Old Time Radio Westerns — "The Deacon" with Dale Evans | All Star Western Theatre (05-03-47)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Air Date: February 9, 2026 (original radio broadcast: May 3, 1947)
Episode Title: The Deacon with Dale Evans
Featured Guests: Dale Evans, Foy Willing, Riders of the Purple Sage

Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners back to the golden age of Western radio drama, presenting a digitally restored classic: All Star Western Theatre’s “The Deacon,” originally aired in 1947. The episode shines a spotlight on beloved Western actress and singer Dale Evans, who joins Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage for a tale of courage, compassion, and community justice on the Western frontier. Music, humor, and heartfelt moments weave through a story involving sick cattle, displaced ranch families, a mysterious epidemic, and the revelation of a greedy villain.

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Musical Introduction & Setting the Stage ([01:17]–[06:12])

Opening Song: “Riding Down the Santa Fe” performed by Foy Willing and the Riders.
Sponsor Plug: Light, period-style advertising for Weber’s Bread sets the postwar, Americana stage.
Dale Evans Introduced: Narrator builds Dale’s reputation as the ideal Western woman—glamorous and good-hearted.

2. The Story Begins: Trail to the Rodeo ([06:12]–[10:44])

Narrative Context: The group heads to town for the rodeo, where Dale is to be crowned queen. Banter among the cowboys showcases their camaraderie and humor.
Notable Moment (Humor):
- “Say, did you know Johnny was going to be President of the United States?” — Johnny Paul (08:45)
Dale’s Mission: Dale asks the boys to join her in visiting a sick girl on a nearby ranch, highlighting her compassionate character.

3. A Family in Trouble & The Unfriendly Deacon ([10:44]–[13:05])

Encounter at the Ranch: They arrive at the Ellis ranch only to be met by Deacon Haycraft, an unfriendly and evasive newcomer.
- “In my part of the country people don’t meddle. Good day to you.” — Deacon Haycraft (11:49)
Ellis Family Evicted: The group learns the Ellis family, whose child is ill, has been kicked off the land due to missed payments.

4. A Mystery Illness and the Suspicious Deacon ([13:05]–[15:40])

Neighbor’s Explanation: Eddie Kirk reveals an epidemic is killing cattle in a narrow, specific region; broke ranchers are being forced to sell, with Deacon always buying the land.
- “As quick as a rancher has to sell out, he goes straight to the Deacon and the Deacon buys his land.” — Eddie Kirk (14:07)
Speculation: The crew suspects a scheme, citing a similar event in Utah where land lost its value due to “mysterious” sickness—only to bounce back in value after being resold.

5. Uncovering the Plot ([15:40]–[18:26])

Plan to Expose the Deacon: Dale and the cowboys set a trap, letting it be known Dale intends to expose the cause of the epidemic at the rodeo.
Deacon Confronted:
- “A woman’s got no right interfering in a man’s business. Really, I don’t like it one bit.” — Deacon Haycraft (17:16)
- Dale coolly stands her ground, refusing to be intimidated by bribery or threats.

6. Justice Served ([18:26]–[20:31])

Deacon’s Crime Revealed: It’s revealed the Deacon poisoned the water to drive down land value before the arrival of the railroad, planning to profit off desperate ranchers.
- “How much do you want to keep still about your putting poison in the water the cattle drink?” — Dale Evans (18:16)
Action Sequence: Tension resolves as the Deacon attempts to flee, but is stopped by the quick-acting cowboys.

7. Restoration & Community ([20:31]–[21:32])

Restitution: The Ellis family is returned to their ranch. Dale’s generosity with her own money ensures the sick child gets treatment, and optimism returns.
- “I know the little girl’s got a chance of getting better now. Well, it makes me choke up all the way along my neck.” — Johnny Paul (20:35)
Celebration: Dale invites the boys as guests of honor to the rodeo barbecue.

8. Closing Songs & Farewell ([21:32]–[27:06])

Duet: Dale Evans and Foy Willing perform “Walking My Baby Back Home,” bringing warmth and playfulness.
Showcase Song: “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” by the Riders of the Purple Sage.
Instrumental: Fiddle rendition of “Back Home Again in Indiana” as a nostalgic finisher.

9. Outro and Goodbyes ([27:06]–end)

Grateful Farewells: The cast expresses heartfelt thanks to Dale Evans and listeners.
Encouragement to Watch: Dale plugs her latest movie, “Bells of San Angelo.”
- “I’ll bet there’s not a person who heard you today who won’t go and see that latest picture of yours, Bells of San Angelo.” — Foy Willing (23:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

(08:45) Johnny Paul (joking): “Say, did you know Johnny was going to be President of the United States?”
(11:49) Deacon Haycraft: “In my part of the country people don’t meddle. Good day to you.”
(14:07) Eddie Kirk: “As quick as a rancher has to sell out, he goes straight to the Deacon…”
(17:16) Deacon Haycraft: “A woman’s got no right interfering in a man’s business. Really, I don’t like it one bit.”
(18:16) Dale Evans: “How much do you want to keep still about your putting poison in the water the cattle drink?”
(20:35) Johnny Paul: “It makes me choke up all the way along my neck.”
(23:27) Foy Willing to Dale Evans: “You were just swell.”
(26:06) Dale Evans (singing): “Walking my baby back home…”
(27:06–29:06) “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” performed by the Riders of the Purple Sage.
(29:06–29:57) Fiddle solo: “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Time | |--------------------|-----------| | Sponsor/Intro | 00:00–00:58 | | Show Begins (Music) | 01:17–03:01 | | Dale Evans Introduced | 06:12 | | Deacon Encounter | 10:44–11:44 | | Epidemic Revealed | 13:05–14:07 | | Suspicion & Plan | 15:04–17:16 | | Confrontation | 17:16–18:26 | | Justice/Resolution | 18:26–20:31 | | Musical Farewell | 23:17–27:06 | | Closing/Goodbyes | 27:06–31:42 |

Tone, Style, and Atmosphere

The episode is a heartwarming blend of Western camaraderie, good-natured ribbing, and true community spirit. It’s filled with music, humor, and justice—delivered in a straightforward, period-authentic style. The interplay between Dale Evans and her cowboy companions is friendly and full of mutual respect, and the story is driven by a classic battle of good versus opportunistic evil.

For New Listeners

This episode is a quintessential example of golden-age radio Westerns, skillfully blending humor, moral lessons, community action, and music into a single, brisk episode. Dale Evans is at her wholesome, wise, and brave best, balancing entertainment with earnestness. The episode’s restoration brings these timeless performances into clear focus, making for an irresistible listen for fans of classic Americana and vintage radio drama.

Old Time Radio Westerns — "The Deacon" with Dale Evans | All Star Western Theatre (05-03-47)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Musical Introduction & Setting the Stage ([01:17]–[06:12])

Opening Song: “Riding Down the Santa Fe” performed by Foy Willing and the Riders.
Sponsor Plug: Light, period-style advertising for Weber’s Bread sets the postwar, Americana stage.
Dale Evans Introduced: Narrator builds Dale’s reputation as the ideal Western woman—glamorous and good-hearted.

2. The Story Begins: Trail to the Rodeo ([06:12]–[10:44])

Narrative Context: The group heads to town for the rodeo, where Dale is to be crowned queen. Banter among the cowboys showcases their camaraderie and humor.
Notable Moment (Humor):
- “Say, did you know Johnny was going to be President of the United States?” — Johnny Paul (08:45)
Dale’s Mission: Dale asks the boys to join her in visiting a sick girl on a nearby ranch, highlighting her compassionate character.

3. A Family in Trouble & The Unfriendly Deacon ([10:44]–[13:05])

Encounter at the Ranch: They arrive at the Ellis ranch only to be met by Deacon Haycraft, an unfriendly and evasive newcomer.
- “In my part of the country people don’t meddle. Good day to you.” — Deacon Haycraft (11:49)
Ellis Family Evicted: The group learns the Ellis family, whose child is ill, has been kicked off the land due to missed payments.

4. A Mystery Illness and the Suspicious Deacon ([13:05]–[15:40])

Neighbor’s Explanation: Eddie Kirk reveals an epidemic is killing cattle in a narrow, specific region; broke ranchers are being forced to sell, with Deacon always buying the land.
- “As quick as a rancher has to sell out, he goes straight to the Deacon and the Deacon buys his land.” — Eddie Kirk (14:07)
Speculation: The crew suspects a scheme, citing a similar event in Utah where land lost its value due to “mysterious” sickness—only to bounce back in value after being resold.

5. Uncovering the Plot ([15:40]–[18:26])

Plan to Expose the Deacon: Dale and the cowboys set a trap, letting it be known Dale intends to expose the cause of the epidemic at the rodeo.
Deacon Confronted:
- “A woman’s got no right interfering in a man’s business. Really, I don’t like it one bit.” — Deacon Haycraft (17:16)
- Dale coolly stands her ground, refusing to be intimidated by bribery or threats.

6. Justice Served ([18:26]–[20:31])

Deacon’s Crime Revealed: It’s revealed the Deacon poisoned the water to drive down land value before the arrival of the railroad, planning to profit off desperate ranchers.
- “How much do you want to keep still about your putting poison in the water the cattle drink?” — Dale Evans (18:16)
Action Sequence: Tension resolves as the Deacon attempts to flee, but is stopped by the quick-acting cowboys.

7. Restoration & Community ([20:31]–[21:32])

Restitution: The Ellis family is returned to their ranch. Dale’s generosity with her own money ensures the sick child gets treatment, and optimism returns.
- “I know the little girl’s got a chance of getting better now. Well, it makes me choke up all the way along my neck.” — Johnny Paul (20:35)
Celebration: Dale invites the boys as guests of honor to the rodeo barbecue.

8. Closing Songs & Farewell ([21:32]–[27:06])

Duet: Dale Evans and Foy Willing perform “Walking My Baby Back Home,” bringing warmth and playfulness.
Showcase Song: “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” by the Riders of the Purple Sage.
Instrumental: Fiddle rendition of “Back Home Again in Indiana” as a nostalgic finisher.

9. Outro and Goodbyes ([27:06]–end)

Grateful Farewells: The cast expresses heartfelt thanks to Dale Evans and listeners.
Encouragement to Watch: Dale plugs her latest movie, “Bells of San Angelo.”
- “I’ll bet there’s not a person who heard you today who won’t go and see that latest picture of yours, Bells of San Angelo.” — Foy Willing (23:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

(08:45) Johnny Paul (joking): “Say, did you know Johnny was going to be President of the United States?”
(11:49) Deacon Haycraft: “In my part of the country people don’t meddle. Good day to you.”
(14:07) Eddie Kirk: “As quick as a rancher has to sell out, he goes straight to the Deacon…”
(17:16) Deacon Haycraft: “A woman’s got no right interfering in a man’s business. Really, I don’t like it one bit.”
(18:16) Dale Evans: “How much do you want to keep still about your putting poison in the water the cattle drink?”
(20:35) Johnny Paul: “It makes me choke up all the way along my neck.”
(23:27) Foy Willing to Dale Evans: “You were just swell.”
(26:06) Dale Evans (singing): “Walking my baby back home…”
(27:06–29:06) “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” performed by the Riders of the Purple Sage.
(29:06–29:57) Fiddle solo: “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

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The Deacon with Dale Evans | All Star Western Theatre (05-03-47)

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Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns — "The Deacon" with Dale Evans | All Star Western Theatre (05-03-47)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Musical Introduction & Setting the Stage ([01:17]–[06:12])

2. The Story Begins: Trail to the Rodeo ([06:12]–[10:44])

3. A Family in Trouble & The Unfriendly Deacon ([10:44]–[13:05])

4. A Mystery Illness and the Suspicious Deacon ([13:05]–[15:40])

5. Uncovering the Plot ([15:40]–[18:26])

6. Justice Served ([18:26]–[20:31])

7. Restoration & Community ([20:31]–[21:32])

8. Closing Songs & Farewell ([21:32]–[27:06])

9. Outro and Goodbyes ([27:06]–end)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone, Style, and Atmosphere

For New Listeners

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns — "The Deacon" with Dale Evans | All Star Western Theatre (05-03-47)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Musical Introduction & Setting the Stage ([01:17]–[06:12])

2. The Story Begins: Trail to the Rodeo ([06:12]–[10:44])

3. A Family in Trouble & The Unfriendly Deacon ([10:44]–[13:05])

4. A Mystery Illness and the Suspicious Deacon ([13:05]–[15:40])

5. Uncovering the Plot ([15:40]–[18:26])

6. Justice Served ([18:26]–[20:31])

7. Restoration & Community ([20:31]–[21:32])

8. Closing Songs & Farewell ([21:32]–[27:06])

9. Outro and Goodbyes ([27:06]–end)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone, Style, and Atmosphere

For New Listeners