
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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Unknown
Foreign.
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. Originally aired in 1952 and the title is Lightning Jim Meets Little Bear.
American Express Advertiser
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Kansas Joe
It's your misfortune and none of my own. I I o. Get along you little dogies. You know that the prairie will be your new.
Lightning Jim
And now for the adventures of Lightning Jim. Behind the small jail in the frontier town of Fort Anderson, a man crouches in the shadows under a barred window of a jail.
Unknown
Joe. Hey, Joe.
Pete
It's me. Joe.
Kansas Joe
Pete. Where'd you come from, Apolline?
Pete
Heard you were in jail. Figured you might want some help.
Kansas Joe
Yeah, I sure do.
Pete
What are you in here for?
Kansas Joe
Smuggling guns to the redskins. They cut me red handed.
Pete
The troopers?
Kansas Joe
Nah, it was that blamed Marsha Lightning Gem.
Pete
Lightning J man.
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Kansas Joe
Soon as I get out of this jail, I'm aiming to get back at him. Prado.
Pete
Watch your step. He's the toughest law badge on the plane.
Kansas Joe
Yeah, I know. Give me a gun.
Unknown
Sure.
Pete
Here you are.
Lightning Jim
Good.
Kansas Joe
I'll be out of here in the jiffy.
Lightning Jim
Meet you off the fourth trail by Snake Creek.
Pete
What's trouble, Heidi?
Whitey Larson
You know that fella you caught smuggling.
Pete
Guns to the redskin mean Kansas Joe?
Whitey Larson
Oh, that's the jigger.
Lightning Jim
What about him?
Whitey Larson
He just broke out the year.
Lightning Jim
Broke out of jail.
Whitey Larson
He also murder must have slipped him a gun. He held up the guard and got the V when this happened? About hour ago.
Pete
Come on, Whitey, we got work to do. Let's go. Thunder.
Lightning Jim
Yes, the bandits and outlaws of the old western frontier both feared and respected the skill and courage of United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey Larson. Through Their thrilling adventures, we relive the colorful days of the Old west, when desperados and hostile Indians roamed the great American plains. Kansas. Joe was a bandit who divided his time between robbing stagecoaches and smuggling guns to the Indians. He was arrested by Lightning Jim, and then with the aid of his partner, a bandit named Pete, he escaped from the jail in Fort Anderson. We joined the marshal and his deputy now on the trail north of Snake Creek.
Whitey Larson
See, Lightning? Never makes you think those eagles was heading this way.
Lightning Jim
Just a hunch, Whitey. Deep Wolf Paw and his tribe are somewhere north of here, near Cottonwood Gulch.
Whitey Larson
Your wolfpaw's been given a troop with plenty trouble. I know that.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. Been trying to stir up the other tribes to attack and rob the white men.
Whitey Larson
Seems like Wolf Paw's always looking for a fight. See, what's this got to do with the Kansas yodel?
Lightning Jim
Well, Wolf PA has been getting his guns and firewater from Kansas Joe. He was taking guns up to him when I caught him. Oh, yeah. So I figured that maybe Joe would head for Wolf Paw's camp to hide out.
Whitey Larson
Yo, I can follow that. All right, but say you can just walk into Wolf Paw's camp alone and ask the chief to hand over you.
Lightning Jim
No, we ain't gonna do that. But we do a little scouting to locate Wolf Pa's camp. Maybe find out if Joe's around there.
Whitey Larson
Y and then we can get the trooper, select the whole bunch.
Lightning Jim
Whitey, sounds like you itching for a fight.
Whitey Larson
Y I just want to get my hands on that cancer show why he ain't got the nerve to do his own fighting. Sells fire, water and guns to the redskins, and then he lets them do.
Pete
All the dirty work. Enough.
Lightning Jim
Hold on, Whitey.
Whitey Larson
That's h like a bat.
Pete
Yeah.
Whitey Larson
Maybe them red skin is attack in a troop.
Pete
Well, we soon find out. Come on, Marty. You wanted to fight. Go, Thunder. Yes, Lightning Jim.
Whitey Larson
Thank God. Lightning. Here comes Captain Flag.
Pete
Yeah. Howdy, Captain. Howdy, Lightning. Heard the shooting. Come over to help you out. I'm afraid you're a little late, boys. Who are they, Captain? Party of Chief Wolf Paul's redskins. Wolf Paw, eh?
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Pete
We were heading back to Fort Anderson. He stopped to make a camp. Without warning, they opened fire on us from all sides.
Lightning Jim
How many was he?
Pete
Oh, about 50, I'd say. We caught 10 of them, and I don't know yet how many of them were killed. The rest headed north.
Whitey Larson
By gosh, that sounds like you had pretty good fight.
Pete
Yes, it was funny. Hot while it lasted. I'M not sure whether we surprised them or they surprised us. I think it was a hunting party. They had a young Indian boy with them. Well, if he had a boy with him, wouldn't be a war party.
Lightning Jim
What happened to the boy?
Pete
Well, we haven't had time to check up on the wounded yet, so I don't know if he was shot or got away.
Whitey Larson
Well, I'm hoping he got away. I don't mind shooting a man, but not dickets. Even if they are redskins.
Pete
Well, that's the fortune of war. If those red devils had any sense, there wouldn't be any killing. But you can't trust them nohow.
Lightning Jim
Well, Captain, there's good Indians and bad ones, same as the is among the white folk. You know that. Yes, I know.
Pete
But as far as I'm concerned, they're all bad. They come to our forts and smoke their peace pipes, tell us they want to be our friends. Then the next day they attack the troopers and put on a scalping party.
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Pete
By the way, what are you doing up here?
Lightning Jim
Trailing a chap of the name of Kansas Joe. I caught him smuggling guns to Chief Wolf Paw.
Pete
Any white man who smuggles guns to the redskins ought to be shot on the spot.
Lightning Jim
I agree with you, Captain, but the law says they got to be given a fair trial. Well, Kansas Joe escaped from jail at Fort Anderson, and Whitey and me is after him.
Pete
Well, if you catch up with him, I hope you don't bring him back alive.
Kansas Joe
We're sure lucky you come along when you did, Pete.
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Pete
Got a hold of some guns at Abilene, and I know you could get rid of them to the redskins.
Chief Wolf Paw
Yeah.
Kansas Joe
I've been selling guns and firewater. Chief Wolfpo doing right well out of two that Lightning Jim caught up with me. Blasted hide.
Pete
I've heard a lot about Lightning Jim, but I ain't never seen them. They say he's lightning fast on the draw.
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Kansas Joe
There ain't a man on the plains can handle shooting irons like he can. But like I told you, I'm aiming to get even with him one of these days.
Pete
How are you gonna do that, Joe?
Kansas Joe
Well, I ain't figured that out yet, but I will.
Pete
Take my advice and steer clear of them. No use to play with dynamites. How far is Chief Wolfwald's camp from here?
Kansas Joe
Oh, about 10 miles north. Better cross over this creek here.
Lightning Jim
What's the matter?
Kansas Joe
Get quiet. Look over yonder across the creek. Two riders coming out of them trees.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, I wonder who they are.
Kansas Joe
Chumpin Judas It's Lightning Jim and his deputy.
Unknown
I can't hear him. Are you sure?
Kansas Joe
It's him.
Lightning Jim
All right, we better clear out of here.
Kansas Joe
No, no, no. They hear us. They can't see us. If we stay behind these trees and.
Lightning Jim
Rocks, we can drill them.
Unknown
No, no, no.
Kansas Joe
They're out of range for safe shooting.
Lightning Jim
We're gonna watch and see where they go. Oh, boy.
Kansas Joe
Woo.
Lightning Jim
Thunder, you think? You bet.
Whitey Larson
They cross over here, Lightning.
Lightning Jim
Well, might be a good idea, Whitey. Water and a quick little shallow here.
Whitey Larson
Hey, he's on it. In the bushes.
Pete
Reach for the sky, whoever you are.
Lightning Jim
And come out of them bushes with your hands in the air. Quick.
Unknown
Don't.
Little Bear
For the white man.
Unknown
Stay calm.
Whitey Larson
You won't bend me a minute. That's Indian boy.
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Little Bear
Little Bear. Wounded white man. Help Little Bear.
Lightning Jim
All right, son. Put your hands down. We ain't gonna hurt you.
Whitey Larson
Great Galley Lightning. His arm is bleeding.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, White shoulder.
Little Bear
Cute Little Bear. Where's Shook up you hiding bushes.
Whitey Larson
See Lightning there? Maybe he's the Indian boy Captain Frag was telling us about.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, but first we got to take care of this boy's arm. Why do you. Get some water and picks up a fire quick. Show. They're building a fire.
Kansas Joe
Yeah, I know that Indian boy too, you know. Sure, I seen him up at Chief Wolf Paw's camp. His name is Little Bear.
Pete
Let's get out of here, Prado.
Unknown
Yeah?
Kansas Joe
I got an idea. Pete, you mind my saying, I was aiming to get even with Lightning Jim.
Unknown
Yeah.
Kansas Joe
Well, this is gonna be my chance.
Lightning Jim
What are you gonna do?
Unknown
I'll tell you later.
Kansas Joe
Come on, let'.
Lightning Jim
There you are, Little Bear. Your arms all fixed up now.
Little Bear
Little Bear. Can't white men listen?
Lightning Jim
Son, did you say you were shot by the white soldiers?
Little Bear
Me go with Raven and braves to hunt.
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Little Bear
She though need white soldiers. Big fight. Little Bear got full era's arm.
Whitey Larson
The order captain was right. Those redskins was hunting by garlic.
Little Bear
Little fact. Tired. Sleep now. So tired.
Lightning Jim
That's right. You get a little rest, son. You'll be all right.
Whitey Larson
Poor little feller.
Pete
He won't talk a lot.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. Dave, Whitey, notice anything to you about this lad?
Whitey Larson
Peculiar?
Lightning Jim
Yeah. You've seen lots of Indian boys, haven't you?
Whitey Larson
Oh, sure.
Lightning Jim
Take a good look at him. Tell me what you think.
Whitey Larson
See, I was so busy, I didn't have time to know this much. But now I take a good look. He ain't got high cheekbones.
Lightning Jim
That's right.
Whitey Larson
And his skin looks pretty pale for rats.
Lightning Jim
Right again.
Whitey Larson
And he talks pretty good. English too.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, almost as good as yours, whitey.
Whitey Larson
Oh, is that so? Well, nobody can say my English ain't no business.
Lightning Jim
Well, the only difference is he talks English with an Indian accent. Yours is Swedish. Hey, Whitey, this boy is a white boy. May have some Indian blood in him, but he's mostly white.
Whitey Larson
Yo. But then what's he doing in a sheep wolf post camp?
Lightning Jim
No, that's something we gotta find out, Chief.
Chief Wolf Paw
Oh, Kansas Joe. Long time.
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Kansas Joe
I've been in jail, Chief.
Chief Wolf Paw
Jail? Where?
Kansas Joe
Fort Anderson.
Chief Wolf Paw
Why you go in jail?
Kansas Joe
Well, I was bringing you some more guns, but Lightning Jim, the marshal, caught.
Chief Wolf Paw
Me because this white man you bring wolf bog camp.
Kansas Joe
Come here, Pete. Chief, this is my partner. Name's Pete. Howdy, Chief.
Chief Wolf Paw
Wakita. You got many gun on horse?
Kansas Joe
Yeah. Pete got him an Abilene. It was him who got me out of jail.
Chief Wolf Paw
Good. Wolfpaw need gun. Fight soldier fight soldier fight Wolf paw. Brave kill some. Take some prisoner.
Kansas Joe
When did this happen, Chief?
Chief Wolf Paw
Good day, brave go for a hunt. Meet soldier.
Kansas Joe
Was that Little Bear with your brave teeth?
Chief Wolf Paw
Wa sinka IGA jinka. Little Bear go with brave. Little Bear no come back. Maybe soldier take back to fort.
Kansas Joe
No, the troopers didn't get him, Chief.
Chief Wolf Paw
How you know?
Kansas Joe
Me and Pete saw him.
Chief Wolf Paw
You see Little Bear?
Kansas Joe
Yeah. He was captured by two white men.
Chief Wolf Paw
Where Little Bear now?
Kansas Joe
Down on Snake Creek, just this side of Arrow Rock. You can catch him if you hurry.
Chief Wolf Paw
Whoa. Go find Little Bear now kill white man.
Pete
Pretty slick idea you had, Joe.
Kansas Joe
Yeah.
Pete
What are you gonna do?
Kansas Joe
Stay here till they get back and see the fun. The way Wolfpaw feels now, he's gonna make it plenty hot for Lightning Jim.
Whitey Larson
Then you want some more bacon, Mr. Bear?
Little Bear
Mr. Bear keep full here and stomach you better now.
Whitey Larson
Well, there's plenty to eat if you want it, my girly.
Lightning Jim
I think Little Bear's done right. Well, Whitey, he knows when to quit eating. That's more than I can say about you.
Whitey Larson
Oh, you're just yellowstat sort.
Little Bear
Whitey funny roll big fat like Indian squad.
Whitey Larson
Oh, is that so?
Pete
He's got your number, Whitey.
Little Bear
Little Bear like.
Whitey Larson
And I like you too, Mr. Bear.
Little Bear
Whitey makes funny faces. Makes Little Bear laugh.
Pete
I guess that'll hold you, Whitey, all right.
Whitey Larson
And here I thought you was going to be my friend, Little Bear.
Little Bear
He wants to be friend of Whitey.
Whitey Larson
Well, then don't say I got the funny face. Personally, I think that's a mighty good face.
Little Bear
Me too.
Lightning Jim
By the way, Little Bear is Chief Wolf Paw your father.
Little Bear
He thinks so.
Lightning Jim
Did you ever live with white men?
Little Bear
Live with white men?
Lightning Jim
Yeah.
Little Bear
No live with white Pa and Brave.
Lightning Jim
What's the matter, Little Bear?
Little Bear
Indian behind trees you be Lightning.
Whitey Larson
There's redskins all around us.
Pete
Don't move.
Lightning Jim
Keep calm and let me do the talking.
Pete
I got Ningo.
Little Bear
There's Wolfpaw come for me.
Lightning Jim
Take it easy, son. How deep, Wolfpaw?
Pete
I got Ninga.
Chief Wolf Paw
White man no move. Many Wolf Paw brave behind trees. Ready. Kill white man.
Pete
Hold on, Chief.
Lightning Jim
We are friends.
Chief Wolf Paw
White man not friend. Wolf Paw. White men kill. Wolf Paw Brave hurt Little Bear. Wolf Paw take you back to camp. Wolfpah show white men what Indians do to enemy.
Lightning Jim
What is Chief Wolf Paw planning to do with Lightning Jim and Whitey? The exciting climax of this thrilling adventure will come in part two, which will follow immediately. And now for part two of Lightning Jim Meet Little Bear Kansas Joe, an outlaw and Indian gun smuggler, escaped from the jail at Fort Anderson. Aided by his partner, a bandit named Pete, they head north for the camp of the renegade Indian chief Wolf Paw, followed by United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey Larson. On the trail, Lightning Jim and Whitey find an Indian boy who had been wounded in a fight between some of Wolf Paw's braves and the troopers. Joe and Pete see Lightning and Whitey with the Indian boy and rush to tell Chief Wolfpaugh, who brings back a party of Indians and captures the marshal and his deputy. We join Lightning and Whitey in a teepee at the Indian camp where they await their fate.
Whitey Larson
Lightning, seems like we don't have to look for Chief Wolfpoise camp anymore.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, we found the camp all right. We gotta do some fast thinking, get out of this mess.
Whitey Larson
You're at wolfpointegger's plenty mad. Well, this is what we get from Injuredly and the boy lift the bear.
Lightning Jim
Well, we did it and that's that.
Whitey Larson
What you think they're going to do?
Lightning Jim
That's hard to say, Whitey. Red skin like Wolf Palm might do almost anything. Might burn us at the stake all night.
Whitey Larson
And don't talk like that. I like see a stick, but I don't want to be one.
Lightning Jim
Well, then you get your fingers kept going.
Whitey Larson
Oh, if we could only figure some way to sleep out there.
Lightning Jim
Listen.
Unknown
Stop dancing, Joey.
Whitey Larson
See, there's a hole on there this side of the teeth.
Lightning Jim
Wait, let me see.
Pete
Yeah, Eric.
Whitey Larson
It ain't big, but you can see through it.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. He's talking to a couple of white men.
Unknown
White men.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. Thunder racing.
Pete
But it's over.
Lightning Jim
One of them white men's Kansas Joe Kansas.
Whitey Larson
Yo.
Lightning Jim
Yep, it's him all right.
Whitey Larson
Timmy Caesar. Well, Carpet Dog, what do you know about that?
Lightning Jim
Looks like Mahant was right. Whitey Joe came up here to hide out.
Unknown
Sure.
Whitey Larson
That's all.
Lightning Jim
And if he has any influence with the chief, we've got plenty to worry about.
Kansas Joe
Listen, Chief, I'm telling you, these two white men you got are the ones that put the troopers up to fighting your braves. They're law badges. They'd put you in jail too, if they could.
Chief Wolf Paw
Chief Wolf Paw no go white man jail.
Kansas Joe
And you better get rid of him now.
Pete
Yeah, burn him at the stake because.
Little Bear
He no no white men. Help Little Bear.
Kansas Joe
He's lying to you, Chief. We seen the marshal and his deputy captured a boy.
Unknown
No.
Whitey Larson
No.
Chief Wolf Paw
Gaga zinga Little Bear hold tongue. Yeah.
Kansas Joe
M ombres was gonna take Little Bear to jail, Chief.
Chief Wolf Paw
How do you know?
Kansas Joe
Well, we heard him say so, didn't we, Pete?
Lightning Jim
No.
Little Bear
I want to see white men die agazinga we wow.
Chief Wolf Paw
Geeong. Little Bear go teepee. Now we know what to do with white men.
Kansas Joe
You know what to do with him, Chief.
Chief Wolf Paw
Burn em Carnegie Wee he shah Wolfpaw have other plans. Yeah. Send Raven to fort. Tell soldier Wolfpaw free two white men. If soldier free, Wolf paw brave.
Kansas Joe
Oh, but you can't let these two despers go free. They'll get more troopers to come back and fight you.
Chief Wolf Paw
Not frayed soldier. If brave not go free, Wolfpa kills two white men here.
Unknown
Listen, Joe.
Pete
The troopers agree to exchange a prisoner. Lightning will go free and he'll be after us prono.
Kansas Joe
Yeah, but before that happens, we'll find a chance to drill the law badges ourselves.
Unknown
Quiet. Somebody. In fact, picture Plankton. Is the bear outside? Yeah. Is that you, Little Bear? Little Bear come to help white men good. What is it, son? Bad white man. When Chief of Burnwood stay, you've been here, Minnie. What did the chief say? Little Bear? Chief and ravens are fortunate. Tell Stormy we'll see you with Bailey. Yeah. Little Bargona come next soon.
Whitey Larson
Hey, V. Never mind.
Unknown
Why didn't it go on? You think the troopers will let the Americans go free? It all depends on whether Captain Flag believe that we've been captured by war. No one want to say Captain don't believe me. I'll let you answer that one.
Lightning Jim
Yo.
Whitey Larson
I know the government may be looking for a new marshal and a new deputy.
Chief Wolf Paw
Say that again, Indian Cap leg two white marshals at Wolfpaw camp.
Pete
You mean to say Wolfpaw is holding Them prisoners, Chief.
Chief Wolf Paw
Free white men, soldiers. Free braves.
Pete
Ah, so Wolfpaw thinks he can trick us, eh? Well, now, listen. You go back and tell him I don't believe he's captured Lightning Jim.
Unknown
Thanks.
Whitey Larson
Gary Knighton the Making Planois.
Lightning Jim
Yeah. Reckon Joe and Keith brought him firewater.
Whitey Larson
No see. I wonder what happened. Police the bell. He said he must call me back.
Lightning Jim
Well, I think he will too. He kind of likes her.
Unknown
Listen. Wait a minute. What is it, son? Think plenty firewater.
Little Bear
Empty drum.
Unknown
Yeah. Little B.
Little Bear
Tell Indian outside Keepy she's want to see him.
Whitey Larson
That's good. He told the rest K was guarding us to go see the sheep.
Pete
Good boy.
Little Bear
Little dad take white fan torsos down to water near big white rock.
Unknown
You go now by him.
Whitey Larson
And he know we can get out there.
Unknown
Yeah. Little Bear's cleared the way. Come on, buddy. Careful, Whitey. Careful. Watch your step. But I don't see our horses yet.
Lightning Jim
He said they were near the water.
Unknown
For the white rock, see?
Whitey Larson
See, I can see a white rock over there. Maybe that's area down.
Unknown
Whitey, someone's coming. That was a close one.
Whitey Larson
Got too much fire, boy.
Pete
Yeah.
Unknown
Come on, Whitey.
Whitey Larson
Look, there's our horses.
Unknown
Yeah.
Whitey Larson
Lightning, they know we are gone.
Kansas Joe
Yeah.
Pete
That means we ain't got a second to lose.
Kansas Joe
You say the two white men got away, Chief?
Chief Wolf Paw
Yeah. White men leave teepee. Get horse. Wolf Paw catch white men and kill white.
Pete
We're gonna clear out of here blaming this one up.
Kansas Joe
Yeah, he's plenty mad. We can't go feed him. We go now, he'll think sure we did it.
Pete
I sure wouldn't want to be in Lightning Gym.
Chief Wolf Paw
Redskins.
Kansas Joe
Catch up with them. It's the end of them law badges all right. I told you I'd be getting even with them.
Pete
I wonder how they got away.
Kansas Joe
Hey, put that gun down the Indian boy.
Little Bear
He's got a right white man put up hands or Little Bear foot.
Kansas Joe
Bar him up, Pete. He's got that drop on us.
Whitey Larson
Hold on.
Pete
Four boys.
Lightning Jim
Hold.
Whitey Larson
Lightning. Listen to them. Y yeah.
Pete
We better head around this canyon.
Whitey Larson
Y We might get trapped down there by Kelly. Lightning, look what's coming over that ridge.
Pete
It's a troopers. Come on, Mar. Let's meet him up. Thunder.
Whitey Larson
Hurry up, Lightning. I hope we get there. Hurry.
Unknown
Hurry up.
Lightning Jim
World.
Pete
Thunder. Oh, boy. Howdy, Captain. How many men you got? Well, there's a hundred red kids.
Lightning Jim
Yes.
Pete
Coming over that ridge. Yes, sir. That's all right. We're on high ground. They'll have to come up to us. They want to Fight.
Whitey Larson
Let's see. Here they come now.
Pete
Ready, men? When I give the word, fire.
Unknown
Fire.
Whitey Larson
Look, ladies, they're running a. Yeah, I.
Pete
Think Wolf Pa's had enough for one day. Well, Lightning, now that that smoke has cleared away, maybe you can tell me what happened. Captain, do you remember telling me and.
Lightning Jim
Whitey that you saw an Indian boy with that party of red skins you met yesterday?
Kansas Joe
Yes.
Lightning Jim
Well, we found that boy over on Snake Creek. He was wounded in the arm and we fixed him up.
Pete
Is that so?
Lightning Jim
Yeah, and then a trouble started.
Kansas Joe
How's that?
Lightning Jim
Chief Wolfpaw and his men found us and took us back to the camp.
Pete
So Woof Paul figured he could bargain with us to get back the redskins we're holding at the fort.
Lightning Jim
That's right. Did the messenger come?
Chief Wolf Paw
Sure.
Pete
But I didn't believe him at first. Not until he pulled out your marshal's badge. Then I figured he was talking straight and started up here with my men.
Lightning Jim
But how did you escape? Indian boy helped us do that.
Whitey Larson
Oh, I tell you, if it hadn't been for Little Bear, we'd still be up there in the redskin jerk. Your opinion?
Pete
Why, it's Little Bear.
Lightning Jim
Yo.
Whitey Larson
Hey, look who it was. Can't assure that other jaeger by gid is holding a rifle on both of them poor cats.
Little Bear
Little Bear bring bad men to white friends.
Pete
Good for you, Little Bear. What is the meaning of all of this, Lightning? Captain, you didn't give me a chance to tell you.
Lightning Jim
When we got up to Wolf Paw's.
Pete
Camp, we found a man, Kansas Joe. And here he is with the man who helped him escape. And this Indian boy catches to me. Well, I'll be switched.
Little Bear
We get him good with rifle. Keep rifle on both. All way. You soldiers, come here.
Kansas Joe
I'd like to get my hands on that little devil.
Lightning Jim
Yeah, me too. Well, you won't, Joe. You ain't escaping the law again. Whitey, give me your badge.
Whitey Larson
My. My badge?
Lightning Jim
That's what I said. Come on, hand it over.
Pete
All right, Little Bear.
Lightning Jim
I ain't got a medal to pin on you. So I'll use this badge instead. There you are, son.
Little Bear
What's this for?
Lightning Jim
For helping save me and Whitey. And capturing Kansas Joe and his partner. You're just a lad, but you've done a man's work.
Little Bear
He wants to stay with my Marshall friends. Little Dare not want to go back to work, Paul.
Lightning Jim
All right, Little Bear. We're taking you back to Fort Anderson and we'll see that you're well taken care of.
Little Bear
How's that little bear like that now can laugh when Whitey made funny things.
Lightning Jim
And so ends another thrilling adventure in the lives of United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey Larson.
Unknown
SA Foreign.
Andrew Rines
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Episode: Lightning Jim Meets Little Bear
Original Air Date: 1952
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Host: Andrew Rynes
In this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, brought to life through the digitally restored audio enhancements by host Andrew Rynes. The episode, originally aired in 1952, follows the relentless pursuit of the infamous marshals Lightning Jim Whipple and his deputy, Whitey Larson, as they navigate treacherous terrains and confront cunning outlaws.
1. The Capture and Escape of Kansas Joe The story begins in the frontier town of Fort Anderson, where the notorious bandit Kansas Joe is apprehended by United States Marshal Lightning Jim Whipple for smuggling guns to Chief Wolf Paw's tribe. As Kansas Joe is held in jail, his partner Pete devises a plan to free him. At [03:08], Pete confronts Kansas Joe, stating, "It's me, Joe. Heard you were in jail. Figured you might want some help."
With unauthorized access to a firearm, Kansas Joe overpowers the guard and orchestrates a swift escape, declaring his intent to retaliate against Lightning Jim once free. His escape sets the stage for the ensuing cat-and-mouse chase across the frontier.
2. The Pursuit North of Snake Creek Marshal Lightning Jim and his deputy Whitey Larson are hot on Kansas Joe's trail. At [05:00], the duo discusses their strategy, with Lightning Jim noting, "Deep Wolf Paw and his tribe are somewhere north of here, near Cottonwood Gulch." They suspect that Kansas Joe intends to hide out with Chief Wolf Paw after his escape.
As they advance, they encounter an injured Indian boy near Snake Creek. The boy, later revealed to be Little Bear, becomes a pivotal character in the unfolding drama. Upon aiding the boy's recuperation, Lightning Jim remarks, "We ain't gonna hurt you," demonstrating his commitment to justice tempered with compassion.
3. Confrontation at Chief Wolf Paw's Camp Kansas Joe, ever the opportunist, returns to Chief Wolf Paw to inform him of the marshal's pursuit. At [13:03], Chief Wolf Paw instructs, "Good day, brave go for a hunt. Meet soldier." This leads to a tense standoff where Lightning Jim and Whitey are captured and taken to the Indian camp.
Within the camp, alliances are tested. At [29:48], Lightning Jim awards Little Bear with a marshal's badge, acknowledging his bravery: "For helping save me and Whitey. And capturing Kansas Joe and his partner. You're just a lad, but you've done a man's work." This gesture not only cements Little Bear's role as a hero but also signifies a bridge between conflicting sides.
4. The Climactic Showdown The tension escalates as Kansas Joe plots his revenge against Lightning Jim. The final confrontations involve strategic maneuvers to outwit both the marshal and the outlaws. At [27:07], after repelling an attack, Pete comments, "Think Wolf Paw's had enough for one day," highlighting the relentless nature of their pursuit.
In a pivotal moment, Little Bear aids in the escape of Lightning Jim and Whitey, underscoring the theme of unexpected alliances overcoming adversity. The episode concludes with Lightning Jim reflecting on their adventure, reinforcing the enduring spirit of justice and camaraderie in the Wild West.
Lightning Jim Whipple: Portrayed as a steadfast and honorable marshal, Lightning Jim embodies the quintessential Western hero. His interactions demonstrate a balance of firmness in upholding the law and empathy towards individuals like Little Bear.
Whitey Larson: As Lightning Jim's deputy, Whitey exhibits loyalty and bravery. His dialogues often inject a mix of humor and seriousness, providing a nuanced portrayal of the deputy's role in maintaining order.
Kansas Joe: The antagonist of the episode, Kansas Joe is crafty and vengeful. His relentless pursuit of revenge against Lightning Jim adds depth to his character, highlighting the complexities of outlaw life in the Wild West.
Little Bear: Initially perceived as a typical Indian boy, Little Bear's true heritage and his decisive actions reveal layers of complexity, challenging stereotypes and showcasing his pivotal role in the narrative.
Pete to Kansas Joe ([03:09]):
"What are you in here for?"
Lightning Jim to Whitey Larson ([05:04]):
"Deep Wolf Paw and his tribe are somewhere north of here, near Cottonwood Gulch."
Kansas Joe ([08:39]):
"I've been selling guns and firewater. Chief Wolf Paw doing right well out of two that Lightning Jim caught up with me. Blasted hide."
Little Bear to Lightning Jim ([10:17]):
"Little Bear. Can't white men listen?"
Lightning Jim to Little Bear ([29:38]):
"I ain't got a medal to pin on you. So I'll use this badge instead."
Justice vs. Vengeance: The episode delves into the fine line between upholding the law and seeking personal revenge, embodied by Lightning Jim's pursuit of Kansas Joe.
Cultural Tensions: Through interactions with Chief Wolf Paw and Little Bear, the narrative explores the strained relationships between white settlers and Native American tribes, offering nuanced perspectives on loyalty and betrayal.
Redemption and Friendship: Little Bear's alliance with Lightning Jim and Whitey underscores themes of redemption and the breaking down of prejudiced barriers, illustrating how trust can emerge from unlikely friendships.
Lightning Jim Meets Little Bear masterfully weaves a tale of pursuit, betrayal, and unexpected alliances set against the backdrop of the Wild West. The digitally restored audio enriches the listening experience, bringing clarity and depth to the timeless struggles between lawmen and outlaws. Through its compelling characters and intricate plot, the episode pays homage to the enduring legacy of classic Western radio dramas, inviting both new listeners and longtime fans to immerse themselves in its thrilling adventure.