Old Time Radio Westerns: Stampede on Chisholm Trail | The Cisco Kid (11-09-54)

Podcast Date: October 14, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Summary: Digitally restored presentation of a classic Cisco Kid radio drama featuring intrigue, cattle rustling, and a thrilling showdown on the Chisholm Trail.

Overview

This episode plunges listeners into the heart of the Old West with a restored broadcast of "The Cisco Kid: Stampede on Chisholm Trail," originally aired in 1954. The legendary Cisco Kid and his sidekick Pancho are drawn into a web of cattle rustling, murder, and mistaken identity as they strive to help their friend Slim Rand, a rookie trail boss. The drama unfolds against the backdrop of high-stakes cattle drives and outlaws scheming to profit from chaos on the trail.

Key Discussion Points & Storyline

Setting the Stage

• The Chisholm Trail & Cattle Drives:
  • The episode opens with a narration about the challenges faced by trail bosses driving large herds to Abilene, often losing stray cattle along the way.
  • Some men decide to profit from rounding up strays, while others plot to exploit and rob.

Outlaws’ Scheme & Attack

• First Crime Scene (02:07–03:56):

  • Outlaws Luke and Chris spot a small herd of stray cattle and decide to ambush the trail hands, planning to kill them and claim the cattle for reward.
  • Luke: “We’ll gun down them cowhands, take over that herd and collect the money for bringing them in.” (02:27)

• Cisco and Pancho Investigate (05:05–06:53):

  • Cisco and Pancho arrive, notice suspicious behavior from strangers, and spot buzzards—indicative of foul play.
  • Cisco: “Look at those buzzards circling over the trail back there... I think we’ll find out why.” (05:53)
  • They discover evidence of murder and vow to pursue the killers.

Outlaws Frame Cisco & Pancho

• Encounter with Cattle Owners (08:36–09:38):

  • Luke and Chris sell stolen cattle to rightful owners, passing themselves off as honest men.
  • Tension rises as Cisco approaches; the outlaws plot to pin the murders on him.

• Framing Cisco (11:13–12:27):

  • Luke and Chris rush to the sheriff, accusing Cisco and Pancho of murder.
  • Sheriff immediately organizes a posse.
  • Outlaws: “That Cisco Kid… he gun a man down quick’s he’d look at him.” (12:24)

Confrontation with the Law

• Cisco & Pancho Arrested (13:32–17:03):
  • The posse surrounds Cisco and Pancho as they head to the sheriff, arresting them on suspicion of murder.
  • Sheriff: “I’m taking you two in on suspicion of murder.” (16:17)
  • Cisco refuses to surrender his gun and stages a daring escape with Pancho.

The Real Rustlers’ Next Move

• Scheme to Stampede (17:58–19:28):
  • Luke and Chris, emboldened, plan to stampede Slim’s large herd at night, creating more “strays” to round up and sell.
  • Luke: “If you and me and the boys was to ride to meet that herd and stampeded it, it'd leave a lot of strays.” (12:55)

Showdown and Justice

• Cisco Warns Slim (19:28–20:53):

  • Cisco and Pancho warn trail boss Slim Rand about impending rustler trouble. Slim gratefully accepts Cisco’s help.
  • Slim: “I sure appreciate it, Cisco. I’m powerful anxious to make good on this job.” (20:15)

• Stampede Attempt & Action (21:09–24:00):

  • The outlaws initiate the stampede but Cisco, Pancho, and Slim’s men intercept. A fast-paced fight ensues, resulting in the capture of the rustlers.
  • Pancho: “Cisco shoot the gun out his hand! Good, good, Cisco!” (21:33)
  • Cisco: “This time, Pancho, be sure you tie these two bandidos tightly.” (23:39)

• Exoneration and Resolution (24:00–25:28):

  • Cisco presents the outlaws to the authorities, clearing himself and Pancho of murder.
  • Cisco ensures Slim is praised for successfully bringing the herd to Abilene with minimal loss.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cisco’s Deductive Skills:

  • “Any trail sign is just like an open book to Cisco.” – Luke (08:18)

• Classic Cisco & Pancho Banter:

  • “These people must got big ears…” – Pancho (25:49)
  • “What have big ears to do with the cattle…?” – Cisco (25:53)
  • “Well, if they herd cattle all the way from Texas, hombres either got big ears—or the cattle must make an awful lot of noise… Oh, Pancho!” – Closing comic moment (25:52–26:20)

• Slim’s Gratitude:

  • “You think there’s going to be trouble? I’m powerful anxious to make good on this job. You know how it is when a man's got a wife and a couple of youngsters.” – Slim (20:15)

• Justice Restored:

  • “Now we’re going to take them back to that sheriff to answer the charge of murder.” – Cisco (23:48)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 02:07–03:56| Outlaws ambush trail hands and plan the theft | | 05:05–06:53| Cisco & Pancho investigate the murder scene | | 11:13–12:27| Outlaws report to sheriff, frame Cisco | | 13:32–17:03| Cisco & Pancho surrounded, dramatic escape | | 17:58–19:28| Outlaws plot stampede of Slim’s herd | | 19:28–20:53| Cisco warns Slim; plans to defend the herd | | 21:09–24:00| Stampede begins; dramatic fight and outlaws caught | | 25:49–26:20| Cisco & Pancho’s comic closing exchange |

Tone and Language

The episode employs classic Western tropes—brisk dialogue, cowboy camaraderie, and a blend of suspense and humor. Cisco maintains a calm, clever, and chivalrous demeanor, while Pancho delivers comic relief with malapropisms and light-hearted observations. The outlaws are tough, scheming, and pragmatic, adding tension to the unfolding drama.

Final Thoughts

This classic Cisco Kid episode showcases the best of the Old West radio adventure: scheming outlaws, a wrongly accused hero, swift justice, and a dash of humor. With digitally restored audio, listeners can fully appreciate the creak of saddle leather, thundering hooves, and the indomitable spirit of Cisco and Pancho as they defend the innocent and outwit evildoers.