Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Rodeo at Calico Corners | The Cisco Kid (01-11-55)

Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes

Episode Overview

In this digitally restored episode of "The Cisco Kid," Cisco and his loyal sidekick Pancho arrive at Calico Corners for the town's lively rodeo, only to find themselves in the midst of a cunning bank robbery plotted by two outlaws, Brace Tabor and Cannon Roy. As festivities and competitions unfold, the duo must outwit the bandits and a comically misguided posse, all while ensuring the sheriff’s prized horse, Baby, is ready for the big event.

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. [Setting the Scene: Rodeo Fever & Hidden Danger]

Timestamps: 02:59 – 04:50

• The episode opens with the vivid atmosphere of a bustling rodeo, bearded townsfolk, and festive energy masking darker intentions.
• Brace Tabor and Cannon Roy plot to exploit the busy event, donning disguises for the beard-growing contest.
  • “We look just like the other hombres, only we don't go after no whisker prize. We always end up with first prize anyway. Money from the bank.” (Brace, 03:38)
• Sheriff Gordon, who owns both the bank and his champion horse Baby, is distracted by the rodeo, giving the outlaws opportunity.

2. [Cisco and Pancho Arrive: Friendships and Suspicions]

Timestamps: 04:50 – 07:50

• Cisco and Pancho arrive, humorously noting Pancho’s appetite and the rodeo’s abundance of food.
  • “Pancho go to the places he likes the best. You sure are a good eater, Pancho. Just like baby here, he eats good and he shows it.” (Sheriff/ Cisco, 20:58)
• Their purpose: to visit Sheriff Gordon and be vigilant, knowing bank robbers might follow the rodeo circuit.
  • “Have you forgotten, Chico, that this time we are the ones after bandidos?” (Cisco, 05:48)

3. [Bank Security and False Alarm]

Timestamps: 07:50 – 10:35

• The sheriff demonstrates his homemade burglar alarm to Cisco and Pancho.
  • “I done set up a burglar alarm over there and I want you to see.” (Sheriff Gordon, 07:40)
• The alarm is set off prematurely—not by the outlaws but by the well-meaning, bungling bank teller Oliver, testing his own reaction time.
  • “If I own a bank, I have to know how to protect it. So I figured I'd better find out how long it'd take me to get a gun and draw after I heard the alarm.” (Oliver, 10:20)
• Sheriff nearly fires Oliver but relents when Cisco intervenes, admiring Oliver’s initiative.

Notable Moment:

• “Seven seconds. All right, you ain't farred. But the next time you go practicing, let me know beforehand.” (Sheriff, 11:10)

4. [Robbery in Progress: Outlaws Strike]

Timestamps: 12:08 – 15:47

• As the rodeo intensifies, Brace and Cannon time their heist perfectly, confirming the sheriff is away.
• The robbers sneak into the bank, but their plan goes awry when Cisco and Pancho return to investigate.
• A tense standoff results, with the outlaws ambushing Cisco and Pancho and knocking them out, planting stolen money on them to frame them as the criminals.

5. [Comedic Confusion: Cisco and Pancho Accused]

Timestamps: 18:01 – 21:00

• A posse, led by Oliver, bursts in to find Cisco and Pancho by the safe, seemingly caught red-handed.
  • “He’s a slick one. Trying to pretend we're the bank robbers and we caught him red handed.” (Townsperson about Cisco, 19:28)
• Despite Cisco’s protests and pleas for reason, Oliver’s “good judgment” decides they are guilty, launching a chase.

6. [Sheriff’s Horse Stolen: The Stakes Rise]

Timestamps: 22:10 – 24:53

• The real bank robbers escape by stealing the sheriff’s beloved mare, Baby, blending in disguised as rodeo hands.
  • “You stole a sheriff's horse? Let’s get out of here. Get up, Baby. Get up.” (Cannon, 24:28)
• Sheriff Gordon vows revenge:
  • “I'll crack down them yellow livered lizards for stealing Baby if it takes the rest of my life.” (Sheriff Gordon, 25:08)

7. [Trap on the Trail: Classic Showdown]

Timestamps: 25:10 – 27:38

• The outlaws attempt to ambush Cisco, Pancho, and the sheriff by rigging a rope across the trail.
• Cisco and team narrowly avoid disaster, spot the trap, and charge after the robbers.

Notable Action:

• “Ride straight into ’em. Don’t shoot at ’em—you might hit Baby!” (Cisco, 27:10)

8. [Justice Served: The Robbers Get Their Due]

Timestamps: 27:50 – 29:10

• The chase culminates with Cisco and the sheriff taking down the outlaws and rescuing Baby.
  • “Your biggest mistake, bandido, was in becoming a bank robber. And your biggest mistake was in stealing Baby.” (Sheriff & Cisco, 28:38)

9. [Epilogue: Rodeo Rewards and Comic Relief]

Timestamps: 29:10 – 31:00

• With peace restored, Baby wins the rodeo’s top prize. Pancho provides comic relief with his ideas to prevent future robberies:
  • “Just move the bank over to the jail. And when the bandidos rob the bank, they already in the jail. No?” (Pancho, 30:50)
• Pancho’s horse Loco wins the (aptly) prize for “best feeder at the rodeo,” delighting everyone.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sheriff’s Pride:
  • “Aren’t you like to see how the bugler bandido alarm works? Well, I’ll show you just as soon as I get this. Hey, that’s it. That’s the alarm. The bank’s being robbed!” (Sheriff Gordon, 09:12)
• Cisco’s Integrity under Fire:
  • “You are talking out of your head, señor. There are the bandidos standing by the door. Grab them!” (Cisco, 19:36)
• Pancho’s Comic Wisdom:
  • “Logo win the first prize for being the best feeder at the rodeo. Loco eat just like a horse. Oh, Pancho. Oh, she’s good.” (Pancho, 31:00)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• Rodeo Setup: 02:59
• Sheriff’s Burglar Alarm Introduced: 07:35
• False Alarm/Oliver’s Judgement: 10:20
• Bank Robbery Commences: 12:08
• Cisco & Pancho Framed: 18:01
• Outlaws Steal Baby: 24:28
• Ambush on the Trail: 25:10
• Climactic Capture: 27:50
• Comic Epilogue/Awards: 29:10

Tone & Style

The episode brims with lighthearted Western banter, slapstick misunderstandings, and classic Cisco Kid heroism. The interplay between Cisco’s steadfast honor, Pancho’s comic hunger, and Sheriff Gordon’s blend of pride and exasperation delivers a tale rich with frontier charm, swift action, and wholesome humor.

Useful for New Listeners?

Absolutely! This summary walks through the main plot, highlights memorable exchanges, and showcases the blend of suspense and comedy that defines "The Cisco Kid." Even without listening, you’ll enjoy the flavor and flow of this classic Western adventure.