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 End of the Trail
Release Date: 1961-01-29When Geronimo threatens to widen the conflict with the U.S. by recruiting the Comanches and the Sioux to his cause, Slaughter devises a plan to lure the renegade Apache into attacking a wagon train filled with disguised U.S. army troops.
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Episode 2 - A Holster Full of Law
Release Date: 1961-02-05Slaughter is elected sheriff of Tombstone, Arizona.
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Episode 3 - Trip to Tucson
Release Date: 1961-04-16Slaughter makes plans to capture a gang of stagecoach robbers, unaware that they've overheard him and are setting a trap of their own -- to kill him.
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Episode 4 - Frank Clell's in Town
Release Date: 1961-04-23The relative peace that has settled over Tomstone since Slaughter became sheriff may soon be broken. A professional killer has come to town.