Old Time Radio Westerns – "Heritage of Death" (The Cisco Kid, 01-20-55)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: January 20, 1955
Podcast Date: January 20, 2026

Episode Overview

In this thrilling installment from the golden era of radio, Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored episode of The Cisco Kid: "Heritage of Death." The story transports listeners into a richly atmospheric Western, where danger and intrigue swirl around young Bobby Hargis and the guardianship of his late father's ranch. As Cisco and his trusty sidekick Pancho find themselves in the thick of a murderous plot, themes of loyalty, greed, and justice anchor the adventure. Vintage sound effects and standout voice performances deliver a lively, suspenseful tale set against the untamed Arizona frontier.

Key Discussion & Story Points

1. The Plot to Take Over the Hargis Ranch (03:33–05:48)

• Background: After the death of Jason Hargis, his young son Bobby inherits a vast cattle ranch. Arthur Dobson, Bobby's uncle and guardian, schemes to take control of these holdings.
• Conspiracy Begins: Dobson hires Kirby Lawson, the ranch foreman, for a deadly job:
  • Dobson: "As Bobby's guardian and uncle, I stand to take over every bit of Jason's property if Bobby dies." (03:52)
  • Lawson: "You bring the boy out to the ranch. I'll see to it that he never leaves." (04:41)

2. Cisco and Pancho Enter the Scene (05:48–07:39)

• Cisco and Pancho, old friends of the ranch managers (the Robertsons), are riding in for a peaceful visit but quickly stumble into trouble—a stagecoach ambush with gunfire.
• Cisco displays suspicion about Lawson, foreshadowing future conflict.

3. Stagecoach Ambush & Heroics (06:27–08:44)

• Ambush: Cisco and Pancho witness an attack on a stagecoach carrying Bobby and Dobson. The driver is killed; Cisco and Pancho chase off the bandits and stop the runaway horses.
• Meet Bobby: Bobby is exhilarated by the adventure, while Dobson feigns concern.
  • Bobby: "Wow. Bandits and shooting. Everything just like in books, Uncle Arthur!" (07:42)

4. The Suspicious Sombrero & Quick-Draw Showdown (09:09–11:52)

• Clue: Cisco notices Lawson’s hat has a bullet hole—the same kind inflicted on the escaping bandit. Lawson tries to bluff, claiming it was a trick shot bet.
• Show-off: Lawson attempts to impress with gunplay, but Cisco shows him up:
  • Pancho: "Hit that sombrero three times!" (11:50)
  • Narrator: "Six bullet holes with three bullets." (11:52)

5. Attempts on Bobby’s Life – The River Incident (13:28–19:33)

• Dobson and Lawson’s next plan—spook the horses pulling the buckboard with shots as they cross a perilous, flood-swollen river, hoping to kill Bobby (and anyone with him).
• Dramatic Rescue: Bobby is thrown into the river; Cisco dives in after him. The loyal horse Diablo jumps into the torrent to help, making for a heart-pounding, cinematic rescue:
  • Bobby (scared): "That waterfall Mrs. Robertson talked about just up ahead. I'm scared, Cisco." (18:42)
  • Cisco: "Don't lose your head, Bobby. We still have a chance. Diablo, he has followed us downstream!" (18:48)

6. The Villains Get Exposed (22:04–24:07)

• Cisco presents evidence: matching bullet holes, suspicious behavior, and physical clues tied the attempted murders to Dobson and Lawson.
• Confrontation: Lawson tries to draw on Cisco but is instantly disarmed:
  • Narrator: "Cisco shot the gun clean out of Kirby's hand." (23:24)
• The plot unravels. The Robertsons and Pancho defend Cisco’s integrity. Dobson and Lawson are ultimately arrested.

7. Justice and New Beginnings (26:21–29:12)

• With the danger passed, Bobby enjoys a warm meal, safe at last and surrounded by friends.
• Humorous End: Pancho is cajoled into teaching Bobby cowboy skills, leading to one of the episode’s signature light-hearted moments:
  • Bobby: "Hey Pancho, you teach me how to shoot a gun?" (27:00)
  • Pancho: "Well…maybe better if Pancho learned you how to use the bullwhip!" (27:15)
• The Robertsons become Bobby's de facto family, as Cisco and Pancho wrap up another adventure.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Uncle Dobson’s Greed:
  • "There are many things on a ranch that might happen to a young boy. Accidental, of course." (04:06)
• Cisco’s Calm Heroism:
  • "Now put your hands on my shoulders and relax. I will swim to shore like this." (18:27)
• Lawson’s Threat:
  • "Remember it. Next time they cross me, I'll ventilate you just like I did that hat." (11:40)
• Pancho’s Wit and Light Touch:
  • "Pancho shows you how to snap the whip. And how to knock a fly off a rock. And how to make the bandidos jump when you hit the seat of their pantalones!" (27:15)
• Resolving the Mystery:
  • Cisco: "Anyone with half an eye can see these two plotted to kill Bobby before he even set foot on the rancho." (23:59)
  • "If Lawson had fired at the sombrero, we would have heard the gunshot. That's right. We did not hear one. The first bullet holes…were made by my guns when Pancho and I surprised him dry gulching the stage coach." (24:13)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Introduction to the plot: 03:33 – 05:48
• Cisco and Pancho’s first appearance: 05:48 – 06:27
• Stagecoach ambush & rescue: 06:27 – 08:44
• Sombrero shootout and suspicion cast on Lawson: 09:09 – 11:52
• River ambush and rescue: 13:28 – 19:33
• Villains confronted and arrested: 22:04 – 26:00
• Happy ending & cowboy lessons for Bobby: 26:21 – 29:12

Episode Tone & Style

The episode is brisk and action-packed, with quick-fire dialogue, suspenseful Western music, and immersive sound design—from clattering hooves and rushing rivers to the crack of six-guns. Comedic touches, particularly via Pancho's cheerful banter, ease the tension and brighten the story’s darker moments. Authentically performed, the show channels the optimism and clear-cut justice of classic American Westerns, with Cisco’s sense of honor and quick thinking standing in contrast to the conniving villains.

Final Thoughts

"Heritage of Death" delivers all the hallmarks of vintage radio drama—heroism, jeopardy, villainy, and a triumphant return to family and security. Cisco and Pancho’s combination of wit, courage, and blazing fast draw make for an entertaining adventure that still thrills in the digital age. As Andrew Rhynes’ restoration brings new electric life to the soundscape, listeners ride along the dusty trail with the West’s finest radio heroes.