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".
Episode 1
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.
Episode 2
Slaughter trails the outlaws' leader to a secret meeting of the gang, where he discovers that they are planning an assassination -- of Slaughter himself!
Episode 3
Slaughter's girlfriend's life is threatened when she is held hostage in her home by bank robbers.
Episode 4
In order to trap a gang of outlaws who have taken refuge in Mexico, Slaughter and his men go undercover posing as bank robbers.
Episode 5
After Slaughter forces gambling cheats to give back their winnings, they plot to take revenge by stealing his cattle.
Episode 6
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.
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