Episode Summary: Danger Wears Two Faces | Hopalong Cassidy (01-19-52)

Introduction

In the "Danger Wears Two Faces" episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, listeners are transported to the rugged terrains of Big Bend, West Texas, where the legendary hero Hopalong Cassidy, portrayed by William Boyd, alongside his trusty sidekick California Carlson, embarks on a perilous mission to recover a herd of stolen Russell cattle. The episode, originally aired on January 19, 1952, masterfully blends action, suspense, and classic Western motifs, enhanced by the podcast's digitally restored audio that brings newfound clarity to this timeless tale.

Mission to Recover the Herd

The story commences with Hopalong Cassidy and California Carlson receiving a plea for help to retrieve a stolen herd of Russell cattle from a friend in South Texas. Determined and resolute, they set out to track the rustlers who have led the herd towards the Mexican border, a region notorious for its border outlaws.

Harvey (Narrator) [01:56]: "Well, it's one I call Danger Wears Two Faces. It began when a friend of mine in South Texas asked me to help him get back a herd of Russell cattle."

As they navigate the challenging landscape, the duo faces the daunting task of tracking the rustlers through the unforgiving Big Bend country, likened to "playing patty cake with an unhappy mountain lion."

Harvey: "Trailing a herd of stolen beef there was as healthy as playing patty cake with an unhappy mountain lion."

Despite losing the trail in a rocky section, Hop and California press on, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to justice.

Encounter with Jasper and Betrayal

Their perseverance leads them to a man lying on the road, whom they discover to be Jasper, a suspicious tinware salesman. Hop and California attempt to assist, but Jasper's true intentions quickly surface.

California Carlson [03:10]: "Maybe I can sell you some tinware."

Harvey (as Hopalong Cassidy) [03:24]: "My name is Cassidy and we don't need any tinware."

Jasper reveals his allegiance to Duke Spangler and Little Jack Pargo, the dominant rustling gangs in the area. An uneasy truce forms as Jasper guides them, but underlying tensions hint at imminent betrayal.

Jasper [04:36]: "Then I'll kill you both where you stand."

Capture and Revelations

As Hop and California navigate deeper into Pargo's territory, they face open hostility. An ambush orchestrated by Pargo's men results in their capture. Held hostage in Pargo's camp, they discover the extent of the rustlers' operations, including cattle brand alterations and sales in Mexico for exorbitant profits.

Harvey (Narrator) [05:14]: "Hopalong Cassidy and California enter the outlaw-infested Big Bend country of West Texas. When a gunfighter named Lacy holds them up and demands to know their business..."

Through strategic dialogue and quick thinking, Hop and California manage to escape their bindings, setting the stage for a calculated counterstrike against Pargo and his gang.

Planning the Counterattack

Understanding the rustlers' sophisticated schemes, Hop formulates a plan to dismantle Pargo's operations. Aligning with Duke Spangler, who has seemingly turned honest, they aim to eradicate Big Ben's outlaw presence by targeting its leaders.

California Carlson [08:49]: "Well, as I see it, the situation is essentially simple. Big Ben has only one bandit gang to get rid of."

The plan involves leveraging the seized gold as leverage and rallying honest townsfolk to confront the outlaws, thereby restoring peace to the region.

The Final Showdown

The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown at Pargo's ranch. Utilizing a combination of bluffing and tactical maneuvers, Hop and California, along with their posse of captured outlaws turned allies, engage Pargo and his men in a fierce confrontation.

Harvey [23:04]: "Then we're in for one whale of a fight, Pargo."

The clash tests their resolve and skills, ultimately leading to the downfall of Pargo and his cohorts. The meticulously crafted strategy ensures that justice prevails, and the stolen cattle are reclaimed, restoring order to Big Ben.

Resolution and Conclusion

With Pargo's gang disbanded and the cattle returned, Hop and California reflect on their adventures, reaffirming their dedication to upholding justice in the Wild West. The episode concludes with a lighthearted exchange, emphasizing the enduring partnership between Hop and California.

California Carlson [26:14]: "Well, this should end Big Ben's Outlaws."

Harvey: "Now we take her going."

The podcast wraps up with a narration that ties the events together, highlighting the triumphs of heroism and the restoration of peace, setting the stage for future adventures of Hopalong Cassidy.

Notable Quotes

• Harvey (Narrator) [02:27]: "Hoppy, do we keep going?"

• California Carlson [04:33]: "Me? When I'm a tinware salesman."

• William Boyd (Hopalong Cassidy) [06:00]: "If it ain't enough, I'll tell you. This is the Duke's road."

• Harvey [08:49]: "Well, as I see it, the situation is essentially simple. Big Ben has only one bandit gang to get rid of."

• Harvey [23:04]: "Then we're in for one whale of a fight, Pargo."

Conclusion

"Danger Wears Two Faces" is a quintessential Old West tale encapsulating loyalty, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, through its exceptional digital restoration, breathes new life into this classic episode, offering listeners an immersive experience into Hopalong Cassidy's thrilling escapades. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the saga, this episode delivers a compelling narrative that underscores why Hopalong Cassidy remains an enduring icon of Western folklore.