Podcast Summary: "Kung Lee Sin" | Dr. Sixgun (Unknown) Old Time Radio Westerns – Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: February 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of "Old Time Radio Westerns" features a digitally restored episode of Dr. Sixgun, titled "Kung Lee Sin." Set in the 1870s frontier town of Frenchman’s Ford, the story explores the arrival of an enigmatic Chinese mandarin, Kung Lisin, and his young ward, Sulan. Themes of cultural misunderstanding, justice, and the legacy of slavery surface as Dr. Sixgun (Dr. Gray Matson) and his friends become entangled in the fate of the frail Sulan—treated as both human and property. The episode strikes a poignant tone, questioning the limits of mercy and law in the old West.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Elements

The Mandarin’s Arrival and Mysterious Cargo

[03:15 – 06:47]

• Narration opens with Pablo the Gypsy peddler introducing the arrival of a strange visitor: a Chinese man in a silk jacket, recognized by Pablo as a mandarin.
• Dr. Sixgun and Pablo enter the saloon, where Kung Lisin stands out both by his dress and by his unfamiliar request for tea rather than whiskey.
  • Memorable exchange on misunderstandings of customs:
    • Kung Lisin: “I was hoping he would have a cup of suchong. I would even settle for an India. A Darjeeling.”
    • O'Shea, the bartender: “We got coffee, Doc. I think Ma Appleton keeps tea up at the feed store...” [06:47]
• Kung Lisin seeks a doctor for Sulan, revealing he had to stay above the livery stable after being refused lodging because he was Chinese.

Sulan’s Condition and Shocking Revelation

[08:30 – 14:40]

• Dr. Sixgun examines Sulan, who’s burning with fever, and diagnoses “water fever” contracted from contaminated well water.
• The real shock comes as Kung explains Sulan’s status:
  • Dr. Sixgun: “Isn’t she a member of your family, Mr. Kung?”
  • Kung Lisin: “Oh, no... Sulan is not a member of my family... She is worth $4,000... she was shipped to me in San Francisco...” [13:40]
• Sulan is described as property, bought in China to be delivered to a wealthy man in Montana as a concubine or serving girl.
• Kung rationalizes Sulan’s purchase as a rescue from starvation in China, highlighting stark cultural contrasts and moral complexity.

Dr. Sixgun’s Moral Conflict and the Town’s Reaction

[17:44 – 21:30]

• Elton Pearsall, a simple but kindhearted stable hand, expresses genuine concern for Sulan’s welfare after carrying her to her room. He compares his care for her to mending a rabbit’s broken leg, revealing his empathy for the vulnerable.
  • Elton: “I just plain couldn’t stand to see it suffer in that way. So I just took it into my bunk and kind of fixed the leg up... So you can see. I kind of felt responsible for that little Chinese gal.” [19:53]
• At the saloon, Dr. Sixgun debates with Pablo and himself about the ethics and dangers of intervening—if Sulan were “set free,” her prospects would be bleak.

Gambling for a Life: Poker at the Bull Run

[24:50 – 28:10]

• Kung Lisin, now financially desperate after heavy gambling losses, is about to lose the last of his funds in a poker game.
• Dr. Sixgun proposes a daring wager: $4,000 in cash against Sulan’s freedom, cutting a deck of cards to decide her fate.
  • Doc: “I’ll play you, Kung. I’ll bet cash against your merchandise.”
  • Kung Lisin: “…my merchandise is worth $4,000.”
  • Doc: “I’ll match it. …Let’s get it over with. We’ll cut.”
• The dramatic conclusion: Dr. Sixgun draws the high card, winning Sulan’s freedom.

Resolution: Sulan’s New Life

[28:10 – 30:10]

• The kind Elton offers Sulan a home at his ranch, Bear Rock.
  • Elton: “Doc, we’ve been talking together... I got that little place of ground up by Bear Rock... There wouldn’t be no law against it, would they, Doc?” [24:40]
• Epilogue narrates that Elton overcame the language barrier, and the two settled together, blending their lives on the frontier—a subtle but hopeful ending.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Kung Lisin, on the reality of Sulan’s predicament:

  “When I say she is valuable, I mean it literally. She is worth $4,000... If she dies of the fever, it will be a total loss... You mean bought? Like slaves before the war? ...We have done her a service. We have saved her life.” [13:10]

• Dr. Sixgun, on the morality of the situation:

  “This country just fought a long and bloody war to abolish chattel slavery... There’s an amendment to the Constitution barring it.” [14:30]

• Pablo, expressing world-weary pragmatism:

  “Occasionally it is necessary to mind one’s own business. She’s just as much my business as any of those slaves we freed during the war.” [21:03]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:15] – Arrival of Kung Lisin and initial encounter in Bull Run Saloon
• [09:00] – Dr. Sixgun’s examination of Sulan and Kung’s explanation of her “value”
• [13:40] – Kung defends Sulan’s purchase and outlines her tragic fate in China
• [17:44] – Elton’s heartfelt concern and local reaction to Sulan’s suffering
• [24:50] – Poker game for Sulan’s future
• [28:10] – Elton proposes a future with Sulan
• [29:45] – Epilogue: Sulan’s new life

Tone & Style

This episode delivers classic radio drama with vividly painted frontier characters, a thread of wry humor, and a moral complexity that echoes the best of western storytelling. The dialogue’s old West flavor and nuanced performances reinforce the social tensions and compassion at the story’s heart.

For new listeners:
This summary preserves the core plot and themes without revealing every twist—listen to experience the rich performances and immersive soundscape that make Dr. Sixgun a hidden Western gem.