Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, highlights a nearly forgotten Western television series, Lancer, through the story of Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Set in 1969 Los Angeles, the movie shows Dalton as a former Western TV star struggling to find his place in a changing industry, including a role as a villain in a new pilot episode of Lancer. Despite appearing fictional, this show was a real CBS Western from the late 1960s.
The Story and Legacy of the Original ‘Lancer’ TV Show
The actual Lancer series aired from 1968 to 1970 on CBS, spanning 51 episodes. Its narrative focused on a California rancher named Murdoch Lancer, portrayed by Andrew Duggan, and his two sons, Johnny Madrid Lancer (James Stacy) and Scott Lancer (Wayne Maunder). The series examined the challenges faced by this family as they defended their land during the late 1870s, featuring the dynamic of half-brothers who meet for the first time upon reuniting on the ranch.
Johnny was represented as a wandering gunslinger, while Scott was depicted as a more refined character, shaped by his East Coast college education. The series was filmed in color and broadcast as an hour-long drama on Tuesday nights. Despite its unique premise, Lancer was overshadowed by other prominent Western shows such as Gunsmoke and Bonanza, and it fell victim to the rural purge that led to the cancellation of many similar programs in 1970. Consequently, it faded from public memory over the years, surviving mostly in archives and memory—until Tarantino’s tribute.
Actors and Setting Brought Back to Life in the Film
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood features Timothy Olyphant and Luke Perry as Johnny Madrid Lancer and Scott Lancer, respectively, recreating the distinct atmosphere of classic Western TV productions. Tarantino’s meticulous attention to detail in replicating the Old West sets captures the nostalgia and visual style that made these shows memorable for their audiences. The film serves as a homage to television Westerns, positioning Lancer as an underrated piece of that era’s history.
Potential for a ‘Lancer’ Revival Inspired by Tarantino’s Work
Director Quentin Tarantino has expressed interest in seeing the Lancer story continue beyond Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He revealed hopes that fellow filmmaker Robert Rodriguez might be inspired to adapt parts of the novelization of the film, which contains more Lancer scenes than the movie itself.
I could see that being a great Robert Rodriguez movie,
Tarantino stated. While no official plans have been announced to revive the original series, the concept of reintroducing Lancer with the involvement of Olyphant and Perry is an exciting prospect for fans of classic Western storytelling.
At present, the original Lancer series is not available on streaming platforms. However, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is accessible for digital rental on Prime Video, providing viewers a gateway to rediscover this overlooked chapter of Western television history.
The Enduring Impact of ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ on Western Memories
This film’s spotlight on Lancer has rekindled interest in a TV show that had largely disappeared from popular culture. By weaving authentic elements of Western television into a fictional narrative, Tarantino has invited a new generation to explore the genre’s roots. The movie’s success and its homage to shows like Lancer highlight how Hollywood’s Golden Age and the Western genre continue to influence storytelling today, suggesting that past classics can inspire fresh creative endeavors in contemporary cinema and television.
