Old Time Radio Westerns – Martha Neil | Have Gun Will Travel (11-20-60)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date of Episode: September 5, 2025
Original Air Date: November 20, 1960
Episode Overview
This episode of “Old Time Radio Westerns” presents a digitally restored broadcast of Have Gun Will Travel, starring John Dana as the iconic Paladin. The featured story, “Martha Neil,” transports listeners to Greenwood, where Paladin is drawn into the unresolved murder of a young newcomer. Through detective work and human insight, Paladin uncovers a tale of jealousy, love, and betrayal—a classic Western mystery with a tragic twist.
Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown
Setting the Stage: Paladin Leaves San Francisco (03:00–04:00)
- Paladin prepares to leave San Francisco for Greenwood, escaping a noisy railroad convention at the Carlton Hotel.
- Light banter with Ms. Wong and “Hey Boy” introduces the episode’s warm, familiar side characters.
- Sets up Paladin's journey: “Where you going, Mr. Paladin?” – Ms. Wong (03:00)
Arrival in Greenwood & Mysterious Tensions (05:00–06:41)
- Paladin visits a dining room, observing a strikingly beautiful young woman (Martha Nell) with her protective escort Sam.
- Sam bristles at Paladin’s glance at Martha, leading to a tense but defused exchange:
“Keep your eyes off my girl.” – Sam (05:41)
Sheriff Clem Brady intervenes, revealing Sam’s jealous nature and close relationship with Martha.
The Unsold Mystery: Roy’s Murder (06:41–09:10)
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Sheriff Brady reveals the central mystery: Martha Nell’s husband, Roy, was recently killed after a big gambling win.
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Town pressures the sheriff for a solution, but all suspects seem to have airtight alibis.
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Sam, close to Martha and Roy from their days back East, has become Martha’s protector since the murder.
“It was her husband that was killed not more than six weeks ago. Just a boy, Paladin, barely turned 20… So far, there hasn't been one lead I could nail down.”
— Sheriff Clem Brady (07:23)
Paladin Investigates: Interviews & Suspicions (09:26–13:13)
- Paladin questions Martha at the general store, uncovering the night’s timeline and Sam’s involvement.
- Sam is hostile to Paladin’s inquiries, wanting Martha to forget the murder.
- Paladin continues interviewing townsfolk and poker players—finding nothing but cooperative alibis.
The Saloon & New Leads (13:13–15:41)
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Paladin grills the barkeep and saloon regulars about possible out-of-town suspects, but nobody recalls a stranger.
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Paladin and Clem reconsider whether the motive was strictly robbery, raising the possibility of personal vendetta or other motives.
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They discuss Sam’s closeness to Martha as a possible angle, but his alibi appears solid.
“Would he [Sam] have any reason?”
— Paladin (15:01)
The Attempt on Paladin’s Life (16:15–17:27)
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As Paladin returns to his hotel, someone takes a shot at him.
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With Clem’s help, Paladin survives the assassination attempt with only a wounded arm.
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The attack suggests his investigation is making someone nervous.
“Somebody took a shot at me. They ran down that alleyway.”
— Paladin (16:15)
Martha Nell’s Confession: The Tragic Truth (17:58–20:41)
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Martha Nell secretly visits Paladin at night, leading to a tense confrontation.
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When she threatens Paladin with a gun, the sheriff arrives, and Martha confesses:
- She killed her husband Roy, staged the robbery, and attempted to kill Paladin to cover up the truth.
- Her motive: “Roy would never let me leave him. It was the only way I could have Sam.” (20:03)
“Yes, I killed Roy. Then I took his money to make it look like he was robbed.”
— Martha Nell (19:54) -
Overcome, Martha dies (implied suicide).
Aftermath & Reflection (20:41–22:41)
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Clem and Paladin reflect on the tragedy and the unpredictability of love and human emotion.
“Love can do strange things, Clem. Especially to a young girl like her.”
— Paladin (21:09) -
Paladin returns to the Carlton, greeted by Hey Boy, sharing a moment of weary humor about avoiding “very pretty and very young” women (22:41).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On small-town jealousy:
“That boy protects her like a bandy rooster.”
— Sheriff Clem Brady (06:42) -
On the pressure of an unsolved crime:
“Sure set this town on its haunches.”
— Sheriff Clem Brady (07:23) -
On human motivation to murder:
“Roy would never let me leave him. It was the only way I could have Sam.”
— Martha Nell (20:03) -
The episode’s moral core:
“Love can do strange things, Clem. Especially to a young girl like her.”
— Paladin (21:09) -
Wry closing humor:
“Today I am not interested in the very pretty and the very young.”
— Paladin (22:41)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Paladin prepares to leave San Francisco: 03:00
- Tense dining room encounter: 05:41
- Sheriff explains Roy’s murder: 07:23
- Paladin questions Martha: 09:26
- Saloon investigation: 13:47
- Attempted shooting: 16:15
- Martha Nell’s confession: 17:58–20:41
- Paladin and Clem reflect: 21:06
- Return to the Carlton / closing humor: 22:41
Tone & Style
- Maintains the classic Western mix of hardboiled investigation, dialogue laced with dry humor, and a touch of tragic romance.
- The digital restoration, as noted by the host, brings out the richness of background sounds—from creaking saloon doors to the emotional weight of private confessions—immersing listeners in the Golden Age of radio drama.
Summary
“Martha Neil” is a classic example of Have Gun Will Travel’s blend of Western mystery, psychological insight, and emotional drama. Paladin’s investigation uncovers not just a criminal, but the devastating consequences of loneliness and forbidden love. The restoration efforts by OTRWesterns further enhance the immersive storytelling that has made the series a cherished classic.