Westerns-OTR

The Six Shooter "Gabriel Starbuck" (11-22-53)

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:51:41 -0800

The Six Shooter brought James Stewart to the NBC microphone on September 20, 1953, in a fine series of folksy Western adventures. Stewart was never better on the air than in this drama of Britt Ponset, frontier drifter created by Frank Burt. The epigraph set it up nicely: "The man in the saddle is angular and long-legged: his skin is sun dyed brown. The gun in his holster is gray steel and rainbow mother-of-pearl. People call them both The Six Shooter." Ponset was a wanderer, an easy-going gentleman and -- when he had to be -- a gunfighter. Stewart was right in character as the slow-talking maverick who usually blundered into other people's troubles and sometimes shot his way out. His experiences were broad, but The Six Shooter leaned more to comedy than other shows of its kind. Ponset took time out to play Hamlet with a crude road company. He ran for mayor and sheriff of the same town at the same time. He became involved in a delighful Western version of Cinderella, complete with grouchy stepmother, ugly sisters, and a shoe that didn't fit. And at Christmas he told a young runaway the story of A Christmas Carol, Substituting the original Dickens characters with Western heavies. Britt even had time to fall in love, but it was the age-old story of people from different worlds, and the romance was foredoomed despite their valiant efforts to save it. So we got a cowboy-into-the-sunset ending for this series, truly one of the bright spots of radio. Unfortunately, it came too late, and lasted only one season. It was a transcribed show, sustained by NBC and directed by Jack Johnstone. Basil Adlam provided the music and Frank Burt wrote the scripts. Hal Gibney announced.

THIS EPISODE:

November 22, 1953. NBC network. Sustaining. Gabe Starbuck is getting too old to be the sheriff any more, and the town thinks the job should go to a younger man. Then...the bank is robbed. Jimmy Stewart, Frank Burt (creator), Basil Adlam (music), Jack Johnstone (director), Herb Vigran, John Stevenson, William Johnstone, Hal Gibney (announcer), Lamont Johnson, Dal McKinnon. 29:47.

The Cisco Kid "The Boxcar Bandit" (12-27-53)

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:23:13 -0800

The Cisco Kid - Western Drama mainly for the young ones or maybe just the young at heart. I say the young at heart, because The Cisco Kid and his likeable but simple partner Pancho were a couple of lovable rogues and because there was usually a lovely senorita around in every episode who fell madly in love with Sisco, there may well have been an element of lady listeners included in the audience rating figures. Here they were, these two Mexican bandits, travelling from sunset to sunset (because that's where they always road off to at the end of each episode) robbing the rich, but I wouldn't say giving it to the poor. At least they did it in a kind and humorous way. It was more a question of the victim being relieved of the heavy burden of his or her riches, rather than having some of their prized possessions taken away from them. Half the fun in the series was listening to Pancho try to explain in his simple Mexican way that the sheriff's posse was hard on their heels and to quote him, "Ceesco, eef they catch up with us, perhaps they weel keel us." At the beginning The Cisco Kid was played by Jackson Beck then later Jack Mather took over the role. Whilst Pancho was played first by Louis Sorin then by Harry Lang. Originally the Announcer was Michael Rye and the Director Jock McGregor and during the days of Jack Mather and Harry Lang the Producer was J. C. Lewis with the series being written by Larry Hays.

The Lone Ranger "Christmas Tree" (12-25-50)

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:39:07 -0800

The Lone Ranger was an American long-running early radio and television show created by George W. Trendle (with considerable input from station staff members), and developed by writer Fran Striker. The titular character is a masked Texas Ranger in the American Old West, who gallops about righting injustices, usually with the aid of a clever and laconic American Indian sidekick called Tonto, and his horse Silver. He would famously say "Hi-yo Silver, away!" to get the horse to gallop. On the radio and TV-series, the usual opening announcement was: “ A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty 'Hi-yo Silver!' The Lone Ranger! ”In later episodes the opening narration ended with the catch phrase "Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.... The Lone Ranger Rides Again!" Episodes usually ended with one of the characters lamenting the fact that they never found out the hero's name ("Who was that masked man?"), only to be told, "Why, that was the Lone Ranger!" as he and Tonto ride away. The theme music was the "cavalry charge" finale of Gioacchino Rossini's William Tell Overture, now inseparably associated with the series, which also featured many other classical selections as incidental music including Wagner, Mendelssohn, Liszt, and Tchaikovsky. The theme was conducted by Daniel Perez Castaneda. Inspiration for the name may have come from The Lone Star Ranger, a novel by Zane Grey. Karl May's tales of Old Shatterhand and Chief Winnetou may have influenced the creation of the concept; they in turn were influenced by The Leatherstocking Tales of James Fenimore Cooper. The legends of Robin Hood and the popular character Zorro were also a likely inspiration.

THIS EPISODE:

December 25, 1950. Program #2799/2023. Syndicated. "Mr. Upton"/"The Christmas Tree". Music fill for local commercial insert. A flashback Christmas story about Paul Dawson, a mine cashier who runs away after being accused of stealing some of the payroll money. He leaves behind a crippled wife and eight year old son in poverty at Christmas time. A good Christmas script; Dan Reid appears in the story. Brace Beemer, John Todd, Fran Striker (editor), Charles D. Livingstone (director), George W. Trendle (creator, producer). 29:12.

Gunsmok " Beekers Barn" (12-23-56)

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 22:24:51 -0800

December 23, 1956. CBS net. "Beeker's Barn". Sponsored by: L & M, Chesterfield. A young couple take shelter in her estranged father's barn, just before she has a baby! The script was used again on the series on December 20, 1959. The system cue is added live. William Conrad, Les Crutchfield (writer), Parley Baer, Ralph Moody, Vic Perrin, Virginia Gregg, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), John Meston (editorial supervisor), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Ray Kemper (sound patterns), Tom Hanley (sound patterns), George Fenneman (announcer), George Walsh (announcer). 25:17.

The Lux Radio Theater "The Lady From Cheyenne" (06-16-41)

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:17:58 -0800

The Lux Radio Theater debuted in 1934 on NBC's Blue radio network, dramatizing Broadway plays from New York. In an effort to improve ratings, the show switched networks to CBS and moved West in June 1936 to capitalize on Hollywood talent and popular movie fare. Lux’s extravagant productions were a huge success. Renowned director Cecil B. DeMille was brought in to host the show. Stars were routinely paid up to $5,000 to appear and over 50 actors, musicians and technicians were on hand every week for productions which ranged from "The Thin Man" to "The Jazz Singer" to "The African Queen." Before the show left the air in 1955, DeMille, and subsequent hosts William Keighley and Irving Cummings welcomed nearly every major movie and radio star to the Lux microphone, including Cary Grant, Claudette Colbert, Bing Crosby, Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Judy Garland, Roy Rogers and Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. First Broadcast October 13, 1934. Last Broadcast June 7, 1955

THIS EPISODE:

The Lady from Cheyenne from Lux Radio Theater aired June 16, 1941 starring in their original roles Loretta Young as Annie Morgan, Robert Preston as Steve Lewis and Edward Arnold as James Cork. Loretta Young as a naive but earnest schoolteacher fights for the cause of suffrage as a means of rescuing her town from corruption in Wyoming Territory.

Wild Bill Hickock "High Pressure Killer" (04-21-54)

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:59:08 -0800

Wild Bill Hickock - This juvenile western followed the same format as the TV show of the same name that ran throughout the same years. This format certainly was not new as the charismatic hero and comic side-kick was something that had been done before with Hopalong Cassidy and The Cisco Kid, and to some extent with the Lone Ranger. FIRST BROADCAST: May 17, 1951 LAST BROADCAST: February 12, 1956 SPONSORS: Kellog CAST: Guy Madison and Andy Devine. ANNOUNCERS: Charlie Lyon PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS: Paul Pierc. The storylines for Wild Bill Hikock are anything but challenging. The basic plot is usually along the lines of Hickock and his sidekick, Jingles, blundering into trouble, fighting their way out of it somehow, and then riding off into the sunset in readiness for next weeks trials and tribulations.

THIS EPISODE:

April 21, 1954. Program #228. Mutual network. "High Pressure Killers". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Sugar Pops, Kellogg's Variety Pack (name-the-movie contest). It's the hydraulic miners vs. the farmers. Wild Bill hoses down the bad guys. The system cue is added live. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (director), Richard Aurandt (music), Larry Hayes (writer), Lawrence Dobkin, Fred Howard, Bill Baukum, Jack Moyles. 25:08.

Frontier Fighters - (ep30) "Oregon & Pacific Republic" and (Ep31) "Annie Tallent" 1935

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:06:13 -0800

Frontier Fighters - This entertaining educational collection brings history to life and is organized by year. These events are dramatized episodes of old time radio shows such as American Trail, Cavalcade of America, Destination Freedom, Frontier Fighters, Mr President, You are There and many others. Also in the collection are turn-of-the-century Edison Wax Cylinder recordings. FRONTIER FIGHTERS This is not your typical western drama -- it is a series that will transport you back in time to the days of the wild, unsettled west. Retrace the steps of heroes who, despite the odds, fought and conquered the West. Frontier Fighters was a syndicated series that ran sometime during the 1930s. Each show dealt with some bit of history about the early West and ran for approximately 15 minutes..

TWO EPISODES:

Program #30. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "Oregon and The Pacific Republic". Music fill for local commercial insert. The plans for another independent nation during the Civil War. Originally syndicated by Radio Transcription Company Of America (Transco).

Program #31. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "Annie D. Tallent". Music fill for local commercial insert. The story of the first white woman in the Dakotas. Originally syndicated by Radio Transcription Company Of America (Transco). . 14:44.

Frontier Gentleman "The Golddigger" (09-28-58)

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:41:58 -0800

Frontier Gentleman was a radio Western series heard on CBS from February 2 to November 16, 1958. Written and directed by Antony Ellis, it followed the adventures of J.B. Kendall (John Dehner), a London Times reporter, as he roamed the Western United States, encountering various outlaws and well-known historical figures, such as Jesse James and Calamity Jane. Written and directed by Antony Ellis, it followed the adventures of journalist Kendall as he roamed the Western United States in search of stories for the Times. Along the way, he encountered various fictional drifters and outlaws in addition to well-known historical figures, such as Jesse James, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Music for the series was by Wilbur Hatch and Jerry Goldsmith, who also supplied the opening trumpet theme. The announcers were Dan Cubberly, Johnny Jacobs, Bud Sewell and John Wald. Supporting cast: Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Virginia Gregg, Stacy Harris, Johnny Jacobs, Joseph Kearns, Jack Kruschen, Jack Moyles, Jeanette Nolan, Vic Perrin and Barney Phillips.

THIS EPISODE:

September 28, 1958. CBS network. "The Gold-Digger". Sponsored by: GMAC Trucks. Kendall meets two gold miners who have just struck it rich...and a saloon lady very determined to take it away from them. The system cue is added live. John Dehner, Harry Bartell, Jack Moyles, Jack Kruschen, Virginia Gregg, Joseph Kearns, Antony Ellis (writer, producer, director), Bud Sewell (announcer). 24:46.

The Six Shooter "Silver Threads" (06-03-54)

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:45:32 -0800

THIS EPISODE:
June 3, 1954. "Silver Threads" NBC network. Sustaining. A good story about a murder and a tune sung by a guitar strumming cowboy. Jimmy Stewart, Jack Johnstone (director), Basil Adlam (music), Ben Wright, Barney Phillips, Frank Burt (creator, writer), Bert Holland, Bob Bain (guitar), Will Wright, John Wald (announcer). 29:31.

Gunsmoke "Lukes Law" (01-10-60)

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:55:06 -0800

Gunsmoke - The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. It was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:
January 10, 1960. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Luke's Law". Smed Moley beats up Luke Burris and then kills his son. Luke doesn't need Marshal Dillon's help, he plans to settle things with Moley himself! The public service announcements and the program closing has been deleted. William Conrad, Marian Clark (writer), Parley Baer, Richard Crenna, Ralph Moody, Lawrence Dobkin, Georgia Ellis (billed as "Georgia Hawkins"), Howard McNear, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), John Meston (editorial supervisor), George Walsh (announcer). 25:22.

Fort Laramie "Winter Soldier" (06-17-56)

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:41:11 -0800

Fort Laramie opened with "Specially transcribed tales of the dark and tragic ground of the wild frontier. The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of empire and the dramatic story of Lee Quince, Captain of Cavalry". When Norman Macdonnell created Fort Laramie in late 1955, he made it clear to his writers that historical accuracy was essential to the integrity of the series. Correct geographic names, authentic Indian practices, military terminology, and utilizing actual names of the original buildings of the real fort, was insisted upon. So when the radio characters referred to the sutler's store (which is what the trading post was called prior to 1870), the surgeon's quarters, Old Bedlam (the officers' quarters) or the old bakery, they were naming actual structures in the original fort. While Macdonnell planned to use the same writers, soundmen, and supporting actors in Fort Laramie that he relied upon in Gunsmoke, he naturally picked different leads. Heading up the cast was a 39 year old, Canadian-born actor with a long history in broadcasting and the movies, Raymond Burr. He had begun his career in 1939, alternating between the stage and radio. He turned to Hollywood, and from 1946 until he got the part of Captain Lee Quince in Fort Laramie in 1956, he had appeared in thirty-seven films. A few were excellent (Rear Window, The Blue Gardenia) some were average (Walk a Crooked Mile, A Place in the Sun) but many were plain awful (Bride of Vengeance, Red Light, and Abandoned). With Burr in the lead, Macdonnell selected two supporting players: Vic Perrin as "Sgt. Goerss" and Jack Moyles as "Major Daggett", the commanding officer of the post. (The original Fort Laramie usually had a Lieutenant Colonel as the C.O. but Macdonnell probably preferred a shorter military title.) Perrin, a 40 year old veteran radio actor had been in countless productions, but had achieved name recognition only on The Zane Grey Show where he played the lead, "Tex Thorne." Jack Moyles was also a busy radio actor, having started in 1935 in Hawthorne House, with later major roles in Romance, Twelve Players, Night Editor as well as the lead in A Man Called Jordan. From 1947 to 1948 he was a regular in The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, which Norman Macdonnell directed, although this may not have been their first association. By the mid-1950s when Fort Laramie began, most of the actors on the west coast were doing some television and movie work so the program was rehearsed and taped for transcription during the evening. Once a week the cast and crew gathered at CBS Studio One in Hollywood to tape the show. In 1956 this was the last radio production studio in use in California. The series debuted on January 22, 1956 with an episode entitled "Playing Indian." Fort Laramie aired forty one episodes from January 22, 1956 to October 28, 1956. An audition episode was recorded on July 25, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:
June 17, 1956. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Winter Soldier". A soldier becomes a "snowbird" and deserts the army in the springtime. The program was recorded May 24, 1956. Raymond Burr, Les Crutchfield (writer), Joseph Cranston, Paul Dubov, James Nusser, Howard Culver. 1/2 hour.

The Real McCoys "Gambling Is A Sin" (12-19-57)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:54:39 -0800

The Real McCoys aired on December 19,1957. Grandpa and Luke jeopardize Kate's chances to be named to a church committee. The Real McCoys was a situation comedy that aired on the ABC network from 1957 through 1962. It aired for one more season on CBS before its end in 1963. The series revolved around the lives of a mountain family who originally hailed from West Virginia. The McCoys moved to California where they became dirt farmers. The family consisted of Grampa Amos McCoy, the head of the family played by Walter Brennan, his grandson Luke played by Richard Crenna, Luke's new bride Kate played by Kathleen Nolan, teenage sister Hassie played be Lydia Reed, and 11-year-old brother Little Luke played by Michael Winkelman. The Real McCoys paved the way for such rural hits as The Beverly Hillbillies and The Andy Griffith Show.

Wild Bill Hickock - Th "Trail Of The Cougar" (10-21-54)

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:53:55 -0800

Wild Bill Hickok - This juvenile western followed the same format as the TV show of the same name that ran throughout the same years. This format certainly was not new as the charismatic hero and comic side-kick was something that had been done before with Hopalong Cassidy and The Cisco Kid, and to some extent with the Lone Ranger. FIRST BROADCAST: May 17, 1951 LAST BROADCAST: February 12, 1956 SPONSORS: Kellog CAST: Guy Madison and Andy Devine. ANNOUNCERS: Charlie Lyon PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS: Paul Pierc. The storylines for Wild Bill Hikock are anything but challenging. The basic plot is usually along the lines of Hickock and his sidekick, Jingles, blundering into trouble, fighting their way out of it somehow, and then riding off into the sunset in readiness for next weeks trials and tribulations.

THIS EPISODE:
October 21, 1954. Program #243. Mutual network. "The Trail Of The Cougar". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops, Kellogg's Variety. Old Dad Winters' herd is being whittled down by a "killer cat." The system cue is added live. The date above is approximate. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (writer, director), Richard Aurandt (music), Ralph Moody, Leo Curley, Frank Gerstle. 24:52.

Screen Guild Players "The Ox Bow Incident" (09-18-44)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:40:31 -0800

The Screen Guild Theater was a popular radio anthology series during the Golden Age of Radio that was heard from 1939 until 1952 with adaptations from films in programs starring top Hollywood actors of the time. The show had a long run, lasting for 14 seasons and 527 episodes. It ran on CBS from January 8, 1939 until June 28, 1948, continuing on NBC from October 7, 1948 until June 29, 1950. It was broadcast on ABC from September 7, 1950 to May 31, 1951 and returned to CBS on March 13, 1952. It aired under several different titles: The Gulf Screen Guild Show, The Screen Guild Players, The Gulf Screen Guild Theater, The Lady Esther Screen Guild Theater and The Camel Screen Guild Theater.

THIS EPISODE:
"The Ox-Bow Incident" from "The Screen Guild Players" aired September 18, 1944 starring Edward Arnold, Harry Davenport, William Eythe and Jeff Lee Brooks. Two drifters are passing through a Western town, when news comes in that a local farmer has been murdered and his cattle stolen. The townspeople, joined by the drifters, form a posse to catch the perpetrators. They find three men in possession of the cattle, and are determined to see justice done on the spot.

Gunsmoke "Impact" (02-24-57)

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:57:45 -0800

February 23, 1957. CBS network. "Impact". Commercials deleted. Is Lonnie Welsh trying to kill the elderly Miss Larkin? There have been several "accidents" on the ranch, and Marshal Dillon is suspicious. William Conrad, Les Crutchfield (writer), Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Sam Edwards, Ben Wright, Norman Macdonnell (produer, director), John Meston (editorial supervisor), Georgia Ellis, Tom Hanley (sound patterns), Bill James (sound patterns), Virginia Gregg, George Walsh (announcer). 21:03.

Red Ryder "Trouble In Roaring River" (05-07-42)

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:34:42 -0800

Red Ryder was a newspaper comic western hero, and was a natural for the radio kids. Known on the air as "America's famous fighting cowboy," he was still an upstanding cowboy action hero. The hero was first seen in a series of short stories by writer-cartoonist Fred Harman, who adapted it as a comic strip for the Los Angeles Times in 1938 before it finally became a radio show. For almost a decade, Red Ryder starred in half-hour cowboy adventures featuring a great cast of characters including his pal Buckskin and his little indian boy ward, "Little Beaver". The ranch homestead was cared for by the "The Duchess," actually Red's aunt. Red Ryder was always ready for adventure with his pals, Buckskin Blodgett and Rawhide Rolinson. Little Beaver was beloved by the kids who thought it would be great to be like Little Beaver and be in on all the western action! At one point, Red Ryder was pitted against The Lone Ranger in the radio "badlands," and did really well against the more famous and well established masked man. In the later years, the show played on the West Coast via Don Lee productions, as sponsored by regional bread maker Langendorf Bread. It remained a mainstay of West Coast juvenile radio for all the little pre-TV buckaroos. After the radio show went off the air, Red Ryder and "little Beaver" continued to please 50's kids who avidly read his latest adventures in the popular "Red Ryder" comic books.

Hollywood Star Time "Riders Of The Purple Sage" (05-12-46)

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:04:59 -0800

The Hollywood star playhouse (Hollywood Star Time) , well written and performed, presented many original plays and popular Hollywood stars. Some of those who accepted roles in this great series included Jimmy Stewart, William Conrad, Deborah Kerr, Vincent Price, Harry Bartell and Betty Lou Gerson. Highlights included an episode entitled The Six Shooter and which later became it’s own series staring James Stewart. In 1952, Marilyn Monroe made her radio debut on The Hollywood Star Playhouse. This 30 minute anthology program was heard over three different networks during its three seasons. Many leading Hollywood stars appeared before the microphones for this programs original scripts. Marilyn Monroe made her radio debut on the 08/31/52 broadcast. Several programs were intended to become new series. On 04/13/52, the broadcast # 99 of The Six Shooter w/James Stewart did indeed become a new NBC series The Six Shooter in 1953, while the broadcast of 05/18/52 #104 Safari w/Ray Milland failed to make it. There was a title change to this series. During the third network change to NBC the series picked up the sponsorship of the American Bakers and the series was called Baker’s Theater Of Stars.

THIS EPISODE:
Riders of the Purple Sage (May 12, 1946) is Zane Grey's best-known novel. Originally published in 1912, it was one of the earliest works of Western fiction and played a significant role in popularizing that genre. Riders of the Purple Sage tells the story of Jane Withersteen and her battle to overcome her persecution by members of her church. The events depicted in Riders of the Purple Sage occur between the mid-spring and the late summer of 1871. This radio version is from Hollywood Star Time on May 12, 1946 starring George Montgomery and Lynn Bari.

The Lux RadioTheater "Winchester73" (11-12-51)

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:26:08 -0700

The Lux Radio Theater strove to feature as many of the original stars of the original stage and film productions as possible, usually paying them $5,000 an appearance to do the show. It was when sponsor Lever Brothers (who made Lux soap and detergent) moved the show from New York City to Hollywood in 1936 that it eased back from adapting stage shows and toward adaptations of films. The first Lux film adaptation was The Legionnaire and the Lady, with Marlene Dietrich and Clark Gable, based on the film Morocco. That was followed by a Lux adaptation of The Thin Man, featuring the movie's stars, Myrna Loy and William Powell. Many of the greatest names in film appeared in the series, most in the roles they made famous on the screen, including Abbott and Costello, Lauren Bacall, Lucille Ball, Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart, Charles Boyer, Claudette Colbert, Gary Cooper, Joseph Cotton, Bing Crosby, Dan Duryea, Ava Gardner, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Vivien Leigh, Agnes Moorehead, Vincent Price, Donna Reed, Frank Sinatra, Ann Sothern, Barbara Stanwyck, James Stewart, Gene Tierney, John Wayne, Jane Wyman, Orson Welles and Loretta Young.

THIS EPISODE:
Winchester '73 aired November 12, 1951 starring James Stewart as "Lin McAdam" and Stephen McNally as "Dutch Henry Brown". Lin McAdam rides into town on the trail of Dutch Henry Brown, only to find himself in a shooting competition against him. The prize, a one-in-a-thousand Winchester rifle. The competition is hosted by the western legend, Wyatt Earp. One of the great Westerns.

Screen Director's Playhouse "Fort Apache" (08-05-49)

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:41:06 -0700

Screen Director's Playhouse - From 01/09/49 to 09/28/51 this series was greatly enjoyed by the radio listening audience. It opened as NBC Theater and was also known as The Screen Director’s Guild and The Screen Director’s Assignment. But most people remember it simply as Screen Director’s Playhouse. Many of the Hollywood elite were heard recreating their screen roles over the radio. John Wayne in his rare radio appearances, Cary Grant, Edward G. Robinson, Lucille Ball, Claire Trevor, Tallulah Bankhead and many others were on the air week after week during these broadcasts. Many of Hollywood’s directors were also heard in the recreation of their movies. The President of the Screen Director’s Guild appeared on 02/13/49, and Violinist Isaac Stern supplied the music for the 04/19/51 broadcast.

THIS EPISODE:

August 5, 1949. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Fort Apache". A classic western about Cochise battling the cavalry, with a group of travelers caught in the middle. AFRTS program name: "Sagebrush Theatre." The program is also known as, "Hollywood Screen Directors." John Wayne, Ward Bond, Paul McVey, Lou Merrill, Tony Barrett, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), John Ford (guest screen director). 25 minutes.

Lightning Jim "Union Pacific" (1944)

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:26:14 -0700

Lightning Jim - Stereotypical portryayals of Native Americans, the history of the Union-Pacific railroad, and other Western related subjects. It is a delight and a rarity for all Western radio fans. Only about 41 Lightning Jim broadcasts have been located. The program originated in the 1940s and was called The Adventures of Lightning Jim. At this time it was a West coast program. The program returned to the air in the 1950s and a total of 98 radio programs were produced.

THIS EPISODE:
Program #11. ZIV Syndication. "Union Pacific" 1944. Commercials added locally. Jim foils a plan by Wolf Paw and his renegade Indians to wreck the railroad. . 1/2 hour.

Straight Arrow "Land Of Our Fathers" (1950)

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:18:06 -0700

Straight Arrow was the story of Steve Adams, a young man of Commanche decent who was taken in by a ranching family and raised as a white man. In early adulthood, Steve was told an indian legend about a fabulous warrior who would someday appear to save his people. He himself was to fulfill that destiny, riding out of his secret cave astride a magnificent golden horse. May 16, 1948 to June 21, 1951. Initially west coast Don Lee Network. 30 minutes, Thursdays at 8:00PM, Pacific Time. Mutual Network, coast to cost from February 7, 1949. 30 minutes, Mondays at 8:00PM until January 30, 1950.Often augmented by early evening broadcasts, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5, this becoming it's standard time in 1950-51.Nabisco was the sponsor throughout the series. STARS: Howard Culver as Steve Adams/Straight Arrow, Fred Howard DIRECTOR: Ted Robertson WRITER: Sheldon Stark SOUND EFFECTS: Tom Hanley, Ray Kemper. The announcer and narrator was Frank Bingman. Steve Adams was a rancher, who in times of trouble, became the commanche warrior Straight Arrow. Fred Howard as his sidekick, grizzled ranch hand Packy McCloud. Gwen Delano as Mesquite Molly.

Gunsmoke "Confederate Money" (03-13-54)

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:31:06 -0700

Gunsmoke - The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. It was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:
March 13, 1954. CBS net. "Confederate Money". Sustaining. Neil Butler is fired by his boss Fate Ender when Lee Shin comes to town. Fate is bushwacked and wounded. He swears to get Neil for the crime. Barney Phillips, George Walsh (announcer), Georgia Ellis, Harry Bartell, Howard McNear, Jimmy Ogg, John Meston (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Parley Baer, Rex Koury (composer, performer), Vic Perrin, William Conrad. 24:42.

Sugarfoot "Brannigans Boots" (09-17-57)

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:40:34 -0700

Sugarfoot - Back in the 1950s, when the television landscape was literally crawling with tales of sagebrush, Wagon Train was one of the most popular tube oaters—and classiest (the average cost per episode hovered around $100,000…compared to $70,000 for something like Sugarfoot…Sugarfoot…easy lopin’, cattle-ropin’ Sugarfoot…sorry…got carried away there for a sec). From 1958-61, it was the No. 2-ranked series in the Nielsens, beaten out by Gunsmoke…but in the 1961-62 season it sent Marshal Dillon and Company packing and claimed the top spot.
Writers: Russell Hughes, Mauritza & Morty Pittman
Tom Brewster.................................Will Hutchins
Mary Reader...............................Barbara Hutchins
Ed Rollands..................................Carl Kowalski
The Stranger................................Michael Blowen
Davey...........................................Ray O'Hare
Farley..........................................John Chase
Yates.........................................Alan Chapman
Frankie........................................Kris Hughes

THIS EPISODE:

Brannigan's Boots, adapted for radio, from the classic show Sugarfoot which aired September 17, 1957 starring Will Hutchins as Tom Brannigan. Crooked politicians in Bluerock appoint Tom sheriff after noting his poor shooting aim. Tom, however, takes the job seriously, and in the sheriffs office he dons a pair of boots standing against the wall. A pretty girl who is watching him says he's not man enough to fill her father's boots and, to prove her wrong, Tom sets out to find her father's killer.

Frontier Fighters (Ep28 and Ep29) 1935

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:39:04 -0700

FRONTIER FIGHTERS This is not your typical western drama -- it is a series that will transport you back in time to the days of the wild, unsettled west. Retrace the steps of heroes who, despite the odds, fought and conquered the West. Frontier Fighters was a syndicated series that ran sometime during the 1930s. Each show dealt with some bit of history about the early West and ran for approximately 15 minutes. This entertaining educational collection brings history to life and is organized by year. These events are dramatized episodes of old time radio shows such as American Trail, Cavalcade of America, Destination Freedom, Frontier Fighters, Mr President, You are There and many others. Also in the collection are turn-of-the-century Edison Wax Cylinder recordings.

TWO EPISODES: Ep.28 "The Hero Of Fort Kearney" and Ep.29 "Oklahoma Land Rush"
Program #28. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "The Hero Of Fort Kearney". Music fill for local commercial insert. Because of the bravery of John Phillips, a fort on the Bozeman Trail was saved from the Indians. Originally syndicated by Radio Transcription Company Of America (Transco). . 14:49.

Program #29. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "Oklahoma Land Rush". Music fill for local commercial insert. The Federal government ignores its promise to the Indians and opens the Indian Territory to settlers. Originally syndicated by Radio Transcription Of America (Transco). . 14:43.

Suspense "A Killing In Abilene" (12-14-50)

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:06:40 -0700

Suspense was one of the premier programs of the Golden Age of Radio (aka old-time radio), and advertised itself as "radio's outstanding theater of thrills." It was heard in one form or another from 1942 through 1962. There were approximately 945 episodes broadcast during its long run, over 900 of which are extant in mostly high-quality recordings. Suspense went through several major phases, characterized by different hosts, sponsors and director/producers. There were a few rules which were followed for all but a handful of episodes: Protagonists were usually a normal person suddenly dropped into a threatening or bizarre situation. Evildoers must be punished in the end.

THIS EPISODE:
From CBS aired "A Killing In Abilene" December 14, 1950 starring Alan Ladd. It was sponsored by Auto-Lite. An hombre rides into town to get the man who killed his brother, only to find him about to be lynched for another murder! Also in the cast is Parley Baer, Jeanette Nolan, Joseph Kearns and Barton Yarborough.

Hopalong Cassidy "Four To Go" (03-23-49)

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:40:36 -0700

The Cisco Kid "Run On The Bank" (01-22-53)

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:37:44 -0700

THIS EPISODE:
Program #54. Mutual-Don Lee network origination, Ziv syndication. "Run On The Bank". Commercials added locally. Not auditioned. Jack Mather, Harry Lang. 27:22.

Red Ryder "Wildcat Wire" (05-16-42)

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:38:46 -0700

THIS EPISODE:

May 16, 1942. Program #41. Blue net, Pacific coast. "Wildcat Wire". Commercials added locally. A young student of electricity uses the barbed wire on a ranch to fix a cut telephone line and call the cavalry to the rescue. . 26:20.

Fort Laramie "Still Waters" (10-14-56)

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:56:25 -0700

Gunsmoke "Sundown" (06-06-53)

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:52:10 -0700

Gunsmoke - The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. It was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:
June 6, 1953. CBS net. "Sundown". Sustaining. Marshal Dillon and Chester find an Indian squaw dying on the prairie and suspects foul play. A good story! William Conrad (writer, performer), John McIntire, Michael Ann Barrett, Parley Baer, Lawrence Dobkin, John Dehner, Georgia Ellis, Norman Macdonnell (director), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Howard McNear, Roy Rowan (announcer). 30:05.

Lightning Jim "The Snake Strikes" (1945).

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:00:25 -0700

Lightning Jim - Stereotypical portryayals of Native Americans, the history of the Union-Pacific railroad, and other Western related subjects. It is a delight and a rarity for all Western radio fans. Only about 41 Lightning Jim broadcasts have been located. The program originated in the 1940s and was called The Adventures of Lightning Jim. At this time it was a West coast program. The program returned to the air in the 1950s and a total of 98 radio programs were produced.

Program #9. ZIV Syndication. "The Snake Strikes". Commercials added locally. Jim fights this Mexican bandito after he kidnaps his Deputy, Whitey. . 1/2 hour.

Hopalong Cassidy "Death Paints A Picture" (06-04-50)

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:41:09 -0700

Hopalong Cassidy - What red-blooded kid of the early 1950s didn't listen to Hopalong Cassidy on the radio. A western that was greater than The Roy Rogers Show or Gene Autry's Melody Ranch. Hoppy was a hero to one and all. He and his sidekick, California Carlson, roamed the Southwest in thrilling stories week after week. Almost every tale had a little mystery in it, and almost every story ended with Hoppy's boiserous laugh. Clarence Mulford, the author of the Hopalong Cassidy stores, created a hard- fisted, rough and tought cowboy. Nowhewre's near or liked the loveable Hoppy of the movies and radio series. He became a hero in black and on a white horse - a super hero of the West. He rescued damsels and cowboys in trouble, along with ranchers and bankers and railroad owners always against the bad guys - robbers, thieves, rustlers and the like. William Boyd was Hoppy and his sidekick was played by either Andy Clyde or Joe DuVal. Boyd who began his movie career in the days of silent films was a forgotten man until he was asked to portray Hopalong Cassidy in the movies of the 1940s. By 1946 or so he had been in over 60 Hoppy movies and was crowned the king of the cowboys. He became the hero of kids around the world and this lasted until another resurgence in the form of the Hoppy radio series. Once more he attained the fame and regards of kids and adults. During the radio years, TV versions of his early films began appearing on televison. His early movies were edited for televison of the day and once more Bill Boyd entertained his fans. There's more - with the success of these old movies, still another series of original TV films came. And once again Bill Boyd as Hoppy was an immediate success The radio series were a hard sell. And the owners could find no takers. When this series began it was offered to the various networks. They wanted nothing to do with it so the owners had to sell it in syndication. But, af- ter a short time it became extremely successful that later on it was heard on the Mutual and CBS networks.

THIS EPISODE:

November 16, 1948. Program #23. Commodore syndication. "Death Paints A Picture". Music fill for local commercial insert. Hoppy solves the Kingsley murder...a surprising conclusion! William Boyd, Andy Clyde. 29:53.

Have Gun Will Travel "Blind Courage" (05-31-59)

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:22:12 -0700

Have Gun, Will Travel - was a popular American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. It was one of the few television shows to spawn a successful radio version. The radio series debuted on November 23, 1958. The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter (played by Richard Boone on television, and by John Dehner on radio), who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when forced to fight, excelled.

THIS EPISODE:
May 31, 1959. CBS network. "Blind Courage". Sponsored by: Longines Watches, Mutual Of Omaha, Look Magazine. Paladin is hired by the fabulously wealthy Mr. Sutherland to teach him how to shoot, even though he's blind! The system cue is added live. John Dehner, Ben Wright, Hugh Douglas (announcer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Tom Hanley (writer, sound effects), Jack Moyles, Tracy Roberts, Barbara Eiler, Sam Edwards, Frank Knight (Longines commercial), Bill James (sound effects), Sam Rolfe (creator), Herb Meadow (creator). 25:31.

Gunsmoke "Tail To The Wind" (11-25-56)

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:47:53 -0700

Gunsmoke was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:
November 25, 1956. CBS network. "Tail To The Wind". Sponsored by: L & M. Bert Reese and his son Spike, the town bullies, are picking on Hezzie Nuller, a meek man who refuses to defend himself. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on October 17, 1959. William Conrad, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Parley Baer, Ralph Moody, John Dehner, Helen Kleeb, Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Les Crutchfield (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), John Meston (editorial supervisor), Ray Kemper (sound patterns), Bill James (sound patterns). 24:40.

Wild Bill Hickock "Gunsmoke Pass" (02-01-52)

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 06:46:17 -0700

THIS EPISODE:

February 1, 1952. Program #49. Mutual network. "Gunsmoke Pass". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Rice Krispies. Who is trying to keep a surveyor from building a road into Hidden Valley? The story of the discovery of "Jingles Pass." The system cue is added live. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Frank Gerstle, Tyler McVey, Fred Howard, Charlie Lung, Charles Lyon (announcer), Richard Aurandt (music), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (director). 25:01.

*Show notes from Radio Gold Index

Frontier Gentleman "The Education Of Kid Yancey" (07-06-58)

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:49:05 -0700

THIS EPISODE:
July 6, 1958. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Education Of Kid Yancy". A wild Texas boy meets a savvy dance hall girl...with surprising results. AFRTS program name: "Sagebrush Theater." John Dehner, Antony Ellis (writer, producer, director), Eddie Firestone, Vic Perrin, Jack Moyles, Jean Carson, Charles Seel, Bud Sewell (announcer). 25 minutes.

Frontier Fighters "Oregon 54-40" and "Nevada Comstock Load" (1935)

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:12:08 -0700

Ep.26. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "Oregon 54-40". Music fill for local commercial insert. The story of how Oregon became a United States Territory, without our going to war with Canada. Originally syndicated by Radio Transcription Company Of America (Transco). . 14:54.

Ep.27. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "Nevada and The Comstock Lode". Music fill for local commercial insert. The big bonanza puts the state on the map. Originally syndicated by Radio Transcription Company Of America (Transco). . 14:45.

The Cisco Kid "The Feud" (02-12-53)

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:20:31 -0700

THIS EPISODE:
Program #60. Mutual-Don Lee netwok origination, Ziv syndication. "The Feud". Commercials added locally. Not auditioned. Jack Mather, Harry Lang. 27:27.

Fort Laramie "Lost Child" (04-01-56)

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:28:24 -0700

THIS EPISODE:
April 1, 1956. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Lost Child". Major Barlow believes in treating Indians as Captain Custer does...harshly. The story is also known as "Major Barlow's Survey." The program was recorded March 1, 1956 and originally scheduled for broadcast April 8, 1956. The writer is reported to be Les Crutchfield, not Gil Doud. The program may also be dated March 15, 1956. Raymond Burr, Vic Perrin, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Gil Doud (writer), Bill James (sound patterns), Ray Kemper (sound patterns), Amerigo Moreno (music supervisor), Lawrence Dobkin, Clayton Post, Ralph Moody, Jack Moyles, Dick Beals. 1/2 hour.

Gunsmoke "Kitty's Kidnap" (06-14-59)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:53:20 -0700

Gunsmoke - It was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:
June 14, 1959. CBS network. "Kitty's Kidnap". Sponsored by: Longines, Mutual Of Omaha, Turtlewax, Old Spice, Casite Tuneup, Look. Pete Brass is arrested for robbery and murder, but his men kidnap Kitty and offer to "horse trade" with Marshal Dillon. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Ken Lynch, Harry Bartell, Vic Perrin, James Nusser, Marian Clark (writer). 1/2 hour.

The Six Shooter "The Shooting Of Wyatt King" (05-20-54)

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:05:25 -0700

THIS EPISODE:
May 20, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. Who shot the bank robber named Wyatt King? He was also known as, "The Wyoming Kid." Was it the Six-Shooter? Of course! Jimmy Stewart, Jack Johnstone (director), Basil Adlam (music), William Johnstone, Herb Vigran, Barney Phillips, Junius Matthews, Frank Burt (creator, writer), Joel Cranston, John Wald (announcer). 29:42.

The General Mills Radio Adventure Theater "Remember The Alamo" (06-05-77)

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:25:01 -0700

The General Mills (CBS) Radio Adventure Theater Known as "General Mills Radio Adventure Theater" the first time this series aired in 1977, and then renamed CBSRAT for the repeat season later that year and into early 1978, there were only 52 episodes for this series geared toward younger listeners, hosted by Tom Bosley. The series was an excellent presentation, always well acted and notably produced.

THIS EPISODE:
Remember The Alamo - The Battle of the Alamo was fought in February and March 1836 in San Antonio, Texas. The conflict, a part of the Texas Revolution, was the first step in Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's attempt to retake the province of Texas after an insurgent army of Texan settlers and adventurers from the United States had driven out all Mexican troops the previous year. Mexican forces began a siege of the Texian forces garrisoned at the Alamo Mission on Tuesday, February 23. For the next twelve days, Mexican cannons advanced slowly to positions nearer the Alamo walls, while Texian soldiers worked to improve their defenses. Alamo co-commander William Travis sent numerous letters to the acting Texas government, the remaining Texas army under James Fannin, and various Texas communities, asking for reinforcements, provisions, and ammunition. Several times small groups of Texians ventured outside the Alamo walls, occasionally skirmishing with Mexican soldiers. Mexican forces received reinforcements on March 3. The Texians were reinforced at least once, when 32 men from Gonzales entered the fort, and may have received additional reinforcements. Additional Texas settlers and American adventurers gathered at Gonzales to prepare for the march to San Antonio.

The Screen Director's Playhouse "Whispering Smith" (09-16-49)

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:12:05 -0700

Screen Director's Playhouse - From 01/09/49 to 09/28/51 this series was greatly enjoyed by the radio listening audience. It opened as NBC Theater and was also known as The Screen Director’s Guild and The Screen Director’s Assignment. But most people remember it simply as Screen Director’s Playhouse. Many of the Hollywood elite were heard recreating their screen roles over the radio. John Wayne in his rare radio appearances, Cary Grant, Edward G. Robinson, Lucille Ball, Claire Trevor, Tallulah Bankhead and many others were on the air week after week during these broadcasts. Many of Hollywood’s directors were also heard in the recreation of their movies. The President of the Screen Director’s Guild appeared on 02/13/49, and Violinist Isaac Stern supplied the music for the 04/19/51 broadcast.

THIS EPISODE:
Whispering Smith aired September 16, 1949 starring Alan Ladd. A railroad detective tries to bring in a gang of train robbers and a lost love. In the Rocky Mountain division of a western railroad, the Barton brothers, Blake, Leroy and Gabby, a trio of thieving assassins, murder a guard on the Cheyenne express train. Railroad detective Luke Smith, called "Whispering" for his secretive way of investigating, is assigned to the case.

Frontier Town "Thunder Over Texas" (02-27-53)

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:50:44 -0700

Frontier Town - Chad Remington, played by Jeff Chandler for the first 23 shows, was a two fisted lawyer in the town of Dos Rios. Chad's sidekick, Cherokee O'Bannon, played by Wade Crosby, who performed his role in a WC Fields dialect. Mr. Chandler remained in the lead role for the first 23 shows and was replaced by Reed Hadley who played Remington until the end of the series. FRONTIER TOWN was a syndicated Western that ran through the 1952-1953 season.

THIS EPISODE:

February 27, 1953. Program #23. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "Thunder Over Texas". Music fill for local commercial insert. Doc Slavin and his henchman "Cinco" kill the land agent to keep Danish Dairy farmers from moving to Sunbeam Valley. Jeff Chandler is billed as "Tex" Chandler. The date is approximate. Jeff Chandler, Wade Crosby, Bob Mitchell (organist), Ivan Ditmars (possible organist), Bill Forman (announcer). 28:19.

Frontier Gentleman "The Lost Mine" (03-02-58)

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:28:40 -0700

THIS EPISODE:
March 2, 1958. CBS network. "The Lost Mine". Sustaining. The story of Shorthorn Tom, an old prospector with a large nugget and the location of the mine from which it came! The public service announcements are partially deleted. The program is also known as "Gold Colic." John Dehner, Joseph Kearns, Virginia Gregg, Herb Ellis, Antony Ellis (writer, producer, director), Don Diamond, Wilbur Hatch (composer, director), John Wald (announcer). 24:32.

Gunsmoke "Gun Smuggler" (01-30-54)

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:50:26 -0700

Gunsmoke was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston - The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:
January 30, 1954. CBS network. "Gun Smuggler". Sustaining. The Pawnees have killed a family of homesteaders using guns smuggled to them by a white man. Marshal Dillon, Chester and an Indian scout track the Indians, hoping to find the white gun smuggler. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on September 27, 1958. William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Barney Phillips, Jack Edwards, Norman Macdonnell (director), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Howard McNear, George Walsh (announcer), John Meston (writer). 24:43.

Fort Laramie "Never The Twain" (05-06-56)

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:20:45 -0700

Fort Laramie opened with "Specially transcribed tales of the dark and tragic ground of the wild frontier. The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of empire and the dramatic story of Lee Quince, Captain of Cavalry". When Norman Macdonnell created Fort Laramie in late 1955, he made it clear to his writers that historical accuracy was essential to the integrity of the series. Correct geographic names, authentic Indian practices, military terminology, and utilizing actual names of the original buildings of the real fort, was insisted upon. So when the radio characters referred to the sutler's store (which is what the trading post was called prior to 1870), the surgeon's quarters, Old Bedlam (the officers' quarters) or the old bakery, they were naming actual structures in the original fort. While Macdonnell planned to use the same writers, soundmen, and supporting actors in Fort Laramie that he relied upon in Gunsmoke, he naturally picked different leads. Heading up the cast was a 39 year old, Canadian-born actor with a long history in broadcasting and the movies, Raymond Burr. He had begun his career in 1939, alternating between the stage and radio. He turned to Hollywood, and from 1946 until he got the part of Captain Lee Quince in Fort Laramie in 1956, he had appeared in thirty-seven films. A few were excellent (Rear Window, The Blue Gardenia) some were average (Walk a Crooked Mile, A Place in the Sun) but many were plain awful (Bride of Vengeance, Red Light, and Abandoned). With Burr in the lead, Macdonnell selected two supporting players: Vic Perrin as "Sgt. Goerss" and Jack Moyles as "Major Daggett", the commanding officer of the post. (The original Fort Laramie usually had a Lieutenant Colonel as the C.O. but Macdonnell probably preferred a shorter military title.) Perrin, a 40 year old veteran radio actor had been in countless productions, but had achieved name recognition only on The Zane Grey Show where he played the lead, "Tex Thorne." Jack Moyles was also a busy radio actor, having started in 1935 in Hawthorne House, with later major roles in Romance, Twelve Players, Night Editor as well as the lead in A Man Called Jordan. From 1947 to 1948 he was a regular in The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, which Norman Macdonnell directed, although this may not have been their first association. By the mid-1950s when Fort Laramie began, most of the actors on the west coast were doing some television and movie work so the program was rehearsed and taped for transcription during the evening. Once a week the cast and crew gathered at CBS Studio One in Hollywood to tape the show. In 1956 this was the last radio production studio in use in California. The series debuted on January 22, 1956 with an episode entitled "Playing Indian." Fort Laramie aired forty one episodes from January 22, 1956 to October 28, 1956. An audition episode was recorded on July 25, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:
May 6, 1956. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Never The Twain". The daughter of Spotted Tail and a soldier fall in love. The program was recorded April 12, 1956. Don Diamond, John Stevenson, John Dehner, Lillian Buyeff, Ralph Moody, Raymond Burr, William N. Robson (writer). 1/2 hour.

Dr. Six-Gun "Indian Chief's Son Poisoned" (09-02-54)

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:43:15 -0700

Doctor Six-Gun - Karl Weber as Dr. Ray Matson, "the guntoting frontier doctor who roamed the length and breadth of the old Indian territory, friend and phsycian to white man and Indian alike, the symbol of justice and mercy in the lawless west of the 1870s. This legendary figure was known to all as Dr. Sixgun." Bill Griffis as Pablo, the doctor's typsy sidekick, who told the stories.

THIS EPISODE:
September 2, 1954. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. The first show of the series. Aaron Gault is determined to get rich off a young Indian boy with the measles. Ernest Kinoy (writer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), George Lefferts (writer), Karl Weber, William Griffis. 1/2 hour.

Tales Of The Texas Rangers "Wild Crop" (11-18-51)

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:32:23 -0700

Tales of the Texas Rangers, a western adventure old-time radio drama, premiered on July 8, 1950, on the NBC radio network and remained on the air through September 14, 1952. Movie star Joel McCrea starred as Texas Ranger Jayce Pearson, who used the latest scientific techniques to identify the criminals and his faithful horse, Charcoal, to track them down. The shows were reenactments of actual Texas Ranger cases. The series was produced and directed by Stacy Keach, Sr., and was sponsored for part of its run by Wheaties. Captain Manuel T. "Lone Wolf" Gonzaullas, a Ranger for 30 years and who was said to have killed 31 men during his career, served as consultant for the series. The series was adapted for television from 1955 to 1957. During the opening and closing credits of the TV show, the actors would march toward the camera and sing the theme song, "We are the Texas Rangers", to the tune of "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You", which is also the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad".

THIS EPISODE:
November 18, 1951. NBC network. "Wild Crop". Sustaining. After a cowboy is found beaten to death, the smell of marijuana gives Jace Pearson the clue needed to track down the killer. Joel McCrea, M. T. Lone Wolf Gonzaullas (technical advisor), Stacy Keach (producer, director), Tony Barrett, Michael Ann Barrett, Hal Gibney (announcer), Sam Edwards, Barney Phillips, Parley Baer, Joel Murcott (writer). 29:27.