Television Westerns of the 1950s Quiz

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.

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.

Answer: Johnny Crawford

In the pilot, Lucas McCain didn't have a son. It was producer Arnold Laven's idea to make McCain a widower with a son. Johnny Crawford was a "Mouseketeer" and has appeared in over 250 television productions, 15 movies, and 12 plays. He received an Emmy Nomination at the age of 13 for his role in "The Rifleman." He pursued a music career after the series and traveled with his dance band. Tommy Rettig and Jon Provost were on "Lassie" during different seasons. Paul Peterson starred on "The Donna Reed Show."

Answer: Buntline Special

Earp's pistols supposedly sported 12-inch barrels. He maintained law in Ellsworth, Dodge City and Tombstone during the run of the series. The legend goes that fiction writer Ned Buntline gave Earp the weapons because Earp's exploits had inspired many of his western stories. The authenticity of this story is disputed.

Answer: Will Hutchins

In the late sixties, Hutchins went on to star in two short-lived series, "Hey, Landlord" and "Blondie", in which he played Dagwood Bumstead. He also acted in three Elvis Presley films. He was married to Carol Burnett's younger sister, Chrissie.
After the sixties, he turned his back on Hollywood and took up a career as a circus ringmaster and clown. Robert Horton acted in Wagon Train. Clint Walker portrayed Cheyenne Bodie in "Cheyenne" and James Arness was Marshal Dillon in "Gunsmoke."

Answer: Dodge City

Gene Barry played Bat Masterson. The real Bat Masterson was an assistant city marshal. In 1876, the 'Dodge City Times' reported that he was paid $25 per month. Bat was born William Bartholomew Masterson in Quebec, Canada on November 26, 1853. He preferred to use his cane to get out of tight spots rather than his pistol. Gene want on to star in "Burke's Law."

Answer: Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda provided narration for all the episodes and only appeared in the show when his character was in town. Storekeeper Clay McCord was played by Allen Case. He was an expert shot who was often persuaded to be deputized to help the marshal. Henry Fonda appeared in many great films including "On Golden Pond" for which he won a Best Actor Oscar. Gene Barry starred as Bat Masterson and Steve McQueen was Josh Randall in "Wanted: Dead or Alive."

Answer: Detective

Shotgun Slade was a free-lance detective who was retained by Wells Fargo, banks, stage lines and insurance companies. Interestingly, the show featured a jazz themed score rater than a typical western one. The gun that he carried had a .12 gauge shotgun barrel and a .32 caliber rifle barrel. Weapons were a common gimmick in a lot of westerns. "The Man From Blackhawk" featured an insurance investigator.

Answer: Diablo

Annie lived with her younger brother, Tagg, in Diablo. Her uncle, Luke MacTavish, was the town sheriff. All the work was done by his deputy, Annie's friend Lofty Craig. Annie's horse was named Target. North Fork was the setting for "The Rifleman." Virginia City is where the Cartwrights went to town in "Bonanza" and Doodyville is for another fifties quiz.

Answer: The Gabby Hayes Show

Yes, George "Gabby" Hayes had his own show during the dawn of the television westerns after decades of movie acting. He opened the show with his toothless accent by saying "Hullo out thar in televisium land!" After the run of the show he became a spokesperson for popsicles and made personal appearances until he passed away at his Nevada ranch at the age of 83. "Death Valley Days" was a western show sponsored by Twenty Mule Team Borax. "Tales of Wells Fargo" starred Dale Robertson.