Ep 16. Death Valley Scotty

Death Valley Days was a western television show that first aired in 1952 and had a run for 18 seasons. Each episode is a different story set in the harsh desert of Death Valley, California in the late 1800s. The show features characters who are pioneers, settlers, prospectors, bandits, and cowboys.

In season 3, episode 16 of Death Valley Days, we are introduced to the iconic character Death Valley Scotty. The episode titled "Death Valley Scotty" tells the story of Walter E. Scott, who is amazed by the beauty of Death Valley and dreams of becoming a millionaire from the area's gold mines.

Death Valley Scotty is a charming con artist who convinces wealthy businessmen from the East Coast to invest in his nonexistent gold mines. He uses his charisma and wit to swindle them out of their money, claiming to have access to hidden treasures in the valley. Although his schemes are deceitful, Scotty has a heart of gold and is beloved by everyone in the town of Furnace Creek.

The episode opens up with Scotty arriving in the town of Furnace Creek, where he is warmly welcomed by his friends and acquaintances. He entertains everyone with his stories of adventure and riches, although they all know they are exaggerated and mostly untrue.

Scotty's latest project is building a private train car to showcase the beauty of Death Valley to his wealthy investors. He enlists the help of two of his friends, the local blacksmith and carpenter, to build the train car. They are skeptical of his plan, but Scotty assures them that he will pay them generously if the project is successful.

Scotty is in a tight spot when one of his investors, Mr. T. H. McCarty, unexpectedly shows up in Furnace Creek to see the gold mines. McCarty demands to be taken to the mines immediately, and Scotty panics because there are no mines to show him. He comes up with a quick solution and takes McCarty on a scenic tour of Death Valley instead.

The tour is a success, and McCarty is impressed with what he sees. He agrees to invest more money in Scotty's ventures and even offers to buy the train car for $5,000. Scotty is thrilled with the news, but his friends are worried that the train car is not worth that much and suggest he takes the money and runs.

Scotty decides to follow his conscience and tells McCarty that the train car is not worth that much money. McCarty is taken aback by Scotty's honesty and realizes that he has been swindled. He threatens to expose Scotty's lies, but Scotty convinces him to keep his mouth shut by promising to use the money to build a school in Furnace Creek.

The episode ends with Scotty being hailed as a hero by the townspeople, and he goes on to lead a successful life, working as a promoter and a spokesperson for various businesses. Death Valley Scotty becomes a legend in Death Valley, and his spirit lives on even today, as his name is still synonymous with the area.

In conclusion, Season 3, Episode 16 of Death Valley Days provides a fascinating insight into the life of one of the most iconic characters of the Old West - Walter E. Scott, aka Death Valley Scotty. The episode showcases his larger-than-life personality, his charm, and his ability to turn a bad situation into a good one. The setting of Death Valley adds to the mystique of the show, and viewers are left spellbound by the beauty of the area. Death Valley Scotty is a must-watch episode for anyone who loves Westerns and tales of adventure and daring.