Hec Ramsey

Hec Ramsey starred Richard Boone as Hector "Hec" Ramsey, who had been a gunfighter/lawman in the Wild West. The heyday of the cowboy is coming to an end, the 20th century is just beginning, and Ramsey is keeping up with the times. He has developed a strong interest in the then-emerging field of forensics. He still carried a gun, however, his most important "weapons" were now fingerprinting equipment, magnifying lenses, scales, and other equipment (often hand made, by himself) which allowed him to determine the real perpetrators of crimes with greater accuracy than had previously been possible.

Ramsey, having recently become expert with his new equipment, accepts the position of deputy police chief in the fictional town of New Prospect, Oklahoma. Arriving in town, he learns that the chief of police, Oliver B. Stamp (Rick Lenz), is a very young, very inexperienced lawman who needs lots of help. Fortunately, Stamp knows it, and after some initial friction, the two men develop a strong working relationship.

The series aired as part of The NBC Mystery Movie from 1972-74 (it was the only element not set in the present day). Produced by Mark VII Limited (Jack Webb's company).


 * Actor Allusion: Ramsey mentions once that he had been a bounty hunter working out of San Francisco, referencing his earlier role as Paladin in Have Gun Will Travel.  Some interpret this to mean that Hec Ramsey is an explicit Sequel Series to Have Gun.
 * Forensic Drama: Played with, in that forensics are a new science, and everyone expects Ramsey to still act like his old gunslinger self.
 * The Gunslinger: Hec in his younger days.
 * Hypercompetent Sidekick: To Stamp.
 * The Sheriff: Hec then and now, even though he's a deputy.
 * Too Good to Last: Only ten episodes were made over two seasons, and then cancelled due to Creative Differences between Boone and Universal Studios.
 * Twilight of the Old West‎: Reputedly the first television series set in this era.
 * Western Characters: Many of the stock types are still hanging on and make appearances.
 * X Meets Y: Producer Jack Webb described the series as "Dragnet meets John Wayne".