Television
The Gene Autry Show
The Poisoned Waterhole
Flying A Pictures
Season 1, Episode 12 (1-12)
Production #14
Network: CBS
Running Time: 30 minutes
Black and White
Original Air Date:
Sunday, October 8, 1950
Sponsor: Wrigley's Doublemint Chewing Gum
Brief Synopsis:
Gene discovers a poisoned waterhole while on a hunting trip. Attempting to find the culprit, he runs into trouble with an Indian tribe and a railroad camp.
Detailed Synopsis:
Out hunting, Gene Autry discovers that a waterhole belonging to his Indian friend, Chief Tejon, has been poisoned. Tejon suspects Central Valley Railroad men, who have refused to abide by their contract with him. Gene and Tejon go to the railroad camp to investigate, but get into a fight with Reese, the foreman. Gene then visits Willow Gap, where he finds the copy of Tejon's contract hidden in the office of chief engineer Ben Craig. Reese surprises Gene and another fight ensues. Meanwhile, Pat Buttram discovers a connection between Craig's sister, Kate, and an assayer named Paul Judd, who has bottles in his office that match the poison in the contaminated waterhole. Kate admits Paul is her husband and an ex-convict, but assures Gene he is innocent. Gene and his friends go back to the railroad camp, which is now in flames. Craig rides up with the sheriff, accusing Gene and Tejon of starting the blaze. Gene escapes and uncovers proof that it was really Craig who sabotaged his own supplies, hoping to get Tejon out of the way to then seize a rich silver load adjoining the Indian's waterhole.
Cast:
| Character: | Performer: |
| Gene Autry | Gene Autry |
| Pat Buttram | Pat Buttram |
| Kate Judd | Sheila Ryan |
| Paul Judd | Bill Henry |
| Chief Tejon | Chief Thundercloud |
| Ben Craig | Leonard Penn |
| Reese | Don C. Harvey |
| Sheriff Baines | Tom London |
| Champion | Champion, World's Wonder Horse |
Songs:
| Mellow Mountain Moon | Gene Autry |
Crew:
| Executive in charge of Production |
Armand Schaefer |
| Directed by | Frank McDonald |
| Producer | Louis Gray |
| Screenplay | Polly James |
| Director of Photography | William Bradford |
| Film Editor | Jodie Copelan |
| Musical Director | Carl Cotner |
| Music Supervisor | Irving Friedman |
| Recorded by | Glen Glenn Sound Company |
