Deadline | Have Gun Will Travel (09-11-60)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Deadline | Have Gun Will Travel (09-11-60)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: June 27, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this gripping episode of Have Gun Will Travel, titled "Deadline," listeners are transported back to the rugged landscapes of 1875 San Francisco and the burgeoning town of Willway, Nevada. The story revolves around Paladin, a respected figure from the Carlton Hotel who is called upon to save Willway from economic ruin. As Andrew Rines expertly narrates, the episode delves into themes of perseverance, conflict, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of the Wild West’s unforgiving environment.

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Main Characters

• Paladin (John Dana): The protagonist, a former railroad construction foreman, known for his integrity and resourcefulness.
• Pat Casey (Virginia Greg): Antagonist, owner of Pat Casey Hauling, who opposes the railroad project threatening her lucrative business.
• Alan Hurley: Leader of the community effort to lay the railroad tracks.
• Hey Boy (Ben Wright): Paladin’s loyal companion.
• Ms. Wong: A key figure connected to Pat Casey and the community.

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Plot Development

Hiring Paladin

The episode opens with Paladin receiving an urgent telegram inviting him to become the foreman of a railroad construction crew in Willway, Nevada. [02:09] Paladin contemplates the offer, revealing his skepticism about the telegram's authenticity, stating, "I don't believe this telegram exactly covers the situation, Mr. Paladin."

Arrival in Willway and Initial Conflict

Upon arriving in Willway, Paladin enters a local saloon where he encounters Pat Casey, who is immediately hostile. [06:21] Pat Casey asserts, "You know I won't have that in my plate," indicating her opposition to the railroad project. She accuses Paladin of trying to undermine her business, Pat Casey Hauling, which relies on the existing freight operations.

Sabotage and Challenges

As the construction progresses, Paladin discovers that Pat Casey is systematically sabotaging the railroad project. Delays occur due to "trouble among the men" and "trouble with the equipment," all orchestrated by Casey to ensure the project's failure. [05:30] Paladin confronts the unrest among the workers, highlighting the depth of Casey's influence over the camp.

Paladin's Intervention

Determined to save Willway, Paladin seeks external assistance. He reaches out to the Celestial Dragon Society, a group renowned for their hard work and dedication. [14:00] Paladin instructs, "Get to work," emphasizing the urgency of laying the remaining miles of track.

Confrontation and Resolution

The climax sees a direct confrontation between Paladin and Pat Casey. [18:00] In a tense dialogue, Casey reveals her bitterness stemming from a past tragedy: "I was with a show troop. My partner and I got stranded in this town. He's a sweet guy. The town wasn't very nice to us." This revelation humanizes Casey, leading to a shift in her stance. Ultimately, with Paladin's leadership and the community's renewed effort, the railroad tracks are completed just in time, securing Willway's future.

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Themes and Insights

• Perseverance in the Face of Adversity: Paladin's unwavering determination exemplifies the spirit necessary to overcome obstacles.

• Redemption and Understanding: Pat Casey's backstory provides a nuanced perspective, showcasing that antagonism often stems from personal pain and loss.

• Community and Collaboration: The success of the railroad project underscores the importance of collective effort and unity in achieving common goals.

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Notable Quotes

• Paladin on Accepting the Job:
  "I don't believe this telegram exactly covers the situation, Mr. Paladin." [02:09]

• Pat Casey's Defiance:
  "You know I won't have that in my plate." [06:21]

• Paladin Encouraging Workers:
  "Get to work." [14:00]

• Pat Casey Revealing Her Pain:
  "I was with a show troop. My partner and I got stranded in this town. He's a sweet guy. The town wasn't very nice to us." [18:52]

• Paladin's Assurance:
  "We'll take the chance." [18:39]

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Conclusion

"Deadline" is a masterfully crafted episode that encapsulates the essence of Western radio dramas. Through compelling characters and a tightly woven plot, Have Gun Will Travel delivers a story of resilience, conflict, and ultimate triumph. Andrew Rines's narration, combined with the stellar performances of John Dana and Virginia Greg, brings this classic tale to life, offering both entertainment and timeless lessons on human nature and community spirit.

Listeners who delve into this episode will not only enjoy the rich auditory experience crafted by the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast but also appreciate the intricate storytelling that honors the legacy of legendary Western shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger.

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Enjoyed this summary? Make sure to subscribe and follow otrwesterns.com for more classic Western dramas brought back to life with exceptional audio restoration.

Transcript

[Sasha]

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[Sasha]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the old time radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be have Gun Will Travel. Original Air date is September 11, 1960 and the title is Deadline. Let's get into it. And I hope you enjoy.

[Sasha]

I know you men have accepted money to make trouble in this camp. Now, listen, there's a broken jaw waiting for every one of you. If you're not out of here by sundown, Have Gun will travel. Starring Mr. John Dana as Paladin. San Francisco, 1875. The Carlton Hotel. Headquarters of a man called Paladin. Yes. Over here. Hey boy. Oh, Mr. Paladin, telegram come for you. Oh, thank you. Listen to this. Hey boy. Would you consider a job? Foreman, Railroad construction crew. Need you. Willway, Nevada. Urgent. Alan Hurley. Oh, didn't I make a joke? Mr. Paladin. Former railroad construction crew. Well, I know this Alan Hurley. Hey boy. I don't think he means it as a joke. I don't believe this telegram exactly covers the situation, Mr. Paladin. Hey Boy Advice. Do not accept offerings. Oh, why not? A hey boy? One time with members of celestial dragon Society. Worker. Railroad who? Very hard work. Foreman was very tough. Oh, so you don't think I'm man enough for the job? Well, you want to be like that? You go ahead. We don't pack gun. Pack a pick and shovel, you'll find out. No, sir. No pick and shovel for me. If I'm the foreman, I'm the boss, you hear? Oh, top boss, you bet. So you ought to be tough boss. Oh, telegram say urgent. So we go pack now. Well, maybe there's time for another cognac and coffee, please. Hey boy. And listen, hey boy, let's make no mistake about packing the gun. I'm sure Alan Hurley doesn't want to hire me just on my merit as a construction crew foreman. Constipation can be a problem for anyone, even doctors. And when constipation occurs, it's interesting to see just what doctors consider important about a laxative they might use or recommend. Well, a majority of the doctors we heard from had this to say a laxative should be effective, gentle, close to natural acting. A medicine that can be used with complete confidence. Now, Exlax has been popular with many doctors and millions of people over the years because chocolate and Exlax is effective overnight. It helps you toward your normal regularity. Ex Lax is so gentle, so close to natural acting, there's no upset. That's why many doctors and millions of people use Exlax with complete confidence. Exlax, the laxative that helps you toward your normal regularity. Gently overnight. Where the train stopped to let me off, there was a water tank, a corral and a frame building with a big sign that said Pat Casey Hauling. The one road that led from the railroad tracks was narrow, banked by sheer rugged cliffs. I made the 99 miles to Willway and distempered in the sort of combination freight and passenger mule drawn coach, obviously a Pat Casey enterprise. When we finally reached Willway, we pulled up in front of a saloon adjoining the freight yard and I went in. There was one other customer in the place, an old gray haired man who was having an argument with a bartender. I didn't get the gist of the words, but I saw the old man reach for his gun when suddenly a long bullwhip flicked out from the top of the stairway and snaked around the man's gun arm, jerking it upward, sending a bullet wild into the ceiling.

[Pat Casey]

You know I won't have that in my plate.

[Sasha]

It's robbery, that's what it is. Robbery.

[Pat Casey]

Take his gun, Vin. Now unwind the whip from his wrist. All right, buster, what's your problem?

[Sasha]

I got some more. I got to get the railroad yesterday. He said when I come in I could have a mule train for $400? Today he charged me 700.

[Pat Casey]

700? Vince told you that?

[Sasha]

Yes, ma' am, he did.

[Pat Casey]

Vince was mistaken. The train will cost you 1000.

[Sasha]

A thousand? I can't pay it.

[Pat Casey]

Oh, it's a shame. Oh, you can always walk over the mountain by you. And here, take your gun. And you'll need it.

[Sasha]

Now, you're not gonna get away with this forever. You wait. Just you wait.

[Pat Casey]

Well, what can I do for you, mister?

[Sasha]

Oh, I just stopped in for a drink. It was quite a trick, that thing with the whip.

[Pat Casey]

Yeah, I learned that for a vaudeville turn some years ago. It comes in handy. Vince, give the stranger a drink. I'll be up in my office. I'm busy. I don't want to be bothered unless it's important.

[Sasha]

Sure. Casey. Casey. That's pat casey. Pat Casey hauling? Yep. What do you know? Pretty, ain't she? Gotta see her when she's got on one of them fancy dresses instead of them men's clothes. That old man in here, she was a little rough on him, wasn't she? He ought to know. It don't pay to get casey riled. Anybody's got a mind to do any freighting out of here has got a deal with pat casey. And it's easier when she ain't riled. He got his aura this far. Couldn't he use his own animals? Casey owns the right away. Do business with her. Or like she said, go over the mountain. Quite a setup. Quite a woman. Which way is the king's hotel? Out the door to your left. Thanks. Hello, hurley. Oh, paladin. Come in. Thanks. Oh, I'm glad you got here. Sit down. Sit down. Yeah. Your wire said urgent. Urgent minutes. Carl. Paladin, we're working against a deadline so important that if we don't meet it, it means ruin. Ruin. Most of us citizens of willway invested our whole future in the future of this town. That was some time ago when we heard that the central pacific railway was coming through here. And instead they laid their tracks 99 miles away. Yes, and at first we thought railway was going to be another ghost town. It's a sad thing to see a town die. Well, we weren't going to bury it without a fight. There was one chance to save it. A connection with the railroad. So we promoted our own line. We're laying a narrow gauge track that connects with the central pacific. It's quite an undertaking. Well, it's been a battle all the way. Now that the end is in sight, it looks like we might lose after all. Why is that? Well, We've got opposition. Top opposition. One Pat Casey. Pat Casey. I just had the pleasure. Well, you'd be surprised how much weight that that woman can throw around. She fought us on the franchise. She fought us on the financial backing. Now she's fighting us on construction. I can see your point. Railway will certainly cut into that lucrative little business she has set up. Now, the track's been laid to just 12 miles outside of town. Which got three weeks to finish it or lose our franchise. 12 miles in three weeks? You ought to be able to do that. Oh, under ordinary circumstances, yes, but not the way we're going. One delay after another. Trouble among the men. Trouble with the equipment. All kinds of trouble that consumes precious time. Trouble instigated by Casey. Yes. Now, we need your help. We've got to meet that deadline. You expect me to fight a woman? That's why I sent for you, Hurley. Look, I'll lay odds you never had a crazy craft to your adversary. Seems to me you have picked pretty rough country for your railroad. Took our engineer and a party of surveyors exactly a year to lay out a route through here. This runs parallel to Casey's right away, just five miles east. Oh, there's the construction camp down there. Listen, when I meet the men, you'll introduce me as the new foreman. Yes. Figured that'd be the way you could really keep your eye on what's going on. I'm hardly qualified to boss a construction crew. Well, the engineer will help you on any technical points. All you have to do is be tough. Tough? That seems to be it. Found out our last foreman was being paid off by Casey. Guess her money is buying all your trouble. Hey, wait a minute. What's going on down there? That's the mess tent. Sounds like a riot. Come on. Leave it to me. I'm informing, remember? All right, quiet. You hear me? I said quiet. What's going on here? Answer me. What's the meaning of this? We ain't eating this slop. That's what we want to do. Meal time is over anyway. Get back in the job. Just who are you giving them orders? I'm bossing this outfit. Now get back in the job, you hear? Yeah, I hear you, mister, but I don't like the sound of you. You want to do something about it? Yeah. Oh, no, you don't. Next. All right. Anyone next? I know this man on the ground here was accepting money to make trouble in this camp. Now, you listen to me. There's a broken jaw waiting for every one of you on that payroll. Every one of you taking that dirty money. If you're not out of camp by sundown, you really scared them. Getting tough didn't seem to help the cause any, did it? Out of 30 men, we've got two left. Wow. Those men wouldn't have done you any good. Casey was paying them off to see that the road was never completed. At the cinch she'd get her money's worth. She's managed to accomplish her purpose anyway. What do you mean? I mean we've been defeated, Paladin. We? By the time we have left, we'll have to be able to get another crew together. There's no place around here you can line up some men willing to wilt. Oh, we tried. These fellows we had all came from out of the state early. Exactly how much remains to be done? Well, we blasted the cuts and laid in the culverts, Put up the trestle work. All we need now are men who can swing a pick and shovel and lay down 12 mile of track. Wait. Pick and shovel? Oh, wait a minute. I think I can get you a crew. Hurley, let's get back to town. I want to send a telegram. Hurley, this is king Chang, otherwise known as hey boy. Those gentlemen lined up back there, the members of the celestial dragon society, all ready to go to work. Well, I certainly want to thank you, hey Boy, you and your friends for coming to our rescue. Hey Boy, tell members celestial dragon society. Hard work. Tough boss. What is saying? Telegram say misa f need help. You better go. What did you tell the carlton hotel? I tell her Carlton hotel. Hey Boy, Moscow have uncle and Salinas very sick. Hey Boy, you didn't use that old story about your sick uncle and Salinas again Always work. Hey Boy, we have less than two weeks now to lay 12 miles of track. Do you think you can do it? Oh, sure. Don't you worry, Mr. Holly. All right. Hey Boy, the ties are stacked up by the railhead back there. The rails are on the flat. I want you to know those ties are worth their weight in gold. We had to scout around sawmills as far away as wyoming to get those. Hey Boy, get the boys lined up with fix and shovels. Get to work. Excuse, please, but look like maybe better do something quick. Look like the smoke come from where ties are sacked. Oh, he's right. They're on fire in the fires. No accident. If those go up, we're finished. Come on, get the water buckets. Hey Boy, get the boys lined up to fight fire. Oh, hello, pen. Come on in. Why the long face? Really? No, because we're licked. You know, week and a day to go. Boys have been cutting ties in that stand of trees up the canyon. Yes, I know. It's a good try, Pallet Early. You'd be surprised at what they've accomplished. I talked to your chief engineer. He figures that with what we've managed to save from the fire, we've got enough to finish the job. He still thinks it can be done in time. Well, providing we can haul those tires down from the canyon immediately. But we'll need every mule in the county. Oh, well, you know who has all the mules in the county. Yeah. I'm going to make a deal to hire them. Oh, you're out of your mind. Maybe it's worth a try. And now here are Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. Charlie, where have you been? Well, it's a long story, Bergen.

[Pat Casey]

Remember you said you wanted the car lubricated?

[Sasha]

I said I wanted a guardian maintenance lubrication. Like all Chevrolet's, Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, Buicks, Cadillacs and Chevy and GMC trucks, our car deserves the best of service. And that means guardian maintenance at our dealer service department.

[Pat Casey]

Yes, well, I drove our car to our dealers without an accident.

[Sasha]

Oh, most of the way. Johnny. Where's the car now? It's on Main street between fourth and fifth. Is it closer to fourth or fifth?

[Pat Casey]

It's all the way from fourth to fifth.

[Sasha]

All right, young man, you're going to get it now.

[Pat Casey]

I'm only kidding, Bergen. It's just a scratch fender.

[Sasha]

Our dealers, GM train mechanics have already.

[Pat Casey]

Got it looking like new again.

[Sasha]

It's part of their quality appearance service. Shall I still meet you in the woodshed? You drove the car without permission. It's the woodshed. I'll see you there as soon as I phone the dealer.

[Pat Casey]

Well, take your time. If you're not there in 10 minutes, I'll start without you.

[Sasha]

Hello, Vince. Oh, hello, Pat Casey in. Upstairs in her office. Want a drink later. Hey, you can't go up there. You want up that?

[Pat Casey]

Yes. Hey, what's the idea?

[Sasha]

Well, Vince was right.

[Pat Casey]

He was?

[Sasha]

He told me I should see you in a fancy dress sometime instead of those boys clothes. Lovely, mister.

[Pat Casey]

I know how I look in a dress. I also know you're with that railroad outfit now. What do you want?

[Sasha]

Yeah, I want to hire your mules.

[Pat Casey]

It'll cost you.

[Sasha]

Little pain.

[Pat Casey]

When you want them?

[Sasha]

Mm?

[Pat Casey]

I said, when do you want them?

[Sasha]

I'm sorry. I'm afraid I was expecting a fight. Does this mean you've come to realize how important the railroad is to Wilway.

[Pat Casey]

I'm not interested in anything that isn't important to Pat Casey.

[Sasha]

But why the change of heart?

[Pat Casey]

I can relax now. A country will take over. If you looked at the sky.

[Sasha]

No.

[Pat Casey]

I know this country, mister. It fights back. I know it's going to rain. I know it's going to rain hard. I know it might even flood in those mountains. You'll never get those tracks laid in time, even if you have my mules.

[Sasha]

We'll take the chance.

[Pat Casey]

Fight hard.

[Sasha]

You do, too.

[Pat Casey]

Mine's a dedicated fight.

[Sasha]

Has to be.

[Pat Casey]

I swore I'd wipe the name of this town off the map. And I've just about got it done.

[Sasha]

Why so bitter?

[Pat Casey]

I was with a show troop. My partner and I got stranded in this town. He's a sweet guy. The town wasn't very nice to us. We were used to that. But my partner was sick. Maybe if the town had been a little nicer, he'd be alive and the least idea why. I told you that. I don't think a person in Wu Wei remembers.

[Sasha]

I'm glad you did tell me. All right.

[Pat Casey]

You can pick up the mules when the money's on the line. I'm busy.

[Sasha]

Ah. Over here. Hey boy. Boy found spicy in the last piece of track. But still has three miles to go. I know. Hey boy. That track ought to be here any minute now. It was on a siding at the other end of our line. I saw it, but he's a paladin Time sure. Yeah, I realized that. Midnight tonight. Oh, somebody comes, probably early. And he'll know just when the track will get here. What about the track early? It won't get here. Be mean flat car was derailed eight miles up the way by a flood. The rails are buried in the wash and there's no possible way to get them out in time. You mean this beats us? With only three miles to go. How do you like that? At midnight tonight, because of those three miles, we lose our franchise. Oh, my. Must be Hurley. How does that contract lead? Well, we agreed to have track laid in the central pacific lines through the city limits in a specified time. And we're just three miles short of the city limits. Yes, I'm afraid so. All right. You know about the mountain coming to Muhammad, don't you? What are you talking about? Can you call a special meeting of the Willway city council? Right now? Yes, it's emergency. Why in Virginia? In view of the potential growth of Wilway, I think we should point out to the City council that they should be farsighted enough to allow room for that growth by extending the city limits three miles before midnight. Oh, Paladin. Paladin. A cheer gene. Oh, he's a paladin. You as head, huh? Well, hey boy usually figures that you can get further that way than by being tough malice. Go beat that deadline. Well, this is a big day for our town. Pretty exciting. Oh, it's just about time. Of course. Here, you're leaving? Will we, Casey? Yes.

[Pat Casey]

Had enough. Stay too long as it is.

[Sasha]

Here, allow me Up.

[Pat Casey]

Thanks. Just put the bag down there. Understand you're from Pico?

[Sasha]

Yeah.

[Pat Casey]

I may get out that way sometime. I'll look you up.

[Sasha]

Yeah. Paladin Carlton hotel.

[Pat Casey]

I'll remember. So long.

[Sasha]

Good luck, Casey.

[Pat Casey]

Thanks.

[Sasha]

You. I'm so glad see you home again. We're glad to be home again. Look here. Boy's hands. He got. He blisters. Poor hey boy. Oh, hey boy dig. Hey boy swingy pick. Hey boy work all he live. Long day. Hey boy, you and the boys did a fine job. Here, come on in my room and sit down for a minute before you report into the hotel. Oh, no, no. Hey boy better go. Say, ready to start back to work. And hey boy so glad they'll be home. Never going to leave Carlton hotel again. Oh, hey boy have to leave right away. He has to leave. Ho Chang. Ho Chang. Hey boy's uncle in Salina. He's very sick. Huh? Oh. Oh, no, Ms. Wong. You mean hey boy really has an uncle in Salinas? Oh, he's sick. He boy must go. Hey boy. This is like the boy who hollered wolf. You saw one of your new boy hollow uncle? Thirsty people everywhere prefer ice cold Pepsi Cola. And because it's light, it refreshes without filling.

[Pat Casey]

Charlie, be sociable.

[Sasha]

I am. Kay. Pepsi is a favorite of thirsty people from Maine to Hawaii, from Alaska to Florida.

[Pat Casey]

Charlie.

[Sasha]

It's perfect for parties or picnics. So serve Pepsi to your guests. That's helpful, but this is the sociable part. Keep plenty of Pepsi, ice cold and ready. Remember, it goes fast because everybody likes Pepsi. Singing still sounds more inviting. May I be sociable? Look far, keep up to date with Pepsi. Green lights, refreshing Pepsi. Stay young and fair and never be sociable. Have a Pepsi. But singing doesn't say, pick up an extra carton of Pepsi today. Better yet, get a case. You do that. Have gun Will Travel, created by Herb Meadow and Sam Rolfe is produced and directed in Hollywood by Frank Paris and stars John Dana as Paladin with Ben Wright as Hey Boy and Virginia Greg as Ms. Wong. Tonight's story was specially written for have Gun Will Travel by and out. Featured in the cast were Gene Bates, Tim Graham, Charlie Lung and Lawrence Gobkin. This is Hugh Douglas inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents have Gun Will Travel. Sam Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Sasha]

Sam.