Old Time Radio Westerns – Benson City Story | All Star Western Theatre (01-12-47)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: October 20, 2025 (original drama aired January 12, 1947)

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored broadcast of the "All Star Western Theatre," featuring the Riders of the Purple Sage in the radio drama "Benson City Story." The episode whisks listeners to the bustling frontier town of Benson City, a place where family ties, fortune, and suspicion collide. The story follows Todd Benson, the wayward nephew of the town’s founder, as he finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery that threatens to see him hanged. The Riders of the Purple Sage, playing themselves, arrive just in time to stir up justice—and a few musical numbers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the Show & Restoration (05:16)

• Cottonseed Clark introduces the All Star Western Theatre and the Riders of the Purple Sage. The show blends music, sponsor messages, and a classic Western tale.

2. Setting the Scene: Benson City & Main Characters (06:55)

• Narration introduces the prosperous and tightly controlled Benson City, run by Dave Benson for over forty years.
• Todd Benson is painted as a ne’er-do-well nephew, always scheming to get money from his wealthy uncle.

3. The Arrival & Escapades of the Riders (08:12)

• Riders of the Purple Sage—Dean, Floyd, and others—roll into Benson City after leaving Rocktown due to a brawl, bringing their easy charm and troublemaking tendencies.
• Quick stop at the barber for a comically detailed scene involving the infamous Empress Agnes cologne and local gossip.

4. Saloon Shenanigans & Card Game (10:50)

• Characters move to the saloon, seeking a drink and getting entangled in a poker game with Todd Benson and the slick cardsharp Pharaoh Lang.
• The Riders note Pharaoh and his partner’s suspicious gambling, hinting at foul play.

5. The Poker Game Turns Sour (13:30)

• Todd, believing in his luck (and his uncle's money), loses heavily to Pharaoh Lang in an increasingly tense card game.
• Pharaoh insists on Todd’s IOUs, threatening consequences if unpaid.

6. Barroom Brawl & Jailhouse Blues (15:44)

• A fight erupts following accusations of cheating. The Riders and Todd end up in jail, commiserating about their misfortunes and Todd’s mounting troubles with his uncle.

7. Murder in Benson City (19:42)

• The plot thickens: Todd is accused of murdering his uncle, Dave Benson. Evidence seems damning, especially the lingering scent of Empress Agnes cologne at the murder scene.
• Cottonseed Clark (as Narrator): “It’s that cologne water I use. They claim they could smell it all over the room... And I’m the only person who uses this stuff!” (20:52)

8. The Smell of Suspicion & Detectives at Work (22:30)

• The Riders, now part-time sleuths, ponder how the cologne could be present if Todd wasn’t in the room. Suspicion turns to Pharaoh Lang.
• Comedic yet pivotal interview with the barber, Teeny Cotter, about the cologne's rarity and someone sneaking a dose.

9. Unraveling the Mystery (26:10)

• With the sheriff’s help, the Riders confront Pharaoh. Their ruse with cologne scent and clever questioning exposes inconsistencies in Pharaoh’s story.
• The key clue: Pharaoh reveals knowledge only the murderer would know—Dave Benson was "strangled," a detail never made public.

Memorable Moment:

• Sheriff (to Pharaoh): “Outside of me and my deputies and the stranger here, no one knew how old Dave Benson died. Tell me, how’d you know he was strangled to death, Pharaoh?” (29:38)

10. Justice Served & Ride into the Sunset (30:10)

• Pharaoh is unmasked as the real killer and arrested. Todd is cleared of all charges.
• The Riders share a lighthearted farewell, debating whether to stay in “peaceful” Benson City or ride on to their next adventure.

Memorable Banter:

• Dean: “We are heroes.”
• Floyd: “Ah, things are a little too peaceful. The town’s dead from the bottom up…” (31:26)

Musical Highlights

• "Deep within My Heart (San Antonio)" (Performed at 05:40):
  The Riders open the show with a classic Western ballad.
• "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (07:50):
  Heartfelt performance blending seamlessly into the drama.
• "I Was Wrong" (32:50):
  Emotional tune following the story’s resolution.
• "Sweet Georgia Brown" (Instrumental Novelty) (34:20):
  Upbeat, comedic instrumental showcasing the band’s musical prowess.
• "Twilight on the Trail" (35:10):
  An evocative closing ballad, paying tribute to the serene side of cowboy life.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Barber Teeny Cotter on exclusive cologne brand:
  “You know, you’re the only man in town with a bottle of cloney water.” (08:52)
• Comic confusion at the bar:
  “I not know how to make a drink called H2O.”
  “He wants a glass of water, friend. A glass of water. But he asked professor to make him a H2HO.” (09:44)
• Rider’s suspicion about the card game:
  “From the looks of those fellers he’s playing cards with, he’s gonna lose it first and inherit it later on.” (12:18)
• Pharaoh’s slip-up:
  “...no one knew how old Dave Benson died. Tell me, how’d you know he was strangled to death, Pharaoh?” (29:38)

Key Timestamps (Approximate)

• [05:16] Opening introduction, Riders' first song
• [06:55] Introduction to Benson City & main characters
• [08:12] Barbershop scene with Teeny Cotter and Todd Benson
• [10:50] Riders enter the saloon, begin to observe con game
• [13:30] Poker game escalates; Todd loses everything
• [15:44] Barroom brawl and jailhouse scene
• [19:42] Todd is accused of murder
• [22:30] Investigation begins – clue about the cologne
• [26:10] Pharaoh exposed by his own words
• [32:50] Musical resolution and Riders’ farewell
• [35:10] Final song, “Twilight on the Trail”

Tone and Style

• The episode maintains the jovial, wisecracking tone of classic Western radio dramas.
• Music interludes provide moments of reflection and entertainment.
• Dialogue is playful, with plenty of period slang (“cotton picking mind,” “local weed”), and the narrative is brisk and witty.
• The Riders of the Purple Sage bring both authenticity and comic relief throughout.

In Summary

"Benson City Story" is a lively blend of Western intrigue, classic music, and sharp humor. The plot is driven by colorful characters—a conniving nephew, a slippery gambler, and the ever-charming Riders—set against a backdrop of old-time Americana. The digitally restored audio does justice to the original performances, delivering a vintage gem with modern clarity. For fans of mystery, music, and the mythic West, this episode is an enjoyable immersion into radio’s golden age.