Backstory:   The original pilot for a proposed series titled "Black Saddle" that starred veteran character actor Chris Alcaide, aired on the recurring western serial "Zane Grey Theatre." Writer John McGreevey wrote the outline for a proposed series about a famous gunfighter almost killed in a gunfight. As a result, the gunfighter decides to become a lawyer to fight injustice. McGreevey got together with producer Hal Hudson and produced the script titled: A Threat Of Violence.  Eventually the show was produced as part of "Zane Grey Theatre" as a proposed series pilot. Veteran character actor, Chris Alcaide was picked to play the part of Clay Culhane, the gunfighter turned lawyer. After the episode aired in May 1958,  the poor ratings did not warrant a television series. However with the boom of the television western in the 50s, the producers convinced  the network to go ahead with the new series.  PETER BRECK was selected to play the part of Clay Culhane. Peter's success as the star of Black Saddle would eventually lead to his role as fiery rancher NICK BARKLEY in the classic 60s television western THE BIG VALLEY.