Old Time Radio Westerns
Episode: Joey | All Star Western Theatre (05-31-47)
Guest Star: Monty Montana
Original Air Date: May 31, 1947
Podcast Release Date: March 2, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Overview
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents a restored broadcast of "Joey" from the All Star Western Theatre, featuring Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage with special guest star Monty Montana. The story blends live cowboy music, vivid performances, and frontier values, set against the backdrop of a small Texan town shaken by a bank robbery involving a young, disabled boy and his misplaced loyalties. Listeners are treated to both classic Western music and a compelling radio drama that explores trust, community, and redemption.
Key Discussion Points & Drama Breakdown
1. Opening Music & Introductions (00:54–03:00)
- The episode opens with lively Western music performed by Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage.
- Host Andrew Rhynes introduces the show's setting and special guest, rodeo star Monty Montana.
- Notable quote:
"From Hollywood comes your All Star Western Theater, starring America's great western singers, Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage, who play host to the star of rodeos from Cheyenne to Phoenix, Monte Montana." (01:10, Announcer)
2. Western Songs Interlude (03:00–10:54)
- Classic cowboy songs featured include "Missouri Waltz," "Ragtime Cowboy Joe," and "I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder."
- These musical pieces evoke the tone and spirit of the Old West and set the stage for the unfolding drama.
- Notable moment:
The warm harmonies and nostalgic lyrics of "Missouri Waltz" (03:25–05:28) and the high-energy rendition of "Ragtime Cowboy Joe" (06:58–08:18).
3. The Story of "Joey" Begins (10:54)
Setting: The dusty town of Barstow, Texas.
The Bank Robbery (11:23–12:51)
- Foy Willing and his group witness two masked men fleeing after a bank robbery.
- They find the wounded bank cashier, Dan Russell, who explains what happened and mentions a "kid with a crippled leg" was present.
- Key exchange:
"Crippled kid was mixed up with the bank holdup in Toya last week... I believe we'd better pay a visit to the Peyton farm." (13:06, Foy)
Visiting the Peyton Farm (13:20–15:21)
- Introduction of Joey Peyton—a spirited 12-year-old boy with a crippled leg.
- The group learns of Joey’s connection to the notorious Trace Saunders, who paid off the Peyton family’s debt.
- Joey, loyal to Trace, confesses to being in the bank during the robberies and claims he did nothing wrong in "warning" the robbers.
- Memorable moment:
"Nothing wrong with that, is there, Trace? He says banks are only made to take land away from poor folks like us." (14:53, Joey)
Confronting Trace Saunders (15:29–17:50)
- The Riders confront Trace at a local saloon, revealing growing tension.
- Trace draws a gun but is disarmed with Monty Montana's help.
- Key moment:
"I always figured it's best not to pack all your grub in one chuck box." (17:20, Monty Montana after sneaking up to help.)
Realization and Ride to Peyton Farm (17:50–20:25)
- Foy discusses Joey's misplaced trust in Trace, realizing Trace exploited Joey’s gratitude and naiveté.
- Anticipating that Trace may try to silence Joey, the group rushes to the farm, intent on protecting the boy.
Joey’s Loyalty and Trouble (20:25–22:22)
- Joey is torn between his mother’s teachings about banks and Trace’s manipulation.
- Believing the Riders’ kindness is a ruse to imprison his "partner," Joey runs away, shotgun in hand, determined to defend Trace.
- He’s nearly caught in an ambush set by Trace—his horse is shot in a tense pursuit scene.
- Notable quote:
"That crazy kid. With Trace on that hill gunning for him, you'll get himself killed." (22:18, Foy)
The Showdown & Resolution (22:22–24:25)
- Monty Montana helps capture Trace and his accomplice, who are brought to justice.
- Joey, devastated by the loss of his horse, is comforted by the promise of a new one and the support of his newfound friends.
- Emotional exchange:
"She was like legs to me. Now I won't ever be able to go any place." (23:22, Joey)
4. Heartwarming Ending at the Rodeo (24:41–25:33)
- At the rodeo, Monty Montana wins multiple events and surprises Joey by depositing his $800 prize winnings in Joey’s name—to fund surgery so Joey can walk again—and by gifting him a new horse.
- Uplifting quote:
"Well, Monty's depositing the $800 in prize money that he won in the bank in your name. So you can have a doctor straighten your leg." (25:10, Foy Willing)
"Gee, Mr. Montana." (25:30, Joey, expressing gratitude)
5. Closing Music & Farewells (27:01–29:09)
- Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage perform a traditional cowboy farewell song, "Heaven, Old Faith and I Will Be There."
- Monty Montana thanks the group and the listeners, promising to return, bringing the story to a nostalgic and satisfying close.
- Notable sign-off:
"We're proud to have you here on the All Star Western Theater and sure hope you'll be coming around again real soon." (27:01, Foy Willing)
"Well, thanks for them mighty kind words and I'll sure try to make it soon as I can." (27:07, Monty Montana)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)
- Joey’s Loyalty:
"Sorry, Mom. I wouldn't go telling on a partner, not even to you. We didn't do nothing wrong." (15:06, Joey)
- Monty’s Western Wit:
"I always figured it's best not to pack all your grub in one chuck box." (17:20, Monty Montana)
- Emotional Impact:
"Queenie. She was like legs to me. Now I won't ever be able to go any place." (23:22, Joey)
- Generosity & Hope:
"Monty's depositing the $800 in prize money that he won in the bank in your name. So you can have a doctor straighten your leg." (25:10, Foy Willing)
- Gratitude:
"Gee, Mr. Montana." (25:30, Joey)
- Western Wisdom:
"Whenever a bunch of cowboys get together in the bunk house or around the campfire, there's one song you're sure to hear. It's a really great song of the west and we'd like to sing it for you cowboys." (27:32, Foy Willing)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Opening & Music: 00:54–03:00
- Classic Songs: 03:00–10:54
- Drama: Bank Robbery & Peyton Farm: 10:54–15:21
- Confronting Trace: 15:29–17:50
- Rush to Peyton Farm & Joey's Dilemma: 17:50–22:22
- Showdown & Aftermath: 22:22–24:25
- Rodeo & Resolution: 24:41–25:33
- Cast Farewells & Encore: 27:01–29:09
Episode Tone & Style
True to the era, the dialogue and performances are warm, straightforward, and brimming with Western idioms. The episode mixes jovial cowboy camaraderie, simple moral lessons, and a hopeful spirit—even in its darkest moments.
Summary
This classic Western radio episode, newly restored, offers an immersive blend of music and storytelling wrapped around the tale of Joey—a plucky, loyal boy swept up in bank robbery by misplaced trust. With themes of redemption, frontier justice, and heartfelt generosity, “Joey” exemplifies the golden age of radio drama, highlighting the kindness of strangers and the enduring spirit of the West. Monty Montana's role as both hero and benefactor gives the story its emotional heart as the Riders of the Purple Sage sing the episode to a satisfying close.
