Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Down Mexico Way with Jimmy Wakely | All Star Western Theatre (11-17-46)

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Original Air Date: November 17, 1946

Guest Star: Jimmy Wakely

Summary Date: September 8, 2025

Episode Overview

In this immersive presentation from the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes introduces a digitally restored classic episode of All Star Western Theatre titled "Down Mexico Way," originally broadcast in 1946. This charming radio drama showcases famed singing cowboy Jimmy Wakely in a lighthearted Western tale set against the music-filled backdrop of a cross-border fiesta. The episode expertly blends music, comedic banter, and spirited storytelling, reintroducing a bygone era’s warmth and wit to new generations of listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Opening & Setting the Scene (05:12–06:48)

• The episode opens with vibrant Western music performed by Boy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage.
• Cotton Seed Clark introduces guest star Jimmy Wakely and sets the stage for a lighthearted musical tale at the Bar Ex Ranch, near the Mexican border in southern Texas.

The Cowboys Make Plans for Fun (06:49–09:40)

• The Bar Ex cowboys contemplate how to spend their pay, with a spirited debate between heading to Del Rio or crossing into Mexico for a fiesta.
  • Playful banter includes poking fun at one cowboy’s failed attempts at a marble machine:
    “You just want to go back and try to beat that fool marble machine… and run out of money.” – Pat (07:50)
• Eventually, the group decides to attend the Mexican fiesta, coaxing a reluctant Jimmy Wakely to join.

Arrival at the Fiesta—Music and Merriment (09:41–13:10)

• The group enters the bustling Mexican fiesta.
• The Riders of the Purple Sage are invited by Manuel Morales to perform:
  • They request to sing Cool Water, delivering a heartfelt rendition embraced by the crowd.
  • Memorable moment:
    “All day I faced a barren waste without the taste of water… cool water.” – Riders of the Purple Sage (12:22)
• Manuel, the fiesta host, exchanges good humor with the cowboys, inviting them to partake in the festivities.

Romantic Hijinks: Jimmy and Lolita (19:39–21:26)

• Jimmy encounters the beautiful Lolita, sparking playful and increasingly chaotic exchanges.
  • “You’re a mighty pretty little girl.” – Jimmy Wakely (19:41)
  • Lolita coyly refuses to dance but enjoys talking with Jimmy.
• Jimmy’s friends mischievously interrupt, fabricating stories about Jimmy having a wife and kids, confusing Lolita and nearly sabotaging his romantic pursuit.
  • “Your wife just called and said bring home a loaf of bread.” – Cowboy (20:01)
  • “I don’t have a wife and my kids ain’t got them measles!” – Jimmy Wakely (20:24)

The Complication—Lolita's Engagement (21:27–24:12)

• Lolita is soon whisked away by Wilbur, her much older fiancé, revealing she is due to marry for her father’s financial benefit.
• Manuel explains the arrangement:
  • “She is beautiful, yes… but he is rich, and her papa is poor. Her papa likes to drink, so she must have the monies to buy tequila.” – Manuel (22:38)
• Jimmy and the cowboys hatch a plan to free Lolita from the loveless arrangement.

The Red Specks Scheme (24:13–27:49)

• Jimmy concocts a ruse: painting Lolita’s arm with red dots to simulate a contagious disease, dubbed “sacroiliac.”
• The cowboys deliver dramatic warnings to Wilbur, convincing him the condition is both serious and highly contagious.
  • “Lolita has sacroiliac, Mr. Wilbur.” – Cowboys (25:01)
  • “Oh, it’s very contagious, Mr. Wilbur. Lasts for years and years…” – Al (25:16)
• Wilbur, horrified, releases Lolita from their engagement:
  • “Well, Lolita, under the circumstances, I don’t feel you should bind me to our marriage.” – Wilbur (26:51)
  • “No, Wilbur. I will give you your freedom.” – Lolita (26:53)
• Jimmy and friends realize, with comedic surprise, that Lolita has red spots on both arms—even though they only painted one.
  • “That’s funny. There’s red specks on both arms and I only painted the left one. Holy mackerel. She’s got the measles!” – Jimmy Wakely (28:03)

Musical Closings and Farewells (27:50–34:44)

• The episode closes with the Riders and Jimmy on a musical note, performing songs like “Old Texas Trail” and “Wonders of the Wasteland.”
• Reflective banter among the cowboys highlights Jimmy’s newfound affection for Lolita, and playful jokes about visits and illnesses wrap up the story.
• Closing remarks see Jimmy thanking the Riders and teasing future collaborations:
  • “Much obliged, boy. And I might say the same thing about you boys when you’re working in pictures with me. We’ve had some great times through the years.” – Jimmy Wakely (32:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cowboy Paydays and Philosophy:
  • “Wherever we go or whatever we do, we know we’re coming home broke. So don’t count your money.” – Jimmy Wakely (08:22)
• On Fiesta Excitement:
  • “Man alive, this place is swarming with people.” – Cowboy (09:50)
• Manuel’s Cynical Wisdom:
  • “Pretty girl sad. Papa drunk. End story.” – Manuel (22:54)
• The “Sacroiliac” Ruse:
  • “She has sacroiliac!… Oh, it’s very contagious, Mr. Wilbur. Lasts for years and years.” – Cowboys (25:01-25:18)
• Comedic Realization:
  • “That’s funny… she’s got the measles!” – Jimmy Wakely (28:03)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening musical introduction: 05:12
• Cowboys discuss fiesta plans: 06:49
• Riders of the Purple Sage perform “Cool Water”: 12:22
• Jimmy meets Lolita: 19:39
• Wilbur enters; engagement twist: 21:53
• Manuel explains Lolita’s predicament: 22:38
• Scheme with red paint executed: 24:06
• Wilbur breaks off the engagement: 26:53
• The measles revelation: 28:03
• Closing songs and cast remarks: 29:40–34:44

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode’s original tone is warm, humorous, and mischievous, interweaving slapstick comedy with the romantic and musical charm of postwar Western radio. Playful ribbing among cowboys, jovial musicianship, and over-the-top plot twists create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and genuinely entertaining. Dialogue is peppered with period-appropriate slang and gentle parody, adding to its classic appeal.

For New Listeners

This episode is a delightful example of classic Western radio, brought to life with crystal-clear restoration. Listeners are treated to toe-tapping music, clever cowboy hijinks, and a classic tale of love and trickery—replete with memorable dialogue and a spirit of camaraderie that echoes across generations.