Podcast Summary

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Alias Mary Smithers | All Star Western Theatre (03-09-47)
Release Date: December 15, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored classic radio drama from 1947, "Alias Mary Smithers," performed by the All Star Western Theatre. It stars Hollywood actress Virginia Mayo in her first Western radio role, alongside the Riders of the Purple Sage and cowboy champion Marty Montana. The story centers on mistaken identity, spirited deception, and heartfelt appreciation amid the lively preparations for a ranch’s first rodeo.

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Episode (02:16–02:56)

• Cottonseed Clark opens the show, introduces the Riders of the Purple Sage, and welcomes the guest stars: Marty Montana and Virginia Mayo.
• Setting: Circle R Dude Ranch, with the story unfolding as the ranch prepares for its inaugural rodeo.

2. Musical Performances (02:56–04:48, 05:50–07:32)

• Riders of the Purple Sage perform evocative Western tunes, enhancing the atmosphere of camaraderie and nostalgia.

  • "I Want to Drink My Java from an Old Tin Can" (02:56)
  • "Among My Souvenirs" (05:50)

  "I want to drink my java from an old tin can while the moon goes riding high..."
  — Riders of the Purple Sage, (03:00)

3. The Twist Arrives: Letter from the Ranch's Owner (07:32–08:53)

• The ranch hands, Alflow and Jimmy Dean, are dismayed to learn their boss Tom Blanding won't visit in person due to illness and is instead sending his sister, Ruth, to oversee the business.

  "Be guided by her recommendations."
  — Alflow, reading Tom Blanding's letter (08:09)

• Their anxiety grows at the thought of being micromanaged by an outsider.

4. Ruth’s Secret Arrival and Mistaken Identities (10:05–19:40)

• Ruth Blanding, played by Virginia Mayo, arrives incognito at the town hotel and runs into Marty Montana, who spills the news about the upcoming rodeo.

• Ruth asks Marty not to reveal her real identity to the ranch boys; she wants to visit as a guest under the alias "Mary Smithers" to observe them unannounced.

  "Suppose you don't tell them who I am. I think perhaps I'll visit the ranch as a guest for a day or two."
  — Ruth Blanding (13:09)

• The ranch boys attempt a comedic plan to impress this "potential guest" with exaggerated personas ("millionaire from Boston" and "Harvard professor"), which Mary quickly sees through.

  "Surely you don't think I was gullible enough to believe your two cultured friends...?"
  — Ruth/Mary (18:32)

• In humorous and lively exchanges, Ruth ("Mary") lets the ruse slide, endears herself to the boys, and gleans insights into their true characters and the state of the ranch.

5. Building Tension: The Rodeo and Its Stakes (19:58–23:00)

• The big day arrives, and the boys note the rodeo's success is critical to the fate of the Circle R.

  "This rodeo is the difference in us making a big success or a big failure with Circle R."
  — Alflow (21:03)

• Ruth continues her charade but feels increasing guilt over not revealing herself, confiding her worries to Marty.

  "I'm in this thing so deep now...when I tell them who I am, they're very apt to quit. Beginning to worry me."
  — Ruth/Mary (20:00)

6. Climax: Confession and Resolution (23:03–27:12)

• Ruth decides to leave silently, instructing Marty to give the boys a letter of explanation after she's gone.

• The boys, upon reading the letter, realize they've misjudged her and race to the train station, just catching Ruth before her train departs in a classic chase scene.

  "Ruth Blanding, alias Mary Smithers. Ruth Blanding! What do you know? Well, I'll be up..."
  — Alflow, reading Ruth's letter (24:32) "Give me one reason how I can be useful and I'll go with you."
  — Ruth/Mary (26:52) "We need a queen for the rodeo. And believe me, you're it."
  — Alflow (26:57)

• Ruth agrees to return and serve as "Queen of the Rodeo," to everyone’s delight.

  "You know, I've always wanted to be a rodeo queen, so why should I turn down a golden opportunity?"
  — Ruth/Mary (27:01)

7. Finale and Afterword (29:16–29:43)

• Cottonseed Clark and the hosts thank Virginia Mayo and Marty Montana for their performances.

• Mayo discusses her enthusiasm for the West and her upcoming role as Queen of the Rodeo for Gene Autry’s LA show.

  "It's a real pleasure for me, Foy. I love anything that has to do with the West."
  — Virginia Mayo (29:19)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Be guided by her recommendations." — Alflow (08:09): The phrase that sets off the whole plot of mistaken impressions and reluctant compliance.
• "Suppose you don't tell them who I am..." — Ruth (13:09): Launches the playful intrigue of the episode.
• "Surely you don't think I was gullible enough..." — Ruth/Mary (18:32): Establishes Mary/Ruth’s quick wit and intelligence.
• "Give me one reason how I can be useful and I'll go with you." — Ruth (26:52): The key turning point where reconciliation and teamwork are forged.
• "We need a queen for the rodeo. And believe me, you're it." — Alflow (26:57): The joyful acceptance and gratitude toward Ruth.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|--------------| | Introduction & Musical Opening | 02:16–07:32 | | Ruth’s plan & arrival | 10:05–13:17 | | Boys’ comic act & Ruth’s skepticism | 13:38–19:00 | | Rodeo stakes clarified | 21:03–22:58 | | Confession & letter aftermath | 23:03–24:32 | | Dramatic train chase & resolution | 25:09–27:12 | | Virginia Mayo interview & reflection | 29:16–29:43 |

Episode Tone and Style

• Upbeat, humorous, and heartfelt with classic Western warmth.
• The dialogue features witty banter, gentle ribbing, and genuine admiration for the spirit of the American West.
• The episode blends lighthearted schemes and wholesome suspense with themes of honesty, gratitude, and community.

For New Listeners

"Alias Mary Smithers" is an engaging entry point into Old Time Radio Westerns, highlighting the genre's blend of humor, heart, and old-fashioned adventure—brought to life with restored audio, lively performances, and period-appropriate music. The show is both a nostalgic time capsule and a timeless narrative of trust, teamwork, and second chances.