
Original Air Date: March 18, 1953Host: Andrew RhynesShow: Adventures of Wild Bill HickokPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Guy Madison (Hickok)• Andy Devine (Jingles) Special Guests:• Lillian Buyeff• Clayton Post• Eddie Firestone• Lou Krugman• Jack...
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Wild Bill Hickok
Foreign.
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.
Kellogg's Announcer
Kellogg's, the greatest name in cereals, presents Will Bill Hickok.
Jingles
Hi. You folks. Hold on to your hats and gallop along with Guy Madison as Wild Bill Hickok and his pal Jingles. Which is me, Andy Devine. We got another Rootin Tootin Wild Bill Hickok adventure story for you from that famous talkin cereal, Kellogg's Rice Krispies. Snap, crackle, Pop.
Kellogg's Announcer
Today, Kellogg's Rice Krispies, the world's only talking cereal, brings you Wild Bill Hickok. Transcribed in Hollywood and starring Guy Madison as Wild Bill and Andy Devine as his pal Jingles.
Narrator
You'll hear the exciting story. Struggle for the main divide in just one minute.
Kellogg's Announcer
Hear that streamliner hoot out hello. As she speeds across the country. One of those sleek, swift cars is a dining car. Every morning I'll bet you there are folks having themselves a big bowl of Kellogg's Rice Krispies with frozen strawberries. Maybe as they pour the cream on their Rice Crispy, you know what happens. Snap, crackle, pop. That's because Kellogg's has tumble toasted them. So they're spun full of crispy goodness and made golden toasty all over. They're sure fun to eat. Sure tastes delicious. How about having yourself a big bowl of tasty Rice Krispies, say tomorrow?
Narrator
The growth of the west meant a need for transportation and the railroads began to build their steel ribbons across the plains. But when the shrill whistle of the iron horse echoed against the Colorado mountains, the going got rough. There it was, that United States Marshal, Wild Bill Hickok and his deputy Jingles had one of their big adventures as they joined the struggle for the main divide.
Wild Bill Hickok
Steady buckshot. Won't be long now, boy.
Jingles
Well, there she comes, Bill, around the bend.
Wild Bill Hickok
That's right, Jingles, right.
Jingles
But it ain't nothing but an engine and one car.
Wild Bill Hickok
Sure, that's Mr. Hennessy's private car.
Jingles
Oh, yeah. What do you reckon old Hard Rail Hennessy wants with us?
Wild Bill Hickok
We'll soon find out.
Jingles
Sure makes a lot of noise. Now, doggone it, cut that out. You scared, joker? Half the damn up in the car.
Wild Bill Hickok
Be right there, Mr. Hennessy.
Jingles
Howdy, hard Rail Bill. We better tie up the horses. They might spook a little.
Wild Bill Hickok
Nah, just turn them loose, partner. They'll settle down grave after a bit. Come on.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Come right on up, Bill Jingles. I'll get down to business.
Wild Bill Hickok
Fine, Hardwell.
Jingles
Yeah, so long as it don't mean no shooting or fighting or riding hard or going without my three squares a day.
Hard Rail Hennessy
I want you boys to meet Mr. Bueller. Burton.
Wild Bill Hickok
Bueller. Howdy, mister.
Burton Bueller
Howdy. Howdy, Hennessy. I'm in a hurry. I'm not here for a social gathering.
Jingles
I'll never hurt anybody to be sociable.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Bueller's a civil engineer. He's trying to sell me some maps of a route through the Main Divide.
Jingles
Oh, you're going to build your railroad on West Hard Ray?
Hard Rail Hennessy
I sure am, but not until I can find a route map. You and Bill will set your approval on.
Burton Bueller
Approval? Who are these two bums to be approving anything?
Jingles
Bam.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Hold it, Jingle. These two bums, as you call them, Bueller, are the famous Wild Bill Hickok and his deputy, Jingles. They know this mountain country better than any other man alive.
Jingles
Hickok?
Burton Bueller
Yeah. Shingles.
Jingles
Yeah. Yeah.
Burton Bueller
What are you trying to pull, Hennessy? I deliver the maps. I want my money.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Not so fast, Bueller. You'll get your money when Hickok approves them as being the best route to the Main Divide, and not before.
Burton Bueller
You're trying to swindle me, Hennessy.
Jingles
Looks to me like it's the other way around. Now, let me see those maps.
Burton Bueller
Hey, get your hands off those maps.
Jingles
I thought so, Bill. Look at this.
Wild Bill Hickok
Yeah, Through Stow and Hollow and over Eagle Ridge. Somebody's led you wrong, Mr. Bueller. You couldn't put a railroad line over that route in a hundred years.
Burton Bueller
Why, you meddling maverick.
Jingles
Biller. What's the meaning of this? Looks like you're being picked by a buzzard. Hard rail. Don't worry. Bill can handle his kind. Teach you not to find a mit.
Wild Bill Hickok
Looks like you asked for this, Bueller.
Jingles
Well, you see how Bill does it. Hard Rail.
Wild Bill Hickok
Sorry to have caused you any trouble, Mr. Hennessy, but this gent just seemed to be looking for a fight.
Burton Bueller
Yeah, you ain't had your last fight with me, Hickok.
Jingles
Now you're being real Stubborn, mister.
Hard Rail Hennessy
You'd better take your maps and be on your way, Bueller. Looks like we don't do business.
Burton Bueller
I'm going, but I'll be back. You'll build your railroad over my route and pay me that 10,000 or you won't build a railroad at all.
Jingles
Oh, go on and get out of here.
Wild Bill Hickok
Never mind, Jingle.
Hard Rail Hennessy
I'm mighty grateful to you, Bill. I was wide open for a swindle. Maybe I should have listened to my daughter after all.
Jingles
Your daughter? Little Molly?
Hard Rail Hennessy
Well, not little anymore, Jingles. Molly's a big girl now. She's in love with a young engineer named Jim Mallory. She wants me to give him a chance to find a way through the main divide.
Wild Bill Hickok
Maybe we can help him, Mr. Hennessy.
Jingles
Why, that would be Philip DeWinda, that varmint back.
Narrator
Today's Wild Bill Hickok story continues. In just one minute, only seconds after Burton Bueller left the car, he doubled back and shot through the window at Wild Bill Hickok. Bill ran out of the car and caught Bueller before he could make a getaway.
Jingles
Get loose from me, Hick.
Wild Bill Hickok
Drop that gun, Bueller.
Jingles
I'll drop it right over your skull.
Wild Bill Hickok
You get right hard to convince, mister. All right, I'll take that gun. Now. Get up on your feet, Bueller.
Burton Bueller
All right. What are you going to do with me?
Wild Bill Hickok
Get on straight. Now. I'm going to take you to jail to think it over.
Jingles
No ifs about it, Bill. I'll take him to the lockup right now. He almost killed you.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Engles is right, Bill. Man's dangerous.
Wild Bill Hickok
Well, maybe he can explain all this.
Jingles
Explain nothing.
Wild Bill Hickok
All right, Bueller. Talk and talk fast.
Burton Bueller
I reckon I made a mistake, Hickok. And if Hennessey will give me another chance, I'll find that route through the main divide yet.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Well, I'm not one to hold grudges. Bueller at 10,000. Still waiting for the man who can prove he's found the best line for my railroad.
Jingles
Well, what about Molly's boyfriend?
Hard Rail Hennessy
I was coming to that. You left competition, Bueller?
Burton Bueller
Well, that young upstart don't know these mountains.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Well, the first man to bring me a map Hickok will approve, gets the money.
Wild Bill Hickok
That's fair enough. But no more tricks, Bueller. You've got the chance you asked for. Now get going.
Molly Hennessy
Dad, you mean you're gonna give Jim a chance after all? Oh, that's wonderful. Did you hear that, Jim?
Jim Mallory
You won't be sorry, Mr. Hennessy.
Hard Rail Hennessy
All right, Jim. But don't forget, you're in Competition with Beulah?
Jim Mallory
Competition's good for anybody, sir. But Beulah's gonna have to move fast. You know what that $10,000 means to Molly and me.
Kellogg's Announcer
Now, hold on.
Hard Rail Hennessy
I said you could look for a route through the mountains. I didn't say you could marry my daughter.
Molly Hennessy
Oh, now, dad, you know you won't object if Jim succeeds.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Well, he hasn't succeeded yet, young lady. And don't forget, Wild Bill and Jingles have to approve your maps before Albaya.
Molly Hennessy
Oh, that's all right with Jim.
Jim Mallory
It sure is. Say, here they come now.
Wild Bill Hickok
Who are you?
Molly Hennessy
Hello, Bill. Jingles, I was hoping you'd get back.
Jingles
Well, if it ain't the low Molly all growed up.
Wild Bill Hickok
She sure is, Jingles.
Molly Hennessy
Bill, I want you and Jingles to meet Jim Mallory.
Jingles
Howdy.
Wild Bill Hickok
Howdy.
Jingles
You're the gent that's figuring to marry Miss Molly, huh?
Jim Mallory
That's what I got in mind, Jingles.
Hard Rail Hennessy
He's got a lot to do before he gets around to that, Jingles.
Wild Bill Hickok
Like finding a route through the Main divide.
Jim Mallory
That's right, Mr. Hickok. I'm just starting out again now.
Molly Hennessy
Good luck, Jim. Be careful.
Jingles
That's good advice, young fella. You better keep watch on for that sidewinder, Burton Bueller.
Jim Mallory
I figure I can take care of myself.
Jingles
Well, Bueller ain't one to let anybody get in his way. You better look for that railroad route with one eye and a sneake bushwhacker with the other one.
Hard Rail Hennessy
I think you're crazy, Bueller.
Burton Bueller
Who asked you to think? You listen to me, Sharp. I know what I'm doing.
Hard Rail Hennessy
But that Hickok ain't no man to fool with. Things was all right till he came.
Burton Bueller
Along and things will be all right again after he's dead and gone. And that's your job.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Better shots than me have tried to get Hickok.
Burton Bueller
It only takes one in the back. He don't know you're in on this deal with me, so he won't be looking for trouble.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Yeah, I hadn't thought of that.
Burton Bueller
Well, I had. Now, you find him and stick on his trail till you get a chance to plug him. Hickok's all that's standing in my way.
Hard Rail Hennessy
What about that young Jim Mallory?
Burton Bueller
I'm going out to check on him right now. You keep your eyes open for Hickok. You take care of him, and I'll take care of Mallory.
Jingles
Bill, what are we doing, anyhow?
Wild Bill Hickok
We're following Bueller out of town.
Jingles
Jingles Bueller? But I thought he was out in the mountains looking for a railroad route.
Wild Bill Hickok
Yeah, so did I.
Jingles
Bill, that varmint's got something up his sleeve.
Wild Bill Hickok
You know, you may be right, partner. We better follow him and see where he goes. Pick him up buckshot.
Jingles
What we oughta done was to throw him in jail.
Wild Bill Hickok
He set it up toward the main divide. Come on, we don't want to lose him.
Jingles
I'd like to lose him in a river. Come on, Joker. Pick up your lazy old feet and no back. Talk mind to. Bill, somebody's shooting at us.
Wild Bill Hickok
I believe you're right, Jingle.
Jingles
Oh, Joker. Oh, believe it. I know it. Come on, now. Let's go back and smoke that gas barrel.
Wild Bill Hickok
No time for that. Nod, Jingles. We'd lose track of Bueller. Come on, he's almost out of sight.
Jingles
Hi back to hi dog on it. I don't know whether I'm coming or going. Get up, Joker. Jump, I said.
Jim Mallory
Who's that, David?
Burton Bueller
It's Mallory.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Bueller.
Jim Mallory
What are you doing here? You've come for trouble.
Burton Bueller
I can.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Trouble?
Jingles
Oh, no.
Burton Bueller
Don't get me wrong. I just saw your campfire. Thought I'd drop by for some company.
Jim Mallory
If that's on the square, then draw up to the fire. But keep your hand away from that six gun.
Burton Bueller
You're right touchy young fellow.
Jim Mallory
I figure I got a right to be. I know you're looking for the same thing I am.
Burton Bueller
A route through the main device. Sure, but we can't look tonight.
Jim Mallory
No.
Burton Bueller
Relax. You find anything promising yet?
Jim Mallory
Nope. But I wouldn't be telling you if I did, would I?
Burton Bueller
Reckon not. I ain't found anything to draw a map about neither, so I guess we're still leaving.
Jim Mallory
Well, I'm not drawing any maps till I'm sure. You can't fool Wild Bill Hickok. Not that I'd want to.
Burton Bueller
Hey, maybe I got a good idea. I just thought of it.
Wild Bill Hickok
What's that?
Burton Bueller
Where are we going? To partnership. Partnership? Well, sure. Two of us looking together might do a lot better than looking separately. Then we could split the 10,000.
Jim Mallory
So that's why you came here, Bueller.
Burton Bueller
On a whole lot.
Jim Mallory
I figured you had some trick up your sleeve. Nothing doing.
Burton Bueller
5,000 is better than nothing, ain't it?
Jim Mallory
10,000 goes to the winner. And I'm gonna be that winner.
Burton Bueller
Oh, you just think you are. Your mere.
Jim Mallory
Don't reach for that gun.
Jingles
Bueller. Off and Giggles is right off here with a pair of six irons, ready for action if anybody's interested.
Burton Bueller
What's everybody getting excited about? There Ain't been no trouble.
Jingles
Maybe not, but we're just around to keep you from thinking up a scheme, Bueller.
Burton Bueller
I was just having a friendly chat around the camp. Why?
Jim Mallory
Bueller was trying to get me to go into partnership on finding that railroad route, Bill.
Burton Bueller
I figured two heads were better than one. No hard feelings. I'll be gone now. May the best man win. Naturally, I figured I'd be the best man.
Wild Bill Hickok
That's fair enough, Bueller, so long as you keep it on the square.
Burton Bueller
You worried too much, Hickok. Someday somebody's gonna figure a way to cure you of that.
Narrator
Today's Wild Bill Hickok story continues in just one minute, while Bill Hickok and Jingles left young Jim Mallory to continue his search for a path through the mountains and headed back for town, where Bill said he had some unfinished business.
Jingles
What unfinished business you talking about, Bill?
Wild Bill Hickok
You seem to forget somebody took a shot at us riding out last night, Jingle.
Jingles
Oh, yeah? Well, I hope they try it again. Sun peeking over that hill. We ought to be able to spot the bushwhacker.
Wild Bill Hickok
Looks like you got your wish, partner.
Jingles
Doggone it. I ought to be more careful about asking for trouble. Now. Where?
Wild Bill Hickok
There he is.
Jingles
Jingles, you lowlife salamander. I'm gonna teach you.
Wild Bill Hickok
He's running for his horse, Jingles. Hold your fire.
Jingles
Let's get him, Bill. Come on, high butt. Shot after boy ain't gonna do you no good to run.
Wild Bill Hickok
Save your lead, Jingles.
Jingles
All right, hold on on that horse. Get back running.
Wild Bill Hickok
Buckshot.
Jingles
That's a boy. Get his gun, Bill.
Wild Bill Hickok
I'll take that six iron, mister.
Jingles
Now come down off of that horse.
Hard Rail Hennessy
All right, all right, I've had enough.
Wild Bill Hickok
All right. Maybe you're ready to do a little explaining.
Jingles
How come you're taking potshots at us in our back?
Hard Rail Hennessy
I was hired to do it.
Jingles
Hired?
Wild Bill Hickok
Who hired you?
Jingles
Bill. Somebody shot him.
Wild Bill Hickok
Yeah.
Jingles
He can't tell us anything. Dog gone it.
Wild Bill Hickok
He won't have to, Jingles. I just figured the whole thing out. We better get back to Mr. Hennessy's private car before there's another killing. Come on.
Jingles
Oh, there it is, Bill. What's the all fired rush about?
Wild Bill Hickok
No time to explain now, Jingles. Ho. What you.
Jingles
One of these days, Bill Hickok, I'm just gonna sit right down on the spot until you do explain. Yeah.
Molly Hennessy
Yes. Jim's found a path through the main divide.
Wild Bill Hickok
Yeah.
Molly Hennessy
Uh huh. I knew he could do it.
Wild Bill Hickok
Is he here?
Jingles
Did he bring in the mask?
Molly Hennessy
No, he just rode by to tell Me? Now he's gone up to his cabin to draw up the maps for dad.
Jingles
Bill. Bill, look.
Wild Bill Hickok
Huh?
Molly Hennessy
Bill. Jingles. It's Burton Bueller. He's coming here.
Jingles
Bill. If I ain't mistaken, those papers he's carrying over his saddle horn look an awful lot like a set of maps.
Molly Hennessy
Oh, Where's Jim? Bueller's gotten here first, after all.
Wild Bill Hickok
Listen to me, Molly.
Molly Hennessy
Yes?
Wild Bill Hickok
Tell your dad to stall Bueller.
Molly Hennessy
All right, I will. But how?
Wild Bill Hickok
Your dad said I had to approve those maps. I can't approve them if I'm not here.
Jingles
Where are we going, Bill?
Wild Bill Hickok
Come on. You'll see when we get there.
Jingles
I ain't moving a step until I know what's so. You can just go on. Go alone if you don't want to tell me now.
Wild Bill Hickok
All right, partner, so long. Steady, butt chop.
Burton Bueller
Hey, Hitcock, where you going? Got the maps here that are going to win me that 10,000. You can't leave now.
Wild Bill Hickok
Sorry, Bueller, you're going to have to wait. I'll be right back.
Jingles
How about your hat? Joker, you jughead, come here. Hey, Bill, wait for me now.
Kellogg's Announcer
Dad.
Jingles
Gum and Bill Hickok. I'm getting plumb fed up with running all over the country and not knowing a thing I'm doing.
Wild Bill Hickok
Oh, Buckshot.
Jingles
Oh, Joker. Doggone it. Now where are we?
Wild Bill Hickok
This is Jim Mallory's cabin and office dog, Jingles.
Jingles
Jim Mallory?
Wild Bill Hickok
Yeah, and you can start praying we find a live man in here instead of a dead one.
Jingles
Bill, they're on the floor.
Wild Bill Hickok
That's right, partner. Jim Mallory tied up but not moving.
Jingles
Bill, is he dead?
Wild Bill Hickok
No, partner, he's still breathing. I'm tired while I try to bring him around.
Jingles
Yeah. Would you look at this cabin? Must have been a whale of a fight.
Wild Bill Hickok
Jim. Jim, Come on, boy, wake up.
Jim Mallory
Who's just sneaking?
Jingles
Coyotes. Get your heads off on me. She got a lot of fight left.
Wild Bill Hickok
Hold it, boy. Hold it, villain. Jingles.
Jingles
Jingles.
Jim Mallory
Where's Bueller?
Jingles
Where?
Jim Mallory
My maps?
Jingles
Bueller. Maps, Bill, Is that.
Wild Bill Hickok
That's right, Jingles. Now you get the whole idea. Come on, Jim. Guess you can ride.
Jim Mallory
Sure I can, but my maps.
Wild Bill Hickok
I think we'll find them all right, but we better hurry. I figure a couple of people are getting right impatient about now. Oh, Buckshot. All right, Jingles, pull up here.
Jingles
Ain't we going right into Hard Rail Hennessy's private car, Bill?
Wild Bill Hickok
I am. You hold Jim out here until I call you.
Jim Mallory
I don't get it, Hickok.
Wild Bill Hickok
You will, Jim. You just wait a few Minutes.
Jingles
No use argument, Jim.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Here's Hickok now.
Burton Bueller
Oh, it's about time, Bill.
Molly Hennessy
I thought you'd never get back.
Burton Bueller
All right, Hickok, there are the maps. Hennessy says you got to give your okay, so give it. I want my money.
Wild Bill Hickok
Let's see. Yeah, this line here shows right through Big Creek Canyon, up alongside Indian Hill and through Needle's Eye Path. That looks all right.
Burton Bueller
See, Hennessy, I told you.
Hard Rail Hennessy
You approved the layout of these maps then, Bill?
Wild Bill Hickok
Yes, Hard rail. I'd pay the man that made these maps that $10,000 if I were you.
Burton Bueller
Now you're talking, Hickok. Come on, Hennessy, shell out the dinero. 10,000 cot.
Wild Bill Hickok
Not so fast, Bueller. I said I'd pay the money to the man that made those maps.
Burton Bueller
What? What are you trying to pull?
Wild Bill Hickok
Hickok Jingles.
Jingles
Yeah, Bill.
Wild Bill Hickok
Bring him in, partner.
Burton Bueller
What's going on here?
Jingles
Here he is, Bill.
Molly Hennessy
Jim. Oh, Jimmy darling.
Wild Bill Hickok
Here's your man, Mr. Hennessy. Jim Mallory made those maps and Bueller stole them from him an hour ago after they were finished.
Burton Bueller
Hickok, I'll kill you for this.
Jingles
Bueller's gonna jack him.
Hard Rail Hennessy
You got his gun, Bill.
Burton Bueller
That won't stop me. You're gonna pay for meddling in this, you tin horn. Marshal.
Wild Bill Hickok
Somebody stop him.
Jingles
Don't worry, Miss Molly. Bill's got all the things to stop that varmint. Give it to him, Bill. I'm doing and that is that ain't it. Now all I gotta do is to bundle him up and drag him off to jail.
Hard Rail Hennessy
Well, Jim, you get the money and my permission to marry Molly. But Bill, I still don't understand all about this.
Wild Bill Hickok
I didn't either for quite a while. Hard rail.
Jingles
No, now it was real simple. You see, Bueller just figured that. Well, that is. Well, he was going to. Well, you see, the maps were. Oh, doggone it, Bill, you'd better tell him.
Wild Bill Hickok
All right, partner. Bueller figured Jim knew what he was doing.
Jim Mallory
Yeah.
Wild Bill Hickok
So he just waited until Jim made his maps.
Jingles
Uh huh.
Wild Bill Hickok
And then he stole them.
Jingles
Yes, sir, that's just what I was going to say. But I'll save it for the trial.
Kellogg's Announcer
And now, here are the stars of Wild Bill Hickok, Guy Madison and Andy Devine.
Wild Bill Hickok
Thanks for joining us today, folks, and we'll be with you again on Friday. Right, Andy?
Jingles
You bet you, guy. With a story of thundering hoofs mixed with thundering guns as a big Texas cattle drive moves up the trail towards Kansas. We call it Dodge City or Bus.
Wild Bill Hickok
Go on.
Jingles
Kids see Choo Choo Choo Choo Choo Choo your favorite cereal. You tell them Andy from Kellogg's Variety Pack.
Kellogg's Announcer
Yes, keep the whole family happy every morning for breakfast. Roll out freshness and variety. 10 individual serving size boxes with 10 assorted Kellogg's cereal favorites including two ready sweetened treats that you get in Kellogg's Variety Pack.
Jingles
Shoo Choo.
Kellogg's Announcer
Choose your favorite from Kellogg's Variety Pack at your grocer's. Kellogg's the Greatest Name in Serials has brought you another exciting story of Wild Bill Hickok starring Guy Madison and Andy Devine in person. Today's cast included Lillian Byeff, Clayton Post, Eddie Firestone, Lou Krugman and Jack Moles. Our director is Paul Pierce. Story by Larry Hayes Music by Dick Around. This is a David H. Production Transcribed in Hollywood now this is Charlie Lyon speaking for Kellogg's the Greatest Name in Serials reminding you to listen again on Friday, same time, same station for another adventure of Wild Bill HIC.
Jingles
SA.
Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of OTRWesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Podcast Episode Summary: "Struggle for the Main Divide | Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok (03-18-53)"
Old Time Radio Westerns hosted by Andrew Rines presents a riveting episode titled "Struggle for the Main Divide," originally aired on March 18, 1953, and digitally restored for modern listeners. This episode immerses listeners in the tumultuous era of railroad expansion in the American West, highlighting the fierce competition and cunning strategies employed to secure pivotal routes through challenging terrains.
The episode opens with host Andrew Rines setting the stage for another classic Wild Bill Hickok adventure. Skipping past promotional segments, we dive directly into the heart of the story, where the expansion of the railroads across the American plains sets the backdrop for a high-stakes conflict.
Narrator (02:50):
"The growth of the west meant a need for transportation and the railroads began to build their steel ribbons across the plains. But when the shrill whistle of the iron horse echoed against the Colorado mountains, the going got rough."
Wild Bill Hickok, portrayed by Guy Madison, and his trusty deputy Jingles, voiced by Andy Devine, are introduced as they embark on their mission to oversee the construction of railroads through the formidable Main Divide. Their expertise in navigating the treacherous mountain terrains makes them indispensable to the railroad companies.
The peace is soon disturbed by the entrance of Hard Rail Hennessy, a key figure representing the railroad interests, and Burton Bueller, a conniving figure attempting to manipulate the situation for personal gain.
Hard Rail Hennessy (04:10):
"I want you boys to meet Mr. Bueller. Burton."
Bueller immediately exhibits his unscrupulous nature, demanding money for map approvals, which he attempts to utilize to swindle Hennessy.
Jingles (04:34):
"Approval? Who are these two bums to be approving anything?"
Hennessy quickly clarifies Bueller's true identity and his critical role in providing authentic route maps.
Bueller's deceit becomes apparent as Wild Bill scrutinizes the provided maps, revealing their inadequacy for the challenging terrain.
Wild Bill Hickok (05:13):
"Through Stow and Hollow and over Eagle Ridge. Somebody's led you wrong, Mr. Bueller. You couldn't put a railroad line over that route in a hundred years."
Confronted with the flawed maps, Bueller's frustration mounts, leading to heightened tensions. Meanwhile, Hennessy's daughter, Molly, is introduced as she expresses her support for her suitor, engineer Jim Mallory, who is determined to find a viable route through the Main Divide.
Molly Hennessy (06:19):
"Dad, you mean you're gonna give Jim a chance after all? Oh, that's wonderful."
Bueller's desperation escalates when he attempts to collaborate with Jim Mallory, aiming to secure both the maps and personal gain.
Burton Bueller (12:17):
"Where are we going? To partnership. Partnership? Well, sure. Two of us looking together might do a lot better than looking separately. Then we could split the 10,000."
Jim Mallory, steadfast in his integrity, refuses to partake in Bueller's schemes, setting the stage for inevitable conflict.
Tensions reach a boiling point when Bueller, feeling cornered, resorts to violence.
Burton Bueller (07:15):
"I'll kill you for this."
Wild Bill Hickok (07:32):
"Get on straight. Now. I'm going to take you to jail to think it over."
As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Bueller's intentions are far from honorable. After a series of confrontations and strategic maneuvers, Wild Bill and Jingles manage to apprehend Bueller and uncover his deceitful actions.
Wild Bill Hickok (18:35):
"I think we'll find them all right, but we better hurry. I figure a couple of people are getting right impatient about now."
In the climactic final showdown, Bueller's true intentions are exposed, revealing his plan to undermine Wild Bill and secure the railroad maps for himself.
Wild Bill Hickok (19:05):
"Jim Mallory made those maps and Bueller stole them from him an hour ago after they were finished."
Bueller's confrontation with Wild Bill culminates in his realization of the futility of his actions.
Burton Bueller (19:15):
"Somebody stop him."
Ultimately, justice prevails as Bueller is apprehended, and the rightful maps are validated, paving the way for Jim Mallory to marry Molly and secure the railroad route without further obstruction.
The episode wraps up with a heartfelt resolution, emphasizing themes of integrity, perseverance, and the triumph of good over deceit. Wild Bill Hickok and Jingles celebrate their victory, ensuring peace returns to the Main Divide and setting the stage for future adventures.
Jingles (21:12):
"Shoo Choo."
Wild Bill Hickok (21:13):
"Wild Bill Hickok, thanks for joining us today, folks, and we'll be with you again on Friday."
Wild Bill Hickok (05:13):
"Through Stow and Hollow and over Eagle Ridge. Somebody's led you wrong, Mr. Bueller. You couldn't put a railroad line over that route in a hundred years."
Burton Bueller (12:17):
"Where are we going? To partnership. Partnership? Well, sure. Two of us looking together might do a lot better than looking separately. Then we could split the 10,000."
Wild Bill Hickok (19:05):
"Jim Mallory made those maps and Bueller stole them from him an hour ago after they were finished."
"Struggle for the Main Divide" adeptly captures the essence of Old Time Radio Westerns, blending suspense, dynamic characters, and moral dilemmas against the expansive backdrop of the Wild West. Andrew Rines' meticulous digital restoration enhances the auditory experience, allowing modern audiences to appreciate the rich storytelling and immersive soundscapes that defined the golden age of radio dramas.
For listeners seeking tales of bravery, cunning, and the relentless pursuit of justice, this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns is a quintessential journey into the heart of the American frontier.