Old Time Radio Westerns: Story of Catamount Cox | The Cisco Kid (12-09-54)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: November 25, 2025
Episode: Story of Catamount Cox | The Cisco Kid (original air date: Dec. 9, 1954)

Episode Overview

In this digitally restored classic episode of The Cisco Kid, listeners are transported to the wild frontier of the Old West for "The Story of Catamount Cox." The plot centers around the competition for a lucrative stagecoach contract between the seasoned driver Catamount Cox and his rival Zach Byers. With Byers and his hired thug Lutz resorting to sabotage and underhanded tactics, it’s up to Cisco and his loyal companion Pancho to ensure justice prevails and Catamount has a fair shot at victory. The episode features high-stakes races, attempted sabotage, jail breaks, and the signature quick humor of the Cisco and Pancho duo.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Opening and Stagecoach Sabotage

• Setting the Scene:
  The story opens with Zach Byers and Lutz plotting to sabotage Catamount Cox’s stagecoach run by rolling boulders onto the road to wreck his coach and eliminate him as a competitor for the stage route contract.
  Key moment [03:29]:
  “What you gonna do, Lutz?...We’re gonna roll them down into the road. When Catamount comes...it’ll smash his stagecoach...” (Zach Byers and Lutz)

• Cisco and Pancho’s Heroic Rescue:
  As Catamount barrels down the dangerous pass, Cisco and Pancho act swiftly to stop a sure disaster, with Cisco leaping onto the lead horses to bring the runaway stage to a halt.
  Quote [06:22]:
  “I will jump to the backs of his lead horses and try to stop them!” (Cisco Kid)
  Memorable moment [06:54]:
  “Look there ahead of you on the road—big rocks!” (Pancho)

2. Tensions in Town and the Escalating Rivalry

• Suspicion and Tempers Flare:
  Catamount suspects Zach Byers of sabotage and storms off, intent on confronting him. A heated exchange and near brawl ensues at Zach’s stable, defused by Cisco and Pancho’s intervention as well as the sheriff's arrival.
  Quote [07:34]:
  “Yes, and I know who that someone is. It’s that sneaking, white-liver, Zack Byers!” (Catamount Cox)

3. Framing Cisco and Pancho

• Setting Cisco Up:
  Zach and Lutz orchestrate a plan to frame Cisco and Pancho by instigating a fight in the café while alerting the sheriff, resulting in Cisco and Pancho’s unjust arrest.
  Key Exchange [13:26]:
  “Get your hands up, Cisco!” (Sheriff)
  “You too, fat one!” (Sheriff to Pancho)
  Memorable Moment: Pancho bristles at being called “fat one” [13:27].

4. Jailbreak and Another Sabotage Attempt

• Another Dirty Trick—Arson:
  From their jail cell, Cisco and Pancho spot Byers and Lutz sneaking into Catamount’s stable to set it on fire, blaming Catamount’s match habit. The duo bends the bars of their cell and escapes just in time to help extinguish the fire.
  Quote [18:54]:
  “There, the bar gave way... All right, out the window, quickly amigo!” (Cisco Kid)
  Key moment [19:19]:
  “My stable’s on fire! Fire!” (Catamount Cox)

• Sheriff’s Dilemma:
  Although the sheriff forces Cisco and Pancho back to jail, they later broker a deal for Catamount’s release so he can race, promising to return voluntarily.

5. The Climactic Stagecoach Race

• Race Under Threat:
  Despite being released, Catamount now faces another assassination attempt. Zach and Lutz plan to shoot and wound Catamount during the race, letting Zach speed to victory.
  Planning [23:31]:
  “Let Catamount take the lead at the start, Byers. Then we’ll pick him off. You can go sailing on by him and win the race easy.” (Lutz)

• Cisco and Pancho Intervene Again:
  Cisco and Pancho track the would-be attackers to the bluff and thwart the ambush.
  Action moment [25:33]:
  “Santos, there are the bandidos. But Nombre is just raising his rifle—” (Pancho)
  “As you say, drop the rifle! By thunder, it’s Cisco!” (Cisco Kid and Lutz)

6. Justice Served and Happy Endings

• Catamount’s Victory:
  With the ambush foiled and the competition fair, Catamount wins the race and secures the stagecoach contract. Quote [26:43]:
  “Catamount wins the race easily, Pancho. And wins the contract for himself!” (Cisco Kid)

• Cisco and Pancho Clear Their Names:
  After explaining the events to the sheriff, the duo’s good deeds are recognized—just in time to avoid being labeled as outlaws throughout the territory.

• Humorous Closing Banter:
  Pancho shares a comic anecdote about his cousin’s attempt to “appetize” (advertise) in the local paper, parodying newspaper ad rates by the inch.
  Quote [27:07]:
  “He was going to advertise us as dangerous bandidos!” (Pancho)
  “Because Porfirio is almost six feet tall—Oh, Pancho!” (Cisco Kid)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cisco’s Bravery:
  “I will jump to the backs of his lead horses and try to stop them!” [06:22]
• Catamount’s Colorful Threats:
  “I’ll hang him up by the heels and shave the back of their necks with a sickle!” [19:25]
• Sheriff’s Accusations:
  “Get your hands up, Cisco! You too, fat one!” [13:26]
• Pancho’s Classic Wit:
  “Pancho so hungry, Pancho keep his mouth open for food, not ears open for talks.” [10:18]
  “Because Porfirio almost six feet tall—Oh, Pancho!” [27:47]

Key Timestamps

• Sabotage on the Stagecoach Road: 03:29–04:38
• Cisco and Pancho’s Heroic Stop: 05:40–06:54
• Showdown at Zach's Stable: 08:55–09:44
• Set-Up and Fight at the Café: 12:32–13:46
• Jailbreak and Stable Fire: 18:27–20:00
• Bargain with Sheriff & Jail Switcheroo: 21:47–23:04
• Ambush at the Bluff / Race Finale: 24:25–26:12
• Catamount’s Win & Closing Gags: 26:43–28:15

Tone and Style

The episode captures the adventurous, quick-thinking, and humorous spirit of The Cisco Kid series. Cisco is courageous and resourceful, while Pancho’s comic quips add levity to the danger-packed pursuit of justice.

Conclusion

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns highlights the restored vibrancy and excitement of a classic Cisco Kid adventure. The central themes of fairness, loyalty, and quick-witted resourcefulness are driven home by memorable action, distinct character voices, and Cisco and Pancho’s unwavering sense of right and wrong.

Listeners are treated not only to a suspenseful Western tale but to the rapid-fire banter and camaraderie that made The Cisco Kid a beloved staple of golden age radio.