"Death Valley Days" was a half-hour television series which was produced for local television stations and ran from 1952 to 1970. The host was the "Old Ranger" (actor Stanley Andrews) who appeared as an Old West lawman who introduced the story. The episode "Mr. Godiva" was first broadcast on June 17, 1954. The story is set in San Francisco, California early in the 20th century. A young man is courting the daughter of a wealthy man. The young man makes a bet with the father that in three days he can earn $1000 and fulfill other conditions. At one point a large pile of coins is shown. The coins are standard film prop or imitation coins including various Los Angeles Rubber Stamp Company coins.

The Old Ranger appears seated at a desk and introduces the program.

Sam Swift is courting Marjorie Delafield, the daughter of the wealthy Mr. Delafield.

Mr. Delafield tells Sam that he opposes any marriage as Sam makes only $30 a month as a newspaper reporter. Marjorie is also being courted by Norman Cates, a wealthy man whose father owns a bank and who drives a Pierce-Arrow automobile.

Sam claims that within three days he will wear an "Antonio" suit, eat at the finest restaurant in town, drive a Winton automobile, and have $1000 in the bank. The father agrees that if Sam can fulfill these conditions he can marry Marjorie. The father also sends a couple of men to watch Sam. The next morning at a hotel Sam strips and shows the watchmen that he is truly naked and has no money except for a quarter.

Sam gives the coin to the hotel man to rent a towel to wear.

Sam's newspaper knows a story and prints it.

Sam, also known as "Nature Boy", heads for the Antonio tailor shop

Sam cuts a large piece of paper to make a paper suit and draws a large crowd to the shop. The tailor is happy and promises Sam a real suit. Sam also signs autographs and charges a quarter for each one. Soon Sam has a towel full of coins.

A close-up of the pile of coins which are Los Angeles Rubber Stamp Company prop coins.

For more information on these prop coins please visit: Motion Picture Prop Coins

Sam spends the night in a city park to get more publicity. He is cooking some beans when Maxime, the owner of a fancy restaurant, invites him to eat there. Sam agrees but asks to wait until he has suitable clothes.

The newspaper sends a photographer and Sam charges $100 for each photograph. On the last day he visits the tailor shop and has a suit made. The local Winton automobile dealer loans Sam a car in return for his endorsement. The next morning he visits the Delafields and finds his love-rival Norman there.

Sam explains to Mr. Delafield that he has fulfilled the conditions of the bet, including depositing $1000 in Norman's bank. Mr. Delafield gives his permission for Sam to marry Marjorie.

Marjorie admires Sam's promotion and accepts Sam's proposal. Sam goes outside to start (crank) his Winton automobile.

Marjorie follows Sam outside.

Stanley Andrews as The Old Ranger
Rusty Morris as Sam Swift
Yvonne Cross as Marjorie Delafield
Emile Meyer as Marcus Delafield
Paul Raymond as Norman Cates
Director: Stuart E. McGowan
Writers: Ruth Woodman