Podcast Summary: Roy Rogers 000000 New River Rodeo

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Dive into classic radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. Experience the excitement of shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet as families once gathered around the radio to enjoy captivating stories and memorable characters.
• Episode: Roy Rogers 000000 New River Rodeo
• Release Date: May 25, 2025

Introduction

In the Roy Rogers 000000 New River Rodeo episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported to the heart of a classic Western mystery. Hosted by Roy Rogers, the "King of the Cowboys," alongside his co-star Dale Evans and trusty sidekick Pat Brady, the episode presents a compelling narrative filled with adventure, suspense, and intrigue set against the backdrop of a rodeo in Barlow, Texas.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with an engaging musical introduction, setting a nostalgic tone reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. Roy Rogers greets his audience warmly:

Roy Rogers [00:53]: "Well, good evening, folks. Mothers and fathers and all you little buckaroos. Hear that music they're playing? That sure is a fine old song. And it reminds me of a story."

He begins recounting a past rodeo event in the Red River Valley, where tragedy strikes during a bronc busting competition.

The Tragic Event

At [01:30], Roy introduces the final event of the rodeo:

Roy Rogers: "Introducing Tom Weatherby challenging Bob Finley's Great Rise over the Chute Boys."

The excitement mounts as Tom Weatherby rides his bronc with apparent ease. However, at [01:41], disaster occurs:

Roy Rogers: "Then all of a sudden, he seemed to go limp. He let go the halter rope and fell off. For a minute, everybody thought he'd been thrown. But when he didn't get up, we ran out to help him. One look told us why he didn't. Tom Weatherby was dead."

Pat Brady expresses his confusion and disbelief:

Pat Brady [02:14]: "Roy, I tell you, it just don't make sense. It just don't make sense. Tom Weatherby never had no heart trouble."

Investigation Begins

Roy, Dale, and Pat decide to investigate Tom's sudden death. During their conversation, Dale shows empathy towards Tom's sister, Mary Sheldon:

Dale Evans [02:36]: "I feel terrible for his sister."

They arrange to visit Mary, hoping to uncover more about Tom's mysterious demise. Upon meeting Mary, they learn about a peculiar piece of paper Tom had, which Mary found suspicious:

Mary Sheldon [14:38]: "Well, now that you mention it, he did seem a little nervous. But I thought it was on account of the rodeo. And then there was this piece of paper."

Unraveling the Mystery

Roy examines the piece of paper with mysterious figures and letters:

Mary Sheldon [15:16]: "It's just a piece of brown paper with some figures and letters on it. I couldn't make any sense out of it. Here it is."

Pat spots a potential clue in the notation:

Pat Brady [15:54]: "25, 255 BF8B F. Hey, Roy."

The team deciphers that "BF" could stand for Bob Finley, a competitor who had recently won significant prize money. Their suspicion turns towards Finley, especially after the sheriff mentions that some curare poison is missing from the veterinarian's supply:

Sheriff [10:44]: "Did you find anything on that rope, Doc? Yep."

Pat Brady [10:49]: "Curare."

Curare, a deadly poison from South America, wasn't expected to be accessible locally, raising red flags about foul play.

Climactic Confrontation

As the investigation progresses, Roy and the team uncover more about the bank robbery involving Joe Sheldon, Mary's husband. They discover that Tom had found out about Sheldon's illicit activities—embezzling money from the bank and gambling—and intended to expose him.

During a heated exchange, Roy confronts Joe Sheldon:

Roy Rogers [21:09]: "I didn't see it before now, but I'm afraid you're behind this, Mr. Sheldon."

Joe Sheldon: "No, Roy, I would never—"

Roy Rogers [23:09]: "But Roy, I don't understand. Were Tom and Joe Sheldon in cahoots?"

Roy Rogers [23:14]: "No. Sheldon had been taking money from the bank and gambling with it. He knew if he didn't put it back, they'd come catch up with him. So we got the idea of staging a hold-up for the bank. He tried to blackmail Tom into helping him for Mary's sake, but at the last minute, Tom backed out. Then Sheldon hired someone else to do his dirty work."

Resolution

Through clever deduction and collaboration with the sheriff, Roy Rogers uncovers the truth. Mary Sheldon reveals that Tom had discovered her husband's schemes and intended to stop him. In a desperate attempt to silence Tom, Joe Sheldon orchestrated his murder by poisoning the halter rope with curare.

Roy Rogers [23:34]: "Miss, Tom was murdered."

Dale Evans [23:54]: "And Roy. I'll find out who did it, Mary. You can be sure of that."

The episode concludes with justice served as Joe Sheldon is exposed and the community can finally find peace.

Notable Quotes

• Roy Rogers [00:53]: "Well, good evening, folks. Mothers and fathers and all you little buckaroos..."

• Pat Brady [02:14]: "Tom Weatherby never had no heart trouble."

• Sheriff [10:44]: "Curare."

• Dale Evans [23:14]: "No. Dale Sheldon had been taking money from the bank and gambling with it."

• Roy Rogers [23:54]: "Miss, Tom was murdered."

Conclusion

Roy Rogers 000000 New River Rodeo masterfully blends classic Western charm with a gripping mystery. Through the charismatic leadership of Roy Rogers, the story takes listeners on a journey of suspense and discovery, ultimately delivering a satisfying resolution. The episode not only entertains but also highlights themes of friendship, justice, and the triumph of good over evil, staying true to the beloved traditions of old-time radio storytelling.

For those who haven't listened yet, this episode offers a quintessential experience of nostalgic radio drama, showcasing the enduring legacy of Roy Rogers and his adventures in the Wild West.