
Wild Bill Hickock ep011 The Confidence Game
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Charlie Lyon
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Andy Devine
Wild Bill Hickam Hiya folks. Hold on to your hats and pass those Kellogg's Corn Pops. Cause here comes Guy Madison as Wild Bill and his pal Jingles, which is me, Andy Devine. We got another rooting tootin Wild Bill Hickok adventure story for you from that great new cereal with the sweetening already on it, Kellogg's Corn Pop.
Charlie Lyon
Kellogg's Corn Pops brings you Wild Bill Hickok, starring Guy Madison as Wild Bill and Andy Devine as his pal Jingles. With both their war bags and six guns loaded for trouble, Wild Bill Hickok and his deputy Jingles are headed for the town of pleasantville. After covering 30 miles yesterday, they made camp on the banks of a clear little stream called Singing Creek. This morning, they are just about to jump into the only bathtub known to Western trail riders.
Andy Devine
Last one ends a rotten egg, Bill. Here I go.
Guy Madison
Right with you, Jingles.
Andy Devine
Man, does that feel good.
Guy Madison
Yeah, it sure does. We sure hit a lot of dust yesterday.
Andy Devine
Oh, you said he threw me the soap, Bill, before somebody decides to plow me up and plant potatoes.
Guy Madison
Here you are.
Andy Devine
Oh, boy. I could just stay in here and wallow in this creek all day like a happy little hog.
Guy Madison
Hey, don't sit down. You'll plug up the creek and leave me high and dry.
Andy Devine
Oh, now, Bill, I'm not that big.
Guy Madison
Then let's just say it's a small creek.
Andy Devine
Yeah, let's. Hey, say, Bill, what are we going to Pleasantville for?
Guy Madison
To see if I have any messages. I left word at Abilene that I'd stop in Pleasantville.
Andy Devine
Then you mean that for once we're not heading for trouble.
Guy Madison
This is time. We're hitting the trail.
Andy Devine
Okay, but that no trouble business sounds too good to be true. I'll still keep my fingers crossed till after we've checked that telegraph office for a message from Abilene.
Guy Madison
Whoa, boy.
Panhandle Jim
Whoa, whoa.
Andy Devine
This the place, Bill?
Guy Madison
Yep, this is it, Jingles. Let's go in.
Andy Devine
Well, I still got my fingers crossed. And I've been hanging on to my rabbit's foot all the way into Pleasantville.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Well, howdy, strangers. What can I do for you?
Guy Madison
We just dropped by to see if you had a telegram for us.
Andy Devine
But we don't want any.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
What's that? You don't want any?
Andy Devine
You heard me.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Well, you're not likely to get any unless I know your names.
Guy Madison
A telegram would be for Joe Smith.
Andy Devine
Joe Smith? Now, Bill, you know that.
Guy Madison
Never mind, Jingles.
Andy Devine
Oh.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Oh, okay, what's going on here, gents? First you want a telegram, then you don't. You give your name as Joe Smith, but this big fella called you Bill and you're calling him Jingles. It just don't sound right. There's something fishy.
Andy Devine
Yeah. Kind of mixed up, huh? But it's all right, mister. You see, my partner's name is Joe. Bill Smith. But his ma used to call him much in the face.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Don't make no difference. Ain't got no telegram for none of them fellas.
Andy Devine
No, you haven't.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
That's what I said. Nary a thing.
Andy Devine
Woo, he, he, he. My rabbit foot's working today. No telegrams, no trouble. Come on, Bill, let's go paint the town red.
Guy Madison
All right, Jingles. We'll be back later. Mister, if a message comes.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Ken, if you want to. But in the meantime, you better be careful about painting the town red. Folks around Pleasantville like our town. Just the col.
Guy Madison
Hey, Jingles, look up ahead there. Yeah.
Andy Devine
Madison Show. Come on, Bill. Maybe we'll find something to do after all.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
No chance. Step right up close to the platform. That's it. I, Dr. T. Buddington, choose am about to perform some of the most amazing feats of prestidigitation ever to confound the eyes of man.
Andy Devine
Bill, did you hear what he said he was gonna do?
Guy Madison
Yeah, I heard him.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Close up, boys. Now, in order to perform these amazing tricks, I shall need an assistant. You, my good man, you the one with the shape like a bale of cotton.
Andy Devine
Now, who's got a shape like that?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
You, laughing boy.
Andy Devine
Who's he? Who, me?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
That's right. Step right up here and give me a hand.
Andy Devine
Oh, no, no, no. Not me.
Guy Madison
Go ahead, Jingles. You were looking for something to do.
Andy Devine
Well, all right.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
That's right, my good man, come right up those steps.
Andy Devine
Well, I don't think I'm gonna like this.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
That's it.
Andy Devine
Well, here I am.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Good afternoon, sir. May I introduce myself?
Andy Devine
Oh, sure. Go right ahead.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
I am T. Buddington Chews, Doctor of Health and Happiness, actor, traveler and musician. And originator of that wonderful nostrum, Dr. Chu's famous magic snake oil Remedy, which I shall offer for sale in just a few moments. I also sing.
Andy Devine
My goodness, all of that. Just imagine.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Every bit and more, Sir, I am also a proponent of the theory that the hand is quicker than the eye.
Andy Devine
Well, do tell. Well, go ahead and prove it then.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
What, may I ask you, sir, are you planning to do with that chicken under your hat?
Andy Devine
Chicken? Oh, are you local? There's no chicken under my hat. Now, look, I'll just take it off and show you. Well, what do you know?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
And now, my good friends, I shall further amaze you by performing that famous trick of sawing a human being in half right before your startled eyes. Here you are, sir. Will you be good enough to lie down in this big black box?
Andy Devine
Yeah, the big who, me? No.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Certainly, sir. Without someone to saw in two, I cannot saw.
Andy Devine
Well, now, if you look real good, you can tell your friends you saw me heading down the street just lickety cut. Hey, Bill, let's get out of here before I get separated from my other half.
Guy Madison
What's the matter, Jingles?
Andy Devine
Why, that smooth talking galoot is gonna saw me in two pieces.
Guy Madison
That was only a trick, Jingles.
Andy Devine
A dirty trick on my stomach, that's what. Hey, look who's coming.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Hey, you gents, wait up just a minute. Oh, yes, that there telegram you ask about but didn't want it. Come anyway. Just a few minutes ago for Joe Smith, and here it is.
Guy Madison
Thank you, mister.
Andy Devine
No, now, don't open it, Bill. Oh, now you've gone and done it. What'd it say?
Guy Madison
Looks like our fun's over, Jingles. This telegram spells trouble and plenty of it.
Panhandle Jim
Howdy, partners. This is Panhandle Jim. And you know what I just did? I turned my radio up, got to munching my Corn Pops aloud. I couldn't hear so good. I figure most of you wranglers are eating Kellogg's Corn Pops right now. If you aren't, here's what you're missing. Corn Pops are golden hearts of corn all popped up big and smiling. They're crisp and crunchy. And listen to this, they're already sweetened for you eat them right out of the box. Or when you chow down at breakfast in a Bowl with milk, no sugar needed. Mind you, the sweetening's already there. You've never tasted anything so downright good as Kellogg's Corn Pops. Yes, sir, I'll stake my new 10 gallon hat you never enjoyed better eating. Now, tomorrow sure, you'll want to saddle up and ride for the store. Load up on Kellogg's Corn Pops so you'll have plenty around for breakfast and snacks. Now listen to this little saying I always use. Kids love Pops, Moms love Pops and Pops love Pops. Now let's get back to Wild Bill and Jingles.
Charlie Lyon
Just when Jingles has escaped being sawed in 2 by Dr. T. Buddington Chews, the telegraph operator runs up to deliver a telegram to Wild Bill Hickok. Bill takes one look and says it means trouble and plenty of it.
Andy Devine
I knew it. I knew it, Bill. Trouble follows you around like a stalking lion. What's the telegram say?
Guy Madison
Headquarters in Abilene says there's a couple of confidence men in this area. They want us to smoke them out.
Andy Devine
Confidence men? You mean those buzzards that swindle old men and widows out of their land or money?
Guy Madison
That's right, Jingles.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
You want to send them an answer, Mr. Hickok.
Andy Devine
Hickok. Now, how'd you know it wasn't Joe Smith like he said?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
You don't think he could fool me, do you?
Andy Devine
You're smart, huh?
Guy Madison
All right, mister, so you know me. Well, don't spread it around, huh?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Oh, I won't, Marshal.
Guy Madison
And send this reply to Abilene. Message received. Wire complete description of criminals and silent Hickok.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
I get you, Marshall. Hope they ain't closed for the day. It's kind of late.
Guy Madison
Yeah, I hadn't thought of that. What time is it, Jingles?
Andy Devine
Well, now I'll just take a look at my old turnip and tell you. It's Bill. Bill, my watch is gone. Some light fingered salamander stole it. That's what.
Guy Madison
Might have been a pickpocket in that crowd or on the medicine show.
Andy Devine
Then let's go back there and cut him out of the herd.
Guy Madison
Well, looks like the show's over.
Andy Devine
Yeah, the crowd's breaking up and. Hey, hold it, gents.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Hold it.
Andy Devine
There's a snake among you. And if I can find him, I mean to pull his fang.
Guy Madison
Take it easy, Jingles.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
What's that, stranger?
Andy Devine
I said there's a sidewinder in this crowd somewhere that stole my watch and I'm about.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
That's mighty big talk, fat boy. Unless you mean to back it up, you better button that sagging lip.
Guy Madison
You're doing some talking, mister. Maybe you're the one that got his watch.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Nobody talks to Slash Barker that way and lives. Draw, mister.
That's the fastest draw I ever seen.
Andy Devine
You winged him, Bill.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Why'd you get into this, mister?
Guy Madison
This is my partner. No one picks a fight with them without figuring on me, too.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Yeah, well, you ain't seen the last of me. You got the drop on me once, but there'll be another time. And when it comes, they'll carve a slab for you on Boot Hill.
Guy Madison
Don't be too sure about that. All right, men, show's over. Break it up.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
My land to live in, Dr. Choose. It was sure thoughtful of you to come riding all the way out here with my bottle of remedy.
Not at all, my dear Mrs. Wilson. I was just closing up my show after a very successful day, when I said to myself, buddington, you haven't called on the widow Wilson this trip. Tonight is the night.
Oh, how sweet you thought of me. My, it's been so long since a man has thought about me. It fair sets my hair to curlin.
And a very pretty curl it is too, Bedelia.
You. You call me Bedelia.
Please don't think me forward, ma' am.
Oh, oh, I don't, Buddington.
Then I may hope. Bedelia.
Yes, Buddington. And now that I have found a man I can trust, I want your advice.
My advice about what? My love.
My money.
Money? How much money do you have, Bedelia?
Nine.
Charlie Lyon
Too fast, Trevor.
Andy Devine
Too fast.
Charlie Lyon
Here at the Zebra research shows people would rather teach their kids to drive than search for auto and home insurance.
Andy Devine
I know what I'm doing, Mom.
Charlie Lyon
Or attend a corporate team building workshop.
Andy Devine
Go, team.
Charlie Lyon
Feel that synergy. Or be regaled by Uncle Frank's conspiracy theories. They're listening to us right now. That's why the Zebra searches for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can Compare. Today@thezebra.com we do the searching, you do the saving.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Shh.
Andy Devine
They're here.
Charlie Lyon
Here at the Zebra research shows the average person would rather endure a root canal than search for auto and home insurance.
Just try to relax, okay?
Or be trapped in a car for eight hours with toddlers on a sugar high. Or remove a nest of irate hornets. That's why the Zebra search is for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can compare. Today at the Zebra.com we do the searching, you do the saving. I think I'll wait inside.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Thousand dollars.
That's a lot of money, Petelia. Is it in the bank?
No, Buddington, it's here.
But you should not keep it here. If you want my advice, why don't you let me take it for you and put it in the Rock Falls bank?
Oh, would you, Buddington? Here. Here's the money.
You had it there in your chair all the time.
Yes. I knew I could trust you, Buddington.
Yes, well, I must be going now.
So soon, Bennington?
Yes, but when I return, I may have something very personal to ask you, Betelia.
Personal? Oh, Burrington.
But now I am off. I shall guard this money with my life until it is safely in the bank at Rock Falls. Goodbye, my fair Betelia. Until we meet again. Steady on, O mighty steed, whilst I the. What's the matter, Beelzebub? Is my poetry not to your liking? Then here is one I know you prefer. Looking at the upturned faces Wayne cried Let our motto be to the one who fights for freedom God will give us victory belts the cannons fire and thunder burst the shells to left and right.
All right, you old fossil, reach for them stars.
Who dares to accost Dr. T. Buddington? Shoes.
All right, get down off that horse, Prado, or you'll be breathing through your skin.
Why do you wear a mask? What business have you with me, sir?
$9,000 worth of business, you old goat. But hand it over fast.
This is an outrage, sir.
Here it is.
Panhandle Jim
Yeah.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
This will buy me a lot of what I want, mister. And just to keep you from spreading the word too fast, I'm gonna tie you. Hold still.
You, sir, are a sneaking varmint and a low life villain.
Instead of calling me names, you ought to be thankful I ain't plugging. There, that'll hold you. Adio, sucker. Give my thanks to the widow when you see her.
Andy Devine
Bill, I been thinking.
Guy Madison
You mean that supper we had started your brain to working?
Andy Devine
Well, now, that might have had something to do with it. But I've been wondering whether that coyote Slash Barker could be one of those men you got a telegram about.
Guy Madison
Might be Jingles. We'll wait for a description and see if it fits.
Andy Devine
Well, you gotta watch out for him. He's out to get you, you know, and. And me too, come to think of him.
Guy Madison
Jingles.
Andy Devine
Yeah, Somebody's limbering up a six gun.
Guy Madison
The shots came from over this way. Let's go.
Andy Devine
What do you reckon it is, Bill?
Guy Madison
Hey, Jingles, look up there on the road.
Andy Devine
It's a man. And there's somebody on a horse riding away too.
Guy Madison
Dark to see much. I'll take a pot shot anyway.
Andy Devine
He's too far to hit Bill.
Guy Madison
Yeah, let's stop and help this gentleman.
Andy Devine
Whoa.
Guy Madison
Whoa, boy.
Andy Devine
Whoa.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Hold up, Jingles.
Guy Madison
Look who it is.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Did I hear you say jingle, sir?
Andy Devine
Oh, Bill, that sounds like Dr. T. Buddington chews.
Guy Madison
It is. Jingles. What happened, Doctor? Choose here.
Andy Devine
Now I'll untie you while you tell us.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
It's a tragedy, my friends. I was entrusted with some money by a very dear friend. But just now a mask bandit held me at gunpoint and took the money.
Guy Madison
Whose money was it?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
The Widow Wilson's.
Guy Madison
How much money?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
$9,000. And that road agent is getting away with it.
Andy Devine
Why, that ringtail lizard.
Guy Madison
I'm not so sure he's getting away.
Andy Devine
What do you mean, Bill?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
You'd never catch him. Now, sir.
Guy Madison
Can you make it back to town, Doctor?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Oh, yes, I suppose so.
Guy Madison
Then go to the sheriff's office and wait. Jingles, go get Widow Wilson and bring her into the sheriff's office.
Andy Devine
But. But what are you gonna do, Bill?
Guy Madison
And I'm going to track down that thieving snake and drag him in at the end of a rope.
Panhandle Jim
Well, partners, we're really getting both barrels on this show. But how about taking a minute to catch your breath while your old sidekick Panhandle Jim does a little chillin about something real good. It's about Kellogg's Corn Pops, a wonderful eating cereal that's already sweetened for you. Now listen close here. Corn Pops are hearts of corn, all puffed up, big and happy, with plenty of tasty sweetening on them. Now you can eat them the way I eat them when I listen to Wild Bill Hickok. Right out of the box by the handful. But come breakfast time, pour them out in a bowl and add a little milk. Now just leave the sugar bowl in the pantry because like I just said, they've already got the sweetening right on them. Every single Corn Pop. If you're eating them right now, look at the bag inside the box. That bag's pure aluminum. Keeps Kellogg's Corn Pops fresh up to 10 times longer. Now don't go fussing with one box of corn Pops the way your family's gonna go for them. You're liable to miss out on some. Get your mom to load up big. Then out of the box, you're out of the bowl. You can have all the Kellogg's Corn Pops you want and you want plenty. Now, all together, let's tell everybody who loves Corn Pops. Kids love Pops, Moms love Pops, and Pops love Pops. Now, let's hustle on back to the show.
Charlie Lyon
Now, Wild Bill has been riding for miles in full chase after the Bandit when suddenly he stops his horse on a dark trail, dismounts and puts his ear close to the ground. Then listens.
Guy Madison
But you're glad the Indians taught me this trick. Yep, there he is. My ear close to the ground. I can hear his horse running. He's closer and I'm gaining. Well, we haven't lost him yet. Come on, Bone boy. Let's get him. Up, boy.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Up board.
Guy Madison
Let's go.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Run.
Land a living, Mr. Jingles. Getting the body up and in the middle of the night. It's enough to start mailing all over again.
Andy Devine
Well, I hope not, ma' am. But when Wild Bill Hickok says to get you, I just gotta get you.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Goodness, I hope you're right about poor Buddington not being hurt.
Andy Devine
You ain't gone a little sweet on this Buddington, ha, have you, ma' am?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Now, you just tend to your driving, young fella and let's get on into town for a catch.
Andy Devine
Yes, ma' am.
Guy Madison
All right, mister. You might as well give up.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
You ain't taking me in now.
Guy Madison
Your gun's gone rain up.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
You'll never catch me.
Andy Devine
Okay, I've got a loop.
Guy Madison
Swinging will pull you off that horse. There it comes over your head. All right, mister. Now I'm gonna take you back into town like I promised. Jingles at the end of a rope.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
You say Wild Bill Hickok told you to come here and wait, doctor?
Yes, sheriff, that's what he said. But it doesn't look like he's going to show up. So if you don't mind, sir, I think I shall take my departure.
Oh, no, you don't. I don't know what it's all about, but if Wild Bill Hickox has to.
Wait, you wait for sheriff.
None of that. But now, just you wait.
I land a living. That was a wild ride. Evening, sheriff. Or is it morning? Oh, there you are, Bunny.
Panhandle Jim
Evening, Ms. Wilson.
Andy Devine
Evening, Sheriff. I'm Wild Bill Hickok, the pardner. And my name's Jingle.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Well, glad to make the acquaintance of any friend of Wild Bill's. By the way, where is he?
Andy Devine
Oh, he's rounding up a varmint, sheriff. He'll be along. Well, hello, Doc. See you made it back all right.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Yes, thank you.
Oh, Buddington, are you really all right?
My dear, I cannot tell you how sorry I am about the money.
Andy Devine
Doc. Wait a minute. Do you mind if I take A little closer look at that watch chain you're sporting across your vest.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Why, who's Mr. Cumming?
Guy Madison
Just me, Sheriff, and a customer for your jail.
Andy Devine
You'd get in jail?
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Well, he wouldn't have if. Hey, Doc, what are you doing here?
Shut up, you idiot.
Andy Devine
Well, now, do you two know each other?
Guy Madison
I'd say they do jingles. They've been partners in crime for a long time.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
What do you mean, Hickok?
Guy Madison
A very clever scheme, sheriff. They travel from town to town with a medicine show. Dr. Choose makes love to the widows, get their confidence and their money.
Andy Devine
Then that's what you mean by confidence man, huh, Bill?
Guy Madison
Exactly. When the doc starts for Tomlin on a dark road, Slash Barker comes along and holds him up.
Andy Devine
Then Slash takes the money and skin and adults.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Oh, buddy.
Guy Madison
Later they meet and split. Barker told me all about us.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Barker, I'll kill you for this.
He's loco, Doc. I didn't tell him nothing.
Guy Madison
No, Doc, he didn't. But what you just said is a confession if I've ever heard one. And I've got plenty of witnesses.
Andy Devine
I guess we won't have to wait for that wire from Abilene, huh, Bill?
Guy Madison
No, no, Jinx. The description would fit these two perfectly. Here's your money, ma' am. I'd be mighty careful from now on.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews
Oh, I will, Mr. Hickok. But he talked so pretty.
Andy Devine
Yes, ma' am, but you'd better stay shy of those sweet talking hombres. But with all that honey running loose, there's bound him to be a bee in the neighborhood. Well, you might just get stung.
Charlie Lyon
And now, here are the stars of Wild Bill Hickok, Guy Madison and Andy Devine.
Guy Madison
Well, folks, Andy and I will be back next week with more adventure and trouble.
Andy Devine
Yeah, Guy, you always get the adventure. But what do I get? Nothing but trouble.
Guy Madison
Meanwhile, Andy and I also hope you'll remember to get Kellogg's Corn Pop, right.
Andy Devine
It's the great new cereal with the sweetening already on it.
Guy Madison
You bet it is. Andy and I think Corn Pops are great. So long.
Andy Devine
See you next week.
Charlie Lyon
Yes, sir. Be sure to listen next week at the same time on the same station when Kellogg's Corn Pops brings you another exciting transcribed story of Wild Bill Hickok, starring Guy Madison and Anthony Devine in person. Today's cast included Herbert Butterfield, Paul Freeze, Howard McNear, Gene Vanderpile and Jack Moyles. Our director is Paul Pierce. Music by Dick o' Laurent. This is a David Heyer production. This is Charlie Lyon reminding you kids love Pops. Moms love Pops. Pops love Pops. Kellogg's Corn Pop.
Most people would rather remove a nest of irate hornets than search for auto and home insurance. That's why the Zebra searches for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can compare. Today at the Zebra. Com, I think I'll wait inside.
Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Wild Bill Hickock ep011 The Confidence Game
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
Description: Dive back into the Golden Age of Radio with "Wild Bill Hickock," a thrilling adventure featuring the legendary Missouri Ranger, Wild Bill Hickok, and his trusty sidekick, Jingles. This episode, "The Confidence Game," takes listeners on a suspense-filled journey through deceit, bravery, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
In "The Confidence Game," titled ep011 The Confidence Game, listeners are transported to the rustic town of Pleasantville. Wild Bill Hickok, portrayed by Guy Madison, and his affable deputy, Jingles, voiced by Andy Devine, arrive with a mission: to uncover and thwart a pair of cunning confidence men plaguing the area.
Timestamp [00:59 - 01:35]:
Wild Bill and Jingles, fresh from a 30-mile journey, make camp by Singing Creek. Their camaraderie is evident as they prepare to rest, showcasing the deep bond between the two characters.
Andy Devine: "Last one ends a rotten egg, Bill. Here I go."
(02:11)
Timestamp [02:53 - 04:35]:
The duo heads to Pleasantville’s telegraph office, seeking a crucial message from Abilene. Their interaction with the telegraph operator, Dr. T. Buddington Chews, raises suspicions as the operator exhibits evasive behavior and cryptic dialogue.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews: "Well, you're not likely to get any unless I know your names."
(03:51)
Timestamp [05:05 - 07:42]:
As Bill and Jingles consider celebrating their trouble-free arrival, Dr. Chews captivates the town with a magic show. He seamlessly blends charm and deception, eventually drawing Jingles into his act. The atmosphere shifts from light-hearted to tense as Jingles becomes entwined in Dr. Chews' performances.
Dr. T. Buddington Chews: "I shall perform some of the most amazing feats of prestidigitation ever to confound the eyes of man."
(05:55)
Timestamp [10:06 - 11:13]:
A telegram arrives, revealing Wild Bill and Jingles' mission: to confront confidence men in the area. Soon after, Jingles discovers his watch has been stolen, heightening the tension and pointing suspicion towards the unfolding mystery.
Andy Devine: "I knew it, Bill. Trouble follows you around like a stalking lion."
(09:59)
Timestamp [17:00 - 24:37]:
The pursuit intensifies as Wild Bill tracks down Dr. Chews, now revealed as one half of the deceptive duo. A dramatic confrontation ensues, culminating in the exposure of Dr. Chews and his partner, Slash Barker, as the masterminds behind the confidence game targeting the town's vulnerable residents.
Guy Madison: "A very clever scheme, sheriff. They travel from town to town with a medicine show."
(23:36)
Timestamp [24:22 - 25:35]:
With the criminals unmasked and apprehended, Wild Bill and Jingles ensure justice is served. The episode concludes with a nod to future adventures, leaving listeners eager for more tales of heroism and friendship.
Guy Madison: "Meanwhile, Andy and I also hope you'll remember to get Kellogg's Corn Pop, right."
(25:22)
Wild Bill Hickok:
"To see if I have any messages. I left word at Abilene that I'd stop in Pleasantville."
(02:53)
Jingles:
"Man, does that feel good."
(02:22)
Dr. T. Buddington Chews:
"I shall perform some of the most amazing feats of prestidigitation ever to confound the eyes of man."
(05:21)
Wild Bill Hickok:
"You don't spread it around, huh?"
(10:34)
Dr. T. Buddington Chews:
"What do you mean, Hickok?"
(23:44)
Jingles:
"Yeah, sir, I'll take a pot shot anyway."
(17:28)
"The Confidence Game" delves into themes of trust, deception, and righteousness. Wild Bill and Jingles embody the classic heroes of Western lore, balancing toughness with humor. The character of Dr. Chews serves as a reminder of how appearances can be deceiving, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and discernment. The dynamic between Bill and Jingles highlights the value of partnership and loyalty in the face of adversity.
The episode masterfully interweaves suspense with character-driven humor, keeping listeners engaged while delivering a moral lesson against deceit and exploitation. The inclusion of authentic period dialogue and settings enriches the storytelling, making it a quintessential Old Time Radio experience.
Episode 011 of "Wild Bill Hickok," "The Confidence Game," offers a captivating blend of adventure, mystery, and character interplay. Through its engaging narrative and memorable performances, it transports listeners to a bygone era where heroes roamed the rugged landscapes, standing up against the evils of swindlers and outlaws. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer, this episode promises an enthralling experience that embodies the spirit of the Golden Age of Radio.