REVIEWS and COMMENTS for Chuck Connors: The Man Behind the Rifle
Anthony Slide (Classic Images, September 1997) ...is very
obviously a labor of love. That same energy and enthusiasm is evident in David Fury's "Chuck Connors: The Man Behind The Rifle." Readers
will recall that some years ago, Fury wrote, designed, and published a book on Burt Lancaster. His latest work is similarly self-published
and self-designed, but that is not to imply in any way that here is an unprofessional work. Both in appearance and in content, it
is the equal of any volume from a mainstream trade publisher.
With enthusiasm and respectful affection, David
Fury documents the life and career of Chuck Connors. He discusses Connors early sports career, beginning with the Brooklyn Dodgers
at the age of 19 in 1940, and ending with his retirement from the Los Angeles Angels in 1952. It is, of course, for his acting career
that Connors is best known, and I am surprised at just how substantial that was. Fury notes 71 feature films and made-for-television
movies, together with countless television guest appearances and starring roles in seven television series. The most famous of the
last is The Rifleman, which ran from 1958-1963, but I had forgotten how good Connors was in the short-lived but excellent series,Werewolf, in 1987-1988.
David Fury spoke in depth to Chuck Connors and also learned much from his colleagues and
his business associates. The discussion of the various roles is detailed, perhaps at times a little too uncritical but on the whole
fair and balanced. The author does well in capturing the spirit of his subject. The biography is profusely illustrated and includes
a detailed filmography, information on sports career statistics, and even a listing of Chuck Connors memorabilia. A nice tribute from
a fan who knows how to deliver a work of quality and readability.
Lou Gaul (Burlington County Times)
"Fans of TV Westerns can spend
some happy hours with David Fury's "Chuck Connors: The Man Behind the Rifle." Chuck Connors was a professional baseball player for
the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs before being bitten by the acting bug. The 6-foot-6 Brooklyn native appeared in films such as
Pat and Mike with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, and The Big Country with Gregory Peck before achieving his greatest fame as
sharp-shooting widower-rancher Lucas McCain in The Rifleman (ABC; 1958-'63). According to "The Man Behind the Rifle," Connors landed
the lead in The Rifleman over other actors such as James Whitmore thanks to a small role in Walt Disney's Old Yeller. Although only
appearing briefly in the family film, Connors impressed the TV producers with the way he related to 13-year-old Tommy Kirk. The Rifleman required
its star to look natural on screen with 12-year-old Johnny Crawford, who was to play Lucas McCain's son, Mark. After seeing the natural
charm Connors displayed in Old Yeller, the producers wanted the athlete-turned-actor so badly that they offered him a five percent
ownership of the show and the McCain role.
Boyd Magers (Western Clippings #19, Sept./Oct. 1997)
Chuck Connors as “The Rifleman” brought
a fundamental moral message to TV screens that is missing today. David Fury’s authorized biography, CHUCK CONNORS: THE MAN BEHIND
THE RIFLE, builds a 6’ 6” portrait of a highly extroverted, fun-loving guy with an often gruff exterior—but soft hearted in his own
way. Connors was serious about his work but saw humor in all situations. As Gene Barry says, “He definitely traveled to the beat of
his own drummer.” Fury began his bio with full cooperation and input from Connors, unfortunately “The Rifleman” died before the really
detailed conversations could commence. Nevertheless, Fury finds Chuck’s personality through anecdotes and memories from over 40 personalities
who crossed trails with the man in sports and entertainment — Johnny Crawford, Vin Scully, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Robert Stack,
Richard Anderson, Stan Musial, Andrew Fenady, Patricia Blair, Joan Taylor, Arnold Palmer and others give us real glimpses of the athlete/actor.