Texas John Slaughter

1958
Texas John Slaughter

Seasons & Episodes

  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

EP1 The End of the Trail Jan 29, 1961

When 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.

EP2 A Holster Full of Law Feb 05, 1961

Slaughter is elected sheriff of Tombstone, Arizona.

EP3 Trip to Tucson Apr 16, 1961

Slaughter 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.

EP4 Frank Clell's in Town Apr 23, 1961

The relative peace that has settled over Tomstone since Slaughter became sheriff may soon be broken. A professional killer has come to town.
7.5| 0h30m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 31 October 1958 Ended
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Synopsis

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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jcook56050 "With Texas John Slaugher, men did what they oughter, 'cause if they didn't, they died!"And, with that opening, Tom Tryon carved his most memorable character as an actor. It's typically Disney in style, and pretty standard western story telling. However, many of the story lines are loosely based upon a real Sheriff of Southern Arizona by the same name."Texas John" Slaughter was a Civil War veteran, trail-driver, cattleman, Texas Ranger, Cochise County (Arizona) Sheriff, professional gambler, and an Arizona State Representative during his lifetime. He died at the age of 80. Slaughter was known as a quiet and reserved character. He was five feet six inches tall, with dark eyes and occasional stutter. Slaughter seemed intent on making a name for himself. After years of driving cattle in Texas, Slaughter eventually settled south of Tombstone, Arizona, and bought the 65,000 acre San Bernardino Ranch near Douglas in 1884 that stretched all the way to the Mexican border and employed 30 families. It was during this period that he was elected and served as one of the most successful sheriffs in Arizona history.Of course, many of the Disney Slaughter episodes played on this history, and emphasize Slaughter's effective methods of tracking and arresting outlaws using stealth and planning while keeping his cattle ranch running. However, Tom Tryon at six feet three inches obviously makes the role and Disney character his own. There are many liberties taken with the original history. And, that is somewhat unfortunate, because, as a character, Texas John Slaughter was one of the most colorful and unusual of the Old West period. His skill and effectiveness as sheriff made him a legend in his own right. Therefore, it is strange indeed that someone with Slaughter's amazing law enforcement techniques became entirely overshadowed by a nearby 30 second gun battle at a place called the OK Coral in a no name cow town called Tombstone.Someday someone other than Disney may contribute a real film history in honor of this American legend. But, for now at least, the Tom Tryon episodes give some glimmer of how southern Arizona was tamed by a short, but dedicated sheriff that legend has it, sometimes accepted the quiet surrender of criminals who simply did not want to tangle with a man they knew they couldn't beat.