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Classic TV Westerns: Behind the scenes

Updated 10:12 AM ET, Mon September 10, 2012

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Six TV Western heroes, who never trade fire on screen because they are all in different weekly serials, stage a mock battle symbolic of a ratings war. From left, Clint Walker, "Cheyenne"; Jim Arness, "Gunsmoke"; Dick Boone, "Have Gun, WIll Travel"; Robert Horton, "Wagon Train"; James Garner, "Maverick"; John Payne, "Restless Gun."
Photos: Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes
Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes – Six TV Western heroes, who never trade fire on screen because they are all in different weekly serials, stage a mock battle symbolic of a ratings war. From left, Clint Walker, "Cheyenne"; Jim Arness, "Gunsmoke"; Dick Boone, "Have Gun, WIll Travel"; Robert Horton, "Wagon Train"; James Garner, "Maverick"; John Payne, "Restless Gun."
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James Garner in "Maverick."
Photos: Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes
Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes – James Garner in "Maverick."
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James Garner, right, films a fight on the show "Maverick."
Photos: Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes
Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes – James Garner, right, films a fight on the show "Maverick."
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A scene from the TV show "Wagon Train."
Photos: Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes
Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes – A scene from the TV show "Wagon Train."
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Hugh O'Brian, "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp." <a href="http://life.time.com/culture/shoot-first-behind-the-scenes-on-classic-tv-westerns/">See the complete gallery on LIFE.com</a>.
Photos: Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes
Classic TV Westerns: Behind the Scenes – Hugh O'Brian, "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp." See the complete gallery on LIFE.com.
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