Convict Valley | The Cisco Kid (08-05-54) - Old Time Radio Westerns

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Convict Valley | The Cisco Kid
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners to the tumultuous landscape of the Wild West with the beloved character, The Cisco Kid. "Convict Valley" unfolds as a tale of justice, courage, and the relentless pursuit of righteousness in the face of lawlessness.

Plot Overview

The story centers around Convict Valley, a notorious town founded by escaped murderers and serving as a haven for outlaws, desperados, and killers. As Convict Valley expands, its inhabitants venture into surrounding territories, instilling fear and chaos. Contrasting this lawless enclave is the nearby thriving town of Cottonwood Bluffs, where Tom Morrison, an educated former Border Patrol officer, has established a newspaper aimed at curbing the rampant criminal activities by shedding light on the Valley's misdeeds.

A fierce conflict ignites when Morrison publishes a scathing report condemning Convict Valley, prompting the outlaws to vow retribution: “It is long past time Convict Valley was wiped out for honest men to be terrorized by such spawn and dregs of humanity” ([00:53]). Determined to protect the town and uphold justice, Morrison calls upon the men of Cottonwood Bluffs to arm themselves and cleanse the Valley of its criminal inhabitants.

Enter The Cisco Kid and his trusty sidekick, Pancho, who ride into Cottonwood Bluffs to warn Morrison of the impending attack. Upon informing Sheriff Higgins of the looming threat, tensions escalate as Morrison resolves to confront the outlaws alone, believing that the town's militia lacks the will to act. This decision leads to a dramatic showdown when the outlaws, led by Hank Blair, descend upon the town with malicious intent.

Key Characters and Interactions

The Cisco Kid: A legendary Robin Hood figure, Cisco embodies bravery and moral integrity. His actions drive the narrative forward as he seeks to defend Morrison and, by extension, Cottonwood Bluffs.
Pancho: Cisco's loyal companion, Pancho provides both support and comic relief, balancing the tension with moments of levity.
Tom Morrison: The principled newspaper editor whose unwavering stance against Convict Valley's lawlessness makes him a target for retaliation.
Sheriff Higgins: The town's reluctant lawman, whose inability to assert authority exacerbates the crisis.
Hank Blair: The antagonist leading the posse against Morrison, representing unchecked villainy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Tom Morrison:
“It is long past time Convict Valley was wiped out for honest men to be terrorized by such spawn and dregs of humanity.” ([00:53])
Cisco Kid:
“You are not going to get your hands on me. We're in the second place.” ([09:15])
Sheriff Higgins:
“I ain't good at making decisions.” ([05:30])
Hank Blair:
“It's just how we'll do. Get your horses boys.” ([12:45])
Narrator:
“If we get out of this alive, it would be a miracle.” ([10:20])

Climactic Showdown

As the outlaws storm Cottonwood Bluffs, Morrison resolves to defend his establishment, resulting in a fierce gunfight. Cisco and Pancho engage the posse, showcasing their skills and unwavering resolve. Amidst the chaos, Morrison sacrifices himself to save Cisco, highlighting the theme of selflessness that permeates the episode.

The turning point arrives when Cisco Kid rallies the townsfolk to stand up against the outlaws. His leadership and strategic prowess inspire Cottonwood Bluffs' residents to confront the threat head-on. The ensuing battle is intense, with bullets flying and lives hanging in the balance. Ultimately, the collective courage of Cisco, Pancho, and the townspeople prevails, forcing Hank Blair and his men to retreat and restoring peace to the region.

Resolution and Moral

In the aftermath, Cottonwood Bluffs celebrates their hard-won victory with a heartfelt banquet. Morrison's courageous stand is honored, and Cisco Kid delivers a stirring speech emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and the rule of law:

“It is always a great pleasure for me to see people suddenly realize that the law is behind them. And that when the law is behind them, they themselves are ten times as strong.” ([26:00])

The episode concludes on a note of camaraderie and mutual respect, with Cisco and Pancho enjoying the fruits of their labor and reflecting on the enduring values of justice and bravery.

Conclusion

"Convict Valley" is a quintessential Western adventure that encapsulates the timeless struggle between good and evil. Through masterful storytelling and dynamic character interactions, the episode celebrates the enduring legacy of The Cisco Kid as a symbol of hope and righteousness in the untamed frontier. Andrew Rhynes expertly preserves the rich audio quality, immersing listeners in the vibrant sounds and spirited narratives of the golden age of radio Westerns.

Join us next month for another thrilling adventure with The Cisco Kid, and delve deeper into the legends that shaped the Wild West.

Transcript

Advocate for Tobacco Control (0:00)

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem. It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoreegonkids.org, pay by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action fund.

Narrator (0:31)

With over 200 million drivers, you've done more than make Ford America's all time best selling auto brand. Your purchases have enabled Ford and Ford dealers to donate billions to communities. This June, celebrate Ford and Ford dealers commitment of an important additional donation to Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon Ford Motor Company from America for America. Based on Automotive News Almanac, historical data and industry reported Sales data from 1909 through 201924 cy welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode. Here's adventure. Here's romance. Here's the famous Robin Hood of the Old West, Cisco. He says he is getting closer. He play Poncho the Cisco here.

Advocate for Tobacco Control (2:12)

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me@vors hookoregon kids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

Narrator (2:53)

Now the Cisco Kids in our gripping story Convict Valley. The story of Convict Valley has its parallel in the annals of the Old West. For Convict Valley was a town founded by an escaped murderer, and its purpose was to shelter criminals, desperados and killers. As the town grew, its outcast residents went forth into the territory to rob and kill and put fear into the hearts of men. But one man who lived in the nearby thriving town of Cottonwood Bluffs spoke out publicly. As our story opens, a rider reins his horse in before the Convict Valley Cafe. Wait till Heck reads this. Hey, Heck, look at this. It's a newspaper printed over in Cottonwood Bluffs. Don Morrison writing any more about us? Yes. Read it right here on the front page. Hey, boys, come here. That buzzard, Tom Morris. Listen to this. It is long past time Convict Valley was wiped out for honest men to be terrorized by such spawn and dregs of humanity. Hey, what's that mean? Rank. Well, it ain't nice. Dregs of humanity is disgraceful. Well, let every man in Cottonwood Bluffs arm himself to the teeth, ride to Convict Valley and clean out that community of criminals once and for all. Gonna clean up this community, huh? Now, we'll see about that. We ought to go after that editor for writing that, Heck. Yeah, that's just what we're gonna do, Reince. We're gonna get him and we're gonna burn down his place. Settle up, you hombres. We're riding the Cottonwood Bluffs. Saying that Tom Maris not expect to see us, Chisco. No, he will not expect us, Pancho. But since we are in this part of the country, it is fitting to clar and pay our respects. What say your Tom doing Cottonwood Bluff, Chisco? I believe he's running a newspaper, Chico. Ooh. In newspapers. After senior Tom resigned from the Border Patrol because of poor health, he came to Cottonwood Bluffs. Being a man of some education, he decided to start a newspaper. You know, Singer Tom saved Pine Tree's life. She spooked, see? He also saved my life, amigo. Those bandidos in the border cafe would have shot us both in the back if Senor Tom had not drawn his gun just when he did. Not too close. Why we stopped, Cisco? Why we stopped, sir? Why? Why? Oh, over there to the south. Oh. Riders. Many of them. About 25, I would say. They ride this way. When a trailer comes in close to this one and branches out again away from it, let us ride ahead where the brush will hide us from their view. Come on, darl. Never mind. Come on. Come, come. Easy now. Ah, this is good. Maybe the ombre is already here. No, I do not think so. No. We were partly concealed by the trees back there. Why we wait for these hombre, Cisco? They cowhands? No, no, I do not think so. No. They are heavily armed. Puncher with six guns and rifles. Here they come. Yeto. Here they come. Now we get to Cottonwood Bluffs. I want five of you armories to guard one end of the street, five more to guard the other end. Chris Bliss will take care of getting Tom Horse and burning down his play. Cisco, did you hear this? I did, Pancho. I need to hear no more than that. You will have to get the Cottonwood bluffs before those hombres do. This trail go there, Cisco? I'm not sure, but I think it must. We'll have to take that chance. Go. Go now. Howdy, Tom. Howdy, Sheriff. I suppose you know why I come over here. I could guess. Didn't like my piece in the paper about Convict Valley. Well, it ain't that I didn't like it, Tommy. It's just that I figure it's poor timing on your part to print it now. Why? You know why. Because I ain't yet been able to convince the commander of the fort up river to help me go after the killers over there. The commander won't act till he gets orders to act from his superior. Superior's in Washington. Chances are he won't be back for another month. Maybe not for two months. But, Tom, there's 25 or 30 of them outlaws over in the valley. Yeah, and there's about 50 able bodied men right here in this town. Not to mention how many live on ranches around here. We don't need the army's help. We can take care of it ourselves. Most of our men are plumb scared. No, I can't believe that, Sheriff. Trouble is, no attempt's been made to arouse them. What do you mean by that? I mean it's your duty as sheriff to clean out Convict Valley. When my paper comes out again, I'm gonna say so in a lot stronger language than I'm using right now. Oh, you better take it easy, Tom. You ain't running my office, even if you did used to be a border rider. But I am standing up for the rights of the people, Sheriff. If we let those coyotes get away with any more rustling and holdups and killings, they'll take over this town. I'm not saying you're scared of them. Not now. But I will say so if you don't get busy right away. Who's this? Well, by thunder, I swear it's a Cisco Kid and Poncho. But if they say it. Say, I'm mighty glad to see you two hombres. Sit down. Oh, Sheriff Higgins, the Cisco Kid. We would like to visit with you, Senor Tom, but time does not permit. Hombres lie. This way, Senor Tom. What hombre? Big crowd of them out along the trail. They are armed with rifles and six guns, senor. Oh, I Knew it. That blasted piece in the paper. You overheard them say they were riding here, senor Tom, to get you and boy down to place. No, I haven't had a good fight for a long time. I'll go right upstairs and get all my guns. No, no, no. Waste of your time, Sheriff. What do you want, Deputy sheriff. There's a big mob. A big mob of men riding. Riding the town. I could see him through the glass. Yeah, we know that. Yes, but it's hack Blair. I say it's hack Blair and all them convicts. What do we do? I say, what do we do, sheriff? Well, what do you think, deputy? Well, I. Goodness, I can't make decisions. I ain't good at it. Turn out the men of the town, sheriff, and be quick about it. Well, this is kind of short notice. Yes. My goodness, they're most here now. I'll go get my guns. Dear Tom, the odds are too great. Those hombres will kill you. Get out of here and stay under cover until they have left. Get out nothing and let them burn down my place, aren't you and I will hold them off as long as we can until the sheriff brings us some help. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, nothing doing, I tell you. You will be killed. They not kill Cisco and Panor. They not know Cisco and Pan. It's no use talking. I'll stay right here and fight it out. Senor Tom. Yeah. I hate to have to do this, senor, but if I do not, you will lose your life. Hey, what's the idea of knocking him out? Cisco, I just told you why. Now you and the deputy get him out of here at once. Take him where those banters will not find him. Who you giving orders to? I am giving them to you, senor sheriff. Apparently someone has to. Now get senor Tom out of here. All right, all right. Take his feet, deputy. Take his feet. Yes, yes, all right. Take his. Oh, these decisions. Please, take him to the store. Then get a posse quickly. He never answered you, Cisco. I do not think we can expect any help from him. Poncho. Huh? Go to the window over behind the press. Behind the press. Take up your station there. Yes, yes, I will stay here. Prices. Come now, Cisco. Come right here. Say, they are a tough looking bunch. Frank will go in if you spread out and keep this street covered. What can I do for you? Om. Huh? Who are you? Makes no difference who I am. Hey, wait a minute. Heck, that's a Cisco kid in p. You know. Cisco kid, huh? What are you doing up in this part of the Country. It is none of your business, hom. And you are not welcome in this place. Not welcome in this place. Vamos, pronto. Where's Tom Morris? He's not in this building. Probably upstairs hiding under the bed. Hack, let's go drag him out. It's just so. We'll do one momento. I told you Senor Morris is not in this building. I meant just that. Get out of my way. You are not going up those stairs. Who's going to stop us? Just try going up and you will find out. He's going to stop you, hombre. I say get out of my way or I'll turn you down. That's what I can grab. That's not Ombre. Take it away from you. Omri, lay down on the floor. No. You. There we are. Ombre. Do not reach for your gun. You're gonna be mighty sorry of this, Cisco. Yeah, sure is. Come on, ranch, get back to the boys. I think you'd better stay right here, hombres, both of you. Poncho, take the other Omri's guns. We'll hold them here as hostages. Madre mia. Poncho, do not walk in front of me like that. Of course they went just the moment you step in front of these guns. What is done is done. Never mind that now. Get over to your window, Pancho, quickly. Yes, Isco. There is no question but what they will, Pancho. Even now that hombre Hack is calling his men around him to give them orders. Cisco, look. The sheriff Walkad, the stool, he works with the bandidos. Hey, I will give him credit for having courage but not having wisdom. Hey, you. Hack Blair. What you are sheriff? Now look, you can't come riding into Cottonwood Bluffs and take over the town this way, Hack. I won't have it. Hear that, boys? The sheriff won't have it. I mean that. Either you hombres start riding out of town now or you're gonna have trouble with it. There you go. I'm cracking your hole. Sheriff, we're here to get Tom Morrison. We're gonna get him, Sheriff. Looks as if he might go for his gun. Son goes if he does, he's crazy. I'll give you one more chance, Hank. You gonna leave? No, we ain't gonna leave. Hey, Sheriff. Glossy school. I'm matromeya no more, sheriff. Cisco, he should have known they would get him. Now there'll be no posse for him, Pancho. We will have to stand off that whole gang by ourselves. Well, that'll show him a thing or Two. Heck. Now let's go after the newspaper office. All right, Open fire, boys. Drill the blasted place with bullets. Bullets slip right through the wall. Sea scope down on the floor. Pancho. Answer their fire. Answer their fire. If we get out of this alive, it would be a mirac. And indeed it will be a miracle if Cisco and Poncho escape the killer's bullets. In just a moment, we'll return to the Cisco Kid.