Episode Overview

Title: Killers Widow | Have Gun Will Travel (02-08-59)
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: February 8, 1959
Summary:
This episode of Have Gun Will Travel centers on Paladin, a hired gunman, who is summoned back to the town of Coloma to recover $30,000 missing after a bank robbery. The widow of the robber, Lucy Morrow, claims no knowledge of the money's whereabouts. Tensions run high as town interests, including vengeful rancher John Griffin and desperate banker Randolph, collide over the rumored loot. Paladin must navigate local grudges, grief, and greed to unearth the truth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Paladin’s New Assignment (01:22–04:52)

• Paladin receives a special delivery letter from E.J. Randolph, the Coloma Bank manager, offering a $3,000 bonus to find the stolen money.
• The case is personal for Paladin, as he previously killed Steve Morrow, the bank robber, in the course of his duties.
• Notable quote:

  “I came here to tell you I’m not an executioner. It doesn’t feel good to kill a man. Not a bit good. But your husband didn’t leave me any choice.” — Paladin (01:22)

2. The Stakes in Coloma (04:52–08:14)

• Randolph explains that if the money isn’t recovered, he stands to lose his bank and all its property to John Griffin, the town’s wealthiest man.
• Paladin’s strategy: He immediately focuses on Steve Morrow’s widow, suspecting she would know the loot’s location.
• The Sheriff and Randolph have already searched Lucy Morrow’s farm multiple times with no success.

3. Interview with Lucy Morrow (08:14–10:25)

• Paladin visits Lucy Morrow, who tends her rose garden amidst poverty, driven by lack of options.
• Lucy rebuffs Paladin, insisting she has no knowledge or possession of the money.
• Emotional moment: Paladin shares his regret over killing Steve, expressing he was left with no choice.
• Notable quote:

  “Doesn’t feel good to kill a man. Not a bit good.” — Paladin (09:49)
  “Steve was my husband. Please don’t come back here again. Or if you have to, wait until I’m gone.” — Lucy Morrow (09:53)

• Lucy reveals she must leave as her home will be auctioned to pay back taxes.

4. The Griffin Perspective (11:42–14:57)

• Paladin visits John Griffin, a hard man who lost a son to Steve Morrow’s gun.
• Griffin admits he wants the money not to return to the bank, but to bankrupt Randolph and seize his properties.
• Griffin plans to buy Lucy’s farm at the auction for mere back taxes—another sign of opportunism.
• Notable quote:

  “All I hope is that his kin are gonna suffer on account of it. That’s how I feel about Morrow and her.” — John Griffin (14:58)

5. A Crucial Realization (15:13–16:18)

• Paladin discusses his findings with Randolph, recalling Steve Morrow’s dying words concerning “Rose”.
• He deduces the money is hidden in Lucy’s rose garden, a detail overlooked by previous searchers.

6. The Nocturnal Discovery & Confrontation (17:31–20:13)

• Paladin sneaks to Lucy’s farm at night and, after persuading her, digs under a struggling rose bush.
• They unearth the bank’s money just as Griffin and his son attempt to rob them at gunpoint.
• Paladin instructs Lucy to throw a lamp to distract the Griffins and successfully disarms and wounds Griffin’s son.
• Exciting moment:

  “When I say the word, throw that lamp at them high, eye level, then hit the ground fast.” — Paladin (19:35)

7. Resolution & Epilogue (20:13–22:57)

• Randolph arrives, relieved to recover the stolen funds.

• Paladin insists his $3,000 fee be awarded to Lucy, to save her home.

• Notable quote:

  “I want you to give it to Lucy. I think a woman ought to be able to keep her home if she wants to.” — Paladin (20:56)

• Paladin departs Coloma, intent not to return, and returns to San Francisco to patch up with his earlier acquaintance.

Memorable Quotes & Moments With Timestamps

• Paladin’s Regret:

  “I’m not an executioner. It doesn’t feel good to kill a man. Not a bit good.” — Paladin (01:22, 09:49)

• Lucy’s Defiance:

  “Do you think I’d be living here like this if I had $30,000?” — Lucy Morrow (09:13)

• Griffin’s Coldness:

  “All I hope is that his kin are gonna suffer on account of it.” — John Griffin (14:58)

• Paladin’s Altruism:

  “I think a woman ought to be able to keep her home if she wants to.” — Paladin (20:56)

• Planning the Takedown:

  “When I say the word, throw that lamp at them high, eye level, then hit the ground fast.” — Paladin (19:35)

Key Timestamps

• 01:22 – Paladin expresses regret for his role in Steve Morrow’s death.
• 05:14 – Paladin meets Randolph for the assignment details.
• 08:14 – First confrontation between Paladin and Lucy Morrow.
• 11:58 – Paladin’s conversation with John Griffin reveals deeper town grudges.
• 15:59 – Paladin realizes the clue to the loot’s hiding place.
• 17:45 – Paladin and Lucy uncover the money in the rose garden.
• 19:17 – Griffin’s armed intervention, foiled by Paladin and Lucy.
• 20:56 – Paladin’s generous gesture to Lucy with his fee.
• 22:54 – Lighthearted close as Paladin returns to city life.

Conclusion

"Killers Widow" deftly combines Western action, small town intrigue, and emotional complexity. Paladin’s journey highlights the collateral pain of frontier justice, the shades of morality in dealing with loss, and his personal code of fairness. The episode’s rich soundscape and classic performances breathe fresh life into vintage storytelling, a tribute to both the original actors and the restoration work of the podcast team.