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".
Texas John Slaughter
Oct 31, 1958
When John Slaughter's attempt to live the simple life of a cattle rancher is thwarted by rustlers, he decides to join the Texas Rangers in order to pursue the thieves who stole his herd.
Ambush at Laredo
Nov 14, 1958
Slaughter trails the outlaws' leader to a secret meeting of the gang, where he discovers that they are planning an assassination -- of Slaughter himself!
Killers from Kansas
Jan 9, 1959
Slaughter's girlfriend's life is threatened when she is held hostage in her home by bank robbers.
Showdown at Sandoval
Jan 23, 1959
In order to trap a gang of outlaws who have taken refuge in Mexico, Slaughter and his men go undercover posing as bank robbers.
The Man from Bitter Creek
Mar 6, 1959
After Slaughter forces gambling cheats to give back their winnings, they plot to take revenge by stealing his cattle.
The Slaughter Trail
Mar 20, 1959
After John starts a prairie fire to save his cattle from being stolen by a band of Comanches, he is unjustly accused of rustling and murder.
