Ep 15. The Hanging Cross

Have Gun, Will Travel was an American Western series that aired from 1957 to 1963. The show revolves around Paladin, a gunfighter for hire who travels the Old West seeking justice and helping those in need. In season 1, episode 15, titled "The Hanging Cross," Paladin makes his way to a town called Spanish Wells.

The episode begins with Paladin arriving in town and being mistaken for a hired gun by the town's sheriff. He quickly straightens out the confusion and sets out to find out why he was summoned to Spanish Wells in the first place. He soon learns that a man named Jesse Cummins has been accused of murder and is set to be hanged by the town's people at sundown.

Paladin is initially hesitant to get involved, but decides to investigate the case when a local priest asks him to help prove Cummins' innocence. He visits Cummins in jail and learns that the victim was a gunslinger named Matt Striker, who had been terrorizing the town. Cummins claims that he acted in self-defense, but the town's people refuse to listen and are determined to go through with the hanging.

Paladin begins to conduct his own investigation and meets with several witnesses who provide conflicting information about the night in question. He also learns that Striker was not the only gunslinger terrorizing the town and that several other outlaws have been robbing and killing the townspeople with impunity.

As Paladin gathers more evidence, he begins to suspect that the town's leaders may be involved in the crimes. He confronts the mayor and his men and challenges them to a show of force. The town's people, who have been watching the confrontation, begin to realize that Cummins is not the only victim of their corrupt leaders and that they have been living in fear for far too long.

Paladin manages to convince the town's people to stand up to their corrupt leaders and a violent showdown ensues. In the end, justice is served and the true criminals are sent to jail. Cummins is exonerated of all charges and Paladin rides out of town, ready for his next adventure.

Overall, "The Hanging Cross" is a thrilling episode that highlights the show's themes of justice and morality. It also showcases the character of Paladin, who is quick-witted, fearless, and always on the side of the underdog. The Old West setting adds to the tension and drama, making for a must-watch episode for fans of the Western genre.