The Californians (1957–1959)

San Franciscans during the goldrush of the 1850s attempt to maintain law and order in their wild city. Newly arrived Matthew Wayne becomes sheriff, then marshal, and organizes the city ... See full summary »

Stars:

Richard Coogan, Nan Leslie, Herbert Rudley

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Richard Coogan	...	Marshal Matthew Wayne (54 episodes, 1958-1959)
Nan Leslie	...	Martha McGivern (37 episodes, 1957-1958)
Herbert Rudley	...	Sam Brennan (37 episodes, 1957-1958)
Adam Kennedy	...	Dion Patrick (37 episodes, 1957-1958)
Sean McClory	...	Jack McGivern (37 episodes, 1957-1958)
Carole Mathews	...	Wilma Fansler (33 episodes, 1958-1959)
Art Fleming	...	Jeremy Pitt (32 episodes, 1958-1959)

Storyline

San Franciscans during the goldrush of the 1850s attempt to maintain law and order in their wild city. Newly arrived Matthew Wayne becomes sheriff, then marshal, and organizes the city police force while expressing interest in the young widow Fanzler and sparring with attorney Pitt.

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Plot Keywords:

irish american | san francisco california

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Genres:

Western

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 September 1957 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Bronson Canyon, Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

California Film Enterprises, Louis F. Edelman

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (69 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

" (I've Come to) Calfornia"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Harold Adamson

User Reviews

Two shows; great theme

It began as a unique series: a Western set totally in San Francisco and starring not yet another lawman but a newspaper man. Engrossing and different in its first year with the heavy set McClory doing an intelligent and fine job. I gather the ratings were disappointing because as the second year dawned Richard Coogan appeared as a better dressed version of Matt Dillon. (There was quite a height and facial resemblance between Coogan and James Arness.) Suddenly "The Californians" was little more than a clone Western not as well done as those from the Warner Brothers' staple stable. And then it was gone. Yet that theme song echos yet in what passes for my mind; fine tune although lyrics that rhyme "poor" with "cure" must be questioned.