James Arness! Gregory Peck! Victor French! Shoot outs with Robert F. Lyons! A WORD ON WESTERNS!

When New York actor Robert F. Lyons moved to Hollywood, his first acting job was in the Rod Serling/Lloyd Bridges western series, THE LONER. Signed by Screen Gems, Lyons appeared in the company’s Dale Robertson series, THE IRON HORSE, and the western comedy PISTOLS ‘N’ PETTICOATS. Lyons learned that in westerns, delivering lines on horseback was part of the process. He wasn’t sure how he felt when the director told him to climb up a ladder and sit while he did his scene pretending to be mounted. What would you think?
Lyons’ NY roommate was HIGH CHAPARRAL star Mark Slade who took Robert riding and also introduced him to BONANZA/CHAPARRAL creator/producer David Dortort. Other westerns for Bob followed, including THE OUTCASTS, BONANZA, and a terrific color hour long episode of GUNSMOKE, “Major Glory,” directed by Robert Totten and featuring Victor French and Carol O’Connor.
When veteran director Henry Hathaway was looking for a lead villain for SHOOT OUT, his follow-up to TRUE GRIT, he selected Lyons as the leader of a trio of gunmen out to get Gregory Peck. Lyon’s cohorts were Pepe Serna and John Davis Chandler. The cast was loaded with an array of top character actors, including, Paul Fix, Jeff Corey, Susan Tyrell, James Gregory, Arthur Hunnicutt and Pat Quinn.
With over 100 credits, Robert’s films, in addition to his westerns, include such hits as PLATOON LEADER, AVENGING ANGEL and DEATH WISH II. This conversation with producer/host Rob Word took place in Los Angeles, Dec 13, 2022, at The Autry.
#awordonwesterns #westernfilms #actor #jamesarness #gregorypeck #shootout
#highchaparral #bonanza #filmdirector #Robertflyons #actor #characteractor #robword #henryhathaway #hollywood #retro #interviewer #interview #podcast #talkshow

[@wesmcgee1648]

Another great character actor! This guy was everywhere in the 60s and 70s.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I know ! I never knew his name til now but I can remember him from so many 60s & 70s TV shows ! What a familiar face ! And of course from "Shoot Out" from 1970. Seems like such a nice, friendly & humble gentleman...and certainly is gifted at playing bad guys !

[@burthogan3956]

great show

[@cordovanbee]

Fantastic Interview!! Wow

[@fastsetinthewest]

Great interview. Never forgot this nice actor. Eaglegards...

[@mrshortyblackwell1092]

Victor French has got to be one of the most frequent guest stars on Gunsmoke. And the lake that Mr. Lyons swam across in that episode also appears in many episodes. I've always wondered if its the lagoon from Gilligan, just re-purposed.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Could have been the same lagoon set, since both shows were filmed at CBS's Studio City lot !

[@philigan2339]

These episodes make my day every time I watch one. Thanks.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Philigan. We're coming up on 10 years of weekly episodes and have 100s!

[@cbsundance]

Robert Lyons is a great actor and a very nice guy...love all of his work!🎉

[@mjemigh3304]

I went to college in Albany. At that time we had 3 TV stations and cable TV was just becoming a thing. I DO remember watching "Kodiak" right around that same time. I couldn't tell you one thing about it now, but I do recall the title in the mid '70s WHILE at school in Albany. Thanks for another great program, Rob!

[@richardangelini7296]

The few minutes I have to slow down is spent on short clips like this. Excellent presentation ..

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you liked it, Richard. Thanks

[@davidschlecht3016]

A great actor that fielded many westerns and with many memorable actors and directors. Great video.

[@cowboyrickpennyfeather]

What a great interview and actor! THANKS!

[@tectorgorch8698]

Fantastic job again. Always enjoyed Lyons's work. And Hathaway's.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Me, too, Tector. Thanks

[@joeburns4294]

Really enjoyed this interview Rob. Looked up ‘Shoot Out’ and really liked it. I looked out for scenes you guys talked about. You could tell that hard slap Peck took realistically took him aback! The bullet on the head thing too. One thing I wanted to ask. A couple minutes in, Peck out of prison, arrives off a train and talks to uncredited Station Master Willis Bouchey. I was shocked to here that iconic voice of his obviously dubbed! Did Hathaway think his natural voice too strong for the role? What the heck happened there?

[@joeburns4294]

Ok, just read where WB’s voice was dubbed by an actor with a much higher voice in his final film, ‘Shoot Out’. Didn't say why though.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Joe.

[@desertfox3860]

Another great interview. Thanks Rob.

[@toinimoore3463]

That showed Greg Was a True Professional and today’s young actors who are considered celebrities to me they just aren’t and I sure understand how he would feel and Thank You 🙏 for having Robert and I hope you and your family had a wonderful Blessed Easter!✝️🙏😃🇺🇸

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you, Toini. It was a lovely day.

[@jimd8008]

Thank you again Rob. Happy Easter

[@michaelgrow8630]

I have to say in my opinion THE COLTER CRAVERN STORY was one of the top episodes of any television series ever on tv.

[@AWordonWesterns]

It’s a classic, Denis. Thanks

[@777poco]

another great interview, I remember one channel when was 5 yrs old, we watched Howdy Doody and the Liberace show, later we got two more channels. we had the only TV on our block, my Mom let the neighbour kids in to watch if they behaved

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

Same here, 72 now and those shows growing up were the best!!

[@elaineteut9579]

Another fun interview. I remember Mr. Lyons in many westerns we watched through those years. I always thought he had such pretty blue eyes. Rob, you are a walking encyclopedia of western knowledge.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Elaine.

[@jubalcalif9100]

You speak the truth, Kemo Sabe !

[@richb313]

One never considers how actors are chosen but in Hollywood there are venial executives that hold grudges for whatever reason and work extra hard to hurt people it is a wonder anything gets made at all. I wonder how many roles Robert was denied because some named exec had it in for him. Thanks for this fascinating interview Rob.

[@jimross7648]

Another enjoyable episode. Robert Lyons is a face and voice that I remember from countless TV and movie shows. He was alway good in his parts. I enjoyed that he said well I lied about being able to ride. I think that's just part of being an actor sure I've done that no matter what that is. Tells great stories about the parts and projects he was in.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I heartily concur ! I am loving watching this wonderful interview ! What an incredible career Mr Lyons has had !

[@briangoldy8784]

Seen Robert Lyons in Many Westerns.. Bit before my Time.. being a School Kid in the 70's , Thanks Robert Word..

[@robertwildes7550]

Robert was great in "Platoon Leader".

[@doubleaught7540]

Great interview, keep them coming...love it

[@jubalcalif9100]

THANK YOU, Mr Word, for a very informative & entertaining interview !

[@AceMoonshot]

Another great interview. Thank you. I wish I could attend these events. Such great actors just sitting in the audience. My envy of your job never ends.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Ace. Wish you could join us, too!

[@jubalcalif9100]

My sentiments exactly !

[@hiramnoone]

Yeah, that "riding a ladder" Robert talked about was a pretty common thing in films and TV. As well as often pretty obvious. The epic stampede scene in "Red River" for example is one of the very few things that really mars that great film, as it's obvious those actors are no closer to a real horse doing those sound stage shots than the distance to the nearest racetrack. Nice show. Robert is a really fun guy.

[@gregdavis19]

Very good interview, Rob, and I insist you call me Greg, ha.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Gregory.

[@gregdavis19]

@@AWordonWesterns Thank you young man.

[@lpheitman]

Great interview. Bob's performance in Shoot Out was stellar. His acting contributed greatly in making Shoot Out a great movie. I always thought Bob should have worked more.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Me, too. thanks.

[@daneriksson8947]

Looking forward to seeing this later tonight. Just wanted to pop in and wish you Rob and all the other western movie lovers a Happy Easter!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Dan. Happy Easter to you as well.

[@jerryknorr679]

Great interview, must be great when sitting in the audience. Thanks for sharing Rob

[@AWordonWesterns]

Come to town for a taping, Gerry. May 9th is our next live show. You won’t be disappointed.

[@arlineabdalian8974]

Another interesting interview. Many thanks, Rob, RJ and Team AWOW! Best of health to you all.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Arline. Happy Easter to you.

[@arlineabdalian8974]

@@AWordonWesterns And to you too, Rob. 🐣🐰🐣

[@jubalcalif9100]

I heartily concur !

[@grahamhill6340]

ROBERT F. LYONS looks very good for 83, good recall of a long career that was at its busiest during the 1960s and 70s... Usually Lyons was cast as a bad guy who was often crazy as in SHOOT OUT, but just before that in 1969, he was again type-cast as that in a crime drama called PENDULUM starring George Peppard and Jean Seberg. Lyons appearance in KODIAK which Rob mentioned was an odd show, to stage a TV show in Alaska is going to have a lot of production problems with logistics and expense, a long way to go beyond what roommate Mark Slade had to travel on THE HIGH CHAPARRAL. Lyons is very colorful and another good talkative guest that Rob has found for us...

[@nancyborden5860]

Wow, can't believe i found this channel. I'm 75 and grew up with westerns! Us kids had stick horses and we'd play "cowboys" all day, Saturdays that is. I was always Rory Calhoun, my sister was, Sunset Carson, and my cousin was Black Bart and my little brother was just annoying. I do remember a western called 26 Men. Found it on utube 😅

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, nancy. I'm older than you, so I remember 26 MEN too. Check out one of my shows with Martin Kove. He even sings that cool theme!!

[@crowhaven200]

Great job as always! Loved it!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you, Crow. Cheers!

[@julieackles7297]

Wonderful interview. I enjoyed this. This actor for some reason reminds me of Eli Wallock.

[@williambilyeu9801]

Great interview, Rob. I watched "Shootout" in the theater and enjoyed it. I remember the "Gunsmoke" episode too. I do remember watching a few "Kodiak" episodes because I followed Clint Walker, but it was short-lived. 👍👍

[@derekmurray1462]

Nice interview, your knowledge on all things western is impeccable Rob 👍☘️

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Derek!

[@reserrvoirman]

Rob you just do the greatest interviews. I’ve seen this western a few times and wondered about these actors and if they were still around. Back story’s are great when you see the movie again. Thanks for doing these interviews.

[@user-zd9yn5mz1f]

Another fine interview. Already looking for some of these titles! Thanks Mr Lyons for the great work, and please consider showing up to the Hollywood Show! Would love to get something from your films signed!

[@robertdurocher4764]

Great job again.

[@robertdurocher4764]

Rob, my favorite actor of all time is Ross Martin. How come he doesn`t have a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame?

[@zingwilder9989]

I remember Mr. Lyons, vividly, in many, many TV programs when I was young. He was a ubiquitous and excellent actor. I have always been curious as to why he just seemed to disappear about 35 years ago?

[@ricksuegreen1753]

Hi Rob. You have to get Jesse and Bob interviewed together. Also what about The Todd Killings, Pendulum? two fantastic Robert Lyons films, well I guess maybe you can only talk Westerns. Thank you for this lovely interview with this great artist.

[@TERoss-jk9ny]

You are NOT showing up on my feed, Rob. I have to search for you. You might check that out, homie. Great episode, as always.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Weird, T.E. Sorry about that. It is all out of our control. They may just randomly push shows. Don't know. Try sending a note to KZbin or your provider.

[@paulkitt-er9dr]

Great interview Rob. I have always enjoyed Lyons work as a young actor working with Hathaway it sounds like you hang on for grim death it may explain Dennis hopper reacting to him. I also enjoyed Robert in the Todd killings and getting straight with Elliott Gould

[@howardmcclain9784]

Victor french did not die in the gunsmoke episode.

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

He died in the “Matt’s Love” episode with Michael Lernerd, the only woman Matt ever kissed in the series.

[@akulinamackenzie4492]

💕👏🤣

[@bethdavis7812]

Kodiak is here n KZbin.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Beth.

[@lucianprescott8357]

After watching Shootout, I hated this character he played. I wanted Gregory Peck to shoot that bullet so bad and blow his head off. Probably one of the best despicable low lifes/bad guys in westerns.

[@BryanPAllen]

Was he dissing the Duke when Rob mentioned True Grit? I almost turned this episode off.

[@BigWheelHawaii]

>>>> I Love Me Some,,,, "Rob Word On Westerns" >>>> Simply The Best >>>>

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Big. Happy Easter.

[@mark-shane]

Just watched "Shoot out" and one of John Waynes "Cowboys" is in , Nicolas Beuvvy.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Good eye, Mark! Thanks.