Old Time Radio Westerns

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Partners in Crime | Challenge of the Yukon (05-01-52)
Original Broadcast: May 1, 1952
Podcast Release: January 7, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a gripping installment from "Challenge of the Yukon," titled "Partners in Crime." The story centers on Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police and his faithful dog King as they investigate the murder of Harry Wilson amid the gold rush frenzy in the Yukon. What appears to be an open-and-shut case of a hot-tempered miner gunning down his business associate reveals itself as a cunning frame-up, as motives, partnerships, and deadly intentions become entangled on the treacherous trail.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Scene Setting: Gold, Greed, and a Murder (02:06–05:21)

• The adventure opens in Dawson during the Yukon Gold Rush—gold fever is high and fortunes are being chased.
• Bill Chalmers is pitching a business investment to Harry Wilson, seeking funds to bring water to his promising gold site on Rainbow Creek.
• Suddenly, gunfire erupts and Harry is shot dead in his office. Bill is found at the scene, holding a just-fired gun.

"Let's start from the beginning, Harry. I've leased all the benchland on Rainbow Creek. I've prospected it. The gravel's rich in gold. All that's necessary is water piped from the head of the creek. Ten thousand will cover the entire cost of the equipment. I'm offering you a 50% interest."
– Bill Chalmers (04:36)

The Investigation Begins: Suspicion Falls (05:21–07:39)

• Witnesses see Bill with the gun and his reputation for a quick temper turns suspicion heavy against him.
• Sergeant Preston arrives rapidly to investigate, and Smitty the bartender relays the sequence of events.

"Everyone in Dawson knows what a temper Bill has. We saw him standing there with a gun in his hand. Couldn't have been more than a minute after the shot was fired."
– Smitty (06:45)

• Bill flees, raising further suspicion.

Seeking the Truth: More Than Meets the Eye (07:40–11:38)

• Preston tracks Bill to Mary Archer’s restaurant, where Mary shares Bill’s version: he claims he found the gun after the shot and saw someone else—Curly Randolph—leaving.
• Mary is adamant that Curly, Bill’s estranged partner, couldn’t have been the killer, arguing for his character and hidden loyalty to Bill.

"Curly would like nothing better than to put up the money Bill needs... In spite of their breaking up as partners, Curly still likes Bill."
– Mary Archer (09:39)

• The possibility emerges of Curly pursuing the real murderer.

Following the Clues: Multiple Players Emerge (11:50–13:44)

• Back at the cafe, Preston and Constable Downey compare notes. Curly was indeed present at the scene.
• New suspects surface: Charlie Nash and Joe Rogers, miners previously staked by Harry, who would inherit his share if he died.

"He was to get a third of all the gold they took out of the claim. If he should die before any gold was taken out... the dead man's share goes to the other partners."
– Smitty (13:19)

• Preston realizes the urgency as the men head upriver on dangerous, rotting ice.

Yukon Peril: Pursuit on Treacherous Ice (14:16–20:49)

• Preston and King set out in pursuit, heedful of rotten spring ice. A tense chase unfolds, with Bill nearly drowning after falling through, but King heroically saves him.

"That's it, King. Pick your own trail, boy."
– Sergeant Preston (16:37)

• Preston begins piecing together the scheme: Charlie and Joe are the likeliest culprits, with Curly chasing them and Bill following Curly.

Cabin Showdown and Confession (21:02–25:58)

• At a remote Last Ditch Creek cabin, Charlie and Joe discuss their crime, confirming they killed Harry to inherit the gold, framing Bill.
• Curly confronts Charlie and Joe, gun drawn, but the situation erupts into violence—Curly is shot while escaping. He’s later found and nursed by Preston and Bill.

Justice and Reconciliation (25:15–26:58)

• Preston arrests Charlie and Joe after a gunfight, extracting a confession that exonerates Bill.
• Curly and Bill reconcile their differences, renewing their partnership.

"Partner? Bill."
– Curly Randolph (26:37)

• Preston closes the case, satisfied justice is done.

"Well, in my opinion, King, this case is closed."
– Sergeant Preston (26:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sergeant Preston’s trust in his dog:
  "He'll crawl to the edge of the ice, Bill. You'll be able to grab his harness. Hang on tight and he'll pull you out." (17:54)
• The mounting tension as Curly faces off with the killers:
  "You asked. What brought me here was something I saw last night. In Dawson? Yeah, in the golden lady, to be exact. I heard a shot and I saw you toss your gun into Harry Wilson's office." – Curly Randolph (23:11)
• Resolution and mutual respect restored:
  "Yeah, that's the way I want it." – Curly Randolph, accepting Bill's gesture of partnership (26:42)

Key Timestamps

• 02:06–04:36: Opening scene, Bill’s proposition, and Harry’s murder
• 06:05–06:56: Smitty recounts events; suspicion on Bill
• 09:03–10:08: Mary shares Bill’s and her perspective
• 13:12–13:44: Discussion of the miners’ motive and Harry’s death
• 16:14–18:53: Treacherous ice—Bill’s rescue by King
• 21:02–24:02: Charlie and Joe reveal their conspiracy; Curly confronts them
• 25:15–25:46: Sergeant Preston’s explanation—confession and justice
• 26:37: Bill and Curly’s reconciliation

Tone & Style

The episode preserves the earnest, suspenseful storytelling associated with radio’s golden age: clear moral stakes, taut exchanges, and dramatic tension. Themes of loyalty, greed, and redemption echo throughout, underscored by the barking of sled dogs and the biting Yukon wind.

Conclusion

"Partners in Crime" is a classic Challenge of the Yukon episode featuring all the hallmarks of great radio Westerns: a falsely accused hero, dramatic pursuit across a dangerous wilderness, and a final, satisfying restoration of justice and friendship. The voices of Sergeant Preston, faithful King, and the vibrant cast transport listeners straight to the frozen frontier where courage and honor are tested—and triumphant.