Podcast Episode Summary
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Rustlers on Lazy D | The Cisco Kid (09-28-54)
Date: August 26, 2025
Overview
This episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns presents a restored classic: “Rustlers on Lazy D,” an installment from The Cisco Kid series. The story plunges listeners into the world of Western intrigue, featuring beloved characters Cisco Kid and his companion Pancho. The duo faces off against cattle rustlers, navigates distrust from the local sheriff, and ultimately upholds justice on the Lazy D ranch. Enhanced audio brings the 1954 broadcast to vivid life, immersing listeners in every creak, gallop, and gunshot of the untamed frontier.
Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown
1. Scene Setting & Tension at the Lazy D Ranch
- [00:33–03:10]
- The story opens with Jed Perrin and Sid Mosley, two dishonest cowhands, plotting their cattle rustling scheme.
- They reveal their wariness of Cisco Kid, whom rancher Ben Coburn has summoned to solve his rustling problem.
- Quote:
- Jed Perrin: “You and me stand to make a lot of money out of this cattle rustling. Ben Colburn doesn’t suspect us. After all, you’re his foreman, Jed.” [02:19]
2. Cisco & Pancho’s Arrival
- [03:10–05:18]
- Cisco and Pancho camp away from the ranch as instructed by Coburn, wary of attracting the attention of the real rustlers.
- Jed and Sid confront Cisco and Pancho, trying to intimidate them with gunfire but are quickly bested and disarmed.
- Quote:
- Cisco Kid: “You act tough... but I do not think you are quite as tough as you seem.” [04:30]
3. Tensions Rise with the Sheriff
- [05:45–07:32]
- Ben Coburn and his daughter Alma discuss waiting for Cisco and Pancho as the sheriff arrives, suspicious about Cisco’s presence.
- The sheriff suspects Cisco might be the rustler, but Coburn defends his friend.
- Quote:
- Sheriff: “He’s as like as not to steal your cattle himself.” [07:19]
- Alma Coburn: “That’s enough of that, Sheriff. Cisco’s a good friend of ours.” [07:26]
4. Ambush Set for Cisco and Pancho
- [07:56–09:50]
- Jed and Sid set up an ambush in the pass, while Cisco, sensing something amiss, takes an alternate, longer trail to avoid trouble.
- Cisco’s wit is highlighted as he opts for safety over speed.
5. Wrongfully Accused & Clashing Factions
- [10:18–11:46]
- Cisco and Pancho encounter the sheriff, who, still distrustful, arrests them for suspected rustling.
- During the arrest, gunshots ring out—Jed and Sid's ambush escalates as Cisco and Pancho escape into the canyon.
- Quote:
- Sheriff: “I’m taking you both in on suspicion of cattle rustling.” [11:20]
6. Caught Between Two Fires
- [12:34–13:03]
- Cisco and Pancho are attacked from both sides—by the sheriff’s posse and the rustlers.
- With quick thinking, they take an old cattle trail to elude both groups.
7. Chase and Rescue
- [14:14–18:48]
- After a harrowing chase, Cisco and Pancho evade bullets and reach the ranch.
- Meanwhile, Jed and Sid encounter Ben and Alma Coburn, take them prisoner, and plot to make away with the cattle.
- Cisco and Pancho follow tracks to rescue Ben and Alma from an old adobe hut.
- Quote:
- Alma Coburn: “I pretended to be unconscious, but I wasn’t. I heard them say they were going after the cattle.” [19:59]
8. Showdown: Justice Served
- [20:28–23:00]
- With Ben and Alma safe, Cisco and Pancho race to confront the rustlers at the herd.
- A gunfight and fistfight ensue—Cisco heroically disarms Sid and fights off Jed.
- The villains are taken prisoner and returned to the ranch for the sheriff to handle.
- Quote:
- Cisco Kid: “Perhaps now the sheriff will believe you and I are not the cattle rustler.” [23:00]
9. Reconciliation and Celebration
- [23:28–24:48]
- Ben Coburn and the sheriff express their gratitude and regret any suspicion.
- Pancho is found in the cookhouse, exchanging recipes for beans (frijoles) with Alma and delighting everyone with his humor and appetite.
- Lighthearted Banter:
- Alma Coburn: “Well, I think we’re ready to eat. Is everybody hungry?” [24:03]
- Pancho: “Why not waste time talking about it, Pancho!” [24:08]
10. A Note of Romance
- [24:48–25:23]
- Alma thanks Cisco personally, hinting at a blossoming affection.
- Quote:
- Alma Coburn: “No man ever looked quite as good to me as you did when you came into that adobe.” [24:56]
11. Classic Pancho Humor
- [25:43–26:13]
- After the action, Pancho spins a wild (and humorous) story about his Uncle Sanchez’s demise—“killed by a weasel”—to Cisco’s disbelief, evoking laughter and wrapping up the show in characteristically lighthearted style.
- Quote:
- Pancho: “Porfirio’s Uncle Sanchez...got killed by a weasel.”
- Cisco Kid: “Poncho, people do not get killed by weasels.” [26:07]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “The longest way is sometimes the shortest way.” – Cisco Kid [09:24]
- “You act tough... but I do not think you are quite as tough as you seem.” – Cisco Kid [04:30]
- “Now, get on those horses and get out of this camp.” – Cisco Kid [05:01]
- “That’s enough of that, Sheriff. Cisco’s a good friend of ours.” – Alma Coburn [07:26]
- “Perhaps now the sheriff will believe you and I are not the cattle rustler.” – Cisco Kid [23:00]
- “No man ever looked quite as good to me as you did when you came into that adobe.” – Alma Coburn [24:56]
- “Poncho, people do not get killed by weasels.” – Cisco Kid [26:07]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 02:19 – Jed and Sid plot against Cisco.
- 04:30 – Cisco and Pancho stand up to the rustlers.
- 07:19 – Sheriff voices suspicion of Cisco.
- 11:20 – Sheriff arrests Cisco and Pancho.
- 14:14 – Cisco and Pancho evade a two-sided ambush.
- 19:59 – Alma reveals rustlers’ plan.
- 23:00 – Cisco faces off with the rustlers; victory.
- 24:48 – Alma expresses gratitude (romantic hint).
- 26:07 – Pancho’s comedic story about a weasel.
Conclusion
“Rustlers on Lazy D” exemplifies the charm and suspense of classic Western radio drama, with Cisco Kid’s courage and wisdom triumphing over greed and treachery. The episode’s blend of action, humor, and a dash of romance, along with the warm camaraderie between characters, ensures a rich and satisfying listening experience—now further enhanced by expert digital restoration. Listeners are left with laughter and the assurance that, at least in the Old West, good always prevails.