Old Time Radio Westerns — "A Matter of Ethics" | Have Gun Will Travel (02-01-59)

Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Main Cast: John Dana (Paladin), Jack Crucian, Virginia Christine
Digitally Restored Classic Western Radio Drama

Episode Overview

In this immersive episode of "Have Gun Will Travel" titled "A Matter of Ethics", the famed gun-for-hire Paladin is confronted with a test of moral conviction and duty. Hired by a confessed killer, Holgate, Paladin’s task is not to kill, but to keep his client from being lynched by a vengeful mob before a lawful trial. As tempers flare in the Western town of Bender—named for the father of the murder victim—Paladin must navigate personal ethics, the collective thirst for retribution, and the ever-present threat of mob justice. The episode explores themes of law versus vigilante revenge, the true meaning of justice, and the cost of neutrality.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

Paladin Accepts the Job (01:57–08:13)

• Paladin is approached by Holgate, a man who, after killing the son of the town founder, fears mob justice. Holgate hires Paladin for $200 to ensure he stands trial alive.
• Quote:
  “My gun was handcrafted to my specifications. I rarely draw it unless I mean to use it.” — Paladin [01:57]
• Sheriff Swing is wary but sees sense in having Paladin’s help, despite unease over the odds against them.
• Ethics Highlight:
  “Man has a chance with a fair trial. But there’s no debating a lynching fee.” — Paladin [07:53]

Arrival in Bender: Facing the Victim’s Family and Town Tensions (08:13–10:01)

• Upon arrival, Paladin, Holgate, and the Sheriff are met by Max Bender (the victim’s father) and Amy Bender (the victim’s sister).
• Amy is disillusioned with the legal system, believing her brother would not have received justice and fearing that Holgate might escape on a technicality.
• Quote:
  “So the gunfighters are all for law and order now? If the pay is right.” — Amy Bender [09:41]
• Paladin asserts that “you don’t buy law and order. You fight for it.” [09:44]

Preparing for the Mob — Conflicting Morals (12:25–16:13)

• Sheriff and Paladin secure Holgate in the jail, wary of townsfolk gathering for retribution.
• Max Bender is chosen to hold Paladin’s payment, to ensure impartiality.
• Amy confronts Paladin, offering him money to abandon the town and leave Holgate to the mob.
• Quote:
  “Switching sides is most unethical.” — Paladin [16:06] “Did you ever see a lynching, Ms. Bender? Your imagination would fall far short of the truth.” — Paladin [16:13]
• Paladin refuses the bribe, resolutely setting himself against mob justice.

The Mob Gathers; Tensions Explode (19:20–22:13)

• The townsfolk, led by Amy and stirred by grief and fear, begin to assemble for the lynching.
• Sheriff Swing and Paladin arm themselves, determined to uphold due process.
• Amy is overcome, realizing the violence she has provoked is spiraling out of control.
• Quote:
  “The trouble with a lynching, Ms. Bender, you can’t have it ordered up all dainty, neat like a yard of lace. It’s something that cowards get whiskeyed up for and mumble over and wind up screaming in the gutters of a dark night.” — Paladin [16:34; repeated theme later]

The Standoff — Paladin Uses Wits, Not Violence (22:13–23:08)

• As the mob attempts to break into the jail, Paladin threatens to use dynamite, startling the crowd and dispersing the mob.
• Memorable Moment: Paladin lights a long fuse as psychological warfare; once the mob runs, he calmly extinguishes the dynamite:
  “No need breaking down doors when you can open them with dynamite. ...Just putting out the fuse. Was a long, slow burning one.” — Paladin [22:18–22:50]
• Sheriff observes:
  “That crowd is still running. I don’t blame them.” [22:59]
• Paladin notes that mob courage is fleeting:
  “Mob courage is a momentary thing. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.” — Paladin [23:03]

Justice Prevails — Motives and Regret (24:00–25:12)

• Holgate tries to bribe Paladin to let him escape, but Paladin keeps his word and delivers him to trial.
• Amy Bender expresses regret, ashamed and confused at the outcome and her own actions.
• Paladin returns her father’s money, remarking:
  “Because it’s an honest face, too.” — Paladin [25:03]
• Amy, moved by Paladin’s integrity, asks him to return to Bender.

Epilogue — Paladin’s Return & Resolution (25:27–26:14)

• Back in San Francisco, Paladin discusses the events with his associate Hey Boy, reflecting on the challenges of the job and the enduring ambiguity of justice.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Paladin’s code:
  “My gun was handcrafted to my specifications. I rarely draw it unless I mean to use it.” — Paladin [01:57]
• On due process:
  “Man has a chance with a fair trial. But there’s no debating a lynching fee.” — Paladin [07:53]
• Amy’s skepticism:
  “So the gunfighters are all for law and order now? If the pay is right.” — Amy Bender [09:41]
• The true face of lynching:
  “Did you ever see a lynching, Ms. Bender?... your imagination would fall far short of the truth.” — Paladin [16:13] “You can’t have it ordered up all dainty, neat like a yard of lace. ... It’s something that cowards get whiskeyed up for and mumble over and wind up screaming in the gutters of a dark night.” — Paladin [16:34]
• Paladin’s refusal of a bribe:
  “Switching sides is most unethical.” — Paladin [16:06]
• Dispersing the mob with cunning:
  “No need breaking down doors when you can open them with dynamite.” — Paladin [22:18]
• Reflection on mob mentality:
  “Mob courage is a momentary thing. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.” — Paladin [23:03]

Thematic Takeaways

• Ethics Over Profit: Paladin’s consistent refusal to sacrifice principle for pay highlights the show’s moral core.
• Law Versus Vengeance: The episode lays bare the temptation toward vigilante justice, and the difficult, often unpopular stand required to prevent it.
• Mob Psychology: The story demonstrates how crowds can be manipulated by fear, drink, and peer pressure—but are also easily dispersed once faced with determined, creative resistance.
• Ambiguous Endings: Even as law is upheld, characters—especially Amy—are left to grapple with remorse, confusion, and the complexity of real justice.

Useful for New Listeners

This episode of "Have Gun Will Travel" is a taut, character-driven exploration of frontier justice. It draws listeners into the late 19th century West, vividly restored through rich sound design and authentic dialogue. Fans of dramatic Western storytelling, moral dilemmas, and classic radio craft will find it an exceptional specimen of the genre.

Recommended Segments:

• [07:53] Paladin’s negotiation and statement on lynching vs. trial
• [09:41–09:48] Amy and Paladin’s ethical standoff
• [16:06–16:34] Paladin’s refusal to take the bribe and his speech on lynching
• [22:13–23:08] The explosive climax with the dynamite bluff
• [24:00–25:12] Amy’s realization and the moral resolution

Listen for the interplay of ethics, suspense, and humanity that defines both the era and the enduring legacy of classic Western radio drama.