Leading the cast was Leaf Erikson, who portrayed the steadfast Big John Cannon, a rancher dedicated to protecting his family from the dangers of the untamed wilderness. Erikson, who passed away in 1986 at the age of 74, imbued his character with a strong sense of leadership and compassion. Cameron Mitchell played Buck Cannon, Big John’s brother, whose tumultuous past from the Civil War added depth to his free-spirited personality. Mitchell left this world in 1994 at the age of 75.