Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Title: Road To Wickenburg | Have Gun Will Travel (11-30-58)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: November 30, 1958
Podcast Release Date: December 8, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features the classic radio drama “Have Gun Will Travel: Road to Wickenburg,” where the legendary figure Paladin visits the town of Bluebell, only to be robbed of his money, gun, and horse. He finds himself entangled with the tough and clever Sue Tyler, and together they must outsmart a family of criminals. The narrative explores classic western themes of trust, survival, and the enigmatic allure of the “gunfighter with a heart.” By the journey’s end, Paladin must choose between lingering attachments and the solitary path of the wandering hero.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Paladin’s Escape from Domestic Pursuit (03:08–05:00)

• Paladin, weary of a local woman’s persistent affections, tells his valet Hey Boy that he wants to disappear for a while, leaving San Francisco for an unknown destination.
  • Quote:
    “A woman has to be something besides pretty for me to go that far.” – Paladin (04:18)
  • Hey Boy foreshadows that perhaps one day, Paladin will find such a woman.

2. Trouble in Bluebell (05:00–07:25)

• Paladin arrives in the rough town of Bluebell and is quickly set up:
  • He makes small talk with the sheriff and enters the saloon.
  • After flashing a large roll of bills, bartender Saul Goodfellow and his associates drug Paladin’s drink.
  • Sue Tyler, a saloon girl, warns Paladin too late and later helps him after he is robbed and beaten.

3. Sue Tyler’s Offer and Paladin’s Quest for Justice (07:26–09:02)

• Paladin wakes, realizes he’s been cleaned out, and Sue offers her help to escape Bluebell—in exchange for his assistance in her own escape.
  • Quote:
    “You can thank me by letting me go with you. It’s the only way I can leave this town.” – Sue Tyler (08:31)

4. Retribution at High Noon (10:11–12:32)

• Paladin confronts the Goodfellow family, who run Bluebell. Despite being outgunned, he cleverly uses his Derringer, intimidation, and the element of surprise to recover his belongings. Sue helps Paladin escape as the family seeks retribution.
  • Quote:
    “There are four of you gentlemen. I’ve only one bullet left in my Derringer. So my choice is very simple: I’ll kill the first man who speaks.” – Paladin (10:47)

5. On the Run – Night in the Wild (13:07–16:04)

• Paladin and Sue hide out and plan to travel by night for safety.
• Intimate moment between the two as Sue, having “three years of Bluebell to wash off,” expresses her feelings and hopes for a new life.
  • Quote:
    “I’m pretty. No man would be ashamed of me. … Just say something nice to me now and then. That’s all I ask.” – Sue Tyler (15:31)
  • Quote:
    “You’re something besides pretty.” – Paladin (15:55)

6. Ambush and Showdown on the Road (17:27–20:47)

• The next morning, Paladin and Sue encounter Peter Keystone, an Easterner who’s been robbed by the same gang.
• Using Keystone’s rifle, Paladin faces off against the Goodfellow gang, turning the tables and winning back his money, while ensuring the wounded are cared for.
  • Sequence: Clever ruse and action with Paladin showing cool confidence and skills under fire.

7. Resolution and Parting Ways in Wickenburg (21:02–22:59)

• Paladin, Sue, and Keystone reach Wickenburg. Sue tries to persuade Paladin to take her to San Francisco, but he gently lets her down.
  • Quote:
    “All I have for you, Miss Tyler, is an expression of gratitude. … Thank you.” – Paladin (21:52)

8. Epilogue – Back to San Francisco (22:59–24:05)

• Paladin returns home; Hey Boy and the persistent would-be bride await.
• A witty exchange about why Paladin leaves, and why he returns—both times “because of you” (referring playfully to the lady).
  • Quote:
    “Why did you go away?” — “Because of you.” — “Why did you come back?” — “Because of you.” — “You’re a liar.” — “Because of you.”
    (23:46–23:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Paladin's Philosophy on Women (04:18):

  • “A woman has to be something besides pretty for me to go that far.”

• Sue’s Candid Hope for a New Life (15:31):

  • “Just say something nice to me now and then. That’s all I ask.”

• Paladin’s Classic Standoff (10:47):

  • “There are four of you gentlemen. I’ve only one bullet left in my Derringer. So my choice is very simple. I’ll kill the first man who speaks.”

• Paladin’s Gentle Farewell (21:52):

  • “All I have for you, Miss Tyler, is an expression of gratitude. … Thank you.”

• Playful Return Home (23:46–23:54):

  • “Why did you go away?” — “Because of you.” — “Why did you come back?” — “Because of you.” — “You’re a liar.” — “Because of you.”

Important Timestamps

• Departure from San Francisco: 03:08–05:00
• Robbery & Double Cross in Bluebell: 05:00–07:25
• Sue Offers Alliance: 07:26–08:36
• Paladin’s Showdown in Bluebell: 10:11–12:07
• Nighttime Hideout/Intimate Conversation: 13:07–16:04
• Ambush and Action Sequence: 17:27–20:47
• Final Parting in Wickenburg: 21:02–22:59
• Return & Closing Banter: 22:59–24:05

Summary and Tone

This episode exemplifies the sharp dialogue, compelling character interplay, and classic Western tropes of “Have Gun Will Travel.” The drama balances hard-bitten action with moments of warmth, pathos, and trademark Paladin wit. Sue Tyler stands out as a multidimensional female character whose raw honesty challenges the protagonist. The finale is bittersweet—offering gratitude but no romance, reinforcing the archetype of the wandering loner who can never settle down.

For lovers of the golden age of radio and new listeners alike, this restored episode delivers not just nostalgia, but vibrant drama brought to new life.