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360 Westerns Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

How much do you know about Westerns? This category is for trivia questions and answers related to Westerns (Television). Each one is filled with fun facts and interesting information.
1 Richard Boone played the part of Paladin, a gentleman gun for hire, in "Have Gun - Will Travel". If you wanted to hire him for a job, in which city would you find his office, assuming it hadn't burned down?
Answer: San Francisco, California

Paladin's permanent place of residence was the Hotel Carlton in San Francisco. While in San Francisco attending the opera and other cultural events, he was dressed to the nines, but while on the job he dressed all in black. The series ran a total of 225 episodes, and 24 of them were written by Gene Roddenberry of "Star Trek" fame.
    Your options: [ San Francisco, California ] [ Carson City, Colorado ] [ Denver, Colorado ] [ Dallas, Texas ]
  From Quiz: Geography of TV Westerns
2 Hugh O'Brian starred in this western about a legendary lawman of the frontier. What series was it?
Answer: The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp

"The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" aired for six seasons starting in 1955. Supposedly, O'Brian was chosen for the part because of his physical resemblance to the real Wyatt Earp. Other historical figures such as Doc Holliday and Bat Masterson also showed up during its 229 episode run.
  From Quiz: Rein Up! TV Cowboys of the 50's and 60's Part 2
3 Which television cowboy was based in San Francisco at the Carlton Hotel, dressed mainly in black and used a silver chess knight as his trademark?
Answer: Paladin

Richard Boone starred as Paladin in the TV western "Have Gun, Will Travel" which ran from 1957 through 1963. Paladin was a man of culture, but also a mercenary as his business card stated "Have Gun, Will Travel".

In 1957, writer Gene Roddenberry, of "Star Trek" fame, earned the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Script for the first season episode "Helen of Abajinian".
    Your options: [ The Lone Ranger ] [ Yancy Derringer ] [ Johnny Yuma ] [ Paladin ]
  From Quiz: Saddle Up! TV Cowboys of the '50s and '60s
4 Guy Madison played the starring role of US Marshal Wild Bill Hickok in "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok" (1951-1958). Who played the role of his 300-pound partner Deputy Marshal Jingles P. Jones?
Answer: Andy Devine

Andy Devine (1905-1977) was an American character actor who had a raspy voice which became his trademark. He was active in movies from 1928 - 1973.

Surprisingly he was a competent football player while at Santa Clara University and went on to play semi-pro football. However, he is best remembered in his latter years as a rotund comic.
  From Quiz: TV Westerns of the 50s & 60s - Part III
5 "Deadwood" started a three season run in 2004. Which saloon did Al Swearengen own?
Answer: The Gem

Al Swearengen, played by Ian Mcshane, owned The Gem Saloon. "Deadwood" was centred around the town of the same name and charted the rise from camp to town. Much of the script (by David Milch) was based on newspapers, letters and historical documents of the time, but there were also many fictional elements. Several real life characters, such as Wild Bill Hickock (Keith Carradine), made an appearance. "Deadwood" was noted for strong language and was cancelled after three seasons, although many felt it could have continued longer.
    Your options: [ The Gunfighter ] [ The Bella Union ] [ The Gem ] [ The Drinking Hole ]
  From Quiz: Westward Ho!
6 The theme song to this western referred to the character as "a knight without armour in a savage land". What was this TV series?
Answer: Have Gun Will Travel

Richard Boone starred as Paladin in this show for six years from 1957 on CBS. From 1957 - 1962 it was ranked in the top five of the Nielsen ratings. It was one of the first TV shows to be adapted to radio.
  From Quiz: TV Westerns of the '50s and '60s - Part I
7 What is a chaparral, as in "The High Chaparral" starring Leif Erickson which ran from 1967-1971?
Answer: Bush

Chaparral is a green shrub that is found in the state of California and Northern portions of Mexico. It is known for its ability to grow back quickly after the wildfires that scorch the area. In this television show, it was this bush that inspired the Cannon family to name their new ranch "the High Chaparral". This television show ran for four seasons and was only moderately successful.
    Your options: [ Mountain ] [ Cloud ] [ Deer ] [ Bush ]
  From Quiz: Boots, Horses, and Cowboy Hats!
8 "Frontier Doctor" - Who was the frontier doctor played by Rex Allen, a veteran of movie singing cowboys?
Answer: Dr. Bill Baxter

This series lasted only one season since Allen's popularity as a movie cowboy did not go over so well when he portrayed Dr. Bill Baxter. This is one of the very few series that only had one main character. Sheriff Brawley, played by Stafford Repp, appeared occasionally. Sheriff Ed Wilson appeared in one episode.
  From Quiz: TV Couples of Early TV - 5
9 'Have Gun Will Travel' starred Richard Boone as what gun for hire?
Answer: Paladin

Richard Boone was the card carrying cowboy from San Francisco with one of the first regularly appearing Chinese parts, Hey Boy (Kim Chan) played by Kam Tong. Lots of knights (paladins) probably disappeared from chess sets during the show's run to spark kids' role play.
  From Quiz: TV Cowboys
10 The early 1970s series 'Alias Smith and Jones' starred Pete Duel and Ben Murphy. Duel's character was called Hannibal Heyes. What was Murphy's character's name?
Answer: Kid Curry

The heroes were former outlaws who wanted to reform and took new identities as Smith and Jones. They were granted a pardon by the territorial governor on condition that they stayed out of trouble for long enough for him to feel they warranted their freedom. The show revolved around their problems in avoiding being implicated in their previous way of life. Pete Duel died, probably by suicide, in late 1971 and Roger Davis was then cast in the role, although the series was not so popular following this change.
  From Quiz: Another One Bites The Dust
11 "Wagon Train" ran from 1957-1965 and depicted the problems encountered by a California-bound wagon train. In 1960 Ward Bond, who portrayed a wagon master named Seth Adams, passed away. What actor replaced him?
Answer: John MacIntyre

John McIntire smoothly assumed the role of wagon master Christopher Hale. Robert Horton portrayed the role of the scout, Flint McCullough. During the 1963 season the show ran in color and was expanded to 1 1/2 hours to compete with "The Virginian." The following season it returned to the one hour format. Robert Fuller joined the cast in later seasons portraying Cooper Smith. Fess Parker was never in the cast. After "Wagon Train" ended, McIntire succeeded the late Charles Bickford in "The Virginian" for three years.
  From Quiz: Television Westerns of the 1950s
12 Out of the clear blue of the western sky comes "Sky King". If you remember this opening line you should also remember the name of Sky King's airplane. What was it?
Answer: Songbird

"Sky King" featured Kirby Grant in the title role. Sadly, he was killed in a car accident in 1985 as he was driving to Cape Canaveral where he was to be honored by the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Challenger for his achievements in encouraging aviation and space flight.
  From Quiz: Classic T.V. Westerns
13 Hopalong Cassidy rode the T.V. western trails from 1949 until 1952. What was the name of Hopalong's faithful horse?
Answer: Topper

Champion was Gene Autry's horse. Silver was ridden by the Lone Ranger and we all know Trigger was the steed of Roy Rogers.
  From Quiz: The Golden Age of T.V. Westerns
14 This western was about a group of men herding 3,000 head of cattle to market.
Answer: Rawhide

"Rawhide" ran from 1959 through 1965. Clint Eastwood starred in this series as Rowdy Yates.
    Your options: [ Rawhide ] [ Bonanza ] [ Wagon Train ] [ Cowpoke ]
  From Quiz: Television Westerns
15 This actor was Marshall Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke".
Answer: James Arness

"Gunsmoke" was on the air for 20 years, 1955-1975. The first 11 years were in filmed in black and white, the last 9 were in color.
    Your options: [ Woody Allen ] [ John Wayne ] [ James Arness ] [ James Garner ]
  From Quiz: Played by
16 When the Barkleys of "The Big Valley" needed the law enforced, who did they call on?
Answer: Sheriff Fred Madden

Fred Madden was played by Douglas Kennedy, a veteran of many Western movies, and at one time had his own series "Steve Donovan, Western Marshal".
  From Quiz: TV Western Lawmen
17 'Bonanza' might be the best of the lot - it certainly ran forever. When Pernell Roberts became unhappy and wanted to leave the show, they considered 'marrying off' his character, Adam. Who was the woman with whom he had the romance?
Answer: Kathie Browne

Bedelia married Michael Landon on the show when they needed a ratings boost after Dan Blocker died.
  From Quiz: Old-Time TV Westerns
18 Everybody remembers Ben Cartwright and this three sons on "Bonanza", but which major city was their extensive ranch located near?
Answer: Virginia City, Nevada

"Bonanza" ran from 1959 until 1973 and had a total of 431 episodes. In length it was second only to "Gunsmoke" for longevity. And yes, Virginia, there really is a Virginia City in Nevada, and it's located near Lake Tahoe just like the blazing map used in the intro to "Bonanza" shows.
    Your options: [ Virginia City, Nevada ] [ Bakersfield, California ] [ Tucson, Arizona ] [ Albuquerque, New Mexico ]
  From Quiz: Geography of TV Westerns
19 From 1959 to 1973 the men of the Ponderosa ranch in Nevada galloped across the screen in the classic TV western "Bonanza". What was the last name of this father and his three sons team?
Answer: Cartwright

Canadian Lorne Greene starred in the long running series "Bonanza" as Ben Cartwright, the father of three very different sons: Pernell Roberts as Adam, Dan Blocker as Hoss and Michael Landon as Little Joe.
  From Quiz: Saddle Up! TV Cowboys of the '50s and '60s
20 Although not a lot of Westerns had leading ladies in the cast, many had sidekicks. Who probably rode his Jeep "Nellybelle" into the sunset in 1972 after over 100 episodes of "The Roy Rogers Show"?
Answer: Pat Brady

Pat Brady was born Robert Ellsworth Patrick Aloysious O'Brady on the last day of 1914. Brady became one of the Sons of the Pioneers when his friend Leonard Slye gained big screen stardom as Roy Rogers. Brady soon followed Rogers and the rest is history.
  From Quiz: Into the Sunset II
21 Lee William Aaker played the role of an orphaned boy in the popular adventure of "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin" (1954-1959). What was his name in the series?
Answer: Rusty

Rusty was orphaned when his parents were killed in an indian raid. He and his dog were taken in and adopted by the troops of Fort Apache (Arizona). Rusty and his German Shepherd dog, Rin Tin Tin became part of the troop and assisted in helping the troops maintain law and order in the area.

Lee William Aaker appeared in a number of TV shows and movies in the 1950s but never really made the transition from child actor to adult actor.
  From Quiz: TV Westerns of the 50s & 60s - Part III
22 What was the title of the one season-only western that was designed to be a prequel to "Bonanza"?
Answer: Ponderosa

"Ponderosa" ran for one season only in 2001/02. It was supposed to be a prequel to "Bonanza" but with less fighting and more concentration on the young Cartwrights and their early life on the ranch. It starred Matthew Carmody as Adam Cartright and Daniel Hugh as Ben Cartwright. Poor ratings coupled with high production costs saw it cancelled after only one season.

NOTE - This should not be confused with the series "Ponderosa" screened in the 1970s, which was the title given by NBC to repeats of the original "Bonanza" series.
  From Quiz: Westward Ho!
23 "Buckskin" - Annie O'Connell ran a boarding house with her 10 year old boy. What was his name?
Answer: Jody

This is another one season series. It is the story of the West as seen by a 10 year old named Jody. Each episode saw different travelers as they passed through the town rather than concentrating on just the residents. The series just didn't appeal to hard-core western fans.
  From Quiz: TV Couples of Early TV - 5
24 Nick Adams had the lead role for this series titled 'The Rebel' portraying which character?
Answer: Johnny Yuma

Nick was able to claim close friends with two icons of his time, Elvis Presley and James Dean, due in part to fame from this role. Like those two he suffered an early death from a prescription drug overdose at age 36.
    Your options: [ Mark McCain ] [ Johnny Yuma ] [ Will Sonnett ] [ Bart Maverick ]
  From Quiz: TV Cowboys
25 "Death Valley Days" was a syndicated western that ran from 1952 to 1975. A 'host' introduced each episode and there were several in the run of the show. Who was never a 'host' of "Death Valley Days"?
Answer: Tyrone Power

"Death Valley Days" was a radio icon from 1930 to 1945. In 1952 it was revived as a syndicated television half-hour program in 1952 and endured until 1975. Stanley Andrews was the original host. Reagan quit to enter politics, Taylor became ill. Country singer Merle Haggard was the voice-over narrator. Gene Autry was the producer.
  From Quiz: More Early Television Westerns
26 'Bonanza' was a long-running television series featuring the Cartwright family. The middle brother was known by his nickname of 'Hoss', but what was the real name of his character?
Answer: Eric

Set on a ranch called Ponderosa, the series featured Ben Cartwright and his three sons, each borne by a different wife. Lorne Greene played the father, his oldest son, Adam, was portrayed by Pernell Roberts and middle son, Eric aka 'Hoss', by Dan Blocker. The youngest son was Little Joe, played by Michael Landon, who went on to star in 'Little House on the Prairie' and 'Highway to Heaven'.
  From Quiz: Another One Bites The Dust
27 Eric Fleming starred as Gil Favor in the long-running television western "Rawhide". The second lead was a character called Rowdy Yates. Who played Yates?
Answer: Clint Eastwood

Eric Fleming was lost in a boating accident while filming in Peru. Eastwood, of course, went on the acclaim as an actor and director.
  From Quiz: Early Television Westerns
28 Roy Rogers and Dale Evans rode the TV range from 1951-1957 in "The Roy Rogers Show." They had a bumbling sidekick who provided a humorous aspect to the show. Who starred in this role?
Answer: Pat Brady

Pat Brady starred as himself in all 100 episodes of the show. He usually drove the Jeep named "Nellybelle." His horse was named Phineas. Of course, his horse never had the same reputation as trigger. While performing as a bass guitarist, Pat struck up a friendship with a young country & western singer named Leonard Slye. Leonard Slye changed his name to Roy Rogers and the rest is history. Harry Harvey portrayed Sheriff Tom Blodgett in the series. Gabby Hayes was a noted western movie character actor.
  From Quiz: Television Westerns of the 1950s
29 "Wagon Train" first rolled across the prairie in September, 1957. Who played gritty Wagonmaster Major Seth Adams?
Answer: Ward Bond

John McIntire replaced Bond as Wagonmaster Christoper Hale. Horton played scout Flint McCullough and McGrath was cook Charlie Wooster.
  From Quiz: Classic T.V. Westerns
30 "Death Valley Days" was a popular western drama series that was at one time hosted by a man who was to become President of the United States. Who was this host?
Answer: Ronald Reagan

"Death Valley Days" was sponsored by 20 Mule Team Borax, a popular cleaning product of the day. Ronald Reagan was host from 1965 through 1966. He was one of six hosts that included John Payne and Merle Haggard.
  From Quiz: The Golden Age of T.V. Westerns
31 This western was about a wealthy family led by the mother, Victoria. She had three sons, one daughter, and the illegitimate son of her dead husband to look after.
Answer: The Big Valley

On the air from 1965 to 1969, "The Big Valley" starred Barbra Stanwyck, Lee Majors, and Linda Evans.
  From Quiz: Television Westerns
32 Who played Paladin in "Have Gun Will Travel"?
Answer: Richard Boone

"Have Gun Will Travel" was on the air for only 6 years. 1957-1963 were the years. Richard Boone is a descendant of Daniel Boone.
  From Quiz: Played by
33 Who kept the peace in Latigo, N.M. on the series "The Black Saddle"?
Answer: Marshal Gib Scott

"The Black Saddle" starring Peter Breck as Clay Culhane, and Russell Johnson as Marshal Gib Scott aired 1959 - 1960. Breck went on to play Nick Barkley on "The Big Valley". Russell Johnson will always be remembered as the Professor on "Gilligan's Island".
  From Quiz: TV Western Lawmen
34 Here's a tough one. Lloyd Bridges starred as William Cotton, an ex-cavalry officer headed West after the Civil War. Created by the "Twilight Zone"'s Rod Serling, what was this series?
Answer: The Loner

"The Loner" only ran for one season in 1965-1966 and only 26 episodes were made. It was one of the last TV Westerns to be filmed in black and white.
  From Quiz: Rein Up! TV Cowboys of the 50's and 60's Part 2
35 Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford starred as Lucas McCain and his son Mark in this television western situated in North Fork, New Mexico. Chuck's weapon of choice in this series also served as the title of the series; what is it?
Answer: The Rifleman

"The Rifleman" aired from September 30, 1958, to April 8, 1963 and was one of the first prime time series on American television to show a widowed parent raising a child. Former Brooklyn Dodger and Boston Celtic Chuck Connors played the lead role as the 6' 6" rancher Lucas McCain.
  From Quiz: Saddle Up! TV Cowboys of the '50s and '60s
36 "Johnny Yuma was a Rebel. He roamed through the West" began the theme song sung by Johnny Cash for the ABC Western with 76 episodes from 1959 to 1961. Which actor, who was found dead at the age of 36, played Johnny Yuma?
Answer: Nick Adams

Born Nicholas Aloysius Adamshock, Nick Adams was a close friend to both James Dean and Elvis Presley. Ruled a suicide, his death in 1968 was and remains a subject of much conjecture.
    Your options: [ Dennis Weaver ] [ Steve McQueen ] [ Rocky Lane ] [ Nick Adams ]
  From Quiz: Into the Sunset
37 Who played the role of Wyatt Earp in the series "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" (1955-1961)?
Answer: Hugh O'Brian

Hugh O'Brian (b.1925) is best known for this role but also made guest appearances on a number of TV shows. He made a number of movies but usually as a supporting actor. He was the last person that John Wayne ever shot on the cinema in Wayne's last movie "The Shootist". O'Brian was a close friend of John Wayne and thought that this was an honour.
Pat Conway played Clay Hollister in "Tombstone Territory" and Gene Barry portrayed Bat Masterton in the series of the same name. John Russell played Marshal Dan Troop in "Lawman".
  From Quiz: TV Westerns of the 50s & 60s - Part III
38 The mysterious east met the old west in which western series of the 1970s?
Answer: Kung Fu

"Kung Fu", which ran from 1972 until 1975, starred David Carradine as a Shaolin monk who came to America searching for his half brother. Although the combination of martial arts and western gun fighting might have seemed odd from time to time, historically a lot of Chinese immigrants did work building the railroads across America, so that premise was not as far fetched as it at first appeared. The series made effective use of flashbacks to Carradine's training at the Shaolin monastery, and much of the appeal of the series was the use of his mental and spiritual powers against the might of the gun.
    Your options: [ Western Blues ] [ Grasshopper ] [ Kung Fu ] [ Shaolins Of The West ]
  From Quiz: Westward Ho!
39 Who played the role of Corporal Randolph Agarn at the US Army Outpost of Fort Courage in the sitcom "F Troop"?
Answer: Larry Storch

Forrest Tucker played the role of Sergeant Morgan O'Rourke and Ken Berry was Captain Wilton Parmenter in "F-Troop".

Larry Storch and Bernard Schwartz (later Tony Curtis) were shipmates on the submarine USS Proteus which was stationed in Tokyo Bay during August and September 1945. They appeared together in a number of films in later years.
  From Quiz: TV Westerns in '50s and '60s - Part II
40 In the popular television show "Bonanza" (1959-1973), which character was known for his strength, kindness and his ten-gallon hat?
Answer: Hoss

"Bonanza" was a popular western television show that ran for 14 seasons and had 430 episodes. The show centered around a widower named Ben Cartwright, played by Lorne Greene, and his three adult sons. The oldest son, Adam was played by actor Pernell Roberts and was an educated, suave architect. The youngest son, Little Joe, was portrayed by Michael Landon and was an impetuous and impatient young man just entering adulthood. The middle son, Eric, was played by Dan Blocker. He was known for his large size and great strength, hence his nickname "Hoss", which implied that he was as strong as a horse. He was portrayed as a gentle giant and always appeared in his tall ten-gallon hat.
    Your options: [ Adam ] [ Ben ] [ Little Joe ] [ Hoss ]
  From Quiz: Boots, Horses, and Cowboy Hats!
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