Podcast Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rines
Episode Title: The Chase | Frontier Town (1949)
Release Date: November 25, 2024

Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines transports listeners back to 1949 with the enthralling radio drama, "Frontier Town: The Chase." This episode delves into the rugged landscape of the Wild West, weaving a tale of betrayal, pursuit, and redemption. Through rich storytelling and stellar performances, Rines preserves the essence of classic Western radio dramas while enhancing the audio quality for modern audiences.

Plot Overview

"Frontier Town: The Chase" centers around the intertwined lives of Nesbitt, a frontier town lawyer with a knack for troubleshooting, Tex Cleaver, a cunning and desperate outlaw, and Cherokee O'Bannon, an ex-medicine man seeking peace. The narrative unfolds in the dusty streets of Dos Rios, a typical frontier town fraught with tension and hidden agendas.

Key Characters

• Nesbitt: The protagonist, a lawyer whose occupation involves more than legal matters. He is portrayed as pragmatic and resourceful.
  Notable Quote:
  Nesbitt [07:02]: "How did you get out, Tex? Last I heard of you, they give you 10 years."

• Tex Cleaver: An old comrade of Nesbitt, now an escaped convict desperate to claim stolen money.
  Notable Quote:
  Tex Cleaver [07:06]: "Well, I'll tell you, Bat, I didn't like their grub, so I had my butler pack my bags and I left their crummy old jail."

• Cherokee O'Bannon: An ex-medicine man who assists Nesbitt in dealing with the chaos unleashed by Tex.
  Notable Quote:
  Cherokee O'Bannon [11:13]: "In other words, now that you've ruined her life, you've relented and you want to see that she has the map so that she can get the money back and prove that she had nothing."

• Blanche McCarty: The purported cashier involved in the original heist, whose innocence is later questioned.
  Notable Quote:
  Blanche McCarty [21:14]: "I thought I recognized that boy. Ain't you Nesbitt from down in Stampede?"

Detailed Summary

The Opening Conflict

The episode kicks off with Nesbitt learning that his old associate, Cimran Whitey, a notorious desperado, is nearing death in the Archuleta County Jail. Whitey has been laboriously drawing a map believed to lead to $80,000 he stole from a gambling hall in Bonanza Town. His cellmate, Tex Cleaver, expresses skepticism about the map's authenticity and hints at potential betrayal.

Notable Quote:
Tex Cleaver [05:10]: "What's that you got there, Whitey? You've been working on that thing most all day."

Tex's Escape and Deception

Tex reveals he has escaped custody, intending to use the map to claim the hidden loot. He confronts Nesbitt, hoping to enlist his help, but Nesbitt remains wary. Despite Tex's promises of a lucrative partnership, Nesbitt is distrustful, leading to a tense standoff.

Notable Quote:
Nesbitt [07:02]: "How did you get out, Tex? Last I heard of you, they give you 10 years."

Alliance with Cherokee O'Bannon

Recognizing the grave threat Tex poses, Nesbitt enlists the help of Cherokee O'Bannon. Together, they devise a plan to track down Tex and secure the map before disaster strikes. Their pursuit leads them through perilous terrains, highlighting themes of loyalty and survival.

Notable Quote:
Cherokee O'Bannon [12:26]: "But as a man, I'm telling you that Cherokee and I are going to find Tex Cleaver's trail and with your help, run him to earth before he."

Climactic Confrontations

As Nesbitt and Cherokee inch closer to the truth, they encounter multiple obstacles, including betrayals and flashbacks to past events that shed light on Whitey's motivations. The tension escalates when Tex attempts to manipulate the situation to his advantage, leading to gunfights and narrow escapes.

Notable Quote:
Nesbitt [09:33]: "We'll all have enough money to be on. You think he's got that map, Nesbitt? I don't know that. But you're going to find out. Huh? I'm going to find out."

Resolution and Redemption

The pursuit culminates in a dramatic showdown where past grievances are addressed, and true intentions are unveiled. Blanche McCarty emerges as a pivotal character, her innocence contested, and the moral ambiguities of the frontier life come to the fore. Ultimately, justice prevails as the characters reconcile their differences, and the hidden treasure's fate is sealed.

Notable Quote:
Blanche McCarty [27:54]: "I won't. I've run up against your medicine men before. No, I've lived my life. Can't change it now. But there's a lot of folks around Stampede who could use that money. Maybe I'll see that they get it."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nesbitt [07:02]: "How did you get out, Tex? Last I heard of you, they give you 10 years."
• Tex Cleaver [07:06]: "Well, I'll tell you, Bat, I didn't like their grub, so I had my butler pack my bags and I left their crummy old jail."
• Cherokee O'Bannon [11:13]: "In other words, now that you've ruined her life, you've relented and you want to see that she has the map so that she can get the money back and prove that she had nothing."
• Blanche McCarty [21:14]: "I thought I recognized that boy. Ain't you Nesbitt from down in Stampede?"
• Cherokee O'Bannon [12:26]: "But as a man, I'm telling you that Cherokee and I are going to find Tex Cleaver's trail and with your help, run him to earth before he."
• Nesbitt [09:33]: "We'll all have enough money to be on. You think he's got that map, Nesbitt? I don't know that. But you're going to find out. Huh? I'm going to find out."
• Blanche McCarty [27:54]: "I won't. I've run up against your medicine men before. No, I've lived my life. Can't change it now. But there's a lot of folks around Stampede who could use that money. Maybe I'll see that they get it."

Insights and Themes

"The Chase" weaves several enduring themes characteristic of Western dramas:

• Betrayal and Trust: Tex's deceit versus Nesbitt's cautious nature highlights the fragile trust in frontier societies.
• Redemption: Characters like Nesbitt and Cherokee seek redemption through their actions, striving to rectify past wrongs.
• Morality amidst Lawlessness: The episode explores the grey areas of morality, where lawmen and outlaws alike navigate ethical dilemmas.
• Survival and Loyalty: The harsh realities of frontier life test the characters' loyalty and ability to survive against all odds.

Conclusion

Andrew Rines' meticulous digital restoration breathes new life into "Frontier Town: The Chase," offering both nostalgia and fresh clarity to classic Western enthusiasts and new listeners alike. The episode stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Western tales, combining compelling narratives with rich audio landscapes that capture the essence of the Wild West.

For those who haven't yet embarked on this auditory journey, "The Chase" promises an immersive experience filled with action, intrigue, and the rugged charm that defines Old Time Radio Westerns.

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