Law of the Plainsman

The story

Law of the Plainsman is a Western television series starring Michael Ansara that aired on the NBC television network from October 1, 1959, until May 5, 1960. The character of Native American U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart was introduced in two episodes of the popular ABC Western television series The Rifleman starring Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain.

Law of the Plainsman is distinctive and unique in that it was one of the few television programs that featured a Native American as the lead character, a bold move for U.S.network television at that time. Ansara had earlier appeared in the series Broken Arrow, having portrayed the Apache chief, Cochise. Ansara, however, was not Native American but of Syrian descent.

Ansara played Sam Buckhart, an Apache Indian who saved the life of a U.S. Cavalry officer after an Indian ambush. When the officer died, he left Sam money that was used for an education at private schools and Harvard University. After school, he returned to New Mexico where he became a Deputy Marshal working for Marshal Andy Morrison. He lived in a boarding house run by Martha Commager. The only other continuing character was 8-year old Tess Logan, an orphan who had been rescued by Buckhart. Robert Harland, later of Target: The Corruptors! starred in seven episodes as Deputy Billy Lordan. Wayne Rogers, who went on to star in another Four Star western, Stagecoach West, and later, M*A*S*H, also played deputy Lordan in several episodes.

The seasons

Season 1 Season 1 1959 · 30 episodes Season details＋

Oct. 1, 1959

A synopsis is not available yet.

Special episodes

Specials 2 episodes Season details＋

A synopsis is not available yet.

Cast

M Michael AnsaraDeputy U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart G Gina GillespieTess Wilkins D Dayton LummisMarshal Andy Morrison N Nora MarloweMartha Commager R Robert HarlandDeputy Forbes · Deputy Billy Lordan · Deputy Nick Forbes · Deputy Billy Forbes W Wayne RogersFrank Anderson · Deputy Billy Lordan P Peter WhitneyTrigger Strelling · John Wesley · Knappe J Joseph V. PerryEgan · Ben C Chris AlcaideConroy · Dan · Wolf J John AndersonClyde Santee · Jeb Wicken · Matthew Bannock J John MilfordElijah Wesley · Jason W Wayne TuckerDort · Bunsing · French

See more cast

R Robert VaughnTheodore Roosevelt · Ross Drake J J. Pat O'MalleyJonas · Doc Leonard R Roberto ContrerasPedro · Frank Ramay L Lane BradfordFrank Jackson · Newt J Jean AllisonHelen Jakowsky · Rosa Costello Slade M Michael HinnMarshall Jim Gordon · Hodie Carver R Richard DevonJohnny Varga · Cy Erby S Suzanne LloydCora · Abigail Ellis Wicken R Ray KelloggCal James · Dave Meggers E Enid JaynesHolly Telford · Lilly McGrath J Jess KirkpatrickDeputy Timmins D Don GradyClint J John MarleyWalt Timmins H Hampton FancherHarver L Lyle BettgerSheriff Max Chaffee B Brian G. HuttonJohnny Q D Dorothy AdamsMrs. Garnett N Ned GlassPotter G George MitchellAaron S Stephen TalbotStevie Mullen L Lee Van CleefTracey R Richard RustHealy J Joe De SantisCooper H Harry LandersKid Remick F Frank PugliaDon Esteban Ramores L Lynn BariConstance Valeri M Michael Pate'Gentleman' Frank Deegan R Robert WarwickGovernor Lew Wallace C Claude AkinsSheriff Clifford Shaw P Peter BroccoMr. Schuyler G Gloria TalbottStella Meeker J James WesterfieldJoshua Jones R Robert J. WilkeAmos Cameron J John PickardMack F Fiona HaleSarah Gordon M Mort MillsZeb Derkson J John LarchJasper Mullen J Jack KruschenDr. Pearson B Bert FreedBenson J Joseph RuskinCrow C Clancy CooperCully F Francis McDonaldWatkins P Percy HeltonDel Martin D Denver PyleBurke Carew F Fred GrahamJoe Graham K Ken MayerWally Kolb C Charles StevensEscudero D Don DubbinsMite Rankin W William FawcettSheriff Shep Collins L Leo GordonRand R Robert OsterlohJoe Baker P Paul CarrDeputy Billy Lordan G Gene NelsonHardy O'Hara H Hope SummersMrs. Dodge C Clegg HoytHungerford D Dabbs GreerWesley W Walter BurkeMr. Smith J John DehnerWalter Shannon P Paul FixMr. Coleman A Alex GerryJudge Mason C Carter DeHavenCharlie Banner T Tyler McVeyMarshal Penrose T Tom ReeseCal P Patricia HustonGreta Lane P Patricia DonahueEdie Shaw R Richard AndersonLee Talent C Constance FordJessie Lawrence W Wesley LauStaff Meeker