Old Time Radio Westerns – "Murder Wagon | The Cisco Kid"

Episode Date: January 6, 2026
Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Restored Classic Western Drama – The Cisco Kid (Original Airdate: 01-13-55)

Episode Overview

In this classic episode of "The Cisco Kid," listeners are transported to the lawless frontier of the Old West as Cisco and his loyal sidekick Pancho investigate a violent string of ranch house murders and arson attacks plaguing Tumbleweed County. Facing mistrust from local authorities and the ruthlessness of killers Jesse Post and Pierre du Lac (the feared drivers of the "Murder Wagon"), Cisco and Pancho must outwit foes and risk their lives to bring justice to the frontier. Restored with rich, immersive audio, this episode showcases the unique blend of action, suspense, and lively banter that made the Cisco Kid a radio legend.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. The Murder Wagon’s Deadly Trail (03:00–06:10)

• Jesse Post and Pierre du Lac, two murderous outlaws, travel the west in a freight wagon, targeting isolated ranches for robbery and murder.

• They meticulously cover their tracks after each crime, burning down houses and their victims inside.

• The horror is accentuated by Pierre’s chilling motivation: "We have the fine sport too." – Pierre (03:38)

  “You mean killing the owners?”
  “Oui. Then we throw their bodies into the house, drag them out. Who will know?” – Pierre (04:05)

2. Cisco and Pancho Enter Tumbleweed County (06:15–08:48)

• Cisco Kid and Pancho have been called by the U.S. Marshal to investigate a rash of deadly fires along a westward route.
• They encounter Jesse and Pierre, who give deliberately misleading directions. Suddenly, smoke appears in the sky—another ranch burning. Cisco and Pancho immediately ride to investigate.
• Insight: The lawless environment demands vigilance; Cisco’s empathy and resolve stand out.

3. Tensions with the Sheriff (09:00–11:55)

• Sheriff and Deputy are hostile towards outsiders, especially Cisco and Pancho.

• When Cisco offers help, the response is defensive and dismissive:

  “That’s the way I am looking at it, sir. Come here. There’s two bodies in what’s left of this house.” – Sheriff (10:50)

• Cisco and Pancho are ordered out, but plan to search the ruins for clues anyway.

4. Clues and Confrontation at the Café (12:00–17:10)

• Cisco and Pancho spot Jesse and Pierre at a café. Cisco notices Pierre wearing a woman’s ring suspiciously. The café waitress confirms Pierre’s obsession with jewelry ("He kept trying to slide these rings off my fingers." – Waitress, 15:40).

• Pierre approaches Cisco, prompting a fight after Cisco challenges his intentions.

  “Since you are looking for a fight, hombre, you will get a fight. And as for you throwing me out of this cafe, maybe just the other way around.” – Cisco (16:25)

• Pancho and Cisco suspect Pierre is notorious killer Pierre du Lac.

5. Ambush and Peril in the Night (17:12–24:00)

• Jesse and Pierre plan to ambush and silently kill Cisco and Pancho with ropes—not guns—to avoid attention.
• The pair fall into the ambush and are knocked out, then loaded unconscious into the "Murder Wagon" with Pierre plotting further violence.
• Pierre, obsessed with the rings of the waitress, decides to set another fire to create a distraction and return to the café.

6. Escaping the Wagon & Heroic Rescue (24:05–30:10)

• Cisco ingeniously uses an ax inside the wagon to free himself and Pancho, disables Jesse Post, and races to town to stop Pierre.
• Meanwhile, Pierre sneaks into the café’s kitchen during the fire and violently confronts the waitress for her rings.

  “No, no. Are you bandy legged mavericks? Then I will take them.” – Pierre, to Mamie, the waitress (28:30)

• Cisco bursts in just in time, subdues Pierre in a fight, and saves the waitress’s life. Memorable moment when the knife-wielding Pierre is stopped by Cisco’s quick reflexes.

7. Justice Prevails & Lighthearted Closure (30:15–32:30)

• Sheriff is convinced of Cisco’s innocence and the villains’ guilt. The grateful waitress swears to defend Cisco and Pancho if the sheriff raises doubts.

  “I got a guarantee he won’t. Let him say so much as one word, and I’ll light into him like a ton of bricks!” – Mamie (31:45)

• Classic closing banter between Cisco and Pancho, built on affectionate humor and Pancho’s unending appetite.

  “If Loco not gonna carry Pancho, then we gotta stay here and Pancho get more good meals. Cisco!” – Pancho (32:10)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Pierre’s chilling view of their crimes:
  “We have the fine sport too.” – Pierre (03:38)

• Sheriff’s suspicion of Cisco:
  “Cisco Kid, huh? I’ve heard of you so far, sheriff. And it ain’t all been good either.” – Sheriff (09:50)

• Cafe Waitress on Pierre:
  “I sure do know they’re pests. Especially that big dark one. He kept trying to slide these rings off my fingers.” – Waitress (15:40)

• Cisco, standing up to Pierre:
  “Since you are looking for a fight, hombre, you will get a fight. And as for you throwing me out of this cafe, maybe just the other way around.” – Cisco (16:25)

• Pierre’s obsession:
  “When Pierre sees the rings he wants, Pierre takes the rings he wants.” – Pierre (18:30)

• Mamie, the waitress, stands firm:
  “I will not. Say you got a nerve. Give me the rings. Get away from me or I’ll kill you.” – Mamie (28:35)

• Mamie on defending Cisco:
  “Let him say so much as one word, and I’ll light into him like a ton of bricks!” – Mamie (31:45)

• Classic closing humor:
  “Pancho thinks Cisco wants to see St. Rita Mamie again. ... She even all the time. She mad all the time. Oh, Pancho!” – Closing banter (32:10)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:00 — Pierre and Jesse plan and execute a ranch murder
• 06:15 — Cisco and Pancho introduced, learn about the crimes
• 09:00 — Tense exchange with the local sheriff at the crime scene
• 12:00 — Encounter and confrontation with the outlaws in the café
• 17:12 — Outlaws plot and execute an ambush on Cisco and Pancho
• 24:05 — Cisco escapes from the Murder Wagon
• 28:30 — Pierre confronts the waitress; Cisco’s heroic rescue
• 31:45 — Waitress defends Cisco to the sheriff
• 32:10 — Lighthearted closing banter

Episode Tone & Atmosphere

The episode balances high-stakes suspense and violence with playful camaraderie and light humor, especially in the interactions between Cisco and Pancho. The villainy of Pierre du Lac is palpable and menacing, while Cisco’s calm resolve and wit shine throughout. The restored audio brings added richness to every scene—the crackle of gunfire, the café’s bustle, and the ominous creak of the Murder Wagon all heighten the immersion.

Final Thoughts

"Murder Wagon" exemplifies why Old Time Radio Westerns like "The Cisco Kid" endure. It’s packed with suspense, lively characterization, and moral clarity—plus a dose of gentle comedy. This restored episode is both a treat for classic radio fans and a compelling entry point for new listeners.