<P> The Big Valley was also recognized during its run for its polished production . In 1966 and 1968, the American Cinema Editors (ACE) named Valley the year's Best Edited Television Program (for the episodes "40 Rifles" and "Disappearance", respectively). </P> <P> While The Big Valley is set primarily in and near the city of Stockton, the filming of the series took place in Southern California . </P> <P> A bit of Hollywood history: Nick's girlfriend in "The River Monarch" wears an open weave / knit gray coat with red trim that was worn by Olivia deHavilland as Melanie Wilkes in the Atlanta train station Christmas scene in Gone with the Wind . </P> <P> The theme music was composed by George Duning, who also scored the pilot and four episodes; Lalo Schifrin, Elmer Bernstein and Joseph Mullendore also scored episodes . Paul Henreid, of Casablanca fame, directed a number of episodes . </P>

Who played tom lightfoot on the big valley