Ep 12. S1 E12 - The Poisoned Waterhole

In The Gene Autry Show season 1 episode 12, titled "The Poisoned Waterhole," Gene and his sidekick Pat uncover a plot to sabotage the water supply to a nearby ranch. The episode begins as Gene and Pat receive a letter from their friend Dan Morgan, the owner of a neighboring ranch. Dan's cattle have been falling ill from drinking the water from a nearby waterhole, and he suspects foul play. Gene and Pat ride out to Dan's ranch to investigate.

On the way, they encounter a group of men digging up the road. The men refuse to let Gene and Pat pass, but Gene senses something fishy is going on and decides to investigate further. He learns that the men have been hired by a rival ranch owner, Jim Clayton, who wants to prevent Dan's cattle from getting to market. Gene vows to get to the bottom of the matter and sets off to visit Jim Clayton.

At Clayton's ranch, Gene meets the ranch owner's daughter Joanne, and the two strike up a conversation. Joanne reveals that she is worried about her father's involvement in the scheme to sabotage the water supply. She tells Gene that her father has become determined to drive Dan Morgan out of business and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen, even if it means poisoning the water supply.

Gene senses that Joanne is telling the truth and decides to investigate further. With Pat's help, Gene breaks into Clayton's ranch and finds evidence that Clayton is indeed planning to sabotage the water supply. Gene and Pat manage to thwart Clayton's scheme and save Dan's cattle from further harm.

The episode ends with Gene and Pat riding off into the sunset, satisfied that justice has been served. Gene also manages to win Joanne's heart, and the two ride off together as the episode comes to a close.

"The Poisoned Waterhole" is a classic episode of The Gene Autry Show, featuring all the hallmarks of a great Western, from daring heroics to dastardly villains. The episode also showcases Gene Autry's charm and charisma, as he outwits the bad guys and saves the day. Fans of classic Westerns and vintage television will love this episode, which is sure to keep them on the edge of their seats from start to finish.