Old Time Radio Westerns: The Cisco Kid – "Terror Town" (10-07-54)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Episode: Terror Town | The Cisco Kid (10-07-54)
Date: September 16, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the lawless streets of Sandy Creek, a frontier town under the shadow of a corrupt marshal. When Mary Adams seeks help from the legendary Cisco Kid after her uncle becomes the latest victim, Cisco and his trusty companion Pancho ride to restore justice. The story spotlights themes of courage, tyranny, and the unyielding fight for justice central to the Old West.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Town’s Plight Under Marshal Cagle

[03:59-06:39]

• Introduction of Drew Cagle: The ruthless town marshal of Sandy Creek who extorts $20/month from local businesses for “protection.”
• Conflict at Adams’ Store: George Adams refuses to pay. Cagle provokes a showdown, ultimately shooting Adams, justifying it as "self-defense."
  • Quote:
    • Adams: “Said I wouldn’t do it.”
    • Cagle: “You better change your mind, Adams. I’m here to collect.” (05:19)
  • Notable Moment: Cagle throws vinegar in Adams’ face to provoke him (06:14), cementing his role as antagonist.

2. Mary Adams Seeks Help from Cisco Kid

[07:58-09:16]

• Mary’s Desperation: Having witnessed her uncle shot, Mary rides out, finds Cisco Kid, and pleads for help.
  • Quote:
    • Mary: “That fiend of a Marshal Cagle shot down my uncle because he wouldn’t pay.” (08:24)
• Cisco’s Response: Cisco immediately prepares to confront Cagle and tells Pancho to ready their horses.
  • Quote:
    • Cisco: “Bancho, get our horses saddled at once. This is going.” (09:16)

3. Sandy Creek’s Fear and Resistance

[09:34-11:04]

• Town Doctor’s Stand: The local doctor resists Cagle’s intimidation and insists on helping the wounded Adams.
  • Notable Moment: Despite Wyatt’s threat, the doctor says, “Well, I’m going into that store, Wyatt, potshot or no potshot.” (10:13)
• Mary’s Defiance: She warns Wyatt that “the Cisco Kid’s on his way in.” (11:04)

4. Cisco Kid Confronts the Outlaws

[11:29-16:29]

• Cisco’s Entrance: Cisco enters the town, lays down law, and confronts Cagle’s men in the saloon, asserting dominance through both words and action.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • Cisco: “I am looking for Marshal Kegle. Is he here?... It’s never dangerous to slap the faces of rats like you.” (15:24)
• Bluff and Challenge: Cisco warns, “If he is here one hour from now, I’m coming after him.” (15:38)

5. Pancho Stands Up, but Pays the Price

[22:56-24:25]

• Cagle Returns: Cagle comes to collect from Adams’ store again while Cisco is away. Pancho courageously refuses to back down.
  • Quote:
    • Pancho: “Pancho stay where Pancho is.” (23:14)
• Gunplay: Cagle shoots Pancho when he tries to resist.
  • Mary’s Panic: “Oh, please don’t have any trouble with him, Pancho.” (23:11)

6. The Final Showdown

[25:36-27:30]

• Cisco’s Determination: After ensuring Pancho’s not fatally wounded, Cisco heads out to face Cagle.
  • Cisco’s Mission: “I have a job to do, señorita. I hope it will not take long.” (25:36)
• Street Duel: Cisco calls Cagle to the street for a final confrontation.
  • Quote:
    • Cisco: “You have gone too far in this town... Now I’m going to make sure you do.” (26:53)
• Resolution: Rather than killing Cagle, Cisco shoots the gun from his hand and administers a beating.
  • Quote:
    • Cisco: “I am not going to kill you, Kegle. I do not kill. But I’m going to give you the beating of your life.” (26:47)
• Restoration of Order: Cagle is forced to repay his ill-gotten gains and is escorted out of town, presumably to jail.

7. Resolution and Reflection

[28:29-30:14]

• Community’s Gratitude: Mary expresses deep thanks to Cisco and shares hopeful news that both Adams and Pancho are on the mend.
  • Quote:
    • Mary: “We both should be very thankful, Cisco. Uncle George and Pancho are both nearly well.” (28:29)
• Farewell: Cisco and Pancho resume their travels, with a humorous exchange about Poncho’s lingering injury.
  • Memorable Closing:
    • Pancho: “One little thing worry, Pancho. Punch, you feel a little... How do you say it?... A little seven days.” (30:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mary’s Courage:
  • “Maybe you’ve got this town scared to death, but I know a man you can’t scare. And I’m going to bring him here.” (06:49)
• The Doctor’s Defiance:
  • “Well, I’m going into that store, Wyatt, potshot or no potshot.” (10:13)
• Cisco’s Justice:
  • “If you do not leave, then I'm going to have the men of this town ride you out on a rail. You'll be lucky indeed if they do not lynch you.” (26:53)
• Cisco’s Mercy:
  • “I am not going to kill you, Kegle. I do not kill. But I'm going to give you the beating of your life.” (26:47)
• Humorous Banter:
  • Pancho, post-recovery: “One little thing worry, Pancho... Punch, you feel a little... How do you say it? A little seven days.” (30:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------| | 03:59 | Introduction to the menace: Marshal Cagle’s corruption | | 05:37 | Demand for “protection” at Adams’ store | | 07:58 | Mary Adams appeals to Cisco Kid | | 09:34 | Doctor stands up to the outlaws | | 11:29 | Cisco rides into Sandy Creek | | 15:24 | Cisco’s confrontational entrance in the café | | 22:56 | Cagle returns to threaten Pancho and Mary | | 24:18 | Pancho is shot defending the store | | 25:36 | Cisco vows to face Cagle | | 26:47 | The street showdown: Cisco vs Cagle | | 28:29 | Resolution: order restored, gratitude, farewell | | 30:14 | Epilogue: Pancho’s humorous comment |

Tone and Style

The episode captures classic Western spirit: tense confrontations, upright heroism, villainous scheming, and moments of humor and heart. Cisco’s dialogue is resolute and righteous, while Pancho provides loyal comic relief. The sound design—enhanced in this restored version—amplifies the tension and vibrancy of the Old West.

Conclusion

“Terror Town” is a textbook tale of frontier justice in the Cisco Kid tradition. Faced with intimidation and violence, the townsfolk rally around the legendary Cisco Kid, who uses his wit, courage, and sense of justice to defeat tyranny and restore peace. Brisk pacing and memorable performances make this episode a standout for fans of classic radio Westerns.

For more adventures, listen to future episodes of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast with Andrew Rhynes.