Old Time Radio Westerns

"Set the Record Straight" | Ranger Bill (11-24-54)

Host: Andrew Rhynes | Release Date: January 31, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features the Ranger Bill radio drama "Set the Record Straight," set in the small frontier town of Knotty Pine. The story revolves around a controversy at the Beaver Creek School, where a beloved but misunderstood teacher, Miss Susan Anderson, faces backlash from parents who perceive her as being anti-sports due to her physical handicap. The episode explores themes of prejudice, the importance of balanced education, the dangers of jumping to conclusions, and ultimately, the value of setting the record straight through truth and open dialogue.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Classroom Chaos and Academic Struggle

• Miss Susan Anderson tries to maintain order during a grammar examination. Students (Justin and Peter) are unprepared, distracted by sports, and overtly dismissive of their academic duties ([03:32–05:29]).
  • Memorable Moment: Miss Anderson sternly addresses the boys, stating, “I’m ashamed of both of you. You’ve got all the time in the world for jokes and sports, but none for education.” (05:29)

Parental Perceptions and Prejudice

• Peter and Justin report home, portraying Miss Anderson as unfairly opposed to sports, feeding into a narrative that her strictness is rooted in her own handicap ([06:08–07:08]).
• Fathers (Bill Jefferson & Lou Alexander) discuss their frustration, equating sports with vital life lessons and suggesting Miss Anderson's inability to appreciate athletics stems from her physical limitation ([07:24–08:44]).
  • Notable Quote: “If she’s so prejudiced about sports, then she isn’t the one to teach my son. To me, athletics is a vital part of education.” – Bill Jefferson (07:55)

Confrontation at School and Accusations

• The fathers confront Miss Anderson at school (13:08–15:09), barely letting her speak before vowing to take the matter to the school board.
  • Memorable Exchange:
    • “It’s become more and more evident, Miss Anderson, that the standards are not what they used to be.” – Bill Jefferson (14:41)
    • “We’re going to the school board and ask for your dismissal.” – Lou Alexander (14:57)

Community Escalation

• A hasty petition for Miss Anderson's dismissal quickly gathers support based on misunderstandings, spreading unrest throughout the community ([19:17–20:27]).
  • Notable Quote: “People won’t do when they don’t use their heads.” – Narrator (20:14)

Efforts to Resolve and Fair Hearing

• Ranger Bill Willison and supporters advocate for fair process, insisting that no one should be condemned without a chance for self-defense ([23:19–24:29]).
  • “I want to see a good teacher get a chance to defend herself. If in the face of that defense, the petition still holds good, that’s another matter.” – Bill Willison (24:00)

The School Board Hearing – Truth Revealed

• At the board meeting, Miss Anderson calmly refutes the accusations, clarifies that academic requirements—not antipathy to sports—are the issue ([26:20–27:35]).
  • She reveals the school lacks facilities for sports, and that she never participates in games due to her injury, not lack of interest ([27:46–27:59]).
• Bill Willison presents powerful letters:
  • From the Dean of Women at State Teachers College, confirming Miss Anderson’s athletic excellence (letters in swimming, tennis, track) ([28:06–28:58]).
    • “Susan obtained three letters in athletics…set several new records. Two of which are still unbeaten.” (28:44)
  • From the Mayor of Stocktown, recounting how Susan’s heroism (saving him from drowning as a teen, suffering her injury in the process) left her unable to participate physically, not unwilling ([29:01–29:29]).
    • “This girl…dove into the river after me and pulled me out. She saved my life…One of those blows broke her ankle, but it didn’t stop her.” (28:58–29:29)

Apologies and Resolution

• The fathers, and the broader community, recognize their error and apologize to Miss Anderson ([30:33–31:04]).
  • “Just to make a public apology to Ms. Anderson.” – Bill Jefferson (30:41)
  • “And say three cheers for Susan Anderson.” – Lou Alexander (30:47)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Miss Anderson confronting students about priorities
  “[You] have all the time in the world for jokes and sports, but none for education.” (05:29)

• Perpetuating stereotypes
  “Maybe it’s because she’s a cripple.” – Peter Kloss, speculating on his teacher’s motives (07:08)

• Emotional community split
  “Whole countryside in turmoil over this.” – Lou Alexander (20:19)

• Turnaround & realization
  “Susan obtained three letters in athletics…set several new records. Two of which are still unbeaten.” – Bill Willison, reading Dean’s letter (28:44)

  “She saved my life...In the rescue, she was smashed several times against the rocks…One of those blows broke her ankle, but it didn’t stop her.” – Mayor’s letter (29:10)

• Public contrition
  “Just to make a public apology to Ms. Anderson.” – Bill Jefferson (30:41)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Classroom introductions and conflict [03:32–05:29]
• Parents discuss complaints against Miss Anderson [06:08–08:44]
• Fathers confront Miss Anderson at school [13:08–15:09]
• Community stirs, petition circulates [19:17–20:27]
• The initial school board hearing and demand for fair process [21:09–24:29]
• Second hearing; Miss Anderson’s defense and the revealing letters [26:20–29:29]
• Resolution and apologies [30:33–31:04]

Episode Tone and Style

This episode is a classic, heart-tugging tale that blends frontier earnestness, small-town dynamics, and the timeless message of giving others a fair hearing before leaping to judgment. The voice acting and writing capture the sincerity and neighborly, if sometimes hasty, attitudes of rural America in the mid-20th century. The episode’s resolution emphasizes humility, forgiveness, and the power of truth.

Summary in One Sentence

"Set the Record Straight" uses a frontier school crisis to remind listeners that prejudice and snap judgments can only be overcome by listening, uncovering the truth, and extending grace—a lesson just as relevant today.