"The Rifleman" The Prodigal (TV Episode 1960) Poster

(TV Series)

(1960)

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8/10
A fine cast produces a fine show.
kfo949422 February 2014
Billy Havencourt (aka outlaw Billy St.John) gets a letter from his mother stating that she will be arriving in North Fork to see her grandson and view his lovely ranch. However, Billy has no ranch or grandson and with his mother dying he wants her to think that he is a self-made rancher instead of a bank robber. So Billy basically kidnaps Lucas and Mark and will show his mother the McCain's ranch, which he will say is his, and Mark will stand-in for the grandson.

But it will not be long before a criminal gang, that Billy had swindled out of stolen cash, comes riding into North Fork looking for Mr St.John. When they find out that Billy is out at the McCain's ranch there is going to be trouble.

There are some familiar faces in this fine episode. Josephine Hutchinson, who is always wonderful, plays the mother of the outlaw. Kevin Hagen, Warren Oats and Lee Van Cleef make up the rest of the guest cast that viewers will easily recognize. With the fine cast this episode was bound to please. Good watch.
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9/10
One of the top episodes
mldardar13 March 2022
Good story & acting, plus appearances of Lee Van Cleef & Warren Oates in their outlaw role days, but not very much on screen time. Mark's transformation from the beginning of the main situation being totally against the idea, & quickly gladly adapting & even finding comfort is what stood out for me. In this kind of situation, with such a lovable lady, most of us would go through the same emotional changes.
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7/10
NOT episode viewed on T.V. Summary inaccurate.
ilbarone13922 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
WHILE THIS is Typical Rifleman drama Lucas here goes above & Beyond.. An Outlaw with a Poster warrant on him comes to Northfork to redeem himself with his son whom does not know dads past. The father is a Gunslinger with a reputation and three brothers discover this and try to Make their own reputation as a Better shot.. Father has to shoot one brother and he gets wounded as well. Both escape and in hiding discover Lucas ranch and need help for his wounds. Lucas does as Best until he can see doctor.. During recovery Lucas finds out Billy's tale of woe and NATURALLY helps him straighten out his Life and hence the title his son NOW accepts dad 'Prodigal son returns'.. I gave complete story except ending because the program and summary of this episode are Not factual. Discovered Later (Not a PART TWO);however another story on Rifleman "Sins of the Father" Actually ALMOST exact story Different and More precise This one I rate a TEN.
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