Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Return of Laughing Bandit" | The Cisco Kid (04-01-54)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction

Old Time Radio Westerns welcomes listeners to another thrilling episode titled "Return of Laughing Bandit", originally aired on April 1, 1954. Hosted by Andrew Rhines, this episode revives the classic adventures of the Cisco Kid with enhanced digital restoration that brings the Wild West to life with unprecedented audio clarity.

Setting the Stage

The episode opens in the rugged and mysterious Great Oak country, a wild, savage, and mountainous region known for its unusual natural phenomena, such as the underground lake in the Iron Mountain caves. The narrative introduces the infamous Laughing Bandit, a cunning outlaw who has recently escaped from custody, sparking a quest for vengeance against his nemesis, the Cisco Kid.

Narrator:
"Here's adventure, here's romance. Here's the famous Robin Hood of the Old West."

The Stagecoach Hold-Up

The story begins with the Laughing Bandit and his henchmen intercepting a stagecoach. Their objective is clear: kidnap the sheriff's son and lure the Cisco Kid into a deadly trap.

Laughing Bandit (02:35):
"This is what I've missed, Ned. The thrills, the excitement, the holding of a man's life in my two hands."

Ned (02:41):
"Yeah. Sage will be along in a minute, Gil."

The bandit meticulously plans the hold-up, ensuring no immediate violence to maintain the element of surprise and control.

Laughing Bandit (03:02):
"He's the only man who ever outwitted me. Now he'll suffer for it, Ned. He'll suffer and die."

Cisco Kid and Pancho's Investigation

Meanwhile, the Cisco Kid and his loyal companion, Pancho, are anticipant of the sheriff's son's arrival back from college. Unbeknownst to them, their meeting is sabotaged by the Laughing Bandit’s plot.

Cisco Kid (04:35):
"Hey, big day for Chevy Moy, Cisco."

Pancho (04:38):
"See, Pancho, the sheriff's son is coming home today from college in the East."

As the stagecoach approaches, Cisco and Pancho take shelter from the impending rain, unaware of the danger lurking.

The Lure to Iron Mountain

The Laughing Bandit successfully executes the hold-up, killing one passenger and capturing the sheriff’s son. He leaves a cryptic message for the Cisco Kid, prompting him to follow to the Iron Mountain caves.

Laughing Bandit (05:43):
"We'll see. Oh, the sheriff's in there alone."

Cisco and Pancho decipher the bandit’s note, which features a drawing of a mountain and a body of water, indicating the location of the underground lake.

Pancho (09:01):
"Only I could understand these drawings. Let us look at this paper again."

Realizing the significance of the message, they set out to confront the bandit in the treacherous caves.

Confrontation in the Caves

Upon reaching Iron Mountain, Cisco and Pancho navigate the dark and ominous environment. The Laughing Bandit anticipates their arrival, setting up traps to ensure their downfall.

Laughing Bandit (10:44):
"O, yes, he has been in custody. But he may have escaped."

As they delve deeper, the tension escalates with the rising water level threatening their lives.

Laughing Bandit (12:12):
"He sees you and dry pondoline snow."

Amidst the chaos, Ned, the loyal henchman, attempts to execute the bandit's plan by securing Cisco and the sheriff's son to iron stakes by the lake's edge.

Turning the Tables

Despite being cornered, Cisco and Pancho display resilience and strategic thinking. Pancho manages to free the sheriff’s son, Senor Dave, and together with Cisco, they begin to dismantle the bandit’s scheme.

Pancho (18:16):
"That you will go to the side entrance of the caves and make sure our horses are under the ledge and out of the rain."

Their efforts culminate in a daring escape and a final showdown with the Laughing Bandit.

Pancho (20:04):
"Next thing is to get that knife out of his belt and cut these ropes and cut you two free."

Climactic Showdown and Resolution

The climax unfolds as the Laughing Bandit confronts Sheriff Morris, leading to a heated exchange. Just as the situation seems dire, Cisco and Pancho intervene, overpowering the bandit and ensuring justice is served.

Laughing Bandit (22:12):
"Yes, Sheriff, I am."

Sheriff Morris (23:12):
"You murder? You're lying to me."

In the ensuing conflict, the Sheriff manages to regain control, and the Laughing Bandit meets his end, thwarted by the relentless pursuit of the Cisco Kid and Pancho.

Pancho (24:16):
"I think he is, Chico. This time the law will see that he stays right where he is."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a victorious Cisco Kid and Pancho reflecting on their adventure. The digital restoration enhances every dramatic moment, from the suspense of the underground lake to the final resolution, making this classic tale more immersive than ever.

Narrator:
"And so ends another exciting adventure with O. Henry's famous Robin Hood of the west, the Cisco Kid."

Host, Andrew Rines (29:02):
"Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed."

Notable Quotes

• Laughing Bandit (02:35):
  "This is what I've missed, Ned. The thrills, the excitement, the holding of a man's life in my two hands."

• Cisco Kid (05:11):
  "The rain is pouring down now."

• Pancho (09:01):
  "Only I could understand these drawings. Let us look at this paper again."

• Pancho (18:16):
  "That you will go to the side entrance of the caves and make sure our horses are under the ledge and out of the rain."

• Sheriff Morris (22:15):
  "You'll sit where you are. It so happens I have a couple of guns of my own, and I'm quite capable of using them."

Final Thoughts

"Return of Laughing Bandit" exemplifies the timeless charm of Old Time Radio Westerns, blending adventure, suspense, and heroism. With exceptional digital restoration, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio, experiencing the Wild West like never before. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Cisco Kid's adventures, this episode offers an engaging and immersive journey into the frontier.

Connect with Old Time Radio Westerns:

• Website: otrwesterns.com
• Email: podcasttrwesterns.com
• Phone: 707-986-8739
• Twitter: @otrwesterns
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• iTunes: Search "OTR Westerns" for ratings and feedback

This episode is a homage to iconic shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, featuring legendary radio actors and vivid storytelling that captivated audiences nationwide.