The Caddis Fly – Romance (56-08-25)

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Western stories original edits August 25, 1956 and it's going to be romance's rendition of the Caddisfly. Hope you enjoy. And again, thanks for listening.

[Narrator]

Now, from Hollywood, Romance. Romance transcribed stories of love and adventure, of comedy and crisis, of conflict and human emotion. Today, a story which proves that there are times when an ill wind can blow, at least for some people, a certain amount of good. It is written by Charles B. Smith and stars Victor Perrin and Sam Edwards. In the caddis fly.

[Wiley Burris]

Down in the Mississippi delta they got what's called the caddis fly. Now, if you don't know what a caddis fly is, well, it's about the most pestiferous insect that ever grew wings. They come up out of the backwaters of the river, millions of them, all at once. And when they get tired of flying, they light. And if they happen to light in a town, well, the folks there sure got misery. Yes, sir, there's nothing so bad as opening your mouth to talk and getting a bunch of flies in before you get a word out. But some folks claim there's good in everything, even a swarm of flies. I reckon that's how my brother, Wiley Burris felt the year we went down to Jeffersonville to visit his Uncle Luther. Well, afternoon we crossed over the Jefferson county line. A car started steaming. So we stopped at the first house was seen and started around to the back looking for water. You reckon anybody's to home here?

[Mrs. Catterball]

No. Where'd you put my dress?

[Henry Burris]

Somebody is. I got a clothes on. Wy. Yeah, boy. Ah, pardon us, ma'am. Well, I reckon we better forget that water. Yep, she was a mighty pretty sight. Yeah.

[Mr. Catterball]

Hey, you. You two boys, you just hold up.

[Henry Burris]

Right where you at. Wiley better do like he says. He's carrying a shotgun.

[Mr. Catterball]

Now then, what are you two doing sneaking around here like a couple of low down peeping Toms? Who are you?

[Henry Burris]

Well, our name's Burris.

[Narrator]

Burris.

[Mr. Catterball]

You akin to old Fats Burris in Jeffersonville?

[Wiley Burris]

Yes, sir. He's Uncle Luther.

[Mr. Catterball]

You don't say.

[Henry Burris]

Yes, sir. We're figuring on helping him out at the county fair.

[Mr. Catterball]

You gonna have that contraption of his on the grounds again?

[Wiley Burris]

You mean the whip?

[Henry Burris]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Catterball]

Way that thing spins around hard enough to snap man's head off. Wanted me to call it an amusement ride.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Henry. Henry, you want me to call the sheriff?

[Henry Burris]

No, it's all Right, Ma.

[Mr. Catterball]

The boys are just. What'd you say you're doing in my backyard?

[Henry Burris]

Looking for water.

[Mr. Catterball]

They're looking for water, Ma. Yeah. Well, you sure give the women folks a fright. Guess you know that.

[Wiley Burris]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Catterball]

You ate to supper yet?

[Wiley Burris]

No, sir.

[Mr. Catterball]

Well, come inside. Long as you're here, you might as well feed you.

[Mrs. Catterball]

You care for anything else, Homely?

[Wiley Burris]

No, thank you, ma'am. I'm about stuff.

[Mr. Catterball]

Ms. Cattleball, how long since you seen your Uncle Wylie?

[Henry Burris]

Oh, a couple of years.

[Mr. Catterball]

Mm. He's gained quite a bit of weight since then.

[Mrs. Catterball]

You like your coffee now, Mr. Burris?

[Henry Burris]

Yes, and that'll be fine.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Vicki, will you?

[Victoria]

Why, how many times do I have to tell you? It's Victoria. I ain't a little girl no more, am I, Mr. Burris?

[Henry Burris]

Well, I, I.

[Mrs. Catterball]

You shouldn't embarrass our guest that way, Victoria.

[Victoria]

I ain't embarrassing him anymore. And he embarrassed me. You think I'm a little girl, Mr. Burris?

[Henry Burris]

No, ma'am. I wouldn't say you was.

[Victoria]

Thank you. Now, I'll get the coffee.

[Mr. Catterball]

You gotta excuse how she acts sometimes, Wiley. She just begin to feel her oats. You know what I mean?

[Henry Burris]

Yes, sir, I reckon so.

[Mr. Catterball]

Yeah, a couple of days ago, she was threatening to enter that contest. They're going to have to find the queen of the fair.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Any reason why she shouldn't have entered it?

[Mr. Catterball]

Yes, there is reason.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Well, she's pretty as any girl in Jeffersonville. Prettier.

[Mr. Catterball]

Pretty don't have nothing to do with it.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Oh, now, Henry.

[Henry Burris]

All right, all right.

[Mr. Catterball]

You know it all. But if she'd entered it, she'd have had her heart broken.

[Mr. Merriweather]

What?

[Mr. Catterball]

Oh, it's sewed up, cut and dried. You understand, woman. It's politics, mister. Big John Merriweather's politics.

[Victoria]

Talk about something else. Here you are, Mr. Burris.

[Henry Burris]

Thank you.

[Victoria]

Why, what's everybody looking so glum about?

[Mr. Catterball]

Oh, wasn't nothing.

[Henry Burris]

We. We was talking about my uncle.

[Wiley Burris]

Fat?

[Mr. Catterball]

Yes. Yeah. You know, he used to be a really important man.

[Mrs. Catterball]

That so? What business was he in?

[Mr. Catterball]

Rain making.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Rain making?

[Wiley Burris]

Yes. He was world's champion rainmaker of the Mississippi Valley.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Well, I didn't know that.

[Henry Burris]

Oh, he don't talk about it much, Mrs. Catterball.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Oh, why not?

[Henry Burris]

Well, it's mostly because he was asked.

[Mr. Catterball]

To retire force, the way I heard it. You boys don't mind about telling the story, do you?

[Henry Burris]

No, sir. I reckon not.

[Mr. Catterball]

Well, about 15, 20 years ago, town called Willoughby up the Vicksburg was having terrible drought. So they sent for him. Well, he made it rain, all right. Yes, sir. For six days and six nights, it rained hard and steady.

[Henry Burris]

Flooded the county.

[Mr. Catterball]

Houses floated away, dams broke, and the river rose 30ft.

[Mrs. Catterball]

My gracious.

[Mr. Catterball]

Yes, it did. When it was over, the governor gave him his choice of leaving the state or putting away his rain, making stuff for good.

[Wiley Burris]

Naturally, he didn't want to leave Mississippi, so he retired.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Why, I'd never dreamed he'd led such a lie.

[Mr. Catterball]

Yeah, only a few people besides the mayor and the town council who keep sort of a check on him, know about it. So don't you women go blabbing it around.

[Mrs. Catterball]

We won't.

[Victoria]

Well, it sure explains something I've been wondering about.

[Mr. Catterball]

What's that?

[Victoria]

Why, he's important enough to have his name on that entry blank I sent in.

[Mr. Catterball]

Entry blank?

[Victoria]

Why, didn't I tell you, Pa? I'm going to be in the beauty contest tomorrow. And Mr. Fats Burrows is one of the judges.

[Wiley Burris]

Well, after the Cattleballs got through arguing about Victoria being In that contest, Mr. Cattleball cooled down long enough to invite Wiley and me to spend the night. I was sure glad he did. Cause I was pooped. But a funny thing happened. Late that night I woke up and Wiley wasn't in his bed.

[Victoria]

Wiley? You think I'm pretty enough to win that contest?

[Henry Burris]

Well, I. I never seen any of the other gals in this county. But I don't see how they could be prettier.

[Victoria]

Well, they're not. That may be one of them. But if the contest is run honest, I'll win it. I really will.

[Henry Burris]

You sure want to, don't you?

[Victoria]

I've been planning on it since I was a little girl.

[Henry Burris]

You believe it'll be run fair?

[Victoria]

Well, sure. After all, your uncle's one of the judges. You'll see that he keeps it honest, won't you?

[Henry Burris]

I sure will, Victoria.

[Victoria]

Wily. The spring makes too much noise. Let's sit on the steps.

[Wiley Burris]

We were up with the chickens, all of us victorious. Folks had to get her to the fairgrounds early. And Wiley and me wanted to get started. For the road got crowded with farmers going to the town for the doings. Soon as we hit the outskirts of Jeffersonville, we could see the posters and banners. And when we passed through the fairground gates, well, I couldn't help but get excited. The fences had all been whitewashed. And folks were leading the prize stock to the proper stalls. There was hurrying and scurrying, everybody getting set for the grand opening. Even old Uncle Fat Sleuth was setting out in front of his whip ride.

[Henry Burris]

Was wearing a coat for the occasion. Howdy, Uncle Luther.

[Narrator]

Sure took your sweet time about getting here, didn't you?

[Henry Burris]

We had some car trouble, you know.

[Narrator]

I shouldn't want a old thing like that. Gotta get a new one. Blow, homo.

[Henry Burris]

Uncle Luther had your money. I would get a new one.

[Narrator]

Boy, you sure ain't changed much.

[Henry Burris]

I see you have put on a little more weight, ain't you, Wiley?

[Narrator]

Why'd you have to be so all fired, mouthy? One of these days you're gonna talk yourself into more trouble than you're worth. Now, come on, help me up. I'll show you how to run this contract. Yes, sir. Now, there, let me take your arm.

[Wiley Burris]

What time does the fair open up, Uncle Luther?

[Narrator]

In about a half an hour.

[Henry Burris]

When's the beauty contest?

[Narrator]

Starts at 1:30. Where'd you hear about a beauty contest? Oh, we heard Contest.

[Henry Burris]

Also heard you was judging it.

[Narrator]

Is that right? I'm one of them. Now, look here. Here. This here sticks the switch. It starts and stops this thing. All you gotta do is push it over like this.

[Wiley Burris]

Looks like a pretty tame ride to me.

[Narrator]

You eat when you give it full throttle. Well, you boys can do whatever you want to till time to. Hey, howdy, fat. Morning, Mr. Merriweather.

[Uncle Luther]

Well, we got a nice day for it, didn't we?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir, sure did. Mr. Merriweather, I'd like for you to meet my two nephews, Homely and Willie Burr, please.

[Uncle Luther]

I noticed that big lever thing you got there. That the switch that starts the ride?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Uncle Luther]

Heard I'm sending my daughter over with a photographer to take a picture. See that she stands next to that thing like she's stopping it up.

[Narrator]

Yes. Yes, sir.

[Uncle Luther]

It'll be in the afternoon paper announcing she's the queen of the fair. You understand?

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. Yes, sir. Whatever you say, Mr. Merriweather.

[Uncle Luther]

All right, I'll see you. Nice seeing you, boy.

[Wiley Burris]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Burris]

Well, of all the low down, cheating, thieving, dirty stink. Now what?

[Narrator]

What's eating you, boy?

[Henry Burris]

He's got it all fixed, ain't he? It ain't no contest. It's a shoe in.

[Uncle Luther]

Is that right?

[Henry Burris]

He's got it all rigged for his daughter to win.

[Narrator]

Don't say it so loud.

[Henry Burris]

Don't say it so. Uncle Luther, what's happened to you? How can you let him tell you how to vote?

[Narrator]

Listen, boy, besides being the head of the fairgrounds committee and the mayor and owning the bank ain't Mr. Motherwell's friend.

[Henry Burris]

Of the governor who can make you jump A hollering frog.

[Narrator]

That's right. And before you decide to do any talking about that contest, you think you hear?

[Henry Burris]

Yes, sir, I hear all right.

[Narrator]

Now you help me to get up in the ticket box. Easy now. There. Good. Now get behind me and pull. Thank you, Wiley.

[Wiley Burris]

Hey, Uncle Luther. Wiley.

[Henry Burris]

Here come some folks, boy.

[Narrator]

That'll be Ms. Merriworthy and the photographer. Now, you remember Wiley.

[Henry Burris]

I remember.

[Mr. Catterball]

Remember Cyrus?

[Narrator]

Yes, ma'am. Everything set and ready for you, Ms. Maybelle. You just go along with my nephew. Is my nephew Wiley.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Oh, how do, nephew Wiley, Ms. Maybelle, photographer. Are you ready?

[Uncle Luther]

Oh, yes, ma'am.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Where should I pose?

[Narrator]

Well, you're a Paul.

[Uncle Luther]

She's for you to poke one way. You're sitting in that ride, Ms. Meriwether.

[Narrator]

Who?

[Mrs. Catterball]

In the whip, you mean?

[Uncle Luther]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Oh, all right, Lieutenant.

[Uncle Luther]

Oh, yeah, that's it. You stand by the lever like you're starting it up. Oh, that, that, that. That's fine.

[Mrs. Catterball]

All ready, everybody. Am I posed just right?

[Uncle Luther]

Oh, that's just fine, Ms. Meweather.

[Wiley Burris]

Why.

[Uncle Luther]

Now then, a hold. Hey.

[Mr. Merriweather]

Oh, I missed the bonus. You stupid. You doing Just. Just messing it up a little.

[Uncle Luther]

Hom.

[Henry Burris]

You can't fire me. I can lose that.

[Mr. Merriweather]

I quit 10 minutes ago.

[Henry Burris]

Come on home, Al.

[Mr. Merriweather]

Hey, Wy. Come back. W. Help. Somebody get me down from here. Help. Wy, you can't walk off of that thing running with Ms. Mar.

[Henry Burris]

I'm doing it, boy. And if you're coming with me, you better hurry.

[Narrator]

We will return to romance in just a moment.

Fine.

Jazz that's creating talk in every corner of the land is at hand. Every Saturday evening with CBS Radio's upbeat Saturday night program. Top jazz singers and musicians make personal appearances. Listen for jazz at its modern best on CBS Radio Saturday nights. And now for the second act of romance.

[Wiley Burris]

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. We were on our way out of the fairgrounds when we spotted Mr. Cattleball sitting under a shade tree.

[Narrator]

Hi, Wiley.

[Mr. Catterball]

Home I leave.

[Henry Burris]

What you doing sitting out here?

[Mr. Catterball]

Oh, waitin on the women folks. They're inside getting Vicki spruced up for the contest. She sure got a mind set on winning that thing.

[Wiley Burris]

Hello, boys. Ms. Catabaugh. Hi, Victoria.

[Victoria]

Oh, Malee.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Well, Victoria, say hello to Wiley.

[Henry Burris]

Wiley, you feeling all right, Vicki?

[Mr. Catterball]

You look like you got a belly ache, Henry.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Cat, I swear.

[Henry Burris]

Well, she does. She looks mighty pretty to me.

[Victoria]

Thank you, Wiley.

[Mr. Catterball]

Yeah, your ma did a good job fixing your.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Why, Henry, what on Earth's the matter with you?

[Mr. Catterball]

Bug.

[Narrator]

What?

[Mr. Catterball]

Bug. Bug flew in my mouth. Now look at that thing, will you?

[Henry Burris]

Let me see, Mr. Henry, that ain't no bug. No, no, sir. That's a caddy's fly.

[Wiley Burris]

Curious fly.

[Henry Burris]

Right there's another one.

[Mr. Catterball]

Oh, w. You don't.

[Henry Burris]

Well, it's about that time of year.

[Narrator]

Oh, master.

Glory be.

[Mr. Catterball]

What a mess they'd make of this place.

[Henry Burris]

Yeah, wouldn't they?

[Narrator]

Gist?

[Victoria]

Mom, what are they talking about?

[Mrs. Catterball]

Well, the fair Dean. What had happened to it? If a swarm of flies decided.

[Wiley Burris]

Oh, catt flies decided right here, there wouldn't be nobody left at the. Hey, there's another one and another.

[Henry Burris]

Mr. Henry, it's about two hours till the contest. Might be. You better get inside somewhere.

[Mr. Catterball]

Yeah, we'll do that. Where you boys gonna be?

[Henry Burris]

Over to Uncle Luther's.

[Wiley Burris]

Uncle Luther's?

[Henry Burris]

That's right. He might have fired me, Homer, but he's still our kin.

[Wiley Burris]

Well, Wiley was sure right about them caddisflies. Just before we reached Uncle Luther's house, a swarm of them as big as a storm cloud and just as black, came swooping down out of the sky and spread out over the whole town. Even traveling in the car like where you couldn't get away from them. Well, we finally got into the house and after slamming down the windows and chasing the flies that beat us inside, we started looking for something to eat. That's what we were doing when Uncle Luther walked in.

[Narrator]

You sure sure got your nerve, Wiley Burris. How'd you get in here?

[Henry Burris]

Through a window. You want us to leave?

[Narrator]

You're my brother's boy, so I can't put you out. But believe me, if you weren't.

[Henry Burris]

I know, I know.

[Wiley Burris]

What's happening out to the fairgrounds, Uncle Luther.

[Narrator]

What do you reckon, folks? All left. Soon as all the flies arrive, everything shut down.

[Henry Burris]

What are they gonna do about the beauty contest?

[Narrator]

Is that all you got on your mind, Wiley? They postponed it, but that ain't gonna change a thing. And don't you go gettin any ideas at mine, mister. Mother Merryweather's already so mad at me, I'm lucky I still got my ride out there.

[Wiley Burris]

You reckon those flies will be here long, Wiley?

[Henry Burris]

Oh, it's hard saying. Maybe two, three days, maybe a week. It's up to nature. And sometimes nature moves mighty slow.

[Wiley Burris]

Well, ain't there no way of getting rid of them?

[Mr. Catterball]

Nope.

[Wiley Burris]

Boy, I bet if somebody thought of one that you'd get a nice reward.

[Narrator]

Sure would. Fair grounds committee about worried sick folks didn't come to town prepared to stay all night. Most of these farmers can't afford to take more than a day off from their crops.

[Henry Burris]

You reckon that committee really give a reward if somebody could get rid of them for?

[Narrator]

What are you thinking, Wiley?

[Henry Burris]

They got an indoor place where they could hold that beauty contest?

[Narrator]

They got a auditorium, huh? Wiley, I don't like the look on your face.

[Henry Burris]

Who'd be the man to talk to just in case somebody thought he knew a way to do it?

[Narrator]

Mr. Meriwether. But you ain't.

[Wiley Burris]

Wiley. Where you going?

[Henry Burris]

To round up those gals so they can hold that contest.

[Wiley Burris]

Of course, we didn't know what Wiley had in mind, but from the way he was sort of smiling to himself, I knew whatever it was would work. Well, Uncle Luther and me ate a lunch, and then I stretched out to take a nap. Must have been a couple hours later when I woke up to hear him talking. And for the first time since I've known him, Uncle Luther was smiling.

[Narrator]

You mean to say that Merriweather said it'd be all right to do it?

[Henry Burris]

That's just what I mean. And if you don't believe me, here it is in writing, signed by him acting as mayor. Now, listen. To use any method possible to relieve this scourge of caddy's flights. You hear that? Any method possible.

[Narrator]

You are here. Yes, sir. That's good enough for me.

[Henry Burris]

And you'll do it?

[Narrator]

Yep.

[Henry Burris]

You need anything?

[Narrator]

Nope. Got everything packed away in my chest. All I gotta do is get it out.

[Henry Burris]

Okay, then. Home. Ali. Yeah?

[Wiley Burris]

While I'm away.

[Henry Burris]

Well, get on your feet, boy.

[Wiley Burris]

Where are we going?

[Henry Burris]

To crown us a beauty queen. Boy, do you ever see so many flies in all your life?

[Wiley Burris]

No, I don't ever want to again.

[Henry Burris]

Well, ain't gonna be with us much longer.

[Wiley Burris]

What makes you so sure?

[Uncle Luther]

W. You'll see.

[Narrator]

Come on. Come on.

[Henry Burris]

Run.

[Wiley Burris]

Made it.

[Henry Burris]

Boris.

[Uncle Luther]

Oh, Boris, are you ready now?

[Henry Burris]

Just about, Mr. Meweather.

[Uncle Luther]

Oh, I never thought I'd see the day that I'd be agreeing to something like this. But I've done everything you asked me to. All the contestants are waiting backstage and their families are seated in the auditorium.

[Henry Burris]

Well, now, that's just fine.

[Uncle Luther]

What about Junkle Fats? Isn't he coming?

[Henry Burris]

No, sir. He. He. He's staying at home this afternoon.

[Uncle Luther]

Of course, you know I'm not going to start this contest till you've shown me you can get rid of them flies.

[Henry Burris]

Yes, sir. I know.

[Narrator]

What is it, Burris?

[Uncle Luther]

You got some new insecticide something? Maybe you learned from the army?

[Henry Burris]

No, sir. I wouldn't say it was that exactly.

[Uncle Luther]

Well, whatever it is, I hope it works.

[Henry Burris]

It will.

[Uncle Luther]

When's it supposed to start?

[Henry Burris]

Almost any time now. Maybe if we stepped over to the window, we might be able. Able to see it start.

[Narrator]

See?

[Uncle Luther]

It's gotten dark all of a sudden.

[Henry Burris]

Yes, sir, I guess it has.

[Wiley Burris]

But the flies are still there.

[Henry Burris]

They won't be there long.

[Uncle Luther]

You keep saying that, but I don't see nothing happening.

[Wiley Burris]

W. What are you.

[Henry Burris]

Now, wait a minute, Homer. It should be. Should be right now.

[Uncle Luther]

Wait. Day in the morning. It's starting to rain.

[Henry Burris]

Yes, sir. That's it.

[Uncle Luther]

Oh, I might just as well call the fair off for this year. Nobody'll come in the rain.

[Narrator]

Why did this burrez.

[Mr. Catterball]

What did you say?

[Henry Burris]

I said that was it the rain?

[Mr. Merriweather]

What you mean? You got it.

[Mrs. Catterball]

Facts.

[Uncle Luther]

That fat uncle of yours, that's who did it, didn't he? You got into conjuring up the rain, ain't that right? Admitted. Now, Mr. Merriworthy, don't you. Merriweather needs. You realize he ain't able to stop it once it starts.

[Narrator]

You know what that means?

[Uncle Luther]

I'll have to close down the fairgrounds. Folks will have to get out their boats. Why have they raided for days and days? But, mister.

[Henry Burris]

Don't tell him.

[Uncle Luther]

Forget about that beauty contest, you hear? It's all.

[Henry Burris]

You can't do that, Mr. Merrillweather. You gotta keep your part of the bargain.

[Mr. Merriweather]

Bargain?

[Henry Burris]

Yes, sir. And you put it in writing. You said to use any means possible to get rid of the flies. And woke whoever heard of flies flying around in the rain?

[Wiley Burris]

Well, Mr. Merriweather kept on screaming, ranting and raving, but there wasn't nothing he could do. So finally they held a contest. And naturally, because she was the prettiest and because Wiley had made the deal with Mr. Merriweather that the audience would pick the Queen. Victoria won. Well, it stopped raining a couple of weeks later. And a week after that, when the roads were passable again, Wy and me went on down to New Orleans. Uncle Luther had to go with us too. Cause the governor of Mississippi, he banished him from the state.

[Narrator]

Romance is produced and directed by Anthony Ellis. Today's story was written by Charles B. Smith, starred in Cattle's Fly, where Sam Edwards and Victor Perrin. Others in the cast were Gloria Grant, Helen Kleeb, Will Wright, John Dana, Sammy Hill and Joe Kearns. Musical supervision by Jerry Goldsmith. This is Larry Thor inviting you to hear Romance transcribed next week at this same. Stay tuned for Gun Smoke which follows immediately over most of these same stations.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook join in the conversation by going to otrwesterns.Com Discord and don't forget to send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and again, thanks for listening.