About this season
Death Valley Days is an American radio and television anthology series featuring true stories of the old American West, particularly the Death Valley area. Created in 1930 by Ruth Woodman, the program was broadcast on radio until 1945 and continued from 1952 to 1970 as a syndicated television series, with reruns continuing through August 1, 1975. The series was sponsored by the Pacific Coast Borax Company and hosted by Stanley Andrews, Ronald Reagan, Robert Taylor, and Dale Robertson. With the passing of Dale Robertson in 2013, all the former Death Valley Days hosts are now deceased.
Episodes (30)
1. Pamela's Oxen
Aired 24 September 1960
Pamela Mann is a widow in Mexico owned Texas and depends on her oxen for her livelihood. But Sam Houston is leading a drive for independence and needs her sturdy animals for cannon movement but the spirited Pamela resists all pleas.
2. Splinter Station
Aired 25 September 1960
Mary runs an outpost on the American frontier where her most important job is providing horses to the Union side. But a confederate Caleb is intent on derailing her operation until they meet over a horse's foal delivery.
3. Queen of the High-Graders
Aired 2 October 1960
Mine owner Jim Barker sends for detective Romer Maxwell suspecting high grade ore is being smuggled out. Romer tests several theories then focuses on Kate Hanson but complicates matters by falling in love with her daughter Sarah.
4. Devil's Bar
Aired 3 October 1960
Dan and Mary Bartlett arrive in Murphy's Flats with little more then their faith and a diving suit. The residents don't comprehend how it works or helps in mining but when they need Dan to use it for violent reasons he stands by his convictions.
5. Learnin' at Dirty Devil
Aired 24 October 1960
Iron fisted rancher Hank Lanier believes his son Jack needs a good education, bringing in Ralph Edmunds to teach him. But the teacher's arrival threatens Lanier's autocratic ways leading to a showdown.
6. Yankee Confederate
Aired 24 October 1960
Union officer Parker has met his match with southern patriot Belle.
7. The Gentle Sword
Aired 7 November 1960
Noted frontier explorer John Fremont is in gold rush California and finds himself in a contentious mining dispute. As the situation threatens to turn violent the future presidential candidate has the support of his faithful wife Jessie.
8. Extra Guns
Aired 20 November 1960
Luke Short aims to open a fine saloon in Dodge City but runs up against political boss Webster who prevents competition. Luke, with support of Mady, tries traditional methods but is forced to call in famous friends to prevail.
9. The White Healer
Aired 21 November 1960
Lt. Wood is stationed in Arizona Territory during an Apache uprising but is more compassionate then his commander. When a deadly illness breaks out among the Indians he is willing to treat them but Geronimo must surrender first.
10. The Wind at Your Back
Aired 5 December 1960
Johnny Carter is wounded while committing a robbery and takes refuge in a mission school. He is nursed back to health by Sister Mary who learns his identity. She urges him to turn himself in which turns his partner Buckner against him.
11. 3-7-77
Aired 14 December 1960
Jim Badger tangles with corrupt lawmen and vigilantes.
12. A Girl Named Virginia
Aired 18 December 1960
As the Donner Party attempts to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Reed family is banished after an altercation leads to death. They endure heavy snow and dwindling food but daughter Virginia shows courage beyond her years.
13. City of Widows
Aired 19 December 1960
A drama about the working conditions in a mining town.
14. The Young Gun
Aired 27 December 1960
An ex-con tries to prevent the son he gave up for adoption from following in his steps.
15. The Lady was an M.D.
Aired 1 January 1961 • 30 min
Yvonne DeCarlo plays a doctor struggling to begin a practice in the 1890s.
16. The Salt War
Aired 15 January 1961
The Salt War erupts when a rancher decides to sell salt that used to be free.
17. The Madstone
Aired 18 January 1961
Bad luck dogs Matt Denby. His farm fails, his son is bitten by a rabid animal - and his wife leaves him.
18. Deadline at Austin
Aired 29 January 1961
The mayor of Austin once insulted Bill Breckinridge. Now Bill is the governor - and eager for revenge.
19. South of Horror Flats
Aired 31 January 1961
A ghost-plagued woman hires a detective to take her and her fortune to San Francisco.
20. Gamble with Death
Aired 10 February 1961
An old prospector partners with a newcomer in search of a gold strike.
21. White Gold
Aired 15 February 1961
A greedy merchant creates panic by spreading rumors that the town's supply lines are cut off by snow.
22. Dead Man's Tale
Aired 26 February 1961
Dr. Allen Camden decides to find who would harm Noble, a kind and gentle man. It turns out a clue was left by the deceased.
23. Who's Fer Divide?
Aired 1 March 1961
A trapper campaigns for the annexation of Oregon Territory.
24. Dangerous Crossing
Aired 12 March 1961
A group of religious settlers tangles with outlaws who have set up an illegal tollgate.
25. Death Ride
Aired 15 March 1961
Lawyer William Thorne defends an innocent woman threatened by bigotry and mob violence in an Arizona town.
26. Loophole
Aired 25 March 1961
When Claypool swindles McSween out of his mine, storekeeper Hobart has an idea for retribution. Trained as a lawyer he traps Claypool into owing him the mine's deed but not before physical violence occurs.
27. The Red Petticoat
Aired 29 March 1961
Phillip Sheridan's friendship with Indian scout Kahlu is questioned after a series of ambushes leave troopers dead. But Sheridan defends his ally against the outraged fort's residents trusting his instincts that he is right.
28. The Stolen City
Aired 9 April 1961
Gurney is among the outraged citizenry when Limantour and his associate Tarabel have a deed claiming ownership of San Francisco. Gurney suspects a scheme but risks his life to prove it.
29. General Without a Cause
Aired 12 April 1961
Patriotism and banditry clash when Owens along with companion Delores are captured by outlaw Juan Cortina. Owens tries to convince Juan to work for the good of his country like he once did instead of using his leadership for personal gain.
30. The Deserters
Aired 6 November 1961
When five men desert the Union Army, they are at the mercy of General Avery, who favors shooting them.