Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Detailed Summary of "Boom Town | Frontier Town (1949)"

Podcast Information

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host: Andrew Rhines
• Episode: Boom Town | Frontier Town (1949)
• Release Date: February 3, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines introduces listeners to "Frontier Town," originally aired in 1949. "Frontier Town" immerses audiences in the vibrant and tumultuous life of a booming Western mining town, Scott's Diggings, showcasing the challenges and adventures of its eclectic inhabitants.

Arrival in Scott's Diggings

Timestamp: [05:23]

The story unfolds with Chad Remington, a frontier lawyer, and his partner, Cherokee O'Bannon, arriving at Scott's Diggings—a prosperous boomtown established by the successful prospector Pack Rat Scott. Chad narrates their journey:

Chad Remington: "Hello there, friends. I come from a frontier town, and I'm a frontier lawyer by the name of Chad Remington."
[05:23]

Cherokee expresses his discontent with Pack Rat Scott, whom he believes owes him an interest in the newly discovered mine:

Cherokee O'Bannon: "You know something, Chad? Packrat Scott has one shred of honor or decency. Not alone will he return the grubstake I gave him 12 years ago."
[06:58]

The duo soon encounters Pack Rat Scott, elated by his gold strike but dissatisfied with the lack of recognition for his town:

Pack Rat Scott: "Well, blow me down and call me tummoe jerky. If I ain't the happiest man in the world."
[08:30]

Formation of the Chamber of Commerce

Timestamp: [09:23]

Determined to elevate Scott's Diggings to the stature of renowned mining towns like Virginia City, Chad suggests forming a Chamber of Commerce and hiring a publicity man. Cherokee introduces Jerry Berry, a seasoned publicity expert:

Chad Remington: "Well, if that's all that's bothering you, pack rat publicizing your name for the sake of austerity then what you ought to do is to create a local chamber of commerce and engage a publicity man."
[09:23]

Jerry Berry arrives with grand plans to catapult the town into national fame, proposing strategies to attract notable figures like Mark Twain and Evelyn Billingsgate to promote Scott's Diggings.

Conflict with High Grade Hattie

Timestamp: [15:47]

As the Chamber of Commerce meeting commences, tensions arise with High Grade Hattie, the saloon owner, who opposes the publicity efforts:

High Grade Hattie: "I think you're all a lot of crackpots. What difference does it make if Scott's Diggins is known in New York?"
[16:10]

Her skepticism leads to a heated altercation when Jerry Berry tries to steer the meeting back on track, resulting in physical confrontation:

Chad Remington: "Mister, I don't know who you are... But if you think you can get away with slapping a man half your size and twice your age, you just don't think."
[16:52]

Unveiling the Scheme

Timestamp: [27:43]

Chad Remington develops a theory that Moon Showalter, a local figure, orchestrated a fake holdup to discredit the Chamber's efforts. He confronts Jerry Berry and Pack Rat Scott with this suspicion:

Chad Remington: "I believe Moon Show Walter took advantage of a fake holdup to engineer one of his own."
[27:56]

Their investigation leads them to High Grade Hattie, who is found with stolen money, confirming Chad's suspicions of an inside job.

Climactic Confrontation and Resolution

Timestamp: [29:57]

The climax peaks as the characters discover High Grade Hattie's office on fire, with evidence pointing to her involvement in the theft:

Chad Remington: "We're looking. Show Walter. And all I can see is the money you stole from high grade Hetty."
[29:32]

In a dramatic showdown, the protagonists manage to subdue the culprits, restoring peace to Scott's Diggings. The episode concludes with the town's Chamber of Commerce regaining control and setting the stage for future prosperity.

Notable Quotes

• Chad Remington on Human Nature:
  "Ah, the frailties of human nature."
  [07:35]

• Jerry Berry on Publicity Ambitions:
  "Scott's Diggings is going to more familiar at the average American breakfast table."
  [11:59]

• Evelyn Billingsgate on the Town's Potential:
  "I can see it all now. You shall be the hero of my novel."
  [24:25]

• Chad Remington on Strategy:
  "If it takes fire to fight fire, and it takes one wild idea to fight another wild idea."
  [27:43]

Conclusion

"Boom Town | Frontier Town (1949)" masterfully captures the essence of Western frontier life, blending adventure, conflict, and camaraderie. Through richly developed characters and a gripping plot, the episode highlights the challenges of establishing and maintaining prosperity in a burgeoning mining town. Andrew Rines' presentation ensures that both longtime fans and new listeners are thoroughly engaged, offering a vivid auditory journey into the heart of the Wild West.

Listeners are encouraged to revisit this classic tale and explore more episodes on otrwesterns.com, where digitally restored radio dramas continue to preserve and enhance the legacy of old-time Western storytelling.