Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Out of the Past | Challenge of the Yukon (04-10-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode revives the classic radio adventure "Out of the Past" from the Challenge of the Yukon series, part of the golden age of radio westerns. The story follows Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police and his trusty dog, Yukon King, as they navigate the dangers of the Klondike during the spring thaw. A tale of blackmail, honor, and redemption unfolds, centered around Fred Bertram—a man with a troubled past, a treacherous present, and the ultimate struggle to clear his name.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Yukon and Main Characters (02:52–04:00)

• The episode sets the scene in Dawson during the gold rush: crowded, rough, and full of opportunity and danger.
• Bart Allen and Bill Calvin, newly arrived and down on their luck, discuss blackmailing Fred Bertram, an old acquaintance with a criminal past who now works as the office manager of the Dawson Mining Company.
  • “Well, Bill, this is it. Not much to look at.” – Bart Allen (02:59)
  • “Must be about five years since you got out of prison down in Frisco, isn’t it?” – Bart to Fred (05:05)

2. The Blackmail Threat (04:50–08:30)

• Bart and Bill confront Fred Bertram in his office, threatening to reveal his criminal history to his employer unless he gives them money.
  • “So you came here to blackmail me, is that it?” – Fred Bertram (07:16)
  • Fred reluctantly gives them $50, fearing for his reputation and job.
• The emotional toll on Fred becomes evident at home with his wife, Beatrice, as he acts anxious and distant.

3. The Payroll Plot & Heist (09:30–13:00)

• Bill discovers that the mining office payroll will be prepared that night, suggesting they rob the office and force Fred to take the blame.
  • “With the hold you have over Bertram, it seems to me we could force him to open the safe and give us that dough.” – Bill Calvin (10:42)
• Bart and Bill force Fred to open the safe, steal $5,000, knock him unconscious, and arrange to take him away on a riverboat headed to Selkirk.
• Their plan: make it appear Fred absconded with the payroll, fleeing the consequences.

4. The Aftermath: Fred Missing, Suspicion Mounts (13:01–15:18)

• Beatrice discovers Fred is missing and goes to Sergeant Preston for help, expressing her deep concern.
  • “Fred has never stayed away from home all night before.” – Beatrice Bertram (13:59)
• Sergeant Preston goes to the mining office with Mr. Maitland, discovers the payroll missing, and finds blood stains—suggesting foul play.
  • “There was $5,000 in cash and the only one who could have taken it from the safe is Fred Bertram.” – Maitland (15:03)
• Maitland privately reveals he has known about Fred’s past but chose to trust him—a theme of redemption and trust emerges.

5. The Pursuit (17:25–19:35)

• Sergeant Preston and King track Fred’s scent to the docks and deduce he was taken aboard the riverboat.
• Preston races to catch the boat at Bear Landing, but arrives too late.
• The local constable joins in; they obtain a fast motorboat to pursue the steamer.

6. Onboard the Riverboat: Peril for Fred (20:16–23:30)

• Fred, bound and gagged, overhears Bart and Bill plotting to throw him overboard before reaching Selkirk to cover their tracks.
  • “Only he’s not going to get to Selkirk… during the night… we carry Fred on deck and dump him overboard.” – Bart Allen (22:50)
• Tension mounts as time runs out.

7. The Rescue and Justice (23:45–27:10)

• Preston and the constable catch up, board the riverboat, and confront Bart and Bill in their cabin.
• Yukon King discovers Fred hidden under a blanket.
  • “King, however, caught the scent of the man for whom he searched. He crossed the floor and stood beside the bunk.” – Narrator (25:58)
• A struggle ensues: Bart attempts to shoot Preston, but is bested by Preston and King.
• Fred is freed, and Bart bitterly claims Fred will suffer when his criminal past is revealed.
  • “Fred will lose his job. You can’t keep us from telling about Fred’s past.” – Bart Allen (26:48)
  • “Mr. Maitland knew about Fred’s past a year ago. I’m sure Bart, what you have to say will have no effect on Fred’s future with the mining company.” – Sergeant Preston (26:55)
• Preston assures Fred that trust and truth have prevailed: “If Mr. Maitland has trust and faith in you, your wife who loves you, certainly couldn’t have less.” (27:06)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “So you came here to blackmail me, is that it?” – Fred Bertram (07:16)
• “With the hold you have over Bertram, it seems to me we could force him to open the safe and give us that dough.” – Bill Calvin (10:42)
• “There was $5,000 in cash and the only one who could have taken it from the safe is Fred Bertram.” – Maitland (15:03)
• “Mr. Maitland knew about Fred’s past a year ago. I’m sure Bart, what you have to say will have no effect on Fred’s future with the mining company.” – Sergeant Preston (26:55)
• “If Mr. Maitland has trust and faith in you, your wife, who loves you, certainly couldn’t have less.” – Sergeant Preston (27:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:59–02:52 — Host Introduction & Dramatic Setup
• 02:52–04:00 — Opening Scene: Dawson and New Arrivals
• 04:50–08:30 — Blackmail Enacted; Bertram’s Dilemma
• 09:30–13:00 — Payroll Heist Planned and Executed
• 13:01–15:18 — Fred Missing; Suspicion and Concern
• 17:25–19:35 — Preston Tracks and Pursues the Boat
• 20:16–23:30 — Peril for Fred on the Riverboat
• 23:45–27:10 — Rescue, Justice, and Redemption

Tone and Style

The episode is rich with vintage radio drama energy: suspenseful, heartfelt, and action-packed, blending moral dilemmas with frontier adventure. The dialogue is true to the period, filled with tension and sharp character interplay, and supported by vivid sound effects and musical cues.

Takeaway

This episode, through the gripping rescue of Fred Bertram, explores timeless themes of redemption, the weight of one’s past, and the enduring power of trust. With steadfast courage, Sergeant Preston overcomes formidable obstacles—reminding listeners that in the wild Yukon, honor and justice still hold sway.