Episode Summary: "The Caddis Fly – Romance"

Podcast Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhines
Episode: The Caddis Fly – Romance (56-08-25)
Release Date: March 30, 2025

Introduction

In this enchanting episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhines invites listeners to delve into the 1956 Romance rendition of "The Caddis Fly", originally penned by Charles B. Smith. This episode breathes new life into a classic Western radio drama, enhanced by meticulous digital restoration that accentuates every ambient sound, from the chirping of birds to the creak of saloon doors. The story unfolds in the picturesque town of Jeffersonville, Mississippi, where love, adventure, and unforeseen challenges intertwine under the shadow of a pervasive swarm of caddis flies.

Characters Introduced

• Henry Burris (Victor Perrin): A young man visiting his Uncle Luther, embodying integrity and determination.
• Wiley Burris (Sam Edwards): Henry’s brother, pragmatic and supportive.
• Mr. Catterball (Sam Edwards): The stern patriarch of the Catterball family.
• Mrs. Catterball (Helen Kleeb): The matriarch, compassionate yet firm.
• Victoria Catterball (Gloria Grant): The spirited daughter eager to win the county fair beauty contest.
• Uncle Luther (John Dana): A former renowned rainmaker with a mysterious past.
• Mr. Merriweather (Joe Kearns): An influential figure involved in the fair’s operations.
• Narrator (Voice Actor): Guides the story, providing context and transitions.

Plot Development

Arrival in Jeffersonville

[00:12] Andrew Rines: Opens the episode by setting the scene in Jeffersonville, Mississippi, where Henry and Wiley Burris arrive to assist Uncle Luther at the county fair. Their journey is marked by minor mishaps, such as a steaming car, hinting at the small-town charm and the challenges ahead.

Meeting the Catterballs

[00:34] Narrator: Introduces the Catterball family, setting the stage for the interactions between the Burris brothers and the locals. The initial encounter is tense, with Mr. Catterball questioning Henry and Wiley’s presence, reflecting the wary yet hospitable nature of Jeffersonville's residents.

Notable Quote:

Mr. Catterball [03:05]: "Way that thing spins around hard enough to snap man's head off. Wanted me to call it an amusement ride."

This line underscores the danger associated with Uncle Luther’s infamous contraption, hinting at past incidents and setting up future conflicts.

Uncle Luther’s Past

The Burris brothers learn about Uncle Luther’s illustrious yet controversial past as a rainmaker. His ability to create rain brought prosperity but also unforeseen calamities, leading to his forced retirement.

Notable Quote:

Mr. Catterball [06:13]: "Rain making."

This simple statement carries weight, revealing the secret behind Uncle Luther’s reputation and the town’s dependence on his abilities.

The Beauty Contest and Fair Preparations

Victoria Catterball’s ambition to win the beauty contest introduces a subplot that intertwines personal aspirations with community expectations. Henry expresses skepticism about the contest’s fairness, suspecting foul play orchestrated by Mr. Merriweather.

Notable Quote:

Victoria [08:09]: "I've been planning on it since I was a little girl."

Victoria’s determination highlights her character’s depth and sets the stage for the ensuing drama surrounding the contest.

The Caddis Fly Crisis

A sudden swarm of caddis flies threatens to disrupt the county fair, creating chaos and jeopardizing the scheduled beauty contest. The flies symbolize both a natural challenge and a metaphor for underlying tensions within Jeffersonville.

Notable Quote:

Wiley Burris [16:13]: "Now, I started out to tell you about the caddis fly. Well, I'd never seen one of them before, but I was about to."

This marks the escalation of the main conflict, introducing the caddis fly as a pivotal plot device.

Conflict and Tension

Henry and Wiley Burris confront the reality of the caddis fly infestation, seeking solutions to salvage the fair and ensure Victoria’s fair chance at winning. Their investigation leads them to suspect that Mr. Merriweather has manipulated circumstances to favor Victoria, undermining the contest’s integrity.

Notable Quote:

Henry Burris [12:21]: "You gotta keep your part of the bargain."

Henry’s insistence on fairness challenges the corrupt practices threatening the community’s harmony.

Climax

The climax occurs as Henry confronts Uncle Luther and Mr. Merriweather, demanding adherence to the agreed-upon terms to eliminate the caddis flies. Uncle Luther’s unforeseen cooperation signifies a pivotal turn, where past actions meet present consequences.

Notable Quote:

Henry Burris [21:11]: "And you'll do it?"

This moment of negotiation highlights the tension between personal honor and external pressures, driving the narrative toward resolution.

Resolution

Victoria wins the beauty contest through honest efforts, vindicating Henry and Wiley’s quest for integrity. The cessation of the caddis flies coincides with the restoration of peace in Jeffersonville. However, Uncle Luther faces repercussions for his past, being banished from Mississippi, offering a bittersweet closure to his character arc.

Notable Quote:

Henry Burris [24:02]: "Yes, sir. And you put it in writing. You said to use any means possible to get rid of the flies."

This affirmation cements the moral victory of the protagonists, ensuring justice and fairness prevail.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Uncle Luther’s departure, symbolizing the end of an era for Jeffersonville. Henry and Wiley Burris’s journey epitomizes the classic Western themes of honor, community, and the struggle against corruption. Victoria’s triumph underscores the values of perseverance and integrity, leaving listeners with a satisfying resolution to the intertwined narratives.

Notable Quote:

Wiley Burris [24:15]: "Victoria won. Well, it stopped raining a couple of weeks later."

This final line encapsulates the harmonious restoration of order and the reward for steadfast moral choices.

Closing Remarks

Andrew Rhines wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast community through various platforms, ensuring that the legacy of these timeless Western tales continues to resonate with new audiences.

This detailed summary captures the essence of "The Caddis Fly – Romance," highlighting key plot points, character developments, and memorable dialogues that drive the narrative forward. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Old Time Radio Westerns, this episode promises a captivating journey into the heart of Jeffersonville's challenges and triumphs.