The Outlaws

The Outlaws ran from 1960 to 1962 during which time its perspective shifted from the Wild West as seen through the eyes of the outlaws themselves, to the views of the US Marshal's that pursued them. 

Series one featured Marshal Frank Caine (Barton MacLane) and his two deputies, Will Foreman (Don Collier) and Heck Martin (Jock Gaynor) and the setting was the Oklahoma Territory in the 1880's. However, when it returned in 1961 both Caine and Martin had gone whilst Foreman received a promotion and the action switched to the small town of Stillwater. The new regulars consisted of Deputy Chalk Beeson (Bruce Yarnell), a handyman drifter named Slim (Slim Pickens), and restaurant proprietress Connie Masters (Judy Lewis). 

Blond 6ft tall Don Collier had appeared in touring shows and repertory before landing the part of Will Foreman, whilst accomplished recording artist Yarnell already had two Broadway successes behind him, including the US Theatre World's "most promising performance" award for the romantic lead in the New York production of The Happiest Girl in the World. Veteran character actor Slim Pickens, who had begun performing in Western Rodeo's at the age of twelve, had appeared in scores of Western movies as well as almost every major Hollywood TV series. Judy Lewis was the daughter of famed screen actress Loretta Young and had previously been seen in another TV series, 77 Sunset Strip.

Published on January 17th, 2019. Written by Noel Onely for Television Heaven.