Texas John Slaughter (formally titled: Tales of Texas John Slaughter) is a Western television series which aired 17 episodes between October 31, 1958, and April 23, 1961, as part of Walt Disney Presents, starring Tom Tryon in the title role. The character was based upon an actual historical figure, Texas Ranger John Horton Slaughter. Tryon memorably wore an enormous white cowboy hat with the brim pinned up in the front as part of his wardrobe for the series. Narration is provided by Paul Frees.
The beginning theme song for the series includes the line "Texas John Slaughter made 'em do what they oughter, and if they didn't, they died."
The pilot episode was expanded into a 74-minute feature film, also named after the titular Texas Ranger. It was released theatrically overseas in 1958 in color, though the TV version on ABC was broadcast in black and white. It featured Robert Middleton, Norma Moore, Robert J. Wilke, Edward Platt, and Harry Carey Jr.
The series was originally broadcast as segments of The Wonderful World of Disney.
The series appeared in reruns on the Disney Channel's classic program block Disney Drive-In, which was later known as Vault Disney.
The TV show was also adapted into a comic book by Dan Spiegle, distributed by Dell Comics.