
Original Air Date: 1952Host: Andrew RhynesShow: Lightning JimPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Exit music from: Roundup on the Prairie by Aaron Kenny https://bit.ly/3kTj0kK
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Automated System
If you know your party's extension, press or say 1 to leave a message in our company mailbox, press or say 2. Spoiler alert.
Whitey Larson
It will be full representative.
Automated System
Would you speak to your mother in that tone?
Whitey Larson
Speak to a real human being.
Automated System
You shouldn't need to shout into the.
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Sheriff Hollison
How can I help you?
Whitey Larson
Human service, not automated phone trees.
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Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Lightning Jim. Original air date is from 1952 and the title is Hulda Takes Charge.
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Red Jerome
You know that the prairie will be your new home.
Automated System
RA.
Lightning Jim Whipple
And now for the thrilling adventures of Lightning Jim. For the last two years, the San Marcos Valley has been at the mercy of a band of rustlers and outlaws. But Sheriff Hollison has been unable to find any definite clue as to the leader of the band, nor has he been able to discover their hiding place. Finally, in desperation, he has written to Lightning Jim begging this fearless United States Marshal to come to his aid. Lightning Jim and Whitey are now talking with the sheriff. Seems funny you ain't been able to find hide in a hair them owl hooters during all the time they been operating.
Sheriff Hollison
Sheriff Funny why it's baffling. I've hunted this country over and there ain't no ranch or a canyon I ain't searched and the result is still nothing.
Lightning Jim Whipple
They drive the cattle they steal across the river, that's sure. Well, maybe they stay over there until the next raid. No, they don't.
Sheriff Hollison
Leastways not all of them. You see, Marshall, I'm pretty darn sure that Red Jerome is mixed up in this, you see.
Whitey Larson
Who is this fellow Red Jerome?
Sheriff Hollison
Oh, he's got a little ranch down by the river. Got some horses and a few head of cattle. Don't make much pretence at really ranchin'what.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Makes you suspect him, Sheriff?
Sheriff Hollison
Well, one night me and a posse tracked the bandits to his spread. Yep, right to his spread, Marshall. But when we got there we couldn't find a trace of em.
Lightning Jim Whipple
But how could they hide on a small spread? Like you say Red Jerome's got Beats me.
Sheriff Hollison
But they did hide. And we watched the river all night and they didn't cross over, Marshall.
Whitey Larson
It was this Red Don breath home when he got to the ranch, Sheriff?
Sheriff Hollison
Yeah, he was home all right. And all the his cook swore self blue in the face that he hadn't left there all but his horse had been rode and rode hard.
Lightning Jim Whipple
So this Huldah must be in on it too, if Red really is part of the gang.
Sheriff Hollison
Yeah, she's in on it all right. But I can't get nothing on any of them. And last night the dang pizen varmints wiped out old man Putnam and both his boys and burned the house down right over them.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Couldn't you pick up a trace of them?
Sheriff Hollison
No, nothing that is, except this.
Whitey Larson
That's the handle of a Curt. And that's a loaded one too.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Yeah, things like that ain't exactly common around here. Know of anybody he uses one, Sheriff?
Sheriff Hollison
I don't exactly recognize it if that's what you mean. But Red Jerome is mighty cruel to animals.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Back to Red again, huh? Tell me something about this Huldah person, Sheriff.
Sheriff Hollison
Well, it ain't hard to describe Huldah. She weighs about 300 pounds on the hoof.
Lightning Jim Whipple
What?
Sheriff Hollison
Got a face like a bronco with the heaves and a disposition that's a combination of red pepper and gunpowder. Some gal hulter.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Well, that's your job, Whiting.
Whitey Larson
Eva.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Yes, sir. You're going up to Red's place. Get on a good side of Halden and see what you can find out.
Whitey Larson
You mean I get to work in a 300 pound vile kit?
Lightning Jim Whipple
Sure do.
Whitey Larson
Well, I won't do it.
Sheriff Hollison
Yeah, but she's Swedish too. Little Whitey, you ought to get along swell. Yes sir. Yes, she's a Man eating tiger. All right.
Whitey Larson
A man eating tiger. And I'm supposed to walk up there, say, a nice kitty. Kitty. A pretty kitty. A kitty. Want some milk? Well, I treat.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Well, you can quit waddy them's orders or they might build something that'd help us.
Whitey Larson
Say no. Why don't you go up there, Lightning? You're a better looking feller than me. And you're sort of more romantic.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Don't tell your dish, Whitey. He and the sheriff will work on this then. By the way, Sheriff, think I'll take this quirt handle if you don't mind. Oh, don't mind at all.
Sheriff Hollison
Don't see what good's gonna do though.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Well, I might be lucky and stumble onto something.
Whitey Larson
You know, from what I hear, I'll be needing the look when I meet up.
Hulda
Beat it before I take a broom to you.
Whitey Larson
Well, you sure do sing. Perhaps thinking I never heard a voice like yours before.
Hulda
I hope you liked my thing. And maybe you better come on in. There ain't nobody else here. I was just getting lonesome.
Whitey Larson
Well, I was looking for it, but there probably ain't nothing I could do around here. Maybe. I think I better be going.
Hulda
You come on in. We talk about work later on. Hurry up now.
Whitey Larson
Yes, ma'am.
Hulda
You know, you ain't such a bad looking fellow. He got real pretty blue eyes. What's your name? Are you married?
Whitey Larson
Well, you can use call me Whitey, ma'am. I ain't married, you see. I ain't marrying kind.
Hulda
That's what they all say till the light woman comes along.
Whitey Larson
Maybe I better see they see the boss about getting a job.
Hulda
You know, my name was Hulda. I didn't tell you.
Whitey Larson
Every last stop down the road I was asking for work and I saw men there. He told me to call my parents. Oh, he said there was a real purty girl named Hilda working her.
Hulda
You think I'm pretty, Whitey? Maybe we get along together just like a couple of those love ever.
Whitey Larson
See, now I better be getting along. I got to see about that job, you know. Give you a job, Whitey.
Hulda
You work for me.
Whitey Larson
What do you mean?
Hulda
I got too much work for one poor weak woman. You help me chop wood, make fire, sweep, cook. That way we get better acquainted. Don't you worry about him, White. I can handle Red. Your home all right. Here, take this broom.
Whitey Larson
The broom. Well, what do you want me to do with it, Hulda?
Hulda
Sweet. And when you get too sweet, when you can help me with the dishes, you know, I bet we Make a good looking couple. Get busy.
Whitey Larson
Now. Hold. Get busy.
Sheriff Hollison
Well, Marshall, you just about met everyone. Everybody in town.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Now, now, don't forget, Sheriff, I don't want nobody to know I'm a marshal. I'm Jim Jennings. Yes, sir, hombre. Thinking about buying some land around here.
Sheriff Hollison
Whoa. Well, howdy, Sam. Mr. Jennings, meet Sam Burgold here. He's our banker.
Automated System
Well, pleased to meet you, Mr. Jennings.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Same here.
Automated System
But I won't be the banker much longer. If the sheriff here don't stop that butchering outlaw Hollison. What you gonna do about catching that varmint?
Sheriff Hollison
Well, gosh, Sam, I'm doing the best I can.
Automated System
Well, it ain't good enough. This whole country is going to be ruined if he ain't caught and caught soon.
Sheriff Hollison
Well, confidentially, Sam, Mr. Jennings here is really enlightening. Jim Whipple at the United States Marshal.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Yeah, I told you I didn't want to be known.
Sheriff Hollison
Oh, shucks, Marshall. At the banker. He'll keep your secret, won't you, Sam?
Lightning Jim Whipple
Sure.
Automated System
Sure, Marshall. You can depend on me. Did you come down here to track down our rustling gang?
Lightning Jim Whipple
Well, I'm here to help the sheriff, Mr. Bregold. Maybe between us we can get a line on you outlaws.
Automated System
Well, glad to hear it. Mighty glad to hear it. You know, I got an idea.
Sheriff Hollison
What's that, Sam?
Automated System
Marshall, you drop around to the bank tonight. I'll let you in and we'll go over some papers I got there. I know a banker ain't supposed to divulge no information about his business.
Lightning Jim Whipple
You got some suspicions, Rigaud?
Automated System
Well, I ain't no detective, but maybe. So you can put two and two together. You come around tonight, Marshall.
Lightning Jim Whipple
I'll be there long about 9:00. That'll be all right.
Automated System
Yeah, fine. See you then. And good luck in your detective, Marshall.
Slack
Olga. Olga.
Hulda
What you yelling about, Red?
Slack
Hey, who's that critter in there peeling potatoes? What you doing around here?
Hulda
That's Whitey. He's helping me. I hired him today, Red.
Slack
You hired him, all right. Have you got to hire anybody? You know we don't want any snoopers around here.
Hulda
He ain't no snooper. You listen to me, Red. Jerome, I get pretty lonesome around here working, not having no fun, never going any place or seeing anybody. Cook and clean and wash and cook.
Slack
And clean and wash. Now, now, hold it. Don't go flying off the handle. I ain't mad at you. I gotta watch my step, that's all.
Whitey Larson
Well, you watch your step.
Hulda
Me, I'm watching Mine too. A girl's gotta think of her future. And I'm getting to the place where I think I better get married.
Slack
What are you talking about, Hulda?
Hulda
I think maybe I'm married, White.
Slack
Well, maybe he won't like the notion.
Hulda
He won't have nothing to say about it. If I decide to marry him, I marry him and that's it.
Slack
Well, anyhow, watch your step. I will get to get in town. The boss sent for me. I'll talk to Whitey in the morning. But remember, we take no chances.
Automated System
Well, come in, Marshall, Come in. Been waiting for you.
Red Jerome
Are you alone?
Lightning Jim Whipple
Evening, Mr. McGold. Yeah, I'm alone. Jeff went home early. He was up most of the night and.
Automated System
That got him Red.
Slack
It was easy. He never saw me behind the door at all. One good chap on the head.
Automated System
Well, I'll take his gun. The man hunting Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple walks into a trap and doesn't walk out.
Slack
What do I do with him now, Brigad?
Automated System
What do you think? Get him out of town and dispose of him. Kill him. We can keep on fooling the sheriff, but we can't take no chances with this snooping government man.
Slack
But the sheriff knew he was coming here tonight. How you gonna handle that?
Automated System
Don't try to do my thinking for me, Red. I can handle the sheriff all right.
Slack
Yeah, but what are you gonna tell him?
Automated System
I'll tell him the marshal came here.
Slack
Sure.
Automated System
He looked over some papers, said he had a clue and wouldn't tell me nothing more. Then he left. And how do I know where he went?
Slack
That easy, huh? Well, just be sure you handled it right.
Automated System
You're getting too big for your boots, Red. Jerome, I'm giving the orders around here.
Slack
You keep your mouth shut, but I'm taking all the chances. Rigaud. Don't forget that.
Automated System
Ain't no use quarreling. Hurry up now. Get this law badge tied up. Get him out of town. And don't forget to take his horse too.
Slack
Do I shoot the horse too?
Automated System
No, he's a good looking piece of horse flesh. Just turn him loose. Somebody will find him and maybe so I'll buy him. Now wouldn't that be something? Me a riding on the Marshall's horse after I've disposed of the marshal. That'd be a good joke on the Marshall, eh?
Hulda
Is that a pretty moon whiting? Don't it make you feel all lovey dovey?
Whitey Larson
See, I guess I'm sort of tired. I think you better turn in now.
Hulda
Go on, put your arm around me. Whitey, don't be bashful.
Whitey Larson
You rattled?
Hulda
You know, Whitey, there ain't no use are waiting around. I think we get married tomorrow. You don't need to take your arm away. Put her back, Whitey.
Whitey Larson
All right.
Hulda
There.
Slack
We go.
Hulda
Into the offsets of peace and get it over with. We get married tomorrow afternoon.
Whitey Larson
But hold it. That sort of southern entity, right? You just met me this morning.
Hulda
You know, when I make up my mind, I make it up fast. We'd make a nice couple, I think. And when you're my husband, I'll start making you over the way I want.
Whitey Larson
You making me over.
Hulda
Well, what you going to do when I get through with you? I see you won't know yourself. My dat moon. Sure, 30 inches.
Whitey Larson
Oh, I think I got a stomach ache. I don't feel so good then. And I think I won't really feel hurt.
Slack
Black, you see that Jasper sitting out there with Holder?
Red Jerome
Any crowbait that had put his arm around Holden tried to snuggle up to that mountain is a braver man than me.
Slack
Red, it ain't funny. He's got to get rid of him. In fact.
Red Jerome
What do you mean? Red, listen.
Slack
I've got a United States marshal back in the cave.
Red Jerome
Marshal nationwide. How'd you get him? Where'd he come from?
Slack
The boss tumbled to him. I brought him out tonight. Hall Tide. The boss told me to get rid of him. But this Jasper with Holders.
Red Jerome
You think he's a law badge too?
Slack
Yeah, I think it's funny. He come here this morning the same time the marker showed up in town.
Red Jerome
Let's go get him now then.
Slack
No, no. We don't want any fight with Hulda's left.
Sheriff Hollison
Ah, not me.
Red Jerome
I'd rather tangle with a charging bull than come up against Huldah with a war paint on this.
Slack
Watch your chance tomorrow, Slack. And when he gets away from the house, plug him.
Hulda
How?
Slack
They'll never know what happened to him. And what she don't know won't hurt her.
Red Jerome
You mean it won't hurt us. Leave it to me, Red. I'll handle the critter.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Can Lightning Jim escape from Red? Will Slack get Whitey? And if he doesn't, how can Whitey get away from Hulda? Well, we'll find out in part two, which follows immediately.
Hulda
Sa.
Lightning Jim Whipple
And now for part two of the Adventures of Lightning Jim. The sheriff of San Marcus county has called in Lightning Jim and Whitey to help him track down a band of rustlers and killers. Suspicion has fallen on Red Jerome, who owns a small spread close to the river. And Whitey, much against his wishes, has been ordered to get some information From Hulda, the 300 pound Swedish cook who works for Red. But Sam Brig, goad banker in San Marcus and the real leader of the outlaws, has learned Lightning Jim's identity and trapped him. It's morning now and Red and Slack, two of the gang are in a secret cave on Red's ranch.
Red Jerome
What are you gonna do about the marshal, Red?
Slack
I kill him of course. But not before Brigaud comes across with $1,000.
Red Jerome
So you're finally turning on Bregod, huh?
Slack
Well, not exactly. And I've been doing plenty of thinking. We've been doing all the dirty work. Walking into gunfire, being chased by the sheriff and his men.
Red Jerome
Yeah, well, Brigaud hides in the background taking care of his own neck and.
Slack
Collecting half the money from the cattle.
Red Jerome
Yeah, and he's getting the mortgages on the land too.
Sheriff Hollison
And pretty soon he'll be.
Slack
Yeah, he'll be owning all the land around here. Maybe there won't be no more split for us.
Red Jerome
He can't kick us out. We got too much on him.
Slack
Yeah, that's right. But I'm getting mine while they're getting as good. He's going to pay me for killing this marker Violent.
Sheriff Hollison
Somebody's coming. Yeah, but there ain't none of the rest of the boys around this morning. Wonder who never come out here in the daytime.
Automated System
Get out, Slack. I want to talk to Red alone.
Red Jerome
Sure, sure, boss. I'm leaving.
Slack
Well, what's on your mind, Rigaud? How come you decide to pay us a visit in the daytime?
Automated System
I told you to get the marshal's horse out of town too. Why didn't you?
Slack
Now listen, Brigaud. That fire eaten horse darn near kicked my brains out. I went delivery saber all right and tried to sneak him out, but he went slum crazy. I couldn't get near him.
Automated System
Well, where's the marshal? You killed him like I said.
Slack
Not yet.
Sheriff Hollison
I wanted no longer a yellow back scorpion.
Automated System
He's got to be killed and buried or flung in the river. The sheriff got all worked up when he found the marshal's horse and couldn't locate the marshal. He's got a whole posse out scouring.
Red Jerome
The country for him.
Automated System
Where is he?
Sheriff Hollison
He has got him tied up.
Slack
Yeah, better than that. I took the ropes off of him and put a chain around his neck, padlocked it on. He's back in the cave chained to a rock.
Automated System
Well then I'll kill him myself with his own guns and dispose of his body I'll Give me the key to the padlock.
Slack
Yeah, here it is.
Automated System
And you clear out. We work it in plain sight on the ranch in case the sheriff and his posse come around.
Slack
What are you going to do with the marshal after you got him killed?
Automated System
I'll take care. Well, get going.
Slack
Okay, boss.
Automated System
Well, well, if it ain't the marshal himself chained up like a dog. But a marshal without his guns is like a dog without his teeth. And I reckon I've got your teeth, all right.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Lord get you, Brigaud, sooner or later.
Sheriff Hollison
Not me.
Automated System
I'm too smart. Nobody else ever found this cave, did they? Well, I found it and figured out what a swell hiding place it would be. I planned all this.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Lands have a way of falling through Bragaud, even the best one.
Automated System
Well, mine won't. I hold mortgages on all the ranches around here. The ranches are ruined. I pour coals and I own all the land. And it's legal. Nobody can trip me up. And now do you know what I'm going to do?
Lightning Jim Whipple
Oh, shoot me, I suppose.
Automated System
Right the first time. And with your own guns, too. I took them last night when you wasn't in the position to object. Hey, what are you.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Always thought this squirt handle might be a lucky omen. Get up, your mangy coyote. I have to choke you don't kill me. I reckon the law will take care of that. Lucky for me Red didn't tie my hands up. He didn't take the trouble to search me. Get that key out for this padlock. I heard you asked Red for it. Come on.
Hulda
Hurry up to that mopping, weissy. You got to get cleaned up for a wedding.
Whitey Larson
But, Hilda, I. I don't think you trust me.
Hulda
I'm going to marry, ain't I? What you talking about?
Whitey Larson
Well, there's funny business going around this place. I know that now. If you really trusted me, you'd tell.
Hulda
Me all about it after we're married. It's soon enough to start telling you things. Hurry up with that moffle.
Whitey Larson
I'm all ready to go.
Hulda
Don't I look nice, Whitey?
Whitey Larson
Well, I don't think I want to marry nobody there. They don't trust me.
Hulda
You ain't got nothing to say about this, Whitey. You're marrying me this afternoon, dead or alive. Maybe. Maybe I'll twist the game then. Are you stuck because my brother worked for him?
Whitey Larson
Your brother?
Hulda
You are my brother. But after I get me a husband to work for me, I think I quit. This ain't no place for A lady.
Red Jerome
Hey, Whitey, come on out here. The horse wants to see you quick.
Whitey Larson
You're acknowledging.
Hulda
Listen, Weissy, I'm going to take the bus board and go to town. I get the ring and the license. I wait for you at the justice of Peace. Now you be there by 4:00, you hear?
Whitey Larson
Hey, I hear you.
Hulda
And if you ain't there by 4 o'clock, I come after you. Hear that too.
Red Jerome
Get going.
Slack
Hold it.
Red Jerome
There ain't no more to be kept waiting.
Hulda
I keep him waiting if I feel like it. Now remember, Whitey, 4 o'clock this afternoon at the justice of peace and White.
Whitey Larson
Hey, Ole, you better buy a necktie.
Hulda
If they're going to get married, it's got to be proper. And it ain't proper without a necktie.
Whitey Larson
Dear. Where are you taking me, Slack?
Red Jerome
Never mind talking. Just keep moving.
Whitey Larson
Well, I can't figure none of this out.
Red Jerome
You will soon enough.
Whitey Larson
Yeah, but we've walked right into the side of the hill. We can't go any place further.
Red Jerome
Lift up those vines there.
Whitey Larson
Why you Mindy. Yeah, but golly, does he keep. There's a came here and decided to hit.
Red Jerome
Go on in. Hurry up.
Whitey Larson
Yeah, but we goin in the cave for slack.
Red Jerome
You wouldn't know, would you? You ain't been snooping around here trying to find this place, have you?
Lightning Jim Whipple
Oh, no. You're just a little innocent baby.
Whitey Larson
What you got thing going in my bag for, slack? I ain't done nothing.
Red Jerome
Oh, and you ain't going to either. Keep on moving.
Slack
You got him, Frick?
Red Jerome
Sure I got him.
Slack
How did you get him away from Hoda?
Red Jerome
She's going into town and waited the justice of the peace. She's figuring on getting hitched with this broken down snooper this afternoon.
Slack
Well, I reckon Hoda will wait a long time for her bridegroom.
Whitey Larson
Well, I can't figure none of this sort. Why you fellows kept it in for me.
Slack
Anyway, I heard some interesting news this morning. It seems the sheriff is out hunting your pal the marshal. It seems that Lightning Jim has kind of disappeared.
Whitey Larson
Disappeared? See? What did you do? This makes do to Lightning.
Red Jerome
Ah, then you are mixed up with him, huh?
Lightning Jim Whipple
You were lawbeds too, huh?
Slack
Give yourself away that time, you tell me.
Sheriff Hollison
No.
Whitey Larson
What did you do to Lightning?
Slack
Well, I don't mind telling you, he's dead. The big shot shot him this morning. Yeah, must have buried him too. But he's dead all right. Just like you're going to be, Lightning.
Whitey Larson
Dead killed this morning.
Red Jerome
Yeah, and if you got any prayers to say? You better start saying them because you're going the same way.
Hulda
Kill Lightning.
Sheriff Hollison
You thirsty, busters?
Whitey Larson
Be that your neck?
Red Jerome
Hey, get out of the way. Slapping our beauty. Oh, you got me.
Sheriff Hollison
You fool.
Slack
You shot me.
Lightning Jim Whipple
You.
Slack
You.
Hulda
Give me that gun.
Slack
I can't.
Red Jerome
I'm not bad, Kite.
Lightning Jim Whipple
I ran for a plundering fool.
Hulda
Your boats were full of lead.
Whitey Larson
You couldn't stand up.
Hulda
But the loss got the major.
Whitey Larson
That's the way Lightning would want it.
Hulda
Lightning?
Whitey Larson
Lightning is dead.
Sheriff Hollison
Hurry up there.
Red Jerome
I can't ride no faster. I'm shut bad Red. Ye yellow bellied snake. What did you have to shoot me for?
Slack
It wasn't my fault. He jumped right in front of the gun when I was aimed at this guy.
Automated System
Short Top Boat.
Whitey Larson
I'm thinking what I'm going to do with your boys when I find them.
Slack
You'll never find him. We ain't telling that.
Red Jerome
I ain't gonna get hung and let that guy go free, Reg. I'll talk. I'll tell everything.
Slack
Ap Close. We ain't hung yet.
Red Jerome
Somebody's coming. It's a plot.
Automated System
The sheriff.
Sheriff Hollison
Poor boys.
Hulda
Hey, Gail. Excuse conv. Lightning. Lightning. Except you.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Sure. What you got there?
Hulda
Whoa.
Whitey Larson
Lightning.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Whitey. We were just coming out after him.
Whitey Larson
Oh, Lightning. I thought you was dead. I was bringing this to Orman. Then I was going to find a boss with a bunch if I had to marry her to do.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Reckon you won't have to do that, Whitey. I got the boss in jail right now. We've got everything.
Sheriff Hollison
We're gonna surround Red's place. And when the rest of the night riders get back from across the river, they'll find a nice little reception committee waiting to arrive.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Yeah, that'll give me invited time to take these two prisoners in and put them in jail. Then we come back and join you, Sheriff.
Sheriff Hollison
Good idea. Say, better put them in with Baruch and let the three of them sort of console each other.
Lightning Jim Whipple
So Lightning, Jim and Whitey take the two prisoners into San Marcos and lock them up in jail. They were riding through the town and on their way back to rejoin the sheriff when suddenly. So you see, Whitey, I still had that lead Quirt handled. When Brigaud wasn't looking, I just flung it at his head and knocked him down. Then I dragged him over by the foot until I could get my hand around his throat.
Whitey Larson
The excitement is all over now. We can round up the rest of the gange and then leave.
Hulda
You're 15 minutes late. I was used to not asking. Help me out to this please, I said 4:00. Didn't you hear me?
Whitey Larson
No, no, listen, you don't understand.
Hulda
I understand you're going to marry me right now, like you said. Get down off that fork.
Lightning Jim Whipple
I thought you said the excitement was all over whitening.
Whitey Larson
You got to help me. You don't know this woman.
Hulda
You're going to know me better in a few minutes. Frightened. The Eustace of the Peace is waiting for us and I got the ring.
Whitey Larson
You don't understand. I can marry you. Honest I can.
Hulda
You still got time to get the next time. Come on now, don't make me mad.
Whitey Larson
I told her I never meant that I was really going to marry you. Oh.
Hulda
Oh, you didn't? Well, listen to me, you knocky, bow legged, mule eared son of a horse thief. You swept me off my feet, that's what you did. Making love to me in the moonlight and begging me to marry you. Now you're gonna marry me if I have to sit on you all during the ceremony.
Lightning Jim Whipple
I'm sorry, ma'am, but I don't reckon you can marry Whitey.
Hulda
Here, you please stay out of this. I don't need nobody to help me take care of this hound, Pop. I'll take care of him all right.
Lightning Jim Whipple
But you see, ma'am, he's my prisoner. I'm taking him back to jail.
Hulda
Jail? Righty.
Whitey Larson
What's he done?
Lightning Jim Whipple
Why, he's got four wives waiting for him, ma'am. He's a bigamist and a very dangerous man.
Whitey Larson
Four wives?
Lightning Jim Whipple
Yes, ma'am.
Hulda
Four wives he's got already. And he told me he wasn't a merry and kind you.
Whitey Larson
I'm a weary bed man who. A weary, weary bed man. You can't believe nothing I see.
Lightning Jim Whipple
I'm mighty lucky you found out in time, ma'am. I'd hate to see you get hitched up to a dangerous criminal like this man.
Hulda
I think maybe you won't have to take him back to Yale, mister. I think maybe I'll take him apart right now with my hands and I won't put him together again. Hey, light.
Whitey Larson
Lady.
Hulda
Come on now, let's write.
Lightning Jim Whipple
It ain't polite to run away from a lady.
Red Jerome
Why didn't you.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Will never get to heaven telling out now, bib like that.
Whitey Larson
We better ride a little faster, Lightning.
Hulda
And the only thing I want between me and.
Lightning Jim Whipple
Which concludes another exciting adventure in the lives of those two famous marshals of the Old West. Lightning Jim Whipple and Whitey Larson.
Andrew Rines
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Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Host: Andrew Rhines
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Original Air Date: 1952
Episode Title: Huldah Takes Charge
Series: Lightning Jim
In the "Huldah Takes Charge" episode of the Lightning Jim series, listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West. The story revolves around the Lone U.S. Marshal, Lightning Jim Whipple, his reluctant partner, Whitey Larson, and the beleaguered Sheriff Hollison of San Marcos Valley. Together, they confront a band of outlaws led by the cunning Red Jerome and his accomplice, Hulda. This episode masterfully blends suspense, character development, and classic Western tropes, all enhanced by the digitally restored audio quality that brings the 1952 drama to life.
Initial Struggles and Suspicions ([03:18] - [06:22])
Sheriff Hollison of San Marcos Valley is at his wits' end. For two years, the valley has suffered under the tyranny of rustlers and outlaws led by an elusive leader. Despite exhaustive searches across canyons and ranches, Sheriff Hollison has found no solid leads. In his desperation, he summons Lightning Jim Whipple, a fearless U.S. Marshal, to aid in capturing the gang.
Conversation with the Sheriff:
The Sheriff confides that his suspicion falls on Red Jerome, a small ranch owner with minimal operations, and Hulda, Jerome's formidable Swedish cook. Hulda is described vividly, highlighting her imposing presence and fiery disposition.
Assignment to Whitey Larson:
Whitey Larson is tasked, albeit reluctantly, to infiltrate Hulda's operations and gather intelligence. His hesitation sets the stage for internal conflict and character growth.
Encounter with Hulda ([07:09] - [16:56])
Whitey meets Hulda under tense circumstances. Hulda is manipulative and alluring, quickly attempting to engage Whitey beyond professional boundaries.
Key Interactions:
Meanwhile, Lightning Jim is introduced to Sam Burgold, the local banker, who covertly reveals his knowledge of Jim's true identity and sets a trap for the Marshal, leading to Jim's capture.
Confrontation and Capture:
Inside the gang's hideout, Red Jerome and his henchman, Slack, discuss plans to eliminate Lightning Jim, illustrating the gang's desperation and ruthlessness.
Hulda's Schemes: Hulda accelerates her plan to marry Whitey, further complicating his mission and entangling him deeper into the gang's web.
Climactic Showdown ([16:03] - [29:05])
Lightning Jim, despite being captured, manages to resist and overpower his captors using ingenuity and sheer will. Concurrently, Whitey struggles with Hulda's manipulative tactics, culminating in a forced marriage scenario where his loyalty and courage are put to the ultimate test.
Turning Points:
Final Confrontation: The episode reaches its peak as Lightning Jim confronts Sam Burgold, exposing his true intentions of land-grabbing and coercion. A fierce showdown ensues, resulting in the downfall of the outlaws.
Resolution: With the gang dismantled and Hulda's schemes thwarted, Lightning Jim and Whitey help restore peace to San Marcos Valley. The episode concludes with the affirmation of justice and the triumph of good over evil.
Lightning Jim Whipple: The quintessential Western hero—brave, resourceful, and unwavering in his pursuit of justice. His interactions reveal a deep sense of duty and a tactical mind.
Whitey Larson: Initially portrayed as hesitant and reluctant, Whitey's character arc progresses as he confronts moral dilemmas and rises to the occasion, reflecting themes of courage and redemption.
Sheriff Hollison: Represents local authority struggling against overwhelming odds. His mentorship and eventual collaboration with Lightning Jim underscore themes of trust and partnership.
Hulda: A formidable antagonist, Hulda embodies manipulation and strength. Her complex relationship with Whitey adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the femme fatale archetype.
Red Jerome & Slack: The primary antagonists orchestrating chaos in the valley. Their schemes and internal conflicts illustrate the destructive nature of greed and power.
Justice vs. Corruption: The narrative juxtaposes the unwavering pursuit of justice by Lightning Jim against the corrupt ambitions of Sam Burgold and his gang.
Trust and Betrayal: Characters navigate alliances and betrayals, emphasizing the fragility of trust in a lawless environment.
Courage and Redemption: Whitey's journey from reluctance to bravery exemplifies personal growth and the capacity for redemption.
Gender Dynamics: Hulda's character challenges traditional gender roles, presenting a strong female antagonist whose influence and power pose significant threats to the protagonists.
Sheriff Hollison ([03:49]):
"I've hunted this country over and there ain't no ranch or a canyon I ain't searched and the result is still nothing."
Hulda ([07:35]):
"I think maybe I'm married, White."
Lightning Jim Whipple ([20:05]):
"Lord get you, Brigaud, sooner or later."
Whitey Larson ([22:14]):
"Dear. Where are you taking me, Slack?"
Hulda ([27:54]):
"Hey, light."
Lightning Jim Whipple ([29:00]):
"It ain't polite to run away from a lady."
These quotes encapsulate pivotal moments in the episode, highlighting character motivations and turning points in the plot.
"Huldah Takes Charge" is a quintessential Old Time Radio Western that masterfully intertwines suspense, character development, and moral dilemmas against the backdrop of the Wild West. Lightning Jim Whipple stands as a beacon of justice, while characters like Whitey Larson and Hulda add layers of complexity and intrigue. The digitally restored audio enriches the listening experience, making the 1952 drama resonate with both nostalgic audiences and new listeners alike. Andrew Rhines' adept presentation ensures that these timeless tales continue to captivate and entertain, honoring the legacy of classic Western radio dramas.