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Wild Jack Rhett | Escape (12-17-50)
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A story about the old west and a great show-down on Main Street. Original Air Date: June 23, 1950Host: Andrew RhynesShow: Western StoriesPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• John Dehner• Lawrence Dobkin• Lou Krugman Special Guests:• Junius Matthews• ...
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Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse. With family. Cannolis and spins mean everything. Now you want to get mixed up in the family business. Introducing the godfather@champacasino.com test your luck in the shadowy world of the Godfather. Slots. Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play the godfather now@chambaccasino.com welcome to the family. No purchase necessary vgw group void we're prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions app. Foreign welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Western stories. On today's story, it's going to come from Escape. Original Air Dates December 17, 1950 the story is about an Old west in a great showdown on Main Street. Title of this episode is Wild Jackrat. And I hope you enjoy. Again, thanks for listening. You finding life rather dull? Dreaming again of exotic places? Wishing you were somewhere else? We offer you escape. Escape with us now to the Old west and the unusual story of a merciless professional killer. As Ernest Haycox tells it in Wild Jack Rhett Red Mesa. A little town springing out of the hot, dry prairie beside the Chisholm Trail. A saloon, a hotel, two general stores and a tiny church where the decent citizenry might pray for salvation while a wilder element, trail driver and teamster and buffalo hunter restlessly searched out friend and enemy along the dusty main street. A small hill rose on the western edge of Red Mesa plagued with a rash of graves, some marked and cared for, others sinking and forgotten. Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live and is full of misery. He cometh up and is cut down like a flower. He flieth, as it were a shadow. While we're praying, a couple you boys start throwing some dirt on the sheriff. O Lord, with whom do live the spirits of them that be dead and in whom the souls are dead. And that same evening, a committee of the leading citizens of Red Mesa gathered together at Mayor Waynes home to decide upon a new sheriff. All right, gentlemen, sit down and let's get this settled. Gentlemen, to make this town a decent place for our women folk and children, we've got to have a sheriff. Todd Mallon and his kind can't kill. We need the toughest gunfighter available and I want to propose. Just a minute, Mayor Wayne. Let me speak. All right, go ahead, boy. Allen, I don't think we should get all upset just because we lost another sheriff. Jim's speed worked out fine for Red Mesa. All we need is another sheriff just about like him. I expected that. Bohellin. All you look out for is to keep that saloon of yours full of anybody who'll buy whiskey and gamble. I still propose we reform this town by sending for a man some of you may have heard of. Jack Rhett. Gentlemen, I do want my saloon full. And full of the only men who'll bring any money at all into Red Mesa. Cowpunchers coming up the Chisholm Trail with Texas cattle. Thirsty men on the prod from a long drive. But you give them Jack Rhett instead of a little fun and this town will go broke. We'll chance that boy, Helen. We'll chance that. What about Matt Travner? What's he got to say? I have nothing to say. Gentlemen, as U.S. deputy Marshal for the district, my job is strictly outside Red Mesa. You run your town any way you like. I'll handle the surrounding territory. Know anything about Jack Rhett Kravner? Just by reputation. Professional town tamer. And I've heard he's the most cold blooded killer ever drew a gun. Travers. Right. We can't afford a man like that here. Let's put it to a vote, gentlemen. All in favor of sending for Jack Rhett, raise their right hand. 5 to 1. The matter is settled, gentlemen. Good night. Good night. I. Wayne, you'll wait and see Mary Traviner, if you don't mind, Mayor. Of course. Sit down. She'll be out in a minute. Well, poor Ellen was pretty mad, but after Jack read it here for a while at least there'll be less gun fighting. Be less anyway if Todd Mallon were out of the way. He sets a bad example. He's a hard man to catch. Well, you've done all you can, Ravner. There's just too much territory around here for Mallon and his gang to lose themselves in. He'll have to be taken by a town officer. And I think Rhett is the man to do it. If Mallon comes to town again. He'll come, Mayor. When the word gets out that Rhett is sheriff here, Mallon will have to face him or lose his reputation with his own men. Good evening, Father. Hello, Matt. Good evening. Hello, darling. Well, Matt Travner, aren't you going to kiss me? Of course. Sure. Mary, what a shameless wench you are. Oh, Father, you're old fashioned. After all, we're engaged. Your mother. God rest her stole. Didn't behave like that when we were engaged. The war changed things, Father. I know, but not for the better. Well, I'm off to bed. Don't stay up too late, now. Good night. Good night, Father. You look worried, Matt. Do I? Tell me about it. Well, it's just that they're sending for a new sheriff. Legal killer named Rhett. He has quite a reputation, and there'll always be men to challenge it. That means more gun fighting, is that it? I'm afraid so. It's a bloody way to peace, Mary. I know. Let's not worry about it now. Come on. I'll pick some coffee for us. Three weeks later, Wild Jack Rhett rode into Red mesa. He was 38 and at the peak of his reputation. He stood well over 6. Better than 200 pound of plain sinew. Tawny blond hair grew long in the frontier style and his features, fair and tinted like a girl's, were boldly aquiline. He was a picturesque man till one looked at his eyes, which were large and pale blue and had the disconcerting trick of remaining too steadily on people. There was to be seen in them the suggestion of inhumanity. He sent word to the committee that he'd meet him at the mayor's office that evening. It's 8 o' clock now. Where is he? He's in town, and that's bad enough. Dear sport boy. Helen. We took a fair vote on Rhett. Here he comes. My name is Jack Rhett. I have your offer. I'm Peter Wayne, mayor of Red Mesa. Do you accept? It depends on what you want. Tell me, Rhett, this is a difficult town. The Chisholm Trail lies just across the river and we get most of our money from the riders passing through Texas cattle. Now, we want them to have a decent time for their money, but we don't like a lot of gunplay and killing. I've always been accustomed to complete authority, Mayor. I presume to know my job and I won't have interference. That's agreed, Rhett. By the way, the last sheriff had a rule that riders leave their hardware at his office. He had trouble enforcing it. A poor rule. Let them pack their guns. That gives the wild ones a fair chance at you. I never give a man a fair chance at me. Is that all, gentlemen? Bo Helen. Saloon was the usual deadfall, with a huge bar along one side of the room and gaming tables toward the rear. Next morning, Bo Helen stood tapping the mahogany of the bar with his fingertips, staring thoughtfully at nothing. Good morning, Bohellin. It's noon, Samus, huh? Oh, sure. Draw me a beer, Mike. Where's the new shaft, Bohellin? Over there at the corner table. Came in just before you did. Barkeep, bring me a cigar, a glass of rye. Now, he's going to clean and reload his six guns one at a time. My God, he is. How'd you know? It's an old gunman's trick to impress the citizens. But there's no one here except you and me. Then it's to impress me. Don't. Goodbye, Bohen. Mike. You've got something to say to me, Bo? Helen. Yes. Yes, I have. You're smart, Red. I recognize that. But your record for killing is too severe. And my business depends on an open town. Now, the reform element got you, and I'll go along for now. But just remember one thing. I can break you, Rhett. Anytime. I was waiting for that, Bo. Helen. Well, then, I guess we understand each other. Hello. Oh. Any luck, Matt? Just a morning's ride. Matt. Here's Jack. Rhett, this is Mac Traviner, U.S. deputy Marshal for the district. Glad to know you, Rhett. You're young. Don't be misled, Rhett. Your job is in town, mine is everything outside. So I'll either back you up here in Red Mesa or leave you strictly alone. I'll handle Red Mason. All right. One more thing. I want Todd Mallon. If he comes to town again, he'll have to be taken. Will you do that, or shall I? What is he? Outlaw. His main line is plain robbery. Now, I want him for killing Jim Speed. Let me handle Mallon. Why? Killing's my trade. Man doesn't live with enough animal instinct to get me. Maybe killing you would build a man's reputation considerable. Just so. Good luck, Rhett. There was peace for a full week in Red Mesa. And then on Saturday night, Matt Travers prediction came true. Jack Rhett was at his customary post just opposite Bohelen's saloon, in a chair on the porch of the Chinook Hotel, obscured by the shadows and watching the crowd, his cold, pale eyes half concealed by cigar smoke. Trouble found him thus. Evening, sheriff. Good evening, ma' am. Keeping an eye on the boys, huh? Shoot. Where's this friend that used to be Abilene? Where's he hiding? Where's that great man, Wild Jack? Red. Bring him out. Hello, cowboy. That's a lot of killing for one sheriff. Three men. I don't like it. Forget it, friend. Have a drink and forget it. You're Bo Helen, ain't you? That's right. Come on now. Have one on the house. Mike, fix em up. I can pay for my liquor. Yeah, me too. You never gave him a chance. What kind of sheriff you got stands in a shadow and kills one man and then jumps 50ft from his gun flash and shoots down two more? Those boys never had a chance at him. Drink your drink, cowboy. That was the most merciless killing I ever seen. He's a butcher. I wish I'd gunned him up. This is my game. They were fools to play it. Never buck a man who's spent his life learning to kill. Son, get out of town. Get out. Now. Red. What if I don't try it? Son, don't let your anger destroy you. Drift. Go on. Drift. Blast your town. I can hold my thirst another 200 miles up the trail. Come on, boys. We'll send word back to Texas to go around Red Mesa and let it dry to powder. Yeah, sure will. It won't do, Rhett. It'll do, Bo. Ellen. Barkeep, bring me a glass of rye. On the house. Rhett stood with his back to the bar, holding his drink and a thin black cigar carefully in one hand. He stood there for about 10 minutes. Then trouble came again. Scott Mellon. He's riding in with four men. Close the games. Open up the back doors. Well, Jack Rhett, now let's see you shoot down Todd Mallon and four men from the shadows. Good night, Bo. Helen Escape under the direction of Norman McDonnell returns in just a moment. Ryan Seacrest here. 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Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states, potential savings will vary. Sorry, but if you think schoolteachers have it easy, you've got another think coming. Just ask our Ms. Brooks, as played by Eve Arden on most of these same CBS stations this evening. And now back to escape. When word came to Boh Helen's Saloon that Todd Mallon was riding into Red Mesa with four men, Jack Rhett simply walked out, crossed the street to his office, sat down and waited. Twenty minutes later, Todd Mellon had arrived and departed. Not a shot fired. Then Jack Rhett went quietly to bed. But early Sunday morning he was back in his office. Come. Morning, Rhett. Well, Trabner? There's talk, Rhett. I expect that. All right. You told me you'd handle Mallon if he came to town. Yes, Traviner. Well, they say Mallon rode into town last night with four men. Rode right up to this office, got down, came inside that you and he stood here with this desk between you talking and that a few minutes later, Mallon left and rode out of town. I play the game my own way, Travner, and I don't want interference from anybody. People are saying maybe you and Mallon made a deal of some kind. Well, now somebody's breaking the Sabbath. Know who it could be, Travnor? No, I don't. It's a rifle. Sounds like one of those seven shot Spencers. It's old Hack crowd. Who's he? An old trapper. Comes to town every few months, sells his furs, gets drunk, goes a little crazy. Kim Speed always laid him away in jail to sober. I'll take a look. You better stop him, Rhett. He's only got two shots left. That'll satisfy him. I doubt if he'll reload. And if he notices us and decides to shoot? Then I'll have to kill him. Hey, who was that coming out of Bohellin's Ewald Bay? Gambler. He's a fool. Now he's getting his horse. You gonna stop him, Rhett? Oh, let him go, Rhett. The town is your territory and I won't interfere. But why did you refuse a fair shot at Hack Crow? Ewald Bay is dead. Which is the more useful, citizen Travner, Crow or Bay west is full of gamblers. There was considerable talk that day in Red Mesa over Jackrat's aloof and cruel calm in condoning a shooting that had occurred under his very eyes and within reach of his formidable guns. Then mid afternoon, a rider came up from the prairie and reported finding old Hack Crow dead in a coulee dry gulched and robbed. Mary Wayne heard about it and went to Bo Helen's saloon to hear more. Good evening, Mayor. Hello, Bo Helen. And what do you think of your great Jack Rhett now, Mayor? It looks bad. Now look, Mayor. Everyone knew Hat Crow carried his profits in his pocket. Always did that. So Rhett allowed him to leave. And Todd Mallon and his men were waiting for him in the coolie. It's as simple as that. We have no proof of that, Bohelen. No? And why didn't Rhett take Mallon when he rode in here last night? Because they made a business arrangement, that's why. Well, it doesn't look good, but. Shh. There's Rhett now. Barkeep, glass of rye? I don't want to talk to him yet. I'm leaving. Good night, Bohelen. Good night, ma' am. Mike, give me that rye. I'll take it over to the sheriff myself. Get him out of here's your drink, Sheriff. Mind if I sit down? Game never changes, Bo Helen. I know what you're gonna say. I warned you I could break you, Rhett. It's an old story to me. Every town's got one insider who plays along with the outlaws. I knew you to be that one here when I first saw you running a saloon. You'd know when a cattle buyer was riding out of town carrying a specie. When the Overland stage was loaded with gold, there was a quarrel over the split of profits between you and Mallock, and you fell apart. That's always the way. Very shrewd. Right. It's an old story, Bo Helen. I know it by heart. Very shrewd. But you can't play the same game. All sheriffs are supposed to be crooked. You and Mallon had an agreeable little chat last night. Did he make you a good offer, Rhett? Maybe I should accept his offer, Bo Helen. Just to keep you two split. Maybe I should do that, Rhett. I've seen sheriffs come and go. It's a chancey trade. Sheriffs die. They all die. It's only a question of time. You're a hard one, jackrat. You might make your peace with Mallon. It'd have to be that way. Otherwise you'll have little chance of getting rid of me, Bohellam. It may be that way. I wouldn't be surprised. I always expect the worst of men, and I'm seldom disappointed. It was turning dark as Jack Rat left Bow Helen's saloon. Crossing the street, he walked into his office, but continued on out through the back Door. Few minutes later, he stood in the gathering shadows opposite the OK stable and watched Bo Helen ride out and drift into the prairie to the south. He knew now what to expect. It would happen soon, perhaps tomorrow. He returned to his office and slept the night there. I'm in. Well, Morning. Rhett, I want you to meet Mary Wayne. Ms. Wayne very proud. I wanted to know you. Hmm. To meet him, Mary, not to know him. Rhett lives in a closed world. See that I have no friends. We're to be married on Thursday, Mr. Red. I should like you to be there. I'd be most happy. Thank you. Now, Mary, would you wait outside? I got some business to discuss with the sheriff. Of course, Matt, but don't be long. Goodbye, Mr. Red. Bye, Ms. Wayne. Brett, this afternoon I'm leaving to find Todd Mallon. You had your chance, but you let him go. Wait, Ravner, wait. I've tried patience, Rhett, and I'm a poor hand at it. Dravener, you have a fine girl. If it's not presuming, let me congratulate you. Compliment her. Thank you. Was that all? I'll take care of Mallon. Give me a little time. It's my job. Redder. I want to believe you. No man wearing a star should believe anybody. It's a weakness. Haven't I told you? Blessed if I quite understand you, Red, understand this. Every man has his time. When it comes he knows it, there's no turning back. Nothing makes any difference then except to stand up to the finish and go out in decent style. And yet you're the man never believes in giving another man a break. Don't try to understand me. You want help with Mallon. I have no faith in help coming. Mary Waitner, I'll suggest this much. Take one man, ride due north to where the cattle trail crosses Tempest Creek. Be there tonight. Understand? Rhett, I. I'd hate to oppose you. If you did, you'd lose. I've been 15 years at this travnir, which is five years beyond average luck. That evening, Jack Rhett took up his post on the porch of the Chinicote, dressed in his best a hard white shirt, a blood red Windsor tie, and a suit of black broadcloth swelling around the big, uncompromising shoulders. He sat there, calm behind the smoke of his cigar, waiting. Full moon tonight, Sheriff. That's right. No offense, mind you. Good evening, Rhett. Hello, Mayor Wayne. Mayor, have you seen Traviner? He rode north this afternoon. Back tomorrow, he said. Good. Where's the sheriff? Here I am, Red Rhett Listen, I just come up South Creek and Todd Mallon and six men were only a quarter mile behind me heading into town. All right, friend, take cover. Yeah, yeah, sure. Rhett stood up and moved into the shadow at the end of the hotel porch. Across the street, Bohellin appeared in the full glow of the doorway of his saloon. Come out of the dark. Meet your friends, Jack Rat. What are you afraid of? It's only Mallon riding in to see it. Thieves fall out, but the urge for profits brings them together again. You should have known it, Rhett. Nothing surprises me. Oh. Oh, there you are, Rhett. Surprised to find you exposing your great reputation out there in the middle of the street. Every man has his time. You want to try it, Bohelen, or will you wait for help? I'll wait. The arriving horses came up into the moonlit street and halted at the corner of the saloon. Bohelan's hand lifted toward the group, and at that order the horsemen spread out until they were flank to flank all across the street. Todd Mallon advanced from the line and stopped square and alert above the saddle. Jack Rhett stood alone in the middle of the street, his eyes flash in a hard fury. Then he dropped his cigar and ground it beneath the boot. It was a final gesture. Are you Mallon? Goodbye, gentlemen. Next day, Red Mesa buried some more men out on the hill and talked of Jack Rhett, who was more of a mystery to them now than when living to all of them but one. Matt Travner. Nobody knows a killer's world. Mary wasn't any room in Jack Rhett for much pity. But he sent me away to save me from what he knew was coming. I think that was a kindness, although I had no fear. It was a fine thing for him to do, Matt, but they say he stood in the middle of the street to face them all in the moonlight. Why? It wasn't his style. Long as he was sure of himself, he never gave anybody an even chance. Mary. But killers live and die by instinct. And somewheres along the evening he got the warning. After that, it was just a matter of pride. He killed Mallon and Bohellin before he died. Standing up and in good style. And that's sort of a greatness, isn't it? Drivers who switch and save with progressive could save hundreds. With that kind of money, you could go big time on a fancy water bottle with ultra titanium alloy metal. You're not sure why you need all that. I mean, it just holds water. But you're getting it anyway because if you're hiking near an active volcano and you accidentally drop the bottle into molten lava, your water will still be icy cold. Switch to Progressive and you could save big time for water bottles. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states. Potential savings will vary. Under the direction of Norman McDonnell, escape is brought to you Wild Jack Rhett by Ernest Haycocks, especially adapted for radio by John Meston. Jack Rhett was played by John Dana, with Larry Dobkin as Matt and Lou Krugman as Bo. Helen Parley Bear was the narrator. Featured in the cast were Junius Matthews, Russell Simpson, Gene Bates, Paul Dubov and Sam Edwards. The special music for Escape was composed and conducted by Ivan Ditmars. Next week we escape with the story of two small boys who discover the most fabulous Christmas ever dreamed of, as Anthony Ellis tells it in his delightful tale the Cave. Stay tuned now for Make Believe Town, which follows immediately on most of these same CBS stations. Roy Rowan speaking for cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System Foreign this has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook join in the conversation by going to otrwesterns.Com Discord and don't forget to send us an email. Podcasttrwesterns.com this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and again, thanks for listening. Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse with family. Cannolis and spin. Sins mean everything. Now you want to get mixed up in the family business? Introducing the godfather@champacasino.com test your luck in the shadowy world of the Godfather slot. Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play the Godfather now@Champacasino.com Welcome to the family. No purchase necessary. VGW Group Void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply.