Texas John Slaughter (1958)
Texas John Slaughter is a television series run from 1958 to 1961 as part of the Wonderful World of Disney, starring Tom Tryon in the title role. The character was based upon an actual historical figure, Texas Ranger John Slaughter. Tryon memorably wore an enormous white cowboy hat with the brim pinned up in the front as part of his costume for the series. The beginning theme song for the series included the lines: "Texas John Slaughter made 'em do what they oughta, and if they didn't, they died." Tryon later became a novelist. John Vivyan appeared twice on the series in the role of dishonest rancher Jason Hemp and a third time in an uncredited part. Other co-stars were Darryl Hickman and Bing Russell. Chris Alcaide and Judson Pratt appeared as an outlaw and as Colonel Cooper, respectively, in the segment "Ambush in Laredo". The series appeared in re-runs on the Disney Channel's classic program block "Disney Drive-In" which was later known as "Vault Disney".
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Episode 1 - The Robber Stallion
Release Date: 1959-12-04Slaughter and his men unsuccessfully pursue a herd of wild horses.
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Episode 2 - Wild Horse Revenge
Release Date: 1959-12-11Having finally managed to corral the herd of wild horses, Slaughter must now protect them from a gang of rustlers.
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Episode 3 - Range War at Tombstone
Release Date: 1959-12-18When Slaughter decides to buy land in the town of Tombstone, Arizona, he unwittingly sets off a war with a neighboring rancher.
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Episode 4 - Desperado from Tombstone
Release Date: 1960-02-12When their mother dies and his children come to live with him, Slaugher has a difficult time until he receives an offer of domestic help from a new neighbor.
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Episode 5 - Apache Friendship
Release Date: 1960-02-19Seeking approval from his future in-laws, John finds that they refuse to accept him unless he agrees to give up his guns forever.
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Episode 6 - Kentucky Gunslick
Release Date: 1960-02-26Finding that a neighboring rancher is stealing his calves, Slaughter decides to hire gunmen to protect his property.
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Episode 7 - Geronimo's Revenge
Release Date: 1960-04-04When renegade apaches start raiding the ranchers' property, Slaughter decides to send a warning to their leader, Geronimo.