Ep 10. The Frightened Town

Cheyenne is a classic western TV show that aired from 1955 to 1963, featuring Clint Walker as the title character. Season 5 episode 10, titled "The Frightened Town," takes place in the town of Tombstone, where Cheyenne arrives seeking work as a ranch hand. However, he soon discovers that the town is "frightened" by a gang of outlaws led by a man named Vic Polsen (played by Lee Van Cleef).

The episode opens on a stagecoach entering Tombstone, with Cheyenne hitching a ride on the back. He gets off in the town square and heads to the bank, where he hopes to get a job guarding a shipment of gold. Inside the bank, he meets the teller, Lucy (played by Diane Brewster), who is immediately taken with his rugged charm.

But before Cheyenne can get the job, the bank is robbed by Polsen and his gang. Cheyenne confronts them in the street, but they manage to get away with the gold. When the town's sheriff (played by James Anderson) arrives, Cheyenne volunteers to help track down the robbers.

As Cheyenne investigates the robbery, he begins to uncover a web of corruption in Tombstone. Polsen and his gang aren't the only ones causing trouble - there's also a crooked saloon owner (played by Anthony Caruso) and a corrupt judge (played by William Schallert). Cheyenne realizes that the entire town is controlled by a small group of powerful men who will stop at nothing to protect their interests.

With Lucy's help, Cheyenne starts to gather evidence against the criminals. But as he gets closer to the truth, he becomes a target himself. The gang attacks him in the street, and he is forced to flee to a nearby ranch. There, he rallies a group of cowboys to help him take on the outlaws in a final showdown.

"The Frightened Town" is a classic western story of good vs. evil, with Cheyenne standing up for justice in a town controlled by corrupt officials. It features plenty of action, including gunfights and a thrilling cattle stampede. But it also has a strong emotional core, with Cheyenne and Lucy's budding romance providing a heartfelt counterpoint to the violent action.

Overall, "The Frightened Town" is a must-see episode for fans of classic westerns. It showcases Clint Walker's charismatic performance as Cheyenne, as well as strong supporting turns from a talented cast of character actors. With its blend of action, romance, and social commentary, it's a standout episode of a beloved TV series.