
Drifty is a travel who drifts around, while stopping for spell he helps a family out of a bind. Original Air Date: September 22, 1946Host: Andrew RhynesShow: All Star Western TheatrePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Jennifer Holt• Tim Holt• Jack H...
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Andrew Rines
Foreign 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 All Star Western Theater. Original Air date is September 22, 1946. Title is Drifty and this one's got the Holt family, Jennifer, Tim and Jack Holt, who were big names back in the 1940s. Let's get into it. Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.
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Andrew Rines
The Bakers of Weber's Bread present your allstar Western Theater sitting alone, singing a song. From Hollywood comes your All Star Western favors, starring America's great Western singers, Corey Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage. Our All Star Western Theater guest for today is the All Star Western Family, Jennifer, Tim and Jack Holt, appearing in a story of the west written especially for them. My name is Cotton Seed Clark and here are the Riders of the Purple Sage. Sioux City Sue, Sue City Sue. Your hair is red, your eyes are blue. I swap my horse and dog for you Sue City Sue, Sue City Sue. There ain't no gal as true that is my sweet Sioux City Sue. I drove a herd of cattle down from old Nebraska way. That's how I come to be in the state of Ioway. I met a gal in Ioway her eyes were big and blue. I asked her what her name was. She said Sioux City Sioux. Sioux City Sioux. Sioux City Sioux. Your hair is red, your eyes are blue. I'd swap my horse and dog for you. Sioux City Sue. Sioux City Sue. There ain't no G. The stars of the All Star Western Theater once again bring you a half hour of enjoyable entertainment with an authentic western atmosphere. The bakers of Weber's Bread are interested in keeping alive the traditions of the Old west in song and story. For they believe those old time traditions are a valuable part of the American scene. Good bread is an important part of the American scene too. And Weber's Bread is good bread, well mixed and well baked. Golden brown crust, firm even texture and distinctive flavor make it appealing to look at, satisfying to eat. Write down a loaf of Weber's Bread on your shopping list now and look for it on your grocery shelves tomorrow. You'll find that Weber's Bread and the blue gingham wrapper will be enjoyed by your entire family. Buy a loaf of Weber's Bread and try it, partner. It's guest star time, friends and neighbors. And today it has a special meaning for we bring to our All Star Western Theater microphone the All Star Western family. Jennifer, Tim and Jack Holt. To introduce the senior member of this grand family is like renewing an old acquaintance with a close friend. For Jack Holt is truly one of the all time greats of Hollywood. When he was recently discharged as a major from World War II, he became a veteran of both world wars. Following in his footsteps to achieve movie fame with his son Tim, who was recently discharged as a captain of the Army Air Force. But not before he saw 22 missions as a B29 Bombardier over Japan in four years of service. Following Tim, there came another host to the Western Stream who has become one of Hollywood's finer western actresses, sweet and lovely, Ms. Jennifer Holt. We are proud to present this great family of the screen and their first appearance as a starring trio and a story of the west prepared especially for them entitled Drifty Friends and neighbors Jennifer, Tim and Jack Holt. Well, my name, that's not important. Folks call me Drifty. You see, I've been roaming around the country for more than 20 years. Yes, you might call me a tramp, but I haven't always been like this. I can look back on the day when I had a good ranch, a fine family, and most everything that should go to make for a man's happiness. But I lost all of that with a deck of cards. Like anyone else who was fool enough to stake their happiness against money in a card game. I lost, but, well, it didn't stop at that. I killed a man. And believe me, murder is something the law never forgets. But like I said, when a man stakes his happiness in a card game and you know that you're being cheated to boot, well, things go haywire and you just naturally do something that you shouldn't. I had to leave the country, my wife and my family. I became a hunted man. My wife died of a broken heart less than a year later. It was as if I had killed her myself. But tonight, for the first time in those 20 years, I did something that kind of atoned, I think, in a small way, for the wrongs that I've done. I helped a young fellow who was headed down the same road as I. And it gave me sort of a peace of mind and a freedom of heart. It started just a month ago when I rode into Tim Porter's nest. Howdy, stranger. What can I do for you? You're Tim Porter. Answer. That's right. I'm looking for a job and I thought maybe I might find a place here. Well, I might be able to use you as a handyman about the place, but pay isn't much as long as I get bored and keep. I don't care about the pay. I'll add 15amonth to that. What's your name? Well, they call me Drifty. All right, Drifty. You'll find some of the boys down at the barn. Put your horse up and have him show them your bunk. Then go on to the house and my sister will tell you what to do. Thanks. Thanks very much.
Jennifer Holt
Yes?
Andrew Rines
You're Miss Jenny?
Jennifer Holt
Yes. What can I do for you?
Andrew Rines
Your brother hired me as a new handyman and he told me to report to you.
Jennifer Holt
Well, fine. Come on in and I'll see what there is to do.
Andrew Rines
Thanks. Just call me Drifty, man.
Jennifer Holt
Well, it's an odd name. Where did you get it?
Andrew Rines
Oh, sort of a nickname. Cause I sort of drift from place to place.
Jennifer Holt
Well, I'm sure we'll get along fine, Drifty.
Andrew Rines
Hey, Fitz, I'm going to town with. Oh, hello, Drifty. Howdy.
Jennifer Holt
What are you going to town for?
Andrew Rines
I need to get some supplies. I'll be in early.
Jennifer Holt
Promise you'll stay away from kill days. Play.
Andrew Rines
You treat me like I'M a child. I'm old enough to know what I'm doing.
Jennifer Holt
Well, you can't get old enough to sit in a card game with a bunch of crooks.
Andrew Rines
When young Tim mentioned the card game, it really hit home to me. Reckon wasn't any of my business in a way, but I hate to see that fine young boy becoming involved in the same thing that ruined my life. Later that afternoon, a girl sent for me and asked me if I'd help rearrange some furniture in the front parlor of the ranch.
Jennifer Holt
Now, let's see. I want to move that table to the center of the room. Then we'll be through.
Andrew Rines
No sooner said than done, Miss Jenny.
Jennifer Holt
Oh, that's fine, Drifty. I have some coffee made. Will you have a cup with me?
Andrew Rines
I sure would like it. Thank you.
Jennifer Holt
Come. Come into the kitchen with me.
Andrew Rines
I've been wanting to say something to you, Miss Jenny.
Jennifer Holt
What's that?
Andrew Rines
You mentioned something about your brother playing cards tonight.
Jennifer Holt
Yeah, I guess it's all right, but he's been playing with Ed Killday's gang.
Andrew Rines
Oh, by the way, do you and your brother operate this ranch yourself?
Jennifer Holt
Oh, yes. You see, our parents both died when we were very young, but. Oh, Drifty, it's a long story.
Andrew Rines
I'd like to hear it sometime.
Jennifer Holt
Now watch this coffee. It's hot.
Andrew Rines
Thank you, ma'. Am.
Jennifer Holt
By the way, if you'll drop in tomorrow night, I'd like you to meet the boy I'm going to marry.
Andrew Rines
So you're going to marry. Just who is this lucky boy?
Jennifer Holt
He's the smartest, youngest, best looking sheriff this county ever had.
Andrew Rines
Oh, I thought for a moment I might have tipped my hand to Miss Jenny. Or if there's anything or anyone I steer care of, it's sheriff's about once a year they generally get their memories renewed by the state headquarters with pictures and descriptions of old cases. But my thoughts turned to Tim and these gamblers he was playing cards with. About dusk that evening, I decided to saddle up and ride into town. Just to see what kind of a mob he was associating with. As I walked into Redkill Day's Saloon, I noticed that Tim was playing cards. As I stood there watching the game, I saw Killday trim the boy one hand after another. I noticed that Tim looked in my direction several times as if he resented my being there. A few minutes later, he made it very clear that he did. Jiffy, what are you hanging around here for? For no reason, Tim. I just thought I'd ride back home with you. I don't want you riding back home with me. Besides, you're. You're putting a jinx on me. But you promised Miss Jenny you'd come home early. What's wrong, Tim? Did you sister hire this man to watch over you? I don't like that kind of talk either, Kilday. Now, look here, Jeffy. Come on, get moving. That's an order, son. I didn't think you'd talk that way to me. But I guess this game has only got your nerves riled up. Well, then maybe this will convince you that it's not. How do you like that coming from you? Tim, I'm gonna take that. But you're the first man that ever slapped me in the face and got away with it. Jesse, I didn't mean to do that. I guess I am on edge. I'm sorry. That's all right, son. Oh, there you are. Him. I've been looking for you. Howdy, Jimmy. I was just leaving. I wonder if you'd tell Jenny I won't be able to see her tomorrow night. I got some business on hand. Sure, Jim. This is one of my new hands on the plate. 50. This is Jim Waters. Yes. Sis told you about him. Yes, she did. You're the sheriff? That's right, Tim. I'll try to drop by tomorrow. Okay, Jim. Of course, I hadn't counted on meeting up with Jenny's young sheriff, but I reckon it had to come sooner or later. I hit it mighty well with those two kids, especially the girl. She seemed to take a liking to me. Then one afternoon I saw a sheriff, Jim Waters, right up the ranch. He dismounted and went into the house where Tim and his sister were. Quickly, I walked around to the side of the house near an open window where I was able to hear what was being said. Oh, Jenny, if you think you can get ready in time, we'll drive over this evening.
Jennifer Holt
Well, I'm sure I can make it, Jimmy. I'll get Drifty to finish up what work there is around the house.
Andrew Rines
By the way, where did this Drifty come from? Oh, he just blew in a few days ago. He needed a job pretty bad.
Jennifer Holt
And don't go asking any official questions about him just because he's a stranger.
Andrew Rines
Jenny's made a real pal out of Drifty. Oh, I'm sure he's all right, but I always like to keep keep my eye on strangers.
Jennifer Holt
Well, you just get your eyes off of him, Mr. Sheriff Man. Why, Drifty wouldn't harm a flea.
Andrew Rines
Well, if he was about 20 years younger, I'd be having a little competition. It made me mighty proud to hear those two kids and what they were saying. Well, a couple of weeks passed and everything seemed to be running mighty smooth. Except for one night when Tim went into town. I'd been in bed several hours when a knock on the bunkhouse door awakened me. Who is it?
Jennifer Holt
It's me, Jenny.
Andrew Rines
Just a moment, Miss Jenny. Why, what's wrong?
Jennifer Holt
Well, it's Tim. He hasn't come home yet. I'm worried about him, Drifty. It's past four o'. Clock.
Andrew Rines
I didn't even know he went away from the house tonight.
Jennifer Holt
He went into town, but he promised to be in early.
Andrew Rines
You're afraid that he might be gambling?
Jennifer Holt
Oh, I don't know what to think, Drifty. He's never done this before.
Andrew Rines
Well, we won't be in doubt much longer. Here comes someone on the run.
Jennifer Holt
I hope it's him.
Andrew Rines
That's who it is, all right.
Jennifer Holt
Tim, where have you been? I've been worried to death about you.
Andrew Rines
Come into the houses. I gotta have a talk with you. What's wrong, Tim? Nothing you'd be interested in, Drifty. Come on, sis.
Jennifer Holt
What's wrong?
Andrew Rines
I said come into the house. I wish I could be of some help, Tim. You can't this time, Drifty. Come on, sis. I stood watching the two as they walked towards the house. I knew what was wrong, Phil. Danny's gang had given Tim the works. Quickly, I slipped around to the side of the house where I'd eavesdropped before. I soon learned that my heart.
Jennifer Holt
Tell me, what is it? What's happened, Sis?
Andrew Rines
I've done it. I've ruined everything.
Jennifer Holt
You've been gambling.
Andrew Rines
I've lost everything we have. Everything, Tim.
Jennifer Holt
We couldn't have.
Andrew Rines
I wrote a check for the amount of money we had in the bank and then I put a mortgage on the place.
Jennifer Holt
Oh, no.
Andrew Rines
Oh, sis, I don't know what happened. I just kept getting in deeper and deeper and just trying to get out of the hole, that's all.
Jennifer Holt
I knew this would happen. Jim, what are we going to do?
Andrew Rines
I got 48 hours to raise the money.
Jennifer Holt
How much is it?
Andrew Rines
$5,000.
Jennifer Holt
We haven't a chance in the world to raise that much money.
Andrew Rines
How much money do we have in the house?
Jennifer Holt
Less than $500. And that's for the payroll due Saturday.
Andrew Rines
Where is it?
Jennifer Holt
What's locked in the top drawer of your desk?
Andrew Rines
Well, I'm in this far. I might as well try to get even with it.
Jennifer Holt
Look, Tim, that money isn't yours. It belongs to the men who work for us.
Andrew Rines
Yeah, I guess you're right.
Jennifer Holt
Oh, Timmy, it's all over now, and I'm not going to say I told you so. You try and get some sleep, and then we'll figure this thing out somewhere in the morning.
Andrew Rines
Well, as I stood outside that winter and listened to those two kids talk, my heart bled for them. You've got to beat a crook at his own game. The next day, Tim and Jenny had a long conference together and they saddled their horses and rode away. One of the hands told me that they'd gone to Charlie Raymond, a wealthy neighboring rancher, on some business. I knew it'd be at least dark before they returned, so I put my plan into action. I went to Tim's desk, broke it open and took the 500. I then saddled my horse and unnoticed rode into town straight to Ed Tilde. Well, if it isn't Tim Porter's new handyman. You mean Tim Porter's ex handyman? Oh, you ain't working for him anymore? No. I ain't gonna stand around and have that kid running over me, right. You saw what he did to me here a couple nights ago. Yeah. Guess you heard he got himself mixed up in a mighty heavy game last night. Yes, and it serves him right. He's too young to be sitting in a game with men who cannot figure him. Yeah, too bad. I hate to see the kid lose. But he asked for it. You ask me, he got it. Maybe he'll teach him not to gamble. You know, Drifty, you got a good head on them shoulders of yours. Oh, I managed to get along. By the way, do you mind if I sort of sit in your game for a while? No. Anybody with money is welcome. I got close to 500. I got stuck away. I might pay for a while. 500. Well, we'd be glad to have you, won't we, boys? Sure. Sit down, Drifty. Take a chair right there in front of me. It was working just as I planned, and the game started. I played mighty close until the deal came to me that when I worked in the house, then I went to work on the house and on kill day and these henchmen. It had been years, but I could handle these cards with perfect control. I would give this crook a taste of his own medicine. As the game progressed, I slowly built my stack of chips higher and higher. I could sense that Kilday was getting nervous. My luck was amazing, he remarked several times. Luck? Why, I knew every card in every man's hand. Each time I Doubted. And my thoughts returned to Tim and Kenneth. And it points to only one person, sis. Drifty took that payroll money and cleared out with it.
Jennifer Holt
But, Tim, I know he wouldn't do such a thing.
Andrew Rines
Well, like I said, Tim, I saw him go in the house. And a few minutes later he saddled up and rode toward town. Jim Waters been suspicious of Drifty for quite a while Now I'm going to town to look for him.
Jennifer Holt
Tim, I promise you won't do anything until you know he's guilty.
Andrew Rines
All right, sis. You're in enough trouble ourselves now. We've been robbed by a man we trust. Drifty, your luck is holding out like I never seen before. I'm pretty lucky, all right. Yeah. Got close to $3,000 on you boys. Ain't never seen a run like it. And I've been playing cards for over 30 years. Yeah, Drifty, it's your deal. Now for the killing. I dealt those cards so fast my hand was a blur. I dealt the man on my left and right. Dead hands. But to kill Day, I gave three aces. The pot was Jack's. A better hilde open. I called and raised. He called a raise and drew two cards. I stayed t. I knew he would figure me for a straight or a flush or at most a full. How? On the drawer. I dealt him his fourth ace and he came out betting. All right, drifty. I'll bet 500, Paul, and raise a thousand. Sorry to have to get all my money back at once, Drifty, but I'll raise again same amount. In that case, I'll have to tap myself. I'll bet you every nickel I've got in front of me. Yeah. Bet's a shade heavy, ain't it, Drifty? I figured, Jeff. A three of a kind and I can beat that. I'll call, Drifty. Beat these four races. They're pretty good. Yeah, but not good enough. What do you mean? A straight flush from 6 to 10? Why, you. Don't move. I've got you covered. You won't get by with us, Drifty. So you can't take your own medicine, eh? All right, Drifty, let's go. Sheriff and I want to have a little talk with you. All right, Tim. I know what you want. Want? You've even been playing cards with the money you stole from my desk. That's right. That's right, Tim. And with the same man that you played with. What's that got to do with it? Just this, Kilday. Here's the cash. 5,000. Now give Tim that paper on his ranch. What? What do you mean? I mean what I say. I came in here to win that piece of paper he signed. Now, here's the money. Give it to him. I mean business.
Jennifer Holt
Oh, Drifty, I knew you'd come through.
Andrew Rines
I wouldn't do anything but help you kids for anything in the world. Well, Drifty, you. You sure saved my neck. And believe me, I've learned a lesson. You couldn't get me in another card game for anything in the world. I'm glad to hear that, son. Mighty glad. Believe me, gambling can ruin a man's life. And I ought to know. What do you mean by that, Drifty? Oh, nothing. Let's go. Well, it's getting late. I think I better hit the hay. I know you kids are ready for some rest after what you've been through for the past couple of days. I gotta run along too. I'll walk out with you, Drifty. Why, sure. Sure, Sheriff.
Jennifer Holt
And again, Drifty, we don't know how to thank you.
Andrew Rines
Just seeing you kids happy. Thanks enough. You know, Drifty, if I could remember my dad, I like to remember him as. Just as a man. Like you. Thanks, Tim. That's the nicest thing that was ever said to me. Well, Sheriff, you said you'd walk out with me, so. Sure, let's be going. Good night, Jenny. Tim.
Jennifer Holt
Good night, Tim.
Andrew Rines
Good night, Tim. Good night, Drifty. Well, Drifty, what are your plans? What do you mean, Sheriff? I'll not beat around the bush about it, Drifty. You've done a great thing for those two kids. And because of Jenny. I appreciate it, but. Well, you know about me, don't you, Sheriff? I'm sorry, Drifty, but I do. It would never do for those kids to find out what. Drifty, regardless of what you've done in the past, I figure you've made amends for it all. If I took you in, my conscience would never be free again. If the law has to get you, then I don't want to be the man who does it. What are you getting at? Get on your horse and ride away. I haven't seen or heard of you in these parts. Thanks, Jim. And Jim. Yeah, Drifty. Watch over those two kids, will you? That's a promise, Drifty. Goodbye and good luck. Well, I reckon I'll move on to some other part of the country. Grab mother. God rest. You see, Jenny's my daughter and Tim is my son. Friends and neighbors, you're all star Western family. Jennifer, Tim and Jack Hope will return to you in a few moments. Cow punchers. Who work the great cattle spreads were saddle toughens, accustomed to hardship and used to being alone a great deal of the time. They had a lot of time to think problems through as they rode fence to search the brush for strays or nighthawk the herd from dawn to dusk. For the most part, cowboys were reserved in manner and short of speech. When they spoke, they went right to the point. They didn't waste any words. For instance, a cow puncher who liked Weber's Bread, who thought that Weber's Brad was really good bread, who liked to eat Weber's Brad for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between meals and who wanted you to share his enjoyment wouldn't waste a lot of time and talk. If he thought Weber's Bread was good enough to recommend to you, he'd just say, try it, partner. And now here is four willing returning to the microphone with our three great stars, Jennifer, Tim and Jack Holt. You know, we have so many stars on hand today, I hardly know where to begin. Of course, naturally I prefer Ms. Jennifer bad generally does the talking for the family. Boy, how about taking him on just for a minute? Just a minute, will you? I think I've done enough talking for the last 20 minutes.
Jennifer Holt
Well, if they don't get around to it, I will. I think it was wonderful being here today on your all star Western Theater and especially being with dad and Tim.
Andrew Rines
Well, that goes for me too. And I would like to say, this being one of my very rare radio appearances, that it was a real thrill to work with my two kids. Ladies and gentlemen, it was very nice being with you and I hope that I will have the privilege real soon again. Oh, by the way, Tim, did you and Ms. Jennifer have any idea throughout the story that Drifty was your father? Ah, we knew it all the time. Goodbye, folks. And goodbye to Hollywood's great and grand family as a whole. Well, here they are, folks. Men of the west from out of the west with a real song of the West. America's great western singing stars, boy willing. And the writers of the Purple Sage singing Bob Nolan's Cool Water. All day I faced a barren waste without the taste of water Cool water Old Ann and I With throats burned dry and souls that cry for water Cool water. Clear water, water, water. Keep it moving, Dan. Don't you listen to Dan. He's a devil, not a man. And he spreads the burning sand with water Then can you see that big green tree where the water's running free and it's waiting there for you Me the nights are cool and I'm a fool. Each star is a pool of water, cool water but with the dawn I awake and yawn and carry on Water, cool water, clear water Keep a moving Dan. Don't you listen to him, Dan. He's the devil, not a man and he spreads the burning sand with water. Dan, can you see that big green tree where the water's running free and it's waiting there for you and me From Hollywood, you've heard your All Star Western Theater, a V.M. bear production starring Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage. Our guest stars for today have been Jennifer, Tim and Jack Hope, Hollywood's first family of the Western screen. My name is Cotton Seed Clark. Next week, another great Star of the west and a Story of the West. This program came to you from the studios of KNX Columbia Square, AMX Los Angeles Columbia Station, 4 Star California stay tuned for the Jack Kirkwood show after this brief transcription.
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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 have a great day and thanks for listening.
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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Drifty with the Holt Family | All Star Western Theatre (09-22-46)"
Introduction
In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines presents "Drifty" featuring the esteemed Holt family—Jennifer, Tim, and Jack Holt. Originally aired on September 22, 1946, this episode showcases a classic Western drama enhanced through meticulous digital restoration, bringing to life the rich storytelling and immersive sounds of the Wild West.
Plot Overview
The story centers around Drifty, a wandering handyman with a troubled past. Once a man with a stable ranch and family, Drifty's life unraveled due to his gambling habits, leading to personal tragedy and forcing him to become a fugitive. Twenty years later, Drifty seeks redemption by helping Tim Porter, a young man heading down a similar destructive path.
Key Events and Developments
Drifty’s Arrival and Introduction to the Holt Family ([01:01] - [09:06])
Building Relationships and Rising Tensions ([09:27] - [16:38])
The Gambling Crisis ([16:46] - [22:10])
Climactic Confrontation and Redemption ([22:13] - [23:18])
Revelation and Farewell ([26:27] - [30:38])
Characters
Themes and Insights
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
Drifty's Reflection on His Past ([08:53]):
"Cause I sort of drift from place to place. Well, I haven't always been like this."
Jennifer Holt on Trusting Drifty ([13:59]):
"Jennifer's made a real pal out of Drifty. Oh, I'm sure he's all right, but I always like to keep my eye on strangers."
Sheriff Jim Waters on Duty and Conscience ([22:54]):
"If the law has to get you, then I don't want to be the man who does it."
Drifty's Final Words ([26:35]):
"Ladies and gentlemen, it was a real thrill to work with my two kids."
Conclusion
"Drifty" is a compelling episode that masterfully blends drama, suspense, and heartfelt moments, all set against the backdrop of the American Wild West. The Old Time Radio Westerns podcast successfully revives this timeless tale, enriched by enhanced audio quality and stellar performances from the Holt family. Listeners are treated to a story of downfall and redemption, illustrating that even those with the darkest pasts can find their way back to the light with courage and the support of loved ones.
Closing Remarks
Andrew Rines wraps up the episode by acknowledging the contributions of the Holt family and emphasizing the enduring appeal of Western storytelling. The episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons, making it a memorable addition to the Old Time Radio Westerns series.
Recommended for:
Thank you for tuning into this detailed summary of "Drifty with the Holt Family" on the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast. For more engaging Western tales, subscribe to the podcast and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Wild West.