Ep 8. Little Papeete

Death Valley Days was a popular western anthology series that aired from 1952 to 1970 on several networks including NBC, CBS, and ABC. Each episode featured a self-contained story set in the Old West, often based on true events or legends. Season 2 episode 8 titled "Little Papete" was originally aired on April 2, 1954.

The episode follows two Frenchmen, Andre and Francois, who arrive in the mining town of Goldfield, Nevada, hoping to strike it rich. Andre is a professional gambler and Francois is a chef, and together they plan to open a high-class restaurant. However, they quickly learn that the townspeople are not interested in their fancy food and French manners.

Desperate to make a name for themselves, the Frenchmen decide to create a unique dish that will appeal to the locals. They come up with a recipe for "Little Papete," a spicy stew made with meat and vegetables that becomes an instant hit. The dish is so popular that everyone in town wants to try it, and the Frenchmen become celebrities.

Their success attracts the attention of a rival restaurant owner, Big Tom, who decides to steal their recipe and claim it as his own. He hires a group of thugs to break into Andre and Francois' restaurant and steal the secret recipe. The Frenchmen are left penniless and powerless, but they refuse to give up.

With the help of a kind-hearted prostitute named Molly, Andre and Francois track down the thieves and retrieve their recipe. They confront Big Tom and challenge him to a cooking competition to prove who can make the best "Little Papete." The townspeople all gather to watch the showdown, and in the end, Andre and Francois emerge victorious.

The episode is a classic example of the underdog triumphing over adversity. It also touches on themes of cultural differences and the power of food to bring people together. The cast includes veteran character actor Ted de Corsia as Big Tom and future game show host Wink Martindale as a minor character.

"Little Papete" is a fun and entertaining episode of Death Valley Days that showcases the series' trademark blend of western action and human drama. Fans of classic TV and Old West lore will find plenty to enjoy in this charming tale of two Frenchmen who discover the true meaning of success in a dusty Nevada mining town.