Luke Slaughter of Tombstone 16 Eps

(4.4 stars; 24 reviews)

"Luke Slaughter of Tombstone," starring Sam Buffington, debuted on CBS Radio on February 23, 1958. This outstanding 25-minute per episode OTR Western program was heard Sundays at 12:05 pm or 1:05 pm. The series featured a top-rated director and talented writers, but unfortunately, it lasted only a total of 16 episodes, with the final broadcast on June 15 of the same year.

Luke Slaughter was a Civil War cavalry officer turned cattle rancher, navigating life in the post-Civil War Arizona Territory near Fort Huachuca and the town of Tombstone, close to the Mexican border. The opening line sets the tone: "Slaughter's my name, Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business, it's a big business. I got a big stake in it. And there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it away from me."

Despite its short run, the popularity of Luke Slaughter of Tombstone has stood the test of time. Tragically, Sam Buffington, who held the top billing in the series, passed away at the young age of 29.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.