Law of the Plainsman (1959)
A pioneering NBC Western that dared to put a Harvard-educated Apache marshal at the center of the American frontier.
Law of the Plainsman - Series Information
- Original Title: Law of the Plainsman
- 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: 30
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Von Cowboys, Sheriffs und Banditen (DE), The Westerners (US)
- Production Companies: Levy-Gardner-Laven, Cardiff Giant Productions, Four Stars Productions
Law of the Plainsman - Plot
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.
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Law of the Plainsman - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Michael Ansara
- Gina Gillespie
- Dayton Lummis
- Nora Marlowe
- Robert Harland
- Wayne Rogers
- Peter Whitney
- Joseph V. Perry
- Chris Alcaide
- John Anderson
Writers
- Arthur Browne Jr.
- Calvin Clements Sr.
- Cyril Hume
- David Lang
- Jay Simms
Law of the Plainsman - FAQs
Was Law of the Plainsman based on a true story?
Law of the Plainsman is a fictional series, though it draws on the historical reality of Native Americans serving in law enforcement roles in the American West. The character of Sam Buckhart was invented for television, first appearing in two episodes of The Rifleman before earning his own spinoff series.
Who played Sam Buckhart in Law of the Plainsman?
Michael Ansara played Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart, an Apache Indian turned Harvard-educated lawman. Ansara was not of Native American heritage but of Syrian descent. He was already familiar to Western audiences from his earlier role as Apache chief Cochise in the series Broken Arrow.
How did Law of the Plainsman connect to The Rifleman?
The character of Sam Buckhart was introduced in two guest episodes of The Rifleman, the popular ABC Western starring Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain. The character's reception was strong enough that NBC developed a standalone spinoff series built entirely around Buckhart as the central lead.
Why was Law of the Plainsman considered groundbreaking?
The series was among the very few American network television programs of its era to feature a Native American as the primary lead character. Placing an Apache marshal at the center of a prime-time Western was a bold and unconventional creative choice for U.S. broadcast television in the late 1950s.
How many episodes does Law of the Plainsman have?
Law of the Plainsman ran for 30 episodes across a single season, airing on NBC from October 1, 1959, to May 5, 1960. The series also has 2 special episodes catalogued separately, bringing the total episode count across all seasons to 32.
Did Wayne Rogers appear in Law of the Plainsman?
Yes. Wayne Rogers, later famous for playing Trapper John McIntyre in M*A*S*H, appeared in several episodes of Law of the Plainsman as Deputy Frank Anderson. He also went on to star in Stagecoach West, another Four Star western production, before his breakthrough in M*A*S*H.
What network aired Law of the Plainsman?
Law of the Plainsman aired on NBC. It ran during the 1959–1960 television season, occupying a prime-time slot as part of NBC's Western programming lineup. The series was produced by Levy-Gardner-Laven, Cardiff Giant Productions, and Four Stars Productions.
What are shows similar to Law of the Plainsman?
Viewers who enjoy Law of the Plainsman may also appreciate Lonesome Dove: The Series, Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years, Strange Empire, and Klondike, all of which explore frontier drama and Western themes. Quick Draw and The American West offer additional perspectives on the genre.
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