Old Time Radio Westerns

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Episode: Murder at Payroll Office | The Cisco Kid (10-26-54)

Date: September 23, 2025

Episode Overview

In this digitally restored classic, “Murder at Payroll Office,” the legendary Cisco Kid finds himself wrongfully accused of a violent payroll robbery and murder near Two Forks, thanks to his uncanny resemblance to the real outlaw. As Cisco and his loyal companion Pancho work to clear their names, they become entangled with dangerous bandits, suspicious townsfolk, and a determined sheriff. This quintessential Western adventure weaves action, mistaken identity, quick wit, and a dash of romance into an engrossing half-hour journey through the Old West.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Payroll Robbery ([02:24]–[05:43])

• The episode opens with a tense setup at the White River Mines payroll office, which is targeted by bandit Cory Payson and his gang, including Hall James.
• The robbers, masked except for the horse-holder outside, burst in and demand the gold.
• Violence ensues when the clerk refuses to comply, leading to his murder.
• Notable Moment: Miss Anna, the payroll assistant, and old Tim Hannibal identify the unmasked horse-holder, establishing the first clue for law enforcement.

Quote (Miss Anna, 04:39):
"It's a holdup!"

2. Cisco and Pancho Enter the Scene ([06:15]–[09:17])

• Cisco and Pancho, newcomers to the area, are mistaken for members of the gang when witnesses confuse Cisco with the bandits' horse-holder.
• Sheriff confronts them based on the townsfolk's (and Miss Anna's) identification.
• Suspicion and Quick Arrest: Despite protests, Cisco and Pancho are arrested on suspicion of robbery and murder.

Quote (Cisco Kid, 08:32):
"It is evident that the umbre you want looks like me, but I am not the one... Pancho and I are not going to jail."

3. Escaping Custody & a Deadly Turn ([09:59]–[12:33])

• Cisco and Pancho stage a daring escape when the sheriff attempts to detain them.
• Meanwhile, the real bandits decide to silence old Tim Hannibal, fearing he can identify them.
• Tim Hannibal is gunned down by the outlaws.

Quote (Sheriff, 12:32):
"By Thunder. It's old Tim. He's been shot."

4. On the Trail of the True Criminals ([12:33]–[15:09])

• Cisco and Pancho resolve to track the bandits and prove their innocence, analyzing horse tracks and evading detection.
• They spot smoke from the outlaw camp, deciding to advance on foot.

Quote (Cisco Kid, 13:44):
"We must find those bandidos, Pancho, in order to clear ourselves."

5. Trapped Between Two Fires ([15:09]–[16:18])

• A tense stand-off unfolds as Cisco and Pancho are caught between the bandits and an incoming sheriff’s posse.
• Unable to defend themselves, they narrowly escape by leaping their horses across a deep arroyo.

Quote (Pancho, 16:06):
"This is getting too hot for comfort!"

6. Unmasking the Real Villain ([16:18]–[22:33])

• Cisco confronts the sheriff, convinces him to focus his efforts on the real outlaws, and borrows a gun to help the pursuit.
• Cisco and Pancho stealthily approach the bandit camp, noticing that the leader is a near lookalike to Cisco—a key source of confusion.
• They overpower the bandit guards and launch a surprise attack, ultimately subduing the whole gang.

Quote (Sheriff, 21:32):
"Well, say he. Well, I'll be a maverick if he ain't the spitting image of you, stranger. You think now there might have been a mistake, sheriff?"

7. Clearing Cisco’s Name & a Taste of Romance ([22:33]–[25:48])

• Back at the office, the sheriff reviews the evidence and acknowledges Cisco's innocence, impressed by his heroic conduct.
• Cisco seeks out Miss Anna to gently admonish her for the mistaken accusation, which leads to a heartfelt exchange and a kiss.

Quote (Cisco Kid, 24:29):
"It is not always wise to draw conclusions too hastily. One may regret them later."

Quote (Miss Anna, 25:39):
"You're much better looking than he was."

Quote (Miss Anna, 25:48):
"I'm going to kiss you. Oh, Cisco."

8. Lighthearted Wrap-up ([26:07]–[27:47])

• Cisco and Pancho ride off in high spirits, now friends with the sheriff.
• Pancho’s humorous craving for a “dark breakfast” brings the episode to a comedic close.

Quote (Pancho, 27:32):
"Poncho wants a dark breakfast... Light supper last night. So this morning Poncho want a dark breakfast. Oh, Poncho."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Miss Anna’s mistaken identification:
  "This one looks like the bandit who was holding the horses." (09:42)

• Sheriff’s reversal after the showdown:
  "Well, I'll be a maverick if he ain't the spitting image of you, stranger. You think now there might have been a mistake, sheriff?" (22:24)

• Cisco imparts wisdom after being proven innocent:
  "It is not always wise to draw conclusions too hastily. One may regret them later." (24:29)

Important Timestamps

• 02:24 — Start of the payroll robbery
• 05:43 — Discovery of the crime, Sheriff begins the investigation
• 09:17 — Cisco and Pancho arrested
• 12:33 — Tim Hannibal is shot
• 15:09 — Cisco and Pancho cornered between the outlaws and posse
• 16:18 — Narrow escape over the arroyo
• 21:32 — The sheriff realizes Cisco’s innocence after seeing the real outlaw
• 24:29 — Cisco advises Miss Anna against hasty judgment
• 25:48 — Miss Anna kisses Cisco
• 27:32 — Pancho jokes about wanting a "dark breakfast"

Tone & Style

Maintaining the spirit of the golden age of radio, the episode is a mix of action, suspense, lighthearted banter, and the classic Western tropes of mistaken identity and frontier justice. The dialogue is fast-paced and laced with humor, especially in the playful exchanges between Cisco and Pancho.

Conclusion

“Murder at Payroll Office” is a classic, skillfully restored Western audio drama that captures all the intrigue and flavor of O. Henry’s iconic Cisco Kid. The episode showcases the perils of mistaken identity, courage under fire, and a touch of romance that rounds off the action. Cisco Kid’s relentless pursuit of justice and Pancho’s comic relief make this adventure as engaging for modern listeners as it was for original audiences.