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.
Prairie Incident
Oct 1, 1959
Patrolling the plains, Marshal Sam Buckhart discovers a wagon containing a murdered man and his eight-year-old daughter. The girl is able to give Buckhart a description of the killer.
Full Circle
Oct 8, 1959
For years Sam Buckhart has been looking for a bank robber. He is stunned to discover that the thief is Sheriff Max Chafee, who Sam believed to be honest and straightforward.
A Matter Of Life And Death
Oct 15, 1959
Marshal Sam Buckhart, who has been searching for outlaw Charlie Slade for many years, finally locates his hideout. Before Buckhart can take the outlaw prisoner, Slade's henchmen overpower him.
The Hostiles
Oct 22, 1959
A man who lives in the mountains kills a young girl; Sam Buckhart is assigned to find the murderer.
Passenger To Mescalero
Oct 29, 1959
Deputy Marshal Sam Buckhart is assigned to bring a dangerous outlaw to the prison at Mescalero. During the journey a band of outlaws ambush the stagecoach.
Blood Trails
Nov 5, 1959
No description available.
Desperate Decision
Nov 12, 1959
No description available.
Appointment In Santa Fe
Nov 19, 1959
No description available.
The Gibbet
Nov 26, 1959
No description available.
The Dude
Dec 3, 1959
No description available.
The Innocents
Dec 10, 1959
No description available.
Clear Title
Dec 17, 1959
No description available.
Toll Road
Dec 24, 1959
No description available.
Calculated Risk
Dec 31, 1959
No description available.
Fear
Jan 7, 1960
No description available.
Endurance
Jan 14, 1960
No description available.
The Comet
Jan 21, 1960
No description available.
The Rawhiders
Jan 28, 1960
No description available.
The Imposter
Feb 4, 1960
No description available.
Common Ground
Feb 11, 1960
No description available.
The Matriarch
Feb 18, 1960
No description available.
A Question Of Courage
Feb 25, 1960
No description available.
Dangerous Barriers
Mar 10, 1960
No description available.
The Show-Off
Mar 17, 1960
No description available.
Rabbit's Fang
Mar 24, 1960
No description available.
Stella
Mar 31, 1960
No description available.
Amnesty
Apr 7, 1960
No description available.
Jeb's Daughter
Apr 14, 1960
No description available.
Cavern Of The Wind
Apr 21, 1960
No description available.
Trojan Horse
May 5, 1960
No description available.
