Podcast Episode Summary
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Raiders of Cimarron | The Cisco Kid (12-07-54)
Date: November 18, 2025
Overview
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns transports listeners into a digitally restored classic tale: "Raiders of the Cimarron" featuring The Cisco Kid. Heroic Cisco and his loyal sidekick Poncho ride into the heart of cattle country, where a web of betrayal and outlaw raids threaten the survival of the Double Bar D ranch. The story centers on courage, loyalty, deception, and frontier justice as Cisco and Poncho unravel the mystery behind a series of deadly cattle raids — all while upholding the code of the West.
Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown
1. The Threat to the Cimarron Cattle Crossings
[03:51–05:46]
- Lorraine "Laurie" Shepherd, owner of the Double Bar D ranch, is pressured to move her cattle to market across the Cimarron despite danger from frequent outlaw raids.
- Laurie: “If I feed them on this range for another year, I'll be broke.” (04:06)
- Laurie refuses to hire gunslingers after her father’s death at their hands.
- Tension mounts as suspicions swirl about who is tipping off the raiders to the crossings—especially with her cousin Maxine nearby.
2. The Villains’ Conspiracy
[05:46–06:40]
- Scene shifts to outlaw leaders Biff and Pawnee, waiting for Maxine, Laurie's cousin, who is secretly working with them.
- Maxine reveals intent: if cousin Laurie doesn’t survive the raid, she’ll inherit Double Bar D.
- Maxine: “If Laurie loses those cattle and doesn't live to tell about it, the Double Bar D ranch will be mine.” (06:28)
3. The Arrival of Cisco and Poncho
[07:51–10:34]
- Cisco and Poncho, undercover as seeking ranch hands, arrive at Double Bar D to investigate after hearing of the region’s troubles.
- Dramatic rescue: Cisco saves Laurie from a rogue steer, demonstrating his heroism and marksmanship.
- Laurie: “If you and your partner still want those jobs, we can use a couple of good hands.” (09:57)
- Their identity as the Cisco Kid and Poncho is revealed, and they are hired for the drive.
4. Murderous Schemes and a Midnight Attack
[11:09–13:27]
- Maxine warns her outlaw cohort that Cisco presents a new threat.
- A plan is made: under cover of night, Maxine will identify Cisco’s bedroll for the killers.
- In a suspenseful scene, Cisco and Poncho, suspecting danger, rig their bedrolls to look occupied and hide nearby.
5. The Failed Assassination
[13:28–17:49]
- During the night, the assassins (Pawnee and an accomplice) attack the bedrolls, unaware Cisco and Poncho are ready.
- Maxine “accidentally” sabotages Cisco’s chance to shoot the fleeing baddies, exposing her duplicity.
- Cisco confronts Maxine, drawing further suspicion to her involvement.
6. Distrust and Decoy — Maxine’s Countermove
[19:01–20:00]
- Maxine tries to cast suspicion on Laurie, suggesting to Cisco that Laurie is actually an informant.
- Maxine: “I've suspected for a long time that my cousin Laurie knows more about the raids at the Cimarron crossings than she pretends to know.” (19:14)
- Cisco remains cautious, declining to take the bait.
7. Outmaneuvering the Raiders
[20:19–22:33]
- Cisco wisely advises Tom, the foreman, to suggest changing the planned river crossing to one the raiders aren’t expecting.
- Laurie agrees to change to Lone Willow Crossing at the last moment.
8. The Final Showdown
[23:03–25:40]
- Maxine rushes to inform the outlaws of the changed crossing.
- Cisco and Poncho stealthily tail Maxine, ambushing Pawnee and Biff to neutralize the leaders without gunfire.
- Cisco: “The Raiders of the Cimarron will raid no more.” (25:38)
9. Justice, Forgiveness, and Closing Reflections
[25:40–28:00]
- Laurie reflects on her cousin’s betrayal with sorrow rather than vengeance.
- Laurie: “I never suspected my cousin Maxine. …I can't help but feel sorry for her.” (25:44)
- Cisco philosophizes on jealousy, and Laurie offers him a reward, which he nobly declines, explaining they're working for the Cattlemen’s Protective Association.
- Light-hearted banter between Cisco and Poncho wraps up the drama.
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- [04:14] Laurie: “After my father was killed by a gunslinger, you know how I feel about them. I won't have one on this spread.”
- [06:28] Maxine: “If Laurie loses those cattle and doesn't live to tell about it, the Double Bar D ranch will be mine.”
- [09:41] Cisco: “When a man's life depends on it, one must be accurate, senorita.”
- [10:29] Maxine: “Hey, wait a minute. Your partner calls you Cisco. You're the Cisco Kid.”
- [13:25] Poncho: “Aren't you glad you're all up in this blanket? So am I. We had a long ride today.”
- [17:48] Cisco: “See, Poncho and I fixed those bed rolls so that they would look like that. Then we hid behind the chuck wagon and watched those two hombres... one hombre stabbed a knife into them.”
- [19:14] Maxine: “I've suspected for a long time that my cousin Laurie knows more about the raids at the Cimarron crossings than she pretends to know.”
- [25:44] Laurie: “I never suspected my cousin Maxine. …I can't help but feel sorry for her.”
- [26:16] Cisco: “We cannot accept any money from you, senorita. We have been working for the Cattlemen's Protective Association.”
- [28:00] Poncho (comic relief): “Cimaran River Poncho. Cinnamon is a word. You put it on some foods before you eat them.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro and Setup: [03:51–05:46]
- Villain’s Betrayal Revealed: [05:46–06:40]
- Cisco & Poncho Arrive / Steer Rescue: [07:51–10:34]
- Nighttime Assassination Attempt: [11:09–13:27]
- Ambush Thwarted / Maxine Exposed: [13:28–17:49]
- Maxine Tries to Frame Laurie: [19:01–20:00]
- Crossing Ruse: [20:19–22:33]
- Showdown with Raiders: [23:03–25:40]
- Resolution and Wrap: [25:40–28:00]
Tone and Language
The original tone is classic Western: earnest, tense, occasionally witty, and thoroughly dramatic. Cisco is gallant and calm; Poncho is loyal and humorous; Laurie is resolute; Maxine is cold and cunning. Dialogue-driven suspense and clever plot twists maintain the golden-age radio storytelling style.
Final Thoughts
Listeners are treated to expertly restored soundscapes, vivid radio performances, and a tightly-scripted Western adventure brimming with action and subterfuge. "Raiders of the Cimarron" stands as a testament to The Cisco Kid’s enduring popularity—fighting injustice, championing the innocent, and upholding Western honor with skill and good humor.