16 Rare ‘Have Gun Will Travel’ Photos That Reveal Richard Boone and Paladin’s Lighter Side

When Have Gun Will Travel premiered in 1957, it did something few other shows had the guts—or the grace—to do: it gave the Western a philosophical edge. At the center of it all was Richard Boone as Paladin, the enigmatic gun-for-hire with a taste for Shakespeare, fine living and justice on his own terms. But off-camera, things weren’t always quite so serious.

The following photos open a rare window into the quieter (and sometimes goofier) moments on set. There’s Boone clowning around with co-stars, conferring with director Ida Lupino and relaxing between takes—often still in costume, still smoldering, but with a sly smile just waiting to break through. From contact sheets and candid stills to publicity setups and one truly unforgettable moment with a futuristic sports car, it’s a look at a leading man who embraced the drama of his role as a gunslinger, but kept things light when the cameras weren’t rolling.

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1. That’s one way to travel in the Old West

Richard Boone, cigar in hand, relaxes on set between takes in his personalized studio cart during production on Have Gun Will Travel. Known for his intense focus and gravel-voiced gravitas, Boone often roamed the lot in style—even if Paladin preferred horses.

2. Richard Boone takes the director’s chair

Richard Boone pulls double duty on the set of Have Gun Will Travel, taking over directing duties for one of the show’s episodes. Here, he’s seen giving guidance to an actor—ironically seated in the “Mr. Boone” chair—while staying in full Paladin costume.

3-4. Richard Boone sworn in as honorary sheriff—and auction assistant—in 1961

TV’s Paladin gets deputized: Richard Boone, star of Have Gun Will Travel, receives an honorary sheriff’s badge from Los Angeles County Sheriff Peter Pitchess in 1961 during a community auction event. Boone’s signature grin and gun belt were in full effect.

A new sheriff of the sidewalk — Richard Boone and Sheriff Peter Pitchess share a laugh while auctioning off a bicycle for 8-year-old Michael Apodaca at a Los Angeles County sheriff’s auction in 1961.

5. Paladin, armed with a cigarette

Richard Boone as Paladin in a rare color portrait from Have Gun Will Travel, capturing the stoic intensity and rugged charm that defined one of television’s most iconic Western heroes.

6. On-set action

Contact sheet of behind-the-scenes stills from the Have Gun Will Travel episode “The Posse,” featuring Richard Boone alongside guest stars Perry Cook, Harry Carey Jr., Denver Pyle, Ken Curtis and Paul Sorenson. The sequence captures candid production moments, including Boone preparing for scenes, the staging of an outdoor gunfight and the aftermath of the posse’s justice. Shot July 22, 1959, the episode offered a tense meditation on frontier morality, all staged under the California sun.

7. Paladin pops the hood

In full Paladin costume, Richard Boone leans over the engine of a crew car during location filming for Have Gun Will Travel. It’s a classic juxtaposition—Boone’s rugged Old West gunslinger inspecting the modern machinery keeping the production rolling.

8. Cowboys and couture

Actress-turned-director Ida Lupino gets a quick makeup touch-up on the set of Have Gun Will Travel, as Richard Boone shares a laugh with a crew member in front of the Wildhorse Station backdrop. The relaxed moment offers a rare candid glimpse behind the stoic persona of Paladin.

10. Horsepower of a different kind

Richard Boone swaps Paladin’s trusty steed for something a little flashier—a sleek 1950s sports car—on the studio lot. The hat stays on, even if the horse is in the garage.

11. Behind the Badge: Ida Lupino directs Richard Boone

Director Ida Lupino gives last-minute direction to star Richard Boone on the set of Have Gun Will Travel, circa 1959–60. As one of the few female directors working in television at the time, Lupino brought a sharp eye and commanding presence to the Western series.

12. Tough justice on-set

Richard Boone grapples with guest star Don Megowan in a dramatic scene from the Have Gun Will Travel Season 3 episode “First, Catch a Tiger,” originally aired September 12, 1959.

13. Looks like Paladin is ready for his close-up

Richard Boone adjusts his gun belt between takes, captured in a rare behind-the-scenes color photo that highlights Paladin’s holster and Boone’s ever-present intensity.

14. A different side of Richard Boone

In 1960, Boone was at the height of his fame thanks to his role as Paladin in Have Gun Will Travel. Away from the set, he was a thoughtful, often philosophical man—seen here smoking and mid-conversation, revealing a quieter, more introspective side of the tough Western star.

15. Trailblazing vision

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Director Ida Lupino confers with star Richard Boone between takes. Lupino, one of the few female directors in 1950s television, helmed several episodes of the hit Western series, earning admiration for her no-nonsense approach and trailblazing presence behind the camera.

16. Peppering in lighter moments amongst the Western action

A contact sheet of behind-the-scenes images from Have Gun Will Travel, dated July 22, 1959, captures star Richard Boone in various candid moments between takes—riding horseback, resting beneath a tree and sharing a relaxed meal with a fellow cast member. These photographs offer a rare glimpse into the production of one of TV’s most iconic Westerns during its prime.