Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: "New Mexico Badman" | All Star Western Theatre (03-02-47)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: March 2, 1947
Podcast Release Date: December 8, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored version of "New Mexico Badman" from the iconic All Star Western Theatre. The story features Republic Pictures’ star Donald Barry as Jim Farr, a notorious gunman with a misunderstood reputation. Joined by Boy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage, the episode transports listeners into a dramatic Wild West tale of danger, deception, and redemption, accompanied by classic western songs and lively character interactions.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Musical Opening & Western Atmosphere

[03:34 – 05:09]

• The show kicks off with the Riders of the Purple Sage performing “Riding Down to Santa Fe,” immediately setting a classic Western tone.
• Cotton C. Clark, serving as the announcer, weaves in the sponsor message for Weber’s Bread, typical for the era’s radio programming.

Introducing Jim Farr: Reputation & Mystery

[09:17 – 10:39]

• The Riders cross into New Mexico and discuss the infamous Jim Farr, who’s rumored to be quick-tempered and dangerous, yet elusive in terms of actual wrongdoing.
• Notable dialogue:
  • "He’s always getting mixed up into things that’s none of his business and winds up having to shoot or fight his way out of trouble. Just a hot-headed young fellow that’s afraid of nothing short of Satan." — Floyd ([10:04])

A Chance Meeting with a Stranger

[11:03 – 12:07]

• The Riders, uncertain of their route, meet a stranger at a crossroads—Jim Farr himself, who introduces himself as "Joe."
• They travel together toward Portales, forming a tentative camaraderie.

Tall Tales & Reputations

[13:09 – 14:18]

• Floyd boasts about being the "only man in the country whatever made Jim Farr back down," exaggerating a prior encounter (not knowing “Joe” is Jim Farr).
  • Great exchange:
    • Jim Farr: “Now this is getting right interesting. Tell me more.” ([13:32])
    • Floyd: “Oh, you just ain't a kid. And I scared him half to death.” ([13:44])

Arrival in Town & Suspicion

[15:00 – 15:39]

• The men enter a saloon, and tension rises as Jim’s true identity is revealed by the waiter:
  • “And for you, Mr. Farr? Bring me a hand steak and make it thick.” ([15:29])
• The others react in shock, and Floyd’s bravado is quickly exposed.

Jim Farr Confronted

[16:03 – 18:01]

• The group’s presence draws the eye of townsfolk, all aware of Farr's notorious standing.
• Phillips, the local newspaper editor, confronts Jim, accusing him of bringing violence and trouble to the town:
  • “There ain’t no room in this town for outlaws like you.” — Phillips ([18:16])
  • Jim fires back: “I’ll leave this town when I get good and ready. We’ll see about that, then see about this too.” — Jim Farr ([18:39])

The Set-Up: Murder & Mob Justice

[19:00 – 20:41]

• A confrontation erupts; Jim Farr wounds Phillips, but the editor is later found dead, shot through the heart—though Jim insists he only winged him.
  • “But I didn’t kill him, I tell you... This is the framer.” — Jim Farr ([19:59])

Investigating the Truth

[21:31 – 22:13]

• Floyd and Boy Willing visit the undertaker to uncover the truth. They discover that Phillips was killed by a separate, smaller caliber bullet.
  • “There’s a .45 slug that came out of Phillips’ arm…and here’s a .22 slug that came out of his heart.” — Undertaker ([22:03])

The Real Villain Revealed

[22:38 – 23:17]

• Hank, Carter’s henchman, confesses that Carter orchestrated the killing, firing the fatal shot and framing Jim.
  • “Connor plugged Phillips with a muffled .22 just as you fired.” — Hank ([22:49])

Showdown: Justice is Served

[23:33 – 24:29]

• Jim Farr confronts Carter, delivering him to the sheriff rather than the mob.
  • “As soon as I get close enough, I’m gonna knock your head right off your shoulders.” — Jim Farr ([24:18])
• Jim’s decision to opt for lawful justice over mob action signals his growth.

Resolution & Redemption

[25:03 – 25:47]

• Back at the crossroads, the Riders and Jim part ways. Jim vows to walk the straight and narrow, learning from his experiences and the friendship he found.
  • “From here on in, I’m going to do my best to walk the straight and narrow.” — Jim Farr ([25:27])
  • “Just watch that temper of yours.” — Floyd ([25:34])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Reputation:
  “Seems like trouble just follows me around…when I fire a gun, I know where the bullet lands. Believe me, I do. I didn’t kill him. There’s something wrong. I know there is.”
  — Jim Farr ([20:33])

• On Justice:
  “You were mighty wise turning Carter over to the sheriff instead of that mob.”
  — Floyd ([25:03])

• On Character Growth:
  “You’ve kind of taught me that there are two ways to do things, the right and the wrong way.”
  — Jim Farr ([25:18])

• On Tall Tales:
  “Now this is getting right interesting. Tell me more.”
  — Jim Farr, inviting Floyd’s boasting, unaware Floyd is boasting to the real Jim Farr ([13:32])

Musical Highlights

• “Riding Down to Santa Fe” ([04:08]) – Opening chorus from the Riders of the Purple Sage.
• “To Each His Own” ([06:03]) – A heartfelt ballad, setting the story’s emotional palate.
• “San Antonio Rose” ([26:36]) – Performed after the drama, a nod to Western tradition.
• “I Still Do” ([30:26]) – Dedicated by Donald Barry to the listeners as a closing treat.

Key Timestamps for Reference

• Riders enter New Mexico / Jim Farr discussed: [09:17 – 10:39]
• Floyd’s tall tale about Jim Farr: [13:09 – 14:18]
• Identity reveal in saloon: [15:29 – 15:43]
• Confrontation and murder setup: [18:01 – 20:41]
• Discovery of the real murderer: [22:03 – 22:13]
• Justice for Carter: [23:33 – 24:29]
• Jim’s farewell and character growth: [25:27 – 25:47]

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode maintains a lively, good-natured Western camaraderie, peppered with humor, music, and dramatic tension. Donald Barry’s portrayal of Jim Farr balances swagger and self-doubt, bringing nuance to a classic Western archetype. The banter between characters, musical interludes, and pacing all contribute to the nostalgic, warm atmosphere of a radio show at the heart of mid-century Americana.

Summary

"New Mexico Badman" is an immersive Old West tale about reputation, second chances, and doing the right thing—even when justice must be fought for. It blends drama, humor, and music, standing as a testament to the enduring charm of classic radio Westerns.