The Rifleman (TV Series) Dead Cold Cash (1960) User Reviews

Wish they had more time for this interesting story.

[kfo9494 · 8/10 · 8 March 2014]

This episode begins with Micah at the deathbed of aged Sara Caruthers who still holds a grudge against Lucas McCain for killing her robbing husband. When she dies she has written a will that reads that the people of the town of North Fork will inherit money if Lucas McCain dies within seven days. Since most people thought she has nothing of value, it surprises people when they find out that she had a bank box with $100,000 inside. Plus she has a letter that is to be given to the person that kills Lucas. So now people are interested into what is inside the letter.

When a known gunman, Stacey Beldon, comes to town the belief is that someone in town has hired the gunman to kill Lucas. Lucas has suspicions but all will be explained when a note is found detailing the situation.

This was an interesting plot that was sure to entertain. The problem was that within the 30 minute format it was difficult to explore all the characters and their motives. As seems to be the case in a number of 'Rifleman' episodes, this is a good story but was rushed. But even with that said, it was another fine watch.

Very Different from Regular TV Westerns

[classicmovieman · 8/10 · 3 June 2008]

The regular TV westerns usually revolve around the same formulas, good guy meets girl, outlaw comes to town, does something bad, possibly hurts/kidnaps girl, good guy kills/captures outlaw, and girl and good guy fall in love. Not so with this exciting episode of "The Rifleman". On her deathbed, Sarah Caruthers claims that Lucas McCain will die within 7 days of herself. When her will is read, the town of Northfork finds out that each person will get a share of old Mrs. Caruthers' money. But there is a catch! Lucas McCain, our hero, must die within 7 days. No one in Northfork would hurt the McCains, but doubts soon arise. Great episode, the 2nd featuring the lovely Joan Taylor as Miss Milly Scott.

The Rifleman: Dead Cold Cash

[Scarecrow-88 · 7/10 · 5 December 2015]

Here is a fun episode with a predictable conclusion. Look, Lucas isn't going to be a dead body shot in a gunfight on the ground. No matter the stakes: Lucas would find a way to survive to return another day. Still, the set up of the plot is compelling: a dying woman named Carruthers swears to get her revenge on Lucas for his dutiful killing of her no-good bank-robbing husband (Lucas was deputized by Micah (Paul Fix) during this attempted bank robbery, having no choice but to stop the criminal during the heist). In seven days, Carruthers claims that Lucas will be dead. Her will is read to the town folks of Northfork, and in it a cash box in the local bank is mentioned; the will says that they will inherit the money if Lucas is dead in seven days. Soon a distant relative of a town member arrives at Lucas' ranch with a "job to do" in Northfork named Stacey Belden (Ed Nelson, who actually returns to the show in a different role with a similar fate!). Stacey is wearing the villain black hat and black pants (his grin is questionably devious and his behavior is curiously sneaky; not to mention, he's a bit too friendly), so you know he's up to no good. The reading of the will indicated that the money would only go to those in town (she had unsettled debts with those in town) after Lucas was dead within the stipulated seven days. Lucas carries on without worrying about those he has known for a long time, but Stacey is a whole other matter… Again, the plot is nicely set up. A sealed envelope is kept by a town lawyer who dealt with the vengeful woman wanting Lucas dead so its mystery is an intriguing device, as is the idea that there's this period of a week where the show's hero is in jeopardy as this price tag has him as an open target. Nelson is having such a good time as the visiting shootist, pretending to be sociable with Lucas when it's clear he's just waiting to draw on him when given the opportunity. Lucas trying to trust folks, but suspicions on Stacey has him wondering if he was hired by someone in town. One of the town members with eleven kids defends himself when it appears his relative, Stacey, might have been hired by him. Seeing the town come together in support of Lucas says a lot about their integrity, while Micah's investigation of the money offered as blood money might just be proved as stolen.

Possibly My Favorite Episode

[billbadford · 9/10 · 1 March 2022]

In this episode, Lucas is caught up in a cat-and-mouse game with a hired killer, played by Ed Nelson. The first half of the episode is the setup, the second half has all the tension, and the finale is one of the best of the series. Nelson is excellent in his role, an odd and creepy character who smiles too much.

Ed Nelson

[bdrake-53988 · 10/10 · 11 November 2022]

This was my favorite episode. I've seen it numerous times in last 50 yrs. A great story, keeps viewer to edge of my seat. And a great ending.

What made this episode special was Ed Nelson. One of the greatest character actors in that Era. He could play Stacy Belden with that goofy smile and burning eyes and of course his out west dialect. But Ed was just as good in The Untouchables playing a gangster. Talking like a gangster. And playing in straight up in Perry Mason. No goofy smile.

And of course Peyton Place. Dr Michael Rossi.

In that Era were many great actors. Tim O'Connor, Richard Anderson, Harold J Stone, Harold Gould. Many others.

Ed Nelson was the best. He appeared in three episodes of the Rifleman. All different characters.

Murder in mind from the grave

[gordonl56 · 8/10 · 4 October 2013]

THE RIFLEMAN – Dead Cold Cash – 1960

Chuck Connors headlines this 1958 to 1963 western series that ran for 168 episodes. Connors is a world class hand with a Winchester rifle. This of course ends up getting him in no end of trouble.

Sara Taft, an old widow woman is on her deathbed when she calls North Fork Sheriff, Paul Fix to her side. She tells Fix that she intends to see local rancher, Chuck Connors dead. Connors had shot and killed her outlaw husband years before. Taft then dies.

The next day, the town lawyer, Chris Alcaide, calls a town meeting. When all have gathered, he pulls out the last will of the dead woman, Taft. In it she leaves $100,000 to be divided equally among the townspeople. She has had a strongbox in storage at the bank for years. But there is a catch, Connors must be dead within seven days of the reading, or no money.

Sheriff Fix takes possession of the strong box so no one gets any ideas. He also wants to check the serial numbers on the bills. It could be the money is from hold-ups Taft's outlaw husband pulled. Several days later, Ed Nelson rides into town. Nelson is kin to one of the townsfolk, Steve Darrell. Darrell tells Fix and Connors that Nelson is a disgrace to the family. Nelson works as a gun for hire and is suspected in more than a few killings.

Nelson of course is there to kill Connors. The question is who in town hired him? Nelson soon attempts to get the drop on Connors. Unfortunately for Nelson, Connors sees the play and fires first and best. A look see through the man's effects finds a letter from the widow Taft. In it, Taft promises Nelson $5,000 to gun Connors. As it turns out, nobody in town gets any money as it all seems to be stolen cash from bank robberies. (b/w)