Wichita Town (1959)
A classic NBC frontier western following Marshal Mike Dunbar as he keeps the peace in the booming cowtown of Wichita, Kansas.
Wichita Town - Series Information
- Original Title: Wichita Town
- First Air Year: 1959
- Last Air Year: 1960
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Western
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Four Stars Productions
Wichita Town - Plot
Wichita Town is a half-hour western television series starring Joel McCrea, Jody McCrea, Carlos Romero, and George Neise that aired on NBC from September 30, 1959, until April 6, 1960. Joel McCrea played Marshal Mike Dunbar, in charge of keeping the peace the booming cowtown of Wichita, Kansas. His deputies were Ben Matheson, played by McCrea's real life son, Jody, and Rico Rodriquez, portrayed by Carlos Romero. Making occasional appearances were the town doctor, Nat Wyndham, the blacksmith, Aeneas MacLinahan, and the bartender in the local saloon, Joe Kingston, played in six episodes by Robert Foulk. The model for shows such as these had already been laid out by other western programs such as Gunsmoke, Lawman, and The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, so Wichita Town may not have been unique in its plotting and structure. The two most unusual features about the series were the presence of Joel McCrea, a favorite of Western movie audiences for his performance in such films as Union Pacific, Buffalo Bill, and Ramrod, and the fact that his real life son was in Wichita Town, but did not play his son. Wichita Town was produced by Mirisch Company and Joel McCrea's Production company for Four Star Television and aired for a single season.
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Wichita Town - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Jody McCrea
- Joel McCrea
- George N. Neise
- Dave Willock
- James Coburn
- John McIntire
- John Pickard
- Carlos Romero
- Earle Hodgins
- Robert Middleton
Wichita Town - FAQs
Is Wichita Town based on a true story?
Yes, the setting draws on real history. Wichita, Kansas was a genuine frontier boomtown in the 19th century, and the role of town marshal was a real and dangerous occupation. While Marshal Mike Dunbar is a fictional character, the show's backdrop of lawkeeping in a rowdy cattle town reflects authentic historical conditions of the era.
Did Joel McCrea's real son appear in Wichita Town?
Yes, and it's one of the show's most charming quirks. Jody McCrea, Joel's real-life son, played Deputy Ben Matheson — but not Joel's son on screen. The two McCreas shared the set as marshal and deputy without their actual father-son relationship being written into the storyline, making for an unusual behind-the-scenes dynamic.
Where can you watch Wichita Town today?
Streaming availability for Wichita Town varies by region and platform. Because it's a 1959 series, it may appear on classic TV streaming services or digital storefronts. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options available in your area, as availability can change over time.
Who plays Marshal Mike Dunbar in Wichita Town?
Joel McCrea takes the lead as Marshal Mike Dunbar, the lawman tasked with keeping order in Wichita, Kansas. McCrea was already a beloved figure in Western cinema before the show, known for films like Union Pacific and Buffalo Bill, which gave Wichita Town an instant air of frontier authenticity.
Why did Wichita Town only last one season?
Wichita Town aired on NBC from September 1959 to April 1960 and was not renewed beyond its single season. The late-1950s TV landscape was saturated with westerns — Gunsmoke, Lawman, and Wyatt Earp had already set the template — and Wichita Town struggled to distinguish itself enough to secure a second run.
Was James Coburn in Wichita Town?
James Coburn appears in the cast of Wichita Town, making it an early television credit for the actor who would go on to become a major Hollywood star. His appearance alongside Joel McCrea gives the series an interesting footnote in Western entertainment history, connecting two generations of the genre's talent.
How was Wichita Town received by audiences and critics?
Wichita Town was a competent but unremarkable entry in the crowded late-1950s TV western genre. Joel McCrea's star power was its biggest draw, and fans of his film work appreciated seeing him on the small screen. However, the show's conventional plots made it difficult to stand out in a field already dominated by stronger competitors.
What shows are similar to Wichita Town?
Fans of Wichita Town will likely enjoy Gunsmoke, Rawhide, and Have Gun, Will Travel — all classic westerns from the same era with a similar frontier lawkeeping spirit. For something grittier and more modern, Deadwood and Hell on Wheels offer a darker take on the same 19th-century American West setting.
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