Old Time Radio Westerns — "Gunman Outside" | The Cisco Kid (12-02-54)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Gunman Outside | The Cisco Kid
Release Date: November 11, 2025
Duration: ~30 min
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer

Episode Overview

In this digitally restored classic, Andrew Rhynes brings listeners a gripping tale from the golden age of radio: "Gunman Outside," an episode of The Cisco Kid from 1954. The story centers on Cisco Kid and his loyal friend Pancho as they confront the notorious outlaw Jake Pocono and his cunning gang, who terrorize the town of Blue Rock with murder and intimidation. This episode blends drama, suspense, and the classic Western themes of courage, justice, and redemption.

Key Discussion Points & Narrative Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Blue Rock Under Siege

• Town in Fear: Blue Rock’s sheriff, Ed Thomas, is anxious about the local menace, Jake Pocono, whose reputation for brutality and clever use of "outside gunmen" keeps lawmen at bay. (02:31–03:03)
• Sheriff's Dilemma: Sheriff Thomas debates confronting the gang alone despite his daughter Deborah's pleas for caution:
  • "A man's got a certain amount of pride, daughter, even if he is just a store..." — Sheriff Thomas (03:52)
• Tragic Turn: Sheriff Thomas is killed in the line of duty, gunned down as Pocono’s gang employs their infamous tactics. Deborah, stricken with grief, vows revenge. (05:28–06:15)

2. Cisco Kid and Pancho Ride In

• Meeting Deborah: Cisco and Pancho arrive and encounter the distraught Deborah, learning of her father's death and vowing to bring Pocono to justice. (08:23–09:35)
• Classic Banter:
  • "You have courage, senorita. But anger has overcome your wisdom." — Cisco Kid (09:06)
  • Pancho offers comic relief and heartfelt sympathy to the grieving Deborah.
• Determination for Justice: Cisco emphasizes the importance of not acting out of anger and using reason.

3. Facing the Outlaw's Tactics

• Pocono’s Paranoia: Jake Pocono reveals his method to stay out of jail — always keeping armed men as lookouts, demonstrating caution and cunning. (04:37–05:28, 10:01–10:30)
• Cisco's Strategy: Realizing Pocono is too clever to leave easy tracks, Cisco deduces an ambush is likely and alters their approach, demonstrating his own sharp wits. (11:52–12:30)

4. The Showdown at the Hideout

• Standoff: Cisco and Pancho locate Pocono’s valley hideout. Bursting into an adobe hut, they hold the gang at gunpoint, forcing a surrender — but suspicious of outside danger. (14:10–15:09)
  • "All of you, get your hands up. Pancho, stand over against the wall." — Cisco Kid (14:11)
• Under Fire: As expected, Pocono’s outside gunman opens fire. Cisco and Pancho are briefly trapped, deciding to wait for nightfall to escape. (16:43–17:05)

5. Posse Trouble & Escaping the Trap

• Deputy's Cowardice: Meanwhile, Deputy’s fear of confronting Pocono delays the posse’s pursuit, highlighting the climate of terror the outlaws have created. (17:33–18:04)
  • "A man's got to use common sense." — Deputy (17:52)
  • Deborah's frustration at the deputy’s inaction is palpable.
• Daring Escape: Cisco and Pancho break from cover under fire, reach the posse, but are mistakenly arrested due to a mix-up. (19:30–21:00)

6. Final Confrontation and Justice Served

• Ambush Turned on Pocono: Cisco and Pancho spot Pocono's gang, set an ambush of their own, and capture the outlaws in a classic Western brawl atop the rocky canyon trails.
  • "Now we will see one of them come back to go. I shall give them their bulwark. Oh, not you. How do you like this pocket? Here we go. This earth and this earth and finally this. Oh..." — Cisco Kid (22:28–23:00)
• Resolution: With the outlaws rounded up, they’re handed over to the deputy. Pancho and Cisco’s true identities are revealed, clearing up the misunderstanding with the law. (23:45–24:15)
  • "Well, Cisco, you did it. You got that killer Pocono." — Senorita Deborah Thomas (23:45)

7. Reflection and a Bit of Humor

• Courage and Fear: Cisco and Deborah discuss the nature of fear, courage, and doing the right thing even when afraid.
  • "Fear of a sort is almost always with everyone, senorita." — Cisco Kid (24:26)
• Happy Ending & Pancho’s Comic Story: As always, Pancho lightens the mood with a funny story about "Big Maria" at the post office, ending the episode with laughs and camaraderie. (25:15–27:19)
  • "Oh, do not put the stamp on yourself, senor. You put the stamp on the letter."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)

• Sheriff Thomas’ Courage:

  "A man's got a certain amount of pride, daughter, even if he is just a store."
  — Sheriff Ed Thomas (03:52)

• Cisco's Wisdom:

  "You have courage, senorita. But anger has overcome your wisdom."
  — Cisco Kid to Deborah (09:06)

• On Duty and Fear:

  "No man goes after a bandido gang like that without being afraid, senorita."
  — Cisco Kid (24:19)

• Classic Pancho Humor:

  "Oh, do not put the stamp on yourself, senor. You put the stamp on the letter."
  — Pancho (27:19)

• High Tension Standoff:

  "All of you, get your hands up. Pancho, stand over against the wall."
  — Cisco Kid (14:11)

Key Segment Timestamps

• 02:31 — Town under threat, Sheriff Thomas plans to confront Pocono
• 05:28 — Sheriff is ambushed and killed by Pocono’s men
• 08:23 — Cisco and Pancho meet Deborah, learn about her father's death
• 14:10 — Cisco and Pancho confront the gang at the adobe hut
• 16:43 — Trapped and under fire, Cisco strategizes
• 18:04 — Posse’s reluctance and Deborah's frustration
• 21:00 — Cisco and Pancho are mistakenly arrested
• 22:26 — Final ambush and capture of Pocono
• 23:45 — Outlaws delivered, Cisco and Deborah reflect on courage
• 25:15 — Pancho’s humorous story wraps the episode

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a classic Western tone: earnest, heroic, with moments of levity provided by Pancho’s humor and Cisco’s warm compassion. The dialogue is fast-paced, with dramatic flair and vivid characterization.

Conclusion

"Gunman Outside" is a quintessential Cisco Kid Western adventure — blending suspense, intense showdowns, and moral reflection on fear and bravery. It celebrates community, justice, and the enduring partnership of Cisco and Pancho, wrapped up in restored, vivid audio that brings the Old West to life for new generations.

For the next episode, keep tuning in to Old Time Radio Westerns for more thrilling tales from the frontier!