Podcast Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: From Here To Boston | Have Gun Will Travel (11-27-60)

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Release Date: September 12, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode presents a digitally restored classic 'Have Gun Will Travel' radio drama, following Paladin, a sophisticated gunslinger based in San Francisco, as he becomes embroiled in a deadly inheritance plot. The story artfully blends suspense, duplicity, and a dash of wry humor as two Bostonians lure Paladin into a web of intrigue for a $100,000 inheritance. The production is a shining example of vintage radio Western storytelling, enhanced by modern restoration techniques.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. The Premise: Intrigue at the Carlton Hotel

[01:41] – [05:59]

• Setting: San Francisco, 1875, Carlton Hotel, Paladin’s residence and base of operations.
• Introduction of the Todhunters:
  • Miles and Lavinia Todhunter, aristocratic siblings from Boston, arrive at the hotel.
  • They subtly inquire about Paladin, confirming he is "unmarried" and known for hiring out his gun.
  • The siblings plot to use Lavinia's allure to get close to Paladin and discover his weaknesses, part of a calculated plan to secure an inheritance.
    • “More than likely, he would be interested in meeting a beautiful young lady from Boston.” — Miles Todhunter [05:34]

2. The Seduction and the Scheme

[06:39] – [12:24]

• Lavinia befriends Paladin:
  • She accepts his invitation for a city tour and plans a private dinner in his suite, nurturing Paladin’s trust.
  • The siblings' true motive: to poison Paladin, the newly discovered heir to their stepmother/aunt’s estate.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “Just as we planned. Dinner in his room at 8. Oh, did you get the brandy?” — Lavinia Todhunter [09:54]
  • The plan is for Miles to deliver poisoned brandy to Paladin as a gesture of appreciation.

3. The Will and the Motive Revealed

[14:34] – [16:57]

• The Letter from Boston:
  • Hey Boy, Paladin’s loyal assistant, brings news: Paladin’s aunt Grace has died, leaving him a $100,000 estate.
  • If Paladin doesn’t claim it, it reverts to Miles Toddhunter, Grace’s second husband.
    • “She has left an estate valued at more than $100,000. And according to her last will and testament, you are the rightful heir.” — Paladin reads letter [15:32]
  • The coincidence of the hotel guests’ names and origins now becomes clear: the Todhunters are orchestrating a plot against Paladin for the inheritance.

4. Dinner, Poison, and Betrayal

[18:28] – [21:20]

• The Dinner:
  • Lavinia, showing increasing discomfort, struggles to play her part while Paladin unsuspectingly drinks (unpoisoned) brandy.
  • The siblings' plan unravels when Miles barges in and Lavinia pulls a derringer on Paladin.
• Notable Confrontation:
  • “Oh, shut up and keep quiet. Well, Miles, your brandy didn’t work. What do we do now?” — Lavinia Todhunter [20:04]
  • It’s revealed Paladin received two identical bottles, and drank the unpoisoned one.
  • Lavinia threatens to shoot Paladin; in the ensuing struggle, she is fatally shot.

5. Resolution and Aftermath

[22:03] – [24:19]

• Paladin Prepares to Leave for Boston:
  • With the Todhunters’ plot foiled (implied that Miles is also dead and Lavinia arrested or dead), Paladin readies himself for a journey east to settle his late aunt’s affairs.
  • Hey Boy expresses his sadness at Paladin’s departure and hopes for his return.
    • “It won't be St. Carlton Hotel while you’re gone.” — Hey Boy [23:35]
• Compassionate Farewell:
  • Paladin promises to return for Hey Boy’s (possible) wedding, emphasizing the deep bond between them.
    • “If you and Ms. Wong decide to get married, give me plenty of notice. I will be back for that.” — Paladin [24:03]

6. Conclusion and Reflection

• Paladin’s Reflection:
  • As Paladin boards the train, he reminds Hey Boy to keep him updated on the aftermath, and muses whether he’ll return west or settle in Boston.
    • "Just don't forget me. Keep looking for me. I may be back." — Paladin [23:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Miles' Manipulation:
  “You could entrance him, my dear. Get to know him intimately. Oh, and as soon as we know his weak points, and when the time is right, we'll complete our mission.” [05:49]

• Lavinia’s Chilling Calm:
  “For a hundred thousand dollars, how could I? Besides, he may be very enjoyable company while he’s still.” [06:05]

• Inheritance Discovery:
  “We now have assurance from the Pinkerton agency that you are the right party…it is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of your aunt Grace…She has left an estate valued at more than $100,000.” — Paladin reading letter [15:17–15:42]

• Failed Murder Plot:
  “Well, Miles, your brandy didn’t work. What do we do now?” — Lavinia Todhunter [20:04]

• Paladin’s Resilience:
  “Either way, I lose, huh?” — Paladin, facing poison or gun [21:01]

Important Timestamps

• Introduction of Todhunters and Scheme: [03:08] – [05:59]
• Lavinia and Paladin's Tour/Dinner Plans: [06:39] – [08:47]
• Siblings Plot the Murder: [09:54] – [12:24]
• Paladin Receives the Inheritance Letter: [14:34] – [16:57]
• Poison Plot Fails / Final Confrontation: [18:28] – [21:20]
• Farewell and Departure to Boston: [22:03] – [24:19]

Tone, Style, and Atmosphere

• True to the hardboiled, suave character of Paladin, the episode balances peril and wit.
• Period dialog and mannerisms evoke the social hierarchies and coded interactions of the late 19th-century American West.
• The sound restoration brings vivid auditory life to the drama—ambient hotel sounds, city noises, and decisive gunshots.

Final Thoughts

A standout Western radio drama episode, “From Here To Boston” is a riveting tale of greed, deception, and cool-headed justice. The dynamic between Paladin, the Todhunters, and Hey Boy—woven through with sly barbs and sudden danger—captures the best of classic radio storytelling. Enhanced audio restoration ensures listeners are fully immersed in every twist and turn.

End of Summary