User Reviews

I'm always happy to see Claude Akins guest starring in a production from the Golden Age of TV. In this episode of 'The Rifleman' he cuts an intimidating figure as a Texas gunslinger in all black. Well worth tuning in as this turns out a tad bit different than your usual Western bank heist episode.

Here is another well performed episode as North Fork finally gets a bank. John Hamilton, the bank's President, is trying to get the people of the town to finally place their money in a bank rather than bury the currency on their property. He shows off the brand new metal safe and even has hired a guard, Floyd Doniger (Claude Akins), as security guard just in case of any attempts at a bank robbery. Floyd even puts on a little shooting skill demonstration for the citizens of North Fork.

There are three suspicious men that ride into town that even the novice watcher knows is amiss. The three talk the bank guard, Floyd, into going in with them and robbing the bank in the expectation of splitting the loot four ways.

Right after Mark deposits his five dollars for selling a pig (Lucas was not fond of banks from a previous incident) the plan, that the four guys mastermind, is put into place. The three arrive at the bank and force Mr Hamilton to give them the money but things are not going to go as planned.

The entire show was well performed and the script was very entertaining. Claude Akins was nicely cast as the guard as he always does a nice job of bring the character to life. The only problem, or thing I did not understand, was the ending of the show. Even with Lucas losing money after a bank default years ago, right at the end of the show he agrees to place his money in the North Fork bank. And right before the screen fades to black he tells Mark, "Sometimes there's a good reason for a man to change his mind"-- was not sure of the reason. Was it the banker, Mark depositing his money, the Judge or just he wanted to make the town work? Guess that is for the viewer to decide. Good watch.

Sorry not a review, just comments. I actually preferred Claude Akins in the few "good guy" roles i've seen him in but DAAAAMMMN that man looked beautiful in black! Woot! Going nuts tryna recall where else i'd seen John Hamilton aka Harlan Warde irl ... he also played sheriff Brannon on the Virginian! Even though Hope Summers had this recurring role as Hattie Denton & maybe other character too (?) on the Rifleman, when i look at her i still see aunt Bee's pal on the Andy Griffith Show! Thanks for allowing me to share! ; )

Early episode in the Rifleman series was crude by comparison to later entries. Connors clearly had not developed his reputation yet the townspeople respected him to the max. No Micah Torrance in the episode was missed as Connors had to back him up weekly against more imposing thugs that these three plus a somewhat reticent Claude Akins. I have seen hm act tougher in other shows. It was a real bad episode. I could have written a better script for this.