Old Time Radio Westerns — "Manhunt | The Cisco Kid (03-03-55)"

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: March 10, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored classic adventure of The Cisco Kid, titled "Manhunt." The story revolves around a high-stakes pursuit and personal vendetta between the heroic Cisco Kid and the vengeful outlaw Scott Clemens, who has recently escaped from prison. As Cisco and his loyal companion, Pancho, close in on Clemens, the plot thickens with family entanglements, mistaken identities, and a dramatic final confrontation that tests the bounds of justice, loyalty, and redemption.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Scott Clemens' Escape and Sworn Vengeance

• Setting the Stage:

  • [03:29] The narrator introduces Scott Clemens and his partner Reed Larson, prisoners at the Arizona Territorial Penitentiary.
  • Clemens is depicted as a man burning with hatred and determined to seek revenge on the Cisco Kid, whom he blames for his imprisonment.
  • Breakout sequence: Clemens and Larson overpower a guard and make their escape, planning to seek refuge at Scott’s sister Flossie’s ranch near Gunlock.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “There’s nothing will make a man stronger than hate. ... And there’s nothing will make a man stronger than hate.” — Scott Clemens (05:28)

2. Cisco Kid and Pancho in Pursuit

• [06:55] Cisco and Pancho track Clemens and discuss the manhunt, knowing Clemens wants a final showdown.

• Cisco believes Clemens will head for his sister Flossie Osborne’s ranch for help, and resolves to intercept him.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “He is looking for me even as I am looking for him.” — Cisco Kid (07:35)
  • “Pancho, this is a personal matter between Clemens and myself.” — Cisco Kid (07:45)

3. Family Loyalty: Flossie’s Dilemma

• [08:36] At the Osborne ranch, Scott's sister Flossie is forced into a painful choice—caught between her criminal brother and the need to protect her son Bobby.

• Flossie refuses to actively help Scott, but ultimately, under threat, acquiesces to gather ammunition so he'll leave before her son arrives home.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “There’s nothing else I can do Scott. But if any harm comes to Bobby because of you, those posses won’t have to catch you. I’ll kill you myself.” — Flossie (09:56)

4. Misplaced Blame and Bobby’s Grief

• [10:49] Cisco and Pancho encounter young Bobby Osborne. Bobby is convinced Cisco murdered his father, a lie rooted in Scott and Flossie’s deception.

• The emotional scene reveals the complexity of justice and vengeance for the young boy.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “Someday I want to get me a brace of guns just like yours. And I want to learn to shoot them just like my dad used to.” — Bobby (11:04)
  • “My father’s dead. I’ll get [the guns] for myself. I want to kill the man that murdered him.” — Bobby (11:16)
  • “Your father was not killed by the Cisco Kid.” — Cisco (12:00)

5. Trap at the Osborne Ranch

• [13:14] Flossie is coerced into acting as a decoy, but the plan is a ruse: Scott intends to ambush Cisco during the confusion, leveraging his sister’s unwitting assistance.

• The tension rises as Flossie dons prison clothes to lure Cisco, risking her own safety for her son.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “I was gonna use my sister to trap Cisco. ... In the excitement of the chase, I’ll get close enough. ... I only got one thought in my head: to kill the Cisco Kid.” — Scott Clemens (14:25)

6. Showdown and Revelation

• [17:43] The ambush unfolds. Flossie, disguised, is chased by Cisco and Pancho, leading to a confrontation in a gully.

• In the heat of the melee, Flossie grabs a gun, Scott takes Bobby hostage, and the truth about Bobby’s father’s murder is pushed to the fore.

• In a tense scene, Scott and Cisco agree to a dangerous "dash for the gun on the rock" to settle it once and for all.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “You have been making big talk about fighting and killing. I will give you the chance to back up your words.” — Cisco to Scott, [21:18]
  • “Whoever gets to that rock first, gets hold of the six gun first.” — Cisco, [22:06]
  • “Any maverick that hides behind a child deserves one in the face, one in the body, one in the jaw.” — Cisco, [24:08]

7. Resolution

• [25:03] Scott is overpowered; justice is restored as Clemens and Larson are taken back to prison.

• A heartfelt epilogue: Flossie, Bobby, Cisco, and Pancho share a meal, and Bobby realizes the truth—Cisco is not his father's killer.

• Pancho’s playful storytelling to Bobby brings warmth and closure.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “Scott Clemens will never bother you again. Bulldoz, bandidos. Never bother nobody again.” — Pancho (25:37)
  • “When I grow up, I’m going after bandidos just like Cisco and Pancho. That’s what my dad would like me to do.” — Bobby (25:45)
  • “I like school ... when it’s closed.” — Bobby, via Pancho’s joke (28:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hatred as Motivation:
  “There’s nothing will make a man stronger than hate.” — Scott Clemens (05:28)

• A Boy’s Grief and Wrongful Accusation:
  “I want to kill the man that murdered him [my father].” — Bobby (11:16)

• Dramatic Showdown:
  “Whoever gets to that rock first, gets hold of the six gun first.” — Cisco (22:06)

• Justice and The Weight of Truth:
  “Any maverick that hides behind a child deserves one in the face, one in the body, one the jaw.” — Cisco (24:08)

• Heartfelt and Light Closing:
  “When I grow up, I’m going after bandidos just like Cisco and Pancho. That’s what my dad would like me to do.” — Bobby (25:45) “I like school ... when it’s closed.” — Bobby, via Pancho’s joke (28:23)

Key Timestamps & Segments

| Timestamp | Subject/Event | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 03:29 | Introduction to Scott Clemens and prison break | | 04:51 | Clemens and Larson escape and make plans | | 06:55 | Cisco and Pancho vow to catch Clemens | | 08:36 | Flossie faces brother’s plea for help | | 10:49 | Bobby meets Cisco; believes Cisco is his father’s killer | | 13:14 | Flossie forced into the decoy role | | 17:43 | Chase and final ambush at the ranch | | 21:18 | Cisco proposes the “dash for the gun” showdown | | 24:08 | Cisco subdues Clemens; dramatic fist fight | | 25:03 | Epilogue, Bobby learns the truth | | 28:23 | Pancho and Bobby’s jokes — a warm close |

Tone and Style

The episode maintains the classic Western radio drama tone—brisk, suspenseful, and full of rapid-fire dialogue. Cisco is noble and steady, Pancho provides levity and warmth, and the villains seethe with malice. Family and redemption are core themes, with moments of humor rounding out the suspenseful narrative.

Final Thoughts

"Manhunt" is a standout Cisco Kid episode, rich in action, emotion, and character. The digitally restored soundscape adds new depth, making it a must-listen for both first-time and longtime fans of Old Time Radio Westerns. The tale’s mixture of personal vendetta, moral justice, and family heartbreak—resolved with Cisco’s trademark blend of strength and kindness—remains just as compelling as when it first aired.