Old Time Radio Westerns: "His Name Is John Smith" | Frontier Town (1949)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: 1949
Episode Summary Date: October 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, listeners are transported to the frontier town of Dos Rios, a setting teeming with classic Western intrigue, lawlessness, and the push for justice amid the chaos of the Wild West. "His Name Is John Smith" follows the adventures of frontier lawyer Chad Remington, his colorful sidekick Cherokee O'Bannon, and townsfolk caught in the crossfire of a bank robbery, false identities, and moral dilemmas. This drama weaves together suspense, humor, and touches on the complexities of redemption and frontier justice.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Introducing Dos Rios and Its Dilemmas

• [03:53] Chad Remington introduces himself as the town's country lawyer, explaining that frontier law is scarce and trouble is rarely in short supply.
• Discussion with Judge Fillmore and Libby on advancing "legal law" over "gun law."
  • Notable Quote:
    • “We can’t just accept the facts because they’re facts. We gotta do everything we can to rid ourselves of gun law and substitute legal law.” – Chad Remington [04:59]

The Bank Robbery and the Mystery of "John Smith"

• [05:46] Bank robbery erupts; Cherokee O'Bannon apprehends the bandit, who refuses to offer much personal information besides the name "John Smith."
  • Notable Moment:
    • “Why don’t you just make it John Doe?” – Judge Fillmore [07:04]

Investigating the Bandit

• [07:29-09:11] Chad and Cherokee discuss events at the sheriff’s office. A shirt label points toward Houston, prompting Chad to send a telegram.
  • Humorous banter about Cherokee's "rattlesnake oil" and heroism.

The Cummings’ Secret – A Tale of the Past

• [09:31-12:14]: At the telegraph office, Harry and Martha Cummings' anxiety about contacting Houston leads to a confession:
  • Harry is an ex-railroad telegrapher, wrongfully imprisoned in Houston nine years prior, escaped after a year, and has been hiding under a new name.
  • His telegraph "fist" (distinct sending style) might expose him.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “I served a year I shouldn’t have served. They’re not gonna put me back. Believe me, they’re not.” – Harry Cheeseborough/Cummings [12:09]

Justice, Mercy, and Redemption

• [13:01-14:28] Chad advocates for Harry’s pardon with Judge Fillmore, ultimately securing the judge’s reluctant promise to help.
• Promise of a fresh start for Harry and Martha following a hopeful telegram from the governor.

Escape and Betrayal

• [14:28-15:29] The plot twists: A shootout at the jail reveals both "John Smith" and Harry have escaped. Chad is dejected, having gotten Harry nearly pardoned only for him to become a fugitive again.

Fallout and Friction Among Friends

• [16:09-18:11] Chad faces disappointment: Friends and allies—Judge Fillmore, Libby, and even Martha—disapprove of Chad's well-intentioned actions.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “In other words, without a trial, without any suitable evidence, you’re gonna convict a man that just yesterday you agreed was decent and honest to the best of your knowledge.” – Chad Remington [17:11]

Tracking Down the Fugitives

• [20:05-22:41] Chad and Cherokee form a makeshift posse. Chad demonstrates his rancher’s skill by following signs, finding a clue—a piece of Harry’s sleeve guard—near a mine.

Confrontation at the Mine

• [23:04-26:38]:
  • Chad and Cherokee discover the fugitives hiding in a deserted mine.
  • Chad notices telegraph-style tapping from inside—a desperate Morse code message from Harry.
  • Instead of a violent confrontation, Chad uses tactical skill: he and Cherokee smoke out the fugitives with burning brush.
  • Notable Moment:
    • Chad’s realization: “It’s not just digging...sounds more like dots and dashes, like telegraph code. You mean it’s Harry sending us a message?” [25:01]

Resolution and Restored Order

• [26:22-28:06] The outlaws surrender.

  • Cherokee knocks out John Smith as he tries to resist.
  • Emphasis on teamwork: credit is passed among Chad, Cherokee, and Harry for the capture and survival.
  • Light-hearted close with recognition of Cherokee's famed “rattlesnake oil.”

• [28:06-29:37] Emotional closure:

  • Relief for Harry and Martha.
  • Judge Fillmore credits Cherokee for his quick action.
  • Chad and Libby step aside for a heartfelt conversation.

Memorable Quotes & Key Moments

• Chad Remington, on reforming justice:
  “We gotta do everything we can to rid ourselves of gun law and substitute legal law.” [04:59]

• Curmudgeonly humor, Cherokee O'Bannon:
  “On my honor, Chad, I was cold sober.” [08:09]
  “This astounding preparation not only cures dandruff and heaves in your favorite horse, but is sold with a money-back guarantee to cure morning after collywobble.” [18:46]

• Judge Fillmore, on the dilemma of justice vs. friendship:
  “All I know is that someone did find him guilty and sent him to jail. Besides, to be very frank about it, I don’t especially like Chad’s suggestion that I impose on a friendship.” [13:23]

• Climax maneuver:
  “If I hadn’t wanted to save Harry, it would have been easy enough. We could have shot through the entrance to the mine and blasted them out of there. The shot might have killed Harry.” – Chad [25:29]

• Lighthearted wrap-up:
  “That’s one way of getting business. Getting business? You bet. I can’t think of a better customer now for your Cherokee Indian rattlesnake oil than Mr. John Smith.” – Chad Remington [27:27]

Key Timestamps

• 03:53 – Chad Remington introduces life in Dos Rios.
• 05:46 – Bank robbery, capture of "John Smith."
• 09:31 – Harry and Martha’s secret revealed.
• 13:01 – Chad pleads for Harry’s redemption.
• 14:28 – Jailbreak: Harry and Smith escape.
• 17:19 – Tension between Chad, the judge, and Libby.
• 22:09 – Trail clue found at the brier bush.
• 25:01 – Morse code message from inside the mine.
• 26:22 – Climax: confrontation and capture in the mine.
• 28:06 – Resolution, thanks, and reflection.

Tone and Style

The episode balances earnest drama, Western grit, and comedic relief. The language evokes the Old West with cowboy idioms (“dab your rope on it,” “varmint,” “calaboose”), while the exchanges between Chad, Cherokee, and the townsfolk brim with warmth, wit, and moral seriousness. Elements of suspense and redemption run throughout, as does a healthy skepticism about frontier justice and the power of second chances.

Conclusion

"His Name Is John Smith" is a classic Western tale brought to vibrant life through restored audio and colorful performances. The story delivers high-stakes action, a compelling moral struggle, and the enduring belief in justice—even when the path is crooked. Andrew Rhynes’ podcast curation ensures these golden-age tales remain as rich and engaging as ever for today’s listeners.