Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: Dynamite in Gorge | The Cisco Kid (11-04-54)
Date: October 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored classic: “Dynamite in the Gorge,” originally aired as an episode of “The Cisco Kid.” The story unfolds in the lawless West, where two rival railroads race to secure their right of way through a strategic gorge near Canyon City. Sabotage, hired guns, and heroics ensue as Cisco and his sidekick, Pancho, get swept up in a high-stakes battle involving greed, loyalty, and dangerous dynamite.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. The Railroad Rivalry and Sabotage Plot

[00:34–05:00]

• Two railroads vie for supremacy, spurred by “the law that gave the first railroad to reach the gorge in the town of Canyon City the right of way.”
• Reef Kenzie, a smooth but cold-hearted lawyer, hires outlaw Mickey Devlin and his men to sabotage construction—not with explosives (unless necessary), but via intimidation and violence.
• The plan initially involves persuading Jim Denny, the hardworking construction boss, to abandon his efforts, leveraging his sister Marian who works at the local cafe.

2. Cisco & Pancho Arrive in Town

[05:00–06:15]

• Cisco and Pancho, the episode’s beloved heroes, enter Canyon City to catch up with friends Jim and Marian Denny.
• They visit the now-cafe-owned-by-Marion. The once-ranching siblings now run the cafe to make ends meet while Jim leads railroad construction.
• Tension simmers as Marian points out the presence of suspicious men (Kenzie and the outlaws) to Cisco, foreshadowing danger.

“Those hombres are looking over this way, Pancho. That Mickey Devlin hombre means trouble always. So does Eddie Montana. ... Before this night is over, I think there will be gunplay.”
— Cisco ([06:12])

3. Initial Confrontation at the Cafe

[07:32–08:38]

• Devlin delivers a veiled threat to Marian, warning she should convince her brother to leave the job:

“Tell him he’d better take a vacation from that job... the more men who decide to take a vacation with him, the better for them.”
— Devlin ([07:39])

• Cisco steps in, disapproving of threats against women, and briefly faces off with Devlin, asserting his own presence and reputation.

4. Race Against Time to Protect Jim Denny

[08:38–11:00]

• Cisco warns Jim about the impending threat, urging caution and recommending extra armed guards and safer trails. Jim stubbornly “won’t backwater for anybody,” refusing to change his ways and plans for his crew.

“Even the toughest outfit can do little against bullets from ambush… But that is your affair.”
— Cisco ([10:38])

5. Ambush & Gunfight in the Gorge

[11:00–15:00]

• The outlaws set an ambush to stop Jim’s crew, hoping force will succeed where persuasion failed.
• Cisco and Pancho preempt the ambush, sneaking into position. A tense showdown leads to gunplay; Cisco feigns being shot to take the enemy by surprise.

“So you would shoot a man in the back, coyote? … Any hombre who shoots another in the back deserves a beating.”
— Cisco, confronting the attackers ([15:00])

6. Regrouping & Raising the Stakes

[16:00–18:30]

• After being beaten back, Kenzie’s resolve hardens. He now wants to use dynamite to destroy the railroad and plans outright murder:

“I never really wanted to kill anybody before, Devlin. ... I’m gonna start off by blowing that railroad so high, the pieces will hang on the moon... Then we’re going after that Cisco kid and fill him full of lead.”
— Kenzie ([17:20])

7. Tension in Town – and a Desperate Defense

[18:00–22:00]

• Marian and Cisco both struggle to convince Jim of the ongoing danger, as the outlaws make off with dynamite to carry out their plot.
• Cisco rushes to alert Jim and his crew, urging them to act fast as the saboteurs head out to destroy the track.

8. Explosive Showdown and Final Duel

[22:00–24:00]

• At the tracks, the outlaws murder the night guard and prepare the dynamite. Cisco arrives just in time, ordering the gang to surrender.
• In a final act of desperation, Kenzie attempts to flee with the explosives, threatening to “blow up the cafe” with everyone inside.

“The only way to stop him is to drag him from his horse. ... There is no other way to stop him.”
— Cisco, as he pursues Kenzie ([22:55])

• Cisco personally pulls Kenzie from his horse, subduing him despite the volatile dynamite. Pancho discovers multiple sticks of dynamite in Kenzie’s pockets, highlighting Cisco’s bravery.

9. Aftermath & Lessons Learned

[24:00–24:54]

• With the villains caught and the railroad saved, Marian expresses gratitude, and Cisco encourages Jim to learn from the confrontation.

“Next time when he comes up against hombres like Kenzie and Devlin, he will know how to act.”
— Cisco ([23:46])

• Marian confesses her affection for Cisco in a lighthearted, romantic capstone to the adventure.

“I learned that I… I like you very much... Just that I want to kiss you, Cisco. And what’s more, I’m going to kiss you.”
— Marian ([24:13])

• The episode closes in comedic fashion, with Pancho relating a story about the unpredictable cooking of Big Maria.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cisco’s Foresight:
  “This senorita may have a great deal to worry about. ... I do know they are killers. Paid killers, bad killers.” ([06:12])
• Devlin’s Threat:
  “Tell him he’d better take a vacation from that job. ... And just in case there’s any hombres around here who don’t like what we’re saying, they can settle with me.” ([07:39])
• Pancho’s Humor:
  “Pancho just want to ride around with Cisco. ... Maybe not all; what else would you like to do?”
  “Eat some more food that Big Maria cooks.” ([24:32])
• Marian’s Sincerity:
  “I learned that I... I like you very much. ... Just that I want to kiss you, Cisco.”
  “Oh, Cisco.” ([24:13])

Important Timestamps

• 00:34–05:00 – Railroad rivalry and sabotage plot set up
• 05:00–06:15 – Cisco and Pancho’s arrival in Canyon City
• 07:32–08:38 – Confrontation and threats at the cafe
• 08:38–11:00 – Cisco warns Jim, who disregards the danger
• 11:00–15:00 – Ambush, gunfight, and Cisco surprises the attackers
• 16:00–18:30 – Kenzie vows to use dynamite, plotting escalation
• 18:00–22:00 – Town tension; Cisco and Pancho mobilize the defense
• 22:00–24:00 – Final dynamite showdown, Cisco stops Kenzie
• 24:00–24:54 – Lessons learned, romantic moment between Marian and Cisco
• 24:32 – Pancho’s comedic Big Maria cooking story

Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies the golden-age Western drama, combining classic themes of frontier justice, personal loyalty, and railroad intrigue. Cisco and Pancho, as always, blend competence with humor and heart. The digitally restored sound brings out the rich atmosphere of the original, while the sharp pacing and memorable character dynamics provide a thoroughly engaging listening experience.