Quite a number of cowboy stars showed up to slap leather. Peter Brown beat them all and won the title of the fastest gun in Hollywood.

One of the best of the '50s series westerns

Warner Bros. churned out a slew of western series in the late '50s and early '60s, some good, some not so good. "Lawman" was one of the best. John Russell, a veteran western character actor, was perfectly cast as tough Marshal Dan Troop. Russell's commanding presence, rich voice and no-nonsense demeanor fit the character perfectly. Peter Brown was well cast as Russell's eager young deputy, and beautiful Peggy Castle was a treat for the eyes as the owner of the local saloon and Russell's cat-and-mouse love interest. The show drew some good directors (Robert Altman, Burt Kennedy), had consistently interesting stories, and there was real chemistry between Russell and Brown. And, to top it off, it had what is probably the best theme song of any western series ("the lawman came from the sun, there was a job to be done . . ."). All in all, a memorable series that unfortunately didn't last as long as it should have.