Episode 48
Writer: Palmer Thompson
Director: Paul Landres
Original Air Date 11/17/1959
Cast
Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain
Johnny Crawford as Mark McCain
Guest Cast
Fritz Ford, born Fred Apking, was an American stuntman and actor. Between his stunt work and acting credits, Ford appeared in nearly 70 movies and television shows during a career spanning 30 years. He provided stunt work for several films, including the war drama "The Desert Rats" (1953), starring Richard Burton, James Mason and Robert Newton; the sci-fi adventure film "Planet of the Apes" (1962), starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter and Maurice Evans; and the sci-fi drama "Soylent Green" (1973), starring Charlton Heston, Anthony Zerbe and Leigh Taylor-Young. He also appeared in several films as an actor, including minor parts in the noir film "The Big Heat" (1953), starring Glenn Ford and Gloria Grahame; and the sci-fi thriller "Seconds" (1966), starring Rock Hudson; as well as the role of Murray in the horror film "Damien: Omen II" (1975), starring William Holden and Lee Grant.
Ford guest-starred in a variety of popular television shows of the 1960s, including the crime drama "Arrest and Trial" (1963–1964), the espionage thriller "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." (1964–1968), the superhero parody "Batman" (1966–1968), the espionage series "I Spy" (1965–1968) and the sci-fi series "V" (1984–1985).
Ford made six appearances in THE RIFLEMAN, portraying Mr. Jones [stunt double for Chuck Connors; uncredited] in "The Safeguard" (episode 8), Deputy Carl [uncredited] in "The Second Witness" (episode 23), Townsman in "The Angry Man" (episode 31), and Second Cowboy in "Ordeal" (episode 48). He made uncredited appearances in "The Apprentice Sheriff" (episode 11) and "The Sheridan Story" (episode 16).
John Harmon was an American actor who appeared in over 250 roles in film and television from the 1930's through the 1970's. His early roles were mostly uncredited, but he was cast in a wide variety of genres and played many different kinds of characters. Harmon appeared in 15 episodes of THE RIFLEMAN as Eddie Halstead Hotel Clerk at the Hotel Madera. The character of Halstead was first introduced in episode 7, "Duel of Honor."
Hank Stohl, born Henry S. Zakowski, was an American film and television actor, as well as a television personality. He appeared in nearly 30 movies and television shows during a career spanning almost 40 years. He hosted a children's show on a local Pittsburgh television station, in addition to a variety show in which he interviewed celebrities such as Sammy Davis Jr., Jerry Lewis and THE RIFLEMAN's Chuck Connors. Following the interview with Connors, THE RIFLEMAN star invited Stohl to appear in the popular western. After making his guest appearance in THE RIFLEMAN, Stohl went on to appear in many other television shows and even films; however, his main professional credits were for providing narration for commercials.
Stohl had roles in a few memorable films, including General Enders in the thriller "Capricorn One" (1977), starring Elliot Gould, James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro and Sam Waterson; and the morgue cop in the horror film "Diabolique" (1996), starring Sharon Stone, Isabelle Adjani, Chazz Palminteri and Kathy Bates. He guest-starred in several popular television shows, including the crime drama "Ironside" (1967–1975), the crime drama anthology series "Police Story" (1973–1977), the comedy "Happy Days" (1974–1984), the police series "Starsky and Hutch" (1975–1979) and the family drama "Little House on the Prairie" (1974–1983). Stohl made two appearances in THE RIFLEMAN, portraying a cowboy in "Ordeal" (episode 48) and Britt in "Death Trap" (episode 109).
Lucas and Mark are traveling across the desert, returning from a trip to lay in a supply of salt. Their wagon is overturned in an accident, and Lucas is injured. The two start out on foot, are caught in a sandstorm, and Lucas' injuries become so painful that he cannot go on. Against Mark's protests, Lucas sends the boy ahead and resigns himself to death alone in the desert. Mark is found by a rider just as he is on the verge of collapse, and they race against time to rescue Lucas.