El Lobo Rides Again 49-11-09: The Ambush – Detailed Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio presents a thrilling episode titled "El Lobo Rides Again 49-11-09: The Ambush", released on February 21, 2025. This episode transports listeners to the tumultuous days of the American Old West, weaving a tale of betrayal, revenge, and heroic intervention. Below is a comprehensive summary that encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions of the episode, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for an immersive experience.

1. Introduction to the Setting

The episode opens with Charlie Long, the acclaimed host known as "the Man of a Hundred Voices," introducing his new western series, El Lobo Rides Again. He sets the stage in Lone Pine, Arizona, a small cow town near the Mexican border, infamous for the Silver Dollar Gambling Casino—the hub for gunmen, gamblers, and shady characters from both sides of the border.

Notable Quote:

• [00:32] Charlie Long: "The American Broadcasting Company presents Charlie Long, the Man of a Hundred Voices. In his new western series, El Lobo Rides Again."

2. The Ambitious Ace Kimball and His Henchman Steve Cody

In the posh office of Ace Kimball, the gambler owner of the Silver Dollar Casino, tension brews as he discusses his latest obsession—the Lazy Y Ranch. Unable to purchase it through conventional means, Ace enlists his ruthless henchman, Steve Cody, to orchestrate an ambush.

Key Plot Points:

• Ace's Determination: Ace Kimball expresses an intense desire to own the Lazy Y Ranch, surpassing any obstacle in his path.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:22] Steve Cody: "The Lazy Y Ranch. Shucks. So you're still hankered to get your hands on the Lazy Y, huh?"
• [03:00] Ace Kimball: "When Ace Kimball decides he wants anything, he always gets it, no matter the cost."

3. The Sinister Plan Unfolds

Steve Cody reveals the plan to eliminate Chief Big Horse's son, Running Deer, to provoke an ensuing massacre by the Ojiwa tribe against the Lazy Y Ranch. By orchestrating an ambush that frames the incident as a Lazy Y Rider's attack, Cody aims to incite relentless vengeance.

Key Plot Points:

• The Ambush Strategy: Cody plans to kill Running Deer, ensuring the Ojiwa tribe believes Lazy Y Riders are responsible, thus triggering a catastrophic retaliation.

Notable Quotes:

• [04:13] Charlie Long: "Steve Cody, gunslinger and batman, hurries out to the hitch rack that fronts the Silver Dollar Casino."
• [05:09] Steve Cody: "Why does an Indian fit in? Very simple, Cody. You know of Chief Big Horse and his son Running Deer?"

4. Life at the Lazy Y Ranch

At the Lazy Y Ranch, owner Gold Pan Jeffers, supported by his staff Charlie Sam and Cyclone Jackson, prepares to welcome Indian guests. The atmosphere is jovial but tense, unaware of the impending doom Cody has set in motion.

Key Plot Points:

• Character Dynamics: The interactions among Jeffers, Sam, and Cyclone provide insight into the ranch's close-knit yet quirky environment.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:08] Gold Pan Jeffers: "Now just a minute, you two. Look what you're doing being busted."
• [06:04] Gold Pan Jeffers: "Come swiggle me ass for it, Charlie. Get that bowl off in his head."

5. The Execution of the Ambush

Steve Cody executes his plan by ambushing Running Deer in Rattlesnake Canyon, successfully shooting him. Believing he has etched his mark, Cody hastily retreats, setting the stage for the Ojiwa tribe's wrath.

Key Plot Points:

• The Ambush: Cody's meticulous execution ensures that Running Deer's death appears as an attack by Lazy Y Riders.

Notable Quotes:

• [06:56] Steve Cody: "How to get running? Deal in my sights like this and pull the trigger. Got him."
• [07:25] Gold Pan Jeffers: "Now get you running and fast."

6. Chief Big Horse’s Vow of Vengeance

Upon discovering his son's demise, Chief Big Horse of the Ojiwa tribe vows retribution against the Lazy Y Ranch. His grief and anger galvanize his tribe to prepare for an all-out massacre.

Key Plot Points:

• The Oath: Chief Big Horse's commitment to avenge his son underscores the deep-rooted tensions between the tribes and the ranchers.

Notable Quotes:

• [09:39] Gold Pan Jeffers: "No, no, sirree. If you move him now, he's gonna die for sure."
• [10:07] Chief Big Horse: "Now you and all white men shall pay. All white men?"

7. The Hero Emerges: El Lobo to the Rescue

As the situation spirals towards potential bloodshed, El Lobo, the enigmatic defender of right, makes a dramatic entrance. Mounted on his swift black mare Lorena, El Lobo pledges to intercept Steve Cody and prevent the impending massacre, racing against the unforgiving sunset.

Key Plot Points:

• El Lobo’s Mission: Determined to restore peace, El Lobo engages in a high-stakes pursuit to capture Cody before darkness falls.

Notable Quotes:

• [12:58] Gold Pan Jeffers: "Do you want to make a gentleman?"
• [15:16] Charlie Long: "It's El Lobo swings in through the rock entrance to the Lazy Y."

8. The Race Against Time

El Lobo's quest is fraught with urgency as he must reach the Silver Dollar Casino, confront Steve Cody, and exonerate the Lazy Y Ranch before sunset seals their fate. The episode builds suspense around whether El Lobo can succeed in this tight timeframe.

Key Plot Points:

• Countdown to Sunset: The narrative intensifies as El Lobo races against the setting sun, highlighting the stakes involved.

Notable Quotes:

• [17:33] Chief Big Horse: "You betcha. And if and you can prove it was Cody and not one of my riders that fired that shot, I think we can stop them. Engines."
• [17:45] El Lobo: "I ride to the Silver Dollar Casino, Steve Cody's hangout, senor. To trap the man I know is guilty of this crime. Until sunset."

9. Cliffhanger and Anticipation for the Next Episode

The episode concludes on a suspenseful note as El Lobo embarks on his perilous mission. The audience is left in anticipation of whether he will capture Steve Cody in time to avert the massacre, setting the stage for the next installment, "War Drums of Death."

Key Plot Points:

• Building Suspense: The unresolved tension primes listeners for the continuation of El Lobo's adventure.

Notable Quotes:

• [18:17] Charlie Long: "Will El Lobo trap the ruthless Steve Cody before sunset? Will Running Deer recover consciousness before the sun turns to a ball of red?"

Production Insights

El Lobo Rides Again showcases the exceptional talent of Charlie Long, who single-handedly voices 11 distinct characters, creating a rich and immersive auditory experience. The production emphasizes authentic sound effects, including tom-toms, six-shooters, and galloping horses, enhancing the storytelling. Rex Corey provides compelling music, while sound engineers Bob Conlon, Jack Robinson, and Ron Sutton ensure a seamless auditory landscape. Directed and produced by Larry Robertson, the episode exemplifies high-quality radio drama, reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio.

Notable Review:

• Billboard (March 20): "Here's a kid show which closely approaches a radio version of the standard motion picture cliffhanger. Versatile Charlie Long handles all the voices and scripting on show caught. Lung played 11 roles, each clearly established and smoothly voiced to create strong visual imagery which complements Lung's multi voicings."

Conclusion

"El Lobo Rides Again 49-11-09: The Ambush" delivers a captivating narrative filled with intrigue, betrayal, and heroism. Through masterful voice acting and meticulous production, Charlie Long brings the Old West to life, engaging listeners and setting up an eagerly awaited continuation. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode promises a riveting journey into the heart of traditional western storytelling.