"Lawman" (1958) TV series 1958-1962

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Release Date:

5 October 1958 (USA)

Genre:

Western

Plot Keywords:

One Word Title | Based On Novel

Cast

John Russell	...	Marshal Dan Troop (155 episodes, 1958-1962)
Peter Brown	...	Deputy Johnny McKay (76 episodes, 1958-1962)

Also Known As:

The Lawman (USA) (alternative title)

Runtime:

30 min (156 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Corriganville, Ray Corrigan Ranch, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Television

Trivia:

John Russell was only 37 - and looked even younger than that - when he was cast in this series. He believed that in order for a man like Dan Troop to have gained the kind of experience and maturity he possessed he would have had to have been in at least his mid-40s, so Russell had the makeup department streak gray through his hair and he lowered his voice when he spoke in order to appear several years older.

One of the best of the '50s series westerns

Warner Bros. churned out a slew of western series in the late '50s and early '60s, some good, some not so good. "Lawman" was one of the best. John Russell, a veteran western character actor, was perfectly cast as tough Marshal Dan Troop. Russell's commanding presence, rich voice and no-nonsense demeanor fit the character perfectly. Peter Brown was well cast as Russell's eager young deputy, and beautiful Peggy Castle was a treat for the eyes as the owner of the local saloon and Russell's cat-and-mouse love interest. The show drew some good directors (Robert Altman, Burt Kennedy), had consistently interesting stories, and there was real chemistry between Russell and Brown. And, to top it off, it had what is probably the best theme song of any western series ("the lawman came from the sun, there was a job to be done . . ."). All in all, a memorable series that unfortunately didn't last as long as it should have.