Ep 6. Stagecoach Run (aka Winds of the Wasteland)

John Wayne in Color season 1 episode 6 showcases the episode named Stagecoach Run (aka Winds of the Wasteland). This episode takes us back in time when the postal service was the backbone of communication and trade in America. The episode follows the journey of John Blair (John Wayne) and Larry Adams (Lane Chandler), two former Pony Express riders, who now work for the Continental Express Company as stagecoach drivers.

The setting of the episode is the Wild West, where the chances of being attacked by bandits or encountering natural calamities like sandstorms are high. The episode starts with John and Larry returning from their latest delivery, only to be told that the company they work for has gone bankrupt. The news comes as a shock to them as they have invested all their savings in the company.

Determined not to give up, John and Larry decide to start their own stagecoach company and challenge their competitors. They scout for investors and finally succeed in convincing Mr. Handley (Lew Kelly), a wealthy man, to invest in their venture. With Mr. Handley's help, they buy a stagecoach line and start their journey towards Carson City, where they plan to compete with their former employer.

During their journey, John and Larry encounter several obstacles, including sandstorms and attacks from bandits who are threatened by their new business. But they stand firm and learn to overcome these challenges with determination and smart thinking. Along the way, they also meet a beautiful woman named Marjorie Carter (Phyllis Fraser), who is traveling to Carson City to start her own newspaper.

As they near Carson City, John and Larry face their toughest challenge yet. They have to make a stagecoach run to Sacramento, a treacherous route that requires them to carry the mail and passengers without stopping for more than 24 hours. The goal is to beat their competitors and secure a contract with the government.

The final action-packed scenes of the episode involve John and Larry's dangerous journey to Sacramento. They face many challenges like the breakdown of their stagecoach, an attack by bandits, and racing against their competitors. Marjorie also joins them in their journey and helps them overcome the odds. Will they be able to make it to Sacramento in time and secure the government contract?

The episode concludes with John and Larry's successful completion of their stagecoach run and their new company's triumph over their former employer. They also have something better to celebrate - their newfound friendship with Marjorie. Stagecoach Run is an entertaining and engaging episode that showcases John Wayne's talent as a cowboy hero and his ability to tackle challenging situations with ease. The episode is a must-see for fans of John Wayne and the Wild West.