Ep 12. The Riley Gratton Story

The Riley Gratton Story is an episode from the first season of the classic Western TV series Wagon Train. The show, which originally aired from 1957 to 1965, follows the struggles and adventures of a group of pioneers as they make their way across the American frontier in search of a better life.

In this episode, the wagon train encounters Riley Gratton, a charismatic young man who claims to be a doctor. Despite some initial skepticism from the other passengers, Gratton quickly proves his medical skills by saving the life of a man who had been bitten by a rattlesnake.

As the wagon train continues on its journey, Gratton becomes increasingly popular among the passengers, particularly with a young woman named Julie. However, it soon becomes clear that there is more to Gratton than meets the eye. He is revealed to be a con man who has stolen some valuable medical supplies from a nearby army post.

When the supplies are discovered, Gratton goes on the run, leaving Julie heartbroken and the other passengers angry and disillusioned. In the end, the wagon train continues on its journey with a renewed sense of caution, knowing that the dangers of the frontier include not just nature and the elements, but also the dishonesty and greed of some of their fellow travelers.

The Riley Gratton Story is a characteristic episode of Wagon Train, with its mix of adventure, drama, and moral lessons. The show was a popular and influential part of early TV Westerns, helping to define the genre and inspiring many imitators and spin-offs in the years to come. While its production values may seem quaint by modern standards, the show remains an entertaining and nostalgic window into a bygone era of American TV.