Description

Two years before Thriller, Boris Karloff hosted The Veil, a never-broadcast ten-episode pilot of a TV horror anthology for the Hal Roach Studios in 1958. Boris also starred in nine of The Veil's ten episodes, making this a rare treat for Karloff fans. This special double-disc set includes all ten 26-minute episodes, directed by such genre luminaries as George Waggner (The Wolf Man) and Herbert L. Strock (I Was a Teenage Frankenstein), and starring such familiar faces as Patrick Macnee (The Avengers), Robert Hardy (Psychomania), Niall MacGinnis (Curse of the Demon), Clifford Evans (Kiss of the Vampire), Morris Ankrum (Earth vs. the Flying Saucers), Eve Brent (Gun Girls), and even a young George Hamilton. So please join Boris Karloff for another journey into the world of the unexplainable which lies behind...The Veil. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Quite a Surprise
I had never heard of this program before I found the DVD an Amazon, and decided to order it. When I finally viewed the programs, I was quite surprised at a number of things.

1. The prints are very high quality, especially considering that this was a 1950's made for TV series.

2. The series was never broadcast. This is amazing considering that the episodes could have easily been in One Step Beyond or Twilight Zone if you blinked and missed the opening credits. More to the point, The Veil predates both of its more well remembered cousins.

3. They made 10 episodes as opposed to a pilot and one or two other shoots. As such, there is enough material here to really give the viewer a feel for what this series would have been had it been picked up by one of the networks at the time.

4. Appearances by actors you know. For example, Patrick Macnee (later of Avengers fame) plays a constable in one episode.

5. Karloff's range in the various roles. Having only really having seen Boris in Frankenstein and a couple of Thrillers, I didn't realize how deeply talented he was. You get to see him in a variety of roles here, and when he needs to look menacing, he does, usually through facial expressions and body language. But it left me with the opinion that he was a brilliant actor.

Bottom line is that if you like Twiliight Zone, One Step, even X Files, this is a must have. You''ll never get to see it on TV, and it's a fun DVD to watch with the family.

Interesting Rarity from TV's Golden Age
Although superficial similarities make it tempting to regard the Hal Roach Studios ten-episode series pilot THE VEIL as a sort of trial run for the later TV series THRILLER (a.k.a. BORIS KARLOFF'S THRILLER), that is really an inaccurate and unfair comparison. It's true that both shows are hosted by venerable horror star Boris Karloff and that he appears in several of the dramatizations--in fact, he appears in all but one dramatization on THE VEIL--and it's also true that both series deal with the supernatural. But unlike the stories presented on THRILLER--which are completely fictional horror stories, many based on previously published works by popular horror and science writers of the 1950s and early 1960s such as Robert E. Howard, Robert Bloch, August Derleth, Cornell Woolrich, and the like--the stories on THE VEIL are presented as "true" stories about real people who have had a brush with supernatural phenomenon like ghosts, reincarnation, psychic prognostication, and similar spooky irregularities. But true or not, the stories on THE VEIL are, of course, purely dramatic "reenactments" with no scholarly research or backup information provided to the audience, and it is therefore more accurate to see THE VEIL as a precursor to the more contemporary THE X FILES rather than as a dress rehearsal for THRILLER.

That said, THE VEIL is certainly an entertaining anomaly from television's golden era, and its high-quality production values makes one wonder why it wasn't picked up as a regular series. In fact, the show per se was never broadcast. However, in the late 1960s, 10 years or so after the original production, blocks of three or four episodes each were hastily stitched together--ironically, much like the Frankenstein monster character that originally made host Boris Karloff a star--and licensed to local TV stations for broadcast as movies on late-night TV. So this two-disc DVD from Something Weird video is likely the first time THE VEIL has been made available to the general public in the show's original 10-episode format, and Karloff fans, horror fans, fans of THE X FILES, and, yes, even fans of THRILLER should find the show very enjoyable, and most will want to add it to their DVD collections.

Whether due to restoration or just because the source material was rarely used, the picture and sound quality on the DVD set is just fantastic! The liner notes include a synopsis of each episode, as well as some interesting historical background material about the show. Bonus materials on the discs themselves include a few episodes of 13 DEMON STREET, a foreign-produced TV show in the same vein as THE VEIL and from the same era. That show was hosted by Lon Chaney, Jr., and the production quality is obviously not as high as that of THE VEIL. Indeed, the source used for the DVD transfer is washed and sometimes jittery, but the episodes are, if nothing else, interesting for their historical value.

This DVD set is a must-own for Karloff fans and for those who have a strong interest in or love for classic television. Fans of more contemporary shows like THE X FILES and MILLENNIUM may also enjoy THE VEIL, especially in light of the fact that shows like this are the true progenitors of the modern fare.

For Karloff Fans Only
If you love Boris as I do then this set is worth your time and money. It is nowhere near on a level with the Twilight Zone or it's offshoots such as Outer Limits but Boris is Boris and what more needs to be said?

Great Box!
If you enjoyed old TV shows such as Thriller (clearly inspired by this show), Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, Hitchcock Presents you cannot miss this rare release.
The DVD quality is very good and the box comes with a little booklet presenting all episodes. Also it includes all the episodes ever released (plus few episodes of anothere series).
A Great Box not to be missed either by the casual viewer and the collector!

Not great but not bad...
Although I am not sorry I brought it, I find it now where near as enjoyable as the Mr Wong collection.

The sound on this, whilst acceptable is by no means great.. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Enjoyable 1950s Adventure Series
Jon Hall stars as Dr. Tom Reynolds, or "Ramar" in this jungle adventure series set in Africa and, later, India. The series ran 52 episodes over a two year period from 1952 to 1954 and was broadcast well into the 1960s in syndication. The stock scenes of wildlife were good, but didn't always mesh well with scenes set in obvious studio "jungles." Besides Hall, also in the weekly cast were Ray Montgomery as Professor Howard Ogden and Nick Stewart as their native guide, Willy-Willy. Look for Woody (billed as "Woodrow") Strode in two of the four episodes on this DVD.

Alpha Video's DVD presentation is reasonably good, considering the age of the broadcasts; video contrast is, for the most part, good and the audio is clear throughout all four episodes. The show isn't great, but it's enjoyable enough on its own terms and will certainly bring back lots of memories for Baby Boomers and those who enjoy television from the early days. Alpha has also released a second volume on DVD with an additional four episodes. Episode titles on this first volume include "Dark Venture," "Voice of the Past," "King of the Watus," and "Lady of the Leopards."

My rating is closer to *** & 1/2. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Round Two of Ramar
Here's another four episodes of the 1950s jungle adventure series that starred Jon Hall as Dr. Tom Reynolds, Ray Montgomery as Professor Howard Ogden, and Nick Stewart as their guide Willy-Willy. All four episodes are, again, set in Africa. If you already have Volume 1 of Ramar, you will undoubtedly enjoy these four additional episodes. The audio/visual quality of this set is on a par with Volume 1 . . . audio is clear and the video portion is relatively defect free, though I doubt that Alpha Video did anything in the way of digital restoration. Woody Strode does not appear in any of the episodes on this set as he did on Volume 1, but look for a young Bernie (billed as "Bernard") Hamilton in the "Savage Challenge" episode. Hamilton went on to a long career in television and films; this is one of his earliest appearances. Nick Stewart, from the Amos and Andy television series, seemingly adds a little more humor to these episodes than those in Volume 1.

The episodes included in Volume 2 include: "Idol Voo-Doo," "Mark of the Bola," "Curse of the Devil Doll," and "Savage Challenge."

As was the case with Volume 1, my rating is closer to *** & ½ stars. It would be interesting to see some of the Ramar episodes that were set in India; hopefully Alpha Video will consider releasing some of the Indian episodes if there is ever a Volume 3 release. ... Read more

Description

Lone Ranger starring Clayton Moore - 14 thirty-minute episodes on 2 DVDs.

"Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear…"The Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian Companion, Tonto, rode into the lives of American TV fans in the early 1950's.The masked rider and his sidekick led the fight for law and order, vowing to avenge wrongs through out the Old West.Week after week, viewers thrilled to their daring exploits, which always ended up with the bad guy in custody and The Lone Ranger's hearty "Hi-yo Silver, away!"

Disc 1
1. Enter the Lone Ranger (1st show) (9-15-49)
2. The Lone Ranger Fights On (9-22-49)
3. The Lone Ranger's Triumph (9-29-49)
4. War Horse (10-20-49)
5. Finders Keepers (12-08-49)
6. Old Joe's Sister (12-22-49)
7. Cannonball McKay (12-29-49)

Disc 2
1. Rustlers Hideout (10-13-49)
2. Pete and Pedro (10-27-49)
3. The Renegades (11-03-49)
4. High Heels (11-17-49)
5. Six Guns Legacy (11-24-49)
6. The Return of the Convict (12-01-49)
7. The Masked Rider (12-15-49) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great but also not so great
I have to say from the onset that the quality of this set was extremely good. But, I also have to say that I was expecting more. SHAME ON YOU, AMC!!
I was expecting (hoping) to see the original (1949) opening credits and theme song. But, what I got was a cleaned up version of the distribution opening like the ones that TV Land used. I would have gladly given up quality for the original opening and closing.
If you are a true, and by that I mean older, fan of The Lone Ranger and are looking for the pure, genuine TV show, this is not for you.

The BEST early Lone Ranger set!!!!!!
This set contains the AMC Network remastered and audio-enhanced version of the first fourteen episodes from the first season of the Lone Ranger TV show, airing from september through december, 1949. The episodes are clean and sound better than any 1949 televeision program has a right to sound in 2004. In short, I am VERY happy with this 14-episode set!

As far as the DVDs themselves go, there are basically no extra features, but what do you expect for ten bucks? At least the screens are very professional and easy to navigate, not amateurishly done like the ones for a lot of old TV shows on DVD.

Get this set for the EARLY Lone Ranger and the Wea Corp set for 19 episodes from the END of the Lone Ranger series, and you'll see the best from the beginning and the end!

I only hope AMC continues to issue future Lone Ranger sets through the run of the series. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What happens when "a poor, raggedy-old private from the Confederates" and "a big important general from the North" spend the night at McCain's ranch, stop being polite, and start to get real? You get "The Sheridan Story," one of five vintage, black and white 1958-'59 episodes from this classic Western series' first and second seasons. Chuck Connors stars in his signature role as Lucas McCain, who settles down on a North Fork, New Mexico, ranch with his son Mark (Johnny Crawford). In these episodes, outlaws and hired guns keep McCain and his trusty Winchester busy, while Mark learns about manhood ("It's staying alive and in your right senses," McCain explains). A highlight of this collection is Vic Morrow doing his Brando bit as Johnny Cotton, who buys himself a lot of trouble when he robs McCain and steals his rifle in "The Angry Gun." Sam Peckinpah directed "The Money Gun," in which ornery cuss and McCain nemesis Oat Jackford stands up to a gunman hired to kill him. "The Mind Reader" boasts appearances by John Carradine, as a traveling showman, and Michael Landon, as a young man falsely accused of murder. But the best is saved for last. "Bloodlines," directed by Arthur Hiller, stars Buddy Hackett--yes, Buddy Hackett-- in a guest appearance as the brutal patriarch who comes gunning for McCain when one of his three psychopathic sons is killed in a bar shootout. For Rifleman fans, these episodes are of the highest caliber. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A little short on action...
The Rifleman Volume 2 contains five more episodes of the popular series, but the overall quality of the episodes is not as good as the Volume 1 collection. If not for the presence of a couple of really nasty villains, and some hilarious outtakes, you could probably pass on this disc. Here's a rundown of the episodes with my ratings from one to five.

The Angry Gun (5): Vic Morrow stars as an escaped outlaw, who has stolen both Lucas McCain's money, and his precious Winchester. Morrow is marvelous, exuding pure evil, and showing little feeling for either friend or foe. He is about to finish off the Rifleman with his own gun, when Lucas's just in the nick of time ingenuity saves the day.

The Sheridan Story (2): This one is aimed at the heart. A disabled Confederate veteran turns up at the McCain ranch. Later, General Sheridan, the man who wounded him also arrives at the McCain's. Both men confront their past deeds, reflect on the tragedy of war, and then even begin to try to heal old wounds. This one's short on action and long on words.

The Money Gun (2): Jackford is a man with a lot of enemies. One of them brings hired gun, Tom King (John Dehner) into town to kill Jackford. King and McCain are old acquaintances who don't like each other. Lucas and Micah must do what is necessary to keep the peace. Too much posturing, and not much tension in this one. The ending is weak. Not one of Peckinpah's better efforts.

The Mind Reader (2): A man is shot in the back on the streets of South Fork, and a young Michael Landon is held for the crime. Lucas tries to find out who really did the deed. John Carradine is a travelling mind reader who seems to know something about who committed the crime. Though the identity of the real killer is a surprise, the episode really doesn't deliver much of a punch.

Bloodlines (4): Three brothers take things a little too far in the town saloon, and one brother ends up dead when Lucas and Micah intervene. Funnyman Buddy Hackett guest stars as Daniel Malakie, the father of the boys. And Pa is in a mean and nasty mood. First it's a jailbreak and then cold-blooded murder, as the Malakie's go on a rampage of revenge. This one has plenty of action, with the scruffy Hackett even getting a much-needed bath.

Volume 2 has bonus features, the most notable is a four minute long clip of outtakes that gives you a real taste of what the set was probably like. Very funny, with music track, and lots and lots of profanity. The Rifleman set was probably one big "boys club", with too many guys cooped up together, for too long. So we get Chuck Connors joking about kissing other men, and swearing up a storm. Great fun, but definitely not for the kids.

I've said before, this is mainly for the guys. Once again, almost no women are featured in these episodes. Only one actress even has any lines! Get this one only if you're a hardcore fan, otherwise wait for Volumes 3 and 4.

We hope for further volumes in this outstanding series!
MPI Home Video breaks new and welcome ground with the launching of a series of classic television programs in a DVD format for the home entertainment market. The Rifleman was one of the most popular of the westerns that dominated a early decade of American television and starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain. In Volume 2 (0-7886-0323-X, [amt.], 145 minutes) we are treated to "The Angry Gun"; "The Sheridan Story"; "The Money Gun"; The Mind Reader"; and "Bloodlines". The DVD format allows viewer bonuses which include cast biographies, a Rifleman photo gallery; episode outakes, and English subtitles option for the hearing impaired. We can only hope for further volumes in this outstanding western series drawn from television's yesteryears! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Grab your mask and six-guns, kids, 'cuz the Lone Ranger's back andbetter than ever! Once again, the retro-wizards at Rhino have expertly packagedthis welcome trip down TV memory lane, serving up six complete 22-minuteepisodes of the popular shoot-'em-up series, starring Clayton Moore as the LoneRanger and Jay Silverheels as his faithful sidekick, Tonto. The firsttwo black-and-white episodes (from 1949) are included as bonus features,reminding us of the masked man's origins, and four consecutive color episodesfrom 1956 show the series at its peak of popularity. The colors have faded a bit(otherwise these shows look great), but the action's still as brisk as ever;this is kid-stuff produced with intelligence and skill, with well-cast villains(including Glenn Strange and General Hospital veteran John Beradino) andpunchy stories that will still delight any baby boomers who look back fondly atTV's golden age. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Amazon.com

A widower rancher and single father ain't your typical TV Western hero. But put a Winchester in his hands and he becomes the Rifleman. Chuck Connors may have struck out as a major-league baseball player, but he was a hit as Lucas McCain in this classic 1958-1963 series that was reportedly Leonid Brezhnev's favorite American TV show. When the former Russian leader visited the U.S. in the early 1970s, he requested to meet Connors. This DVD contains the series' first four episodes, in which McCain and his idolizing son Mark make a fresh start in the "new and mighty fine country" of North Folk, New Mexico. The Wild Bunch director Sam Peckinpah wrote the first two episodes. In "Sharpshooter," McCain takes on the corrupt businessman who has rigged a turkey shoot (that's Dennis Hopper as McCain's competition). In "Home Ranch," henchmen of cattleman Oat Jackford drag McCain from a horse and burn his ranch to run him off his property. Peckinpah is at the reins of the episode "The Marshall," which introduced series regular Paul Fixx as redeemed sheriff Micah Torrance. The Peckinpah touch: one character is blown away with wind-tunnel force, and McCain himself is gunned down. "End of a Young Gun" guest-stars a pre-Bonanza Michael Landon as a bank robber who re-evaluates his life while recuperating from an injury at McCain's ranch. A bonus episode features veteran character actor Jack Elam as a local bully who is taught a lesson by a visiting Italian count. These episodes are surprisingly gritty and brutal. When McCain gets fired up, he goes ballistic. "I'll kill your stock and burn your barns," he threatens Jackford in "Home Ranch." But when things really get tough, he still takes time to teach Mark the story of Job. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Rifleman Vol 1 - A Revisit after forty years
I first saw " The Rifleman " series in Singapore in the mid 1960s. My family enjoyed watching this show. In particular, my elder brother and I grew up with the western films - on screen and TV. After more than 40 years, I still remember vividly Chuck Connors as the super-hero Rifleman. I really enjoyed this DVD and saw all 5 series in a row. I long for more, as the Rifleman is a different kind of hero from the modern hero I see today. The Rifleman balances both compassion with justice in withholding right values against wrong.There is a sense of genuinness when he fought for justice compared with today's heroes.
The 5 shows are very clear with superb sound and voice clarity. Till today, Chuck Connors remains my favourite hero and justice icon.

Terrific, Peckinpah-Directed Episodes Best
The first episode (pilot episode) is the best. Episodes handled by Sam Peckinpah are the best because they have a somewhat harder "edge" and never get "sappy" as this series did in its last year or so (this DVD has the most Peckinpah episodes).

Too bad we get shortchanged, this DVD needs at least two more espisodes. DVD's longer service life makes it worthwhile to upgrade to have the best episodes of the best western series.

"The Rifleman" is superior to the other westerns of its era, nearly 30 years after its debut, this series was a prime component of one cable channel's lineup. Surprisingly, Conners began a short-lived attorneys series immediately after "The Rifleman" went off the air. This series was a coming together of talented actors with good chemistry together, mostly good scripts, and the best music of any TV show ever.

The Rifeman...The story begins.
"The Rifleman" was on TV before I was born, and though I dimly remembered the show growing up, I really became acquainted with the program when it was carried for a time on the Family Channel a few years ago. I enjoyed the program immensely, attracted by the relationship between Lucas McCain and his son Mark. Wonderful acting by the tough as nails Chuck Connors, and the adorable Johnny Crawford. Time really flies watching this program, it seems that it has only just begun, and then suddenly it's over. The same can be said of this DVD, as the episodes seem to quickly slip by one after another.

McCain is a single father, trying to find a new life with his son in North Fork. His goal is to teach his son what he needs to know to survive in the old wild West. McCain's methods are basic "tough love", and may seem harsh by today's standards. But underneath the gruff exterior, is the true warm love of a father for his son. A similar treatment is applied to others undergoing life crisis, like the alcoholic Micah Torrance, and Michael Landon's outlaw character, as well as many others in future episodes in order to help them see the error of their ways.

Issues of morality are typically presented as black and white, compromise is usually out of the question. Justice is often administered by McCain's tricked out Winchester lever-action rifle. Some episodes (particularly Peckinpah's), not necessarily in this collection, are particularly violent. The violence is treated as necessary, but the dead are not dwelt upon, and therefore the effect is softened, and passes as we fade to the commercial break. McCain kills only when forced to, and as a last resort.

Others may not agree, but "The Rifleman" is a show about men, primarily for men. Sure, it will find an audience with some women, but this show definitely has a masculine view of the world. In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks, there may more of an audience for a program where moral issues are clear, and justice is swift.

My only complaint is that there is not enough material included. Five episodes is good, but six, seven, or eight would have been better. Sorry, but I'm greedy, and don't want to buy an excessive number of DVD's to complete a series (like Star Trek or Twilight Zone). Volumes 3 and 4 already scheduled for release, so we can look forward to more Rifleman DVD's. Picture quality is excellent, and Elmer Bernstein's moving music comes in at all the right moments.

Whether you are not familiar with this series or not, this is definitely the place to begin. And thanks to MPI Home Video, there will be many more adventures on DVD to look forward to. This collection is highly recommended, and the best is yet to come.

One of the most popular westerns
MPI Home Video breaks new and welcome ground with the launching of a series of classic television programs in a DVD format for the home entertainment market. The Rifleman was one of the most popular of the westerns that dominated a early decade of American television and starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain. Volume 1 (07886-0314-0, [amt.], 140 minutes) of the Rifleman series begins the debut episode "Sharpshooter" which introduced the principle characters as Lucas and Mark arrive in the North Folk area to buy their own ranch. In "Home Ranch" the McCains find themselves targeted for expulsion by a highhanded trail boss and his crew. "End Of A Young Gun" has Lucas compelled to give refuge to a young bank robber whose leg had been injured while saving Mark from falling off a cliff -- the enforced stay with the McCain family has unexpected consequences! "The Marshal" introduced a series regular as Lucas gives work to a drunk who was once a famous lawman -- and helps Micah Torrance regain his sobriety and a place as the Marshall of North Fork. "Duel Of Honor" features an Italian Count provoked to a gun challenge by rowdy cowhands.

TV Western classic
Once you get beyond the kitschy intro and the occasional schmaltz, you get some outstanding early work by Sam Peckinpah and other western writers. Three or four out of the five episodes in this first series were written and in some cases directed by Peckinpah. None are simple good guy/bad guy stories, and the acting as well as the scripts are above average. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Robin Hood of the West,"The CISCO Kid" comes to DVD!
Of all the Western heroes in the 1940's and 1950's the "Cisco Kid" (Duncan Renaldo) and his sidekick Poncho (Leo Carrillo)were the most loved and easily recognized. They were the first internationally accepted western stars.

Now through VCI Entertainment we have 3 great samples of "The Kid". The first installment a 1945 movie, "South of the Rio Grande" (Standard Format / Black & White - digitally remastered, excellent quality) is about the daring duo go to the aide of a rancher friend to thwart a terrorizing dictator. The second movie (1950), "The Girl from San Lorenzo" (also a Standard Format/ Black & White - not digitally remastered, fair quality) - has Cisco & Poncho tracking down a criminal gang which has been robbing stagecoaches disguised as them. (Cisco & Poncho) The third film is from "The Cisco Kid" tv show of the 1950's (Standard Format / in Color - not digitally remastered (fair quality).

The extra features include; Photo & Poster Gallery, Biographies & Interview with Duncan Renaldo.

You get alot with this double feature DVD. A great introduction or re-introduction to "The Cisco Kid". Duncan Renaldo is "Cisco" and Leo Carillo was the perfect "Poncho". For many movies & for several years this duo graced the big screen and our television sets with their lovable personalities.

This is fun family stuff. A real touch of western nostalgia. Enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

And boy, don't forget to finish your homework
"The Rifleman" was No. 1 on television in the late 1950's, when 20 Western Oaters floated over the airwaves. ABC's genius was the casting of Chuck(Touch) Connors, former baseball player, as father Lucas McCain, Johnny Crawford as his son Mark, and veteran movie actor Paul Fix(long-time friend of John Wayne) as Micah, the town sheriff. Connors would go on to star, co-star, or narrate 5 more TV series. This Volume 4 DVD is one of the best, featuring 5 episodes. The first stars Robert Culp as a bounty hunter in a flimsy, slow story, with Culp mugging and hamming all the way. He would write the next episode, then move on to star in TV's "I Spy". Episode 2 stars Hollywood Rat Pack's Sammy Davis, Jr., as a flashy gunfighter with an agenda. His mock death-scene in the arms of Lucas McCain is nearly risible, with both actors on the verge of laughter. Episodes 3 and 4(perhaps the best) star TV veteran Vito Scotti as a Mexican bandit leader, with McCain and company stranded in a desolate ghost town. The 5th episode features Connors in a dual role, portraying McCain and his evil twin, hard-drinking Earl Bantry. Connors literally fights and talks to himself with the aid of an optical printer and trick photography. This marvelous DVD package is an enchanting window on a 1950's America that no longer exists. Then it was a simpler world. Good men were good. Bad men got shot. Everyone loved it. And in the end, there was America's favorite father counseling his son..."Boy, don't forget to finish your homework..."

Prime Chuck...
Chuck Connors stars as Lucas McCain, also known in some parts as "The Rifleman". McCain lives on a small ranch outside of the town of North Fork, New Mexico, with his son Mark (Johnny Crawford). His good friend is Marshal Micah Torrance (Paul Fix). This is the fourth collection of their adventures. Here are summaries and/or comments for the episodes in this set. Episode ratings are on a scale from one to five (best).

Man From Salinas (4): Lucas is acting marshal, when a bank robber drifts into town. McCain wounds the man when he attempts to escape, after robbing the town bank. The news that the man is badly hurt and expected to die, is telegraphed to Salinas, the town the man just came from. There, an unscrupulous fellow (Robert Culp), aware that there is a large reward on the dying man, schemes to come and claim the body. A suspenseful episode, featuring the acting of the charming, smooth-talking Culp.

Two Ounces of Tin (4): Sammy Davis Jr. guest stars as "Corey" a trick shooting gunfighter. Out to avenge the death of his father, he has a huge grudge against the lawmen of North Fork. Corey threatens to kill whoever wears the Marshal's (tin) badge. Unaware of this, Mark does the stranger a good turn, and in return he receives a jaw-dropping exhibition of lightning fast gunhandling and trick shooting. Lucas however is not impressed. As acting marshal, he is Corey's next target. Davis's fine performance as a lonely man with too much pride is both emotional and tragic.

Waste (4): This two-part adventure finds Lucas, Mark and Micah traveling near the Mexican border where they run into a gang of banditos in an abandoned town. Veteran character actor Vito Scotti, who specializes in portraying ethnic characters, is truly loathsome as the leader of the banditos (lovely dental work). They capture Lucas and Mark, and lead them to Micah who is buried up to his neck in the ground. Soon McCain is digging a hole preparing to join him in the dirt. Only Lucas's quick action saves them from the ruthless band of outlaws. McCain has all he can handle trying to save their lives, and is also called on to do an unexpected service, receiving feminine gratitude for his trouble. Mark is a real pain, not following his father's instructions and constantly asking questions. Micah is too injured to be of any help whatsoever. Of interest, is the fact that this tale was written by actor Robert Culp.

The Deadly Image (3): It seems almost every TV program from the 60's used this gimmick sooner or later, as Chuck Conners plays a dual role. "Earl Bantry" is a lookalike for Lucas McCain. When Bantry commits murder, a witness believes that McCain is guilty. The lookalike and his partner reach North Fork, causing a ruckus. Marshal Torrance gets careless, and winds up unconscious on the floor. Then the men head for the McCain ranch for more "fun". "Bantry" is particularly dislikable, and it is probably a safe guess that Conners enjoyed being the "bad guy" for a change.

The Rifleman Volume 4 is the best of the collections in this series so far. The stories are well written, and action packed. The guest stars are excellent, with depth to their characters. Justice is swift and McCain exceeds his average of one kill per episode. As usual, women are almost nonexistent. The transfer to DVD is excellent, the only complaint about this series is that there could easily be more than five episodes per disc. At this rate, it will take 34 DVD's to present all of The Rifleman episodes. Do you have the shelf space? ... Read more