The Death of the Blazing Sun | Lightning Jim (1952)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Death of the Blazing Sun | Lightning Jim (1952)"

Introduction In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents "The Death of the Blazing Sun," an enthralling episode from the 1952 series featuring the legendary marshal, Lightning Jim Whipple. This digitally restored classic Western radio drama immerses listeners in the rugged landscapes and intense confrontations of the Wild West, enhanced with rich and clear audio that brings every creak, gunshot, and heartfelt dialogue to life.

Characters

• Lightning Jim Whipple: A formidable United States marshal known for maintaining law and order in the Wild West.
• Whitey Larson: Lightning Jim’s loyal deputy, steadfast and brave.
• Chief Big Eagle: Leader of one Native American tribe, striving for peace and prosperity.
• Chief Red Fox: Another tribal leader whose actions threaten to incite war.
• Craft and Branton: Two white men and traitors aiming to provoke conflict between the tribes for their own gain.

Plot Overview The episode unfolds with Craft and Branton plotting to incite a war between Chief Big Eagle and Chief Red Fox by supplying weapons to one side. Their deceit threatens the fragile peace, prompting the esteemed marshal Lightning Jim and his deputy Whitey Larson to pursue them relentlessly. The narrative weaves through tense chases, strategic confrontations, and heartfelt negotiations, culminating in a dramatic resolution that restores harmony among the tribes and brings the traitors to justice.

Detailed Summary

1. The Traitors’ Scheme ([00:55] – [05:00])

   • Craft and Branton meet in Chief Red Fox’s camp, revealing their plan to supply weapons and ammunition to Chief Big Eagle’s tribe. They aim to manipulate both tribes into conflict, facilitating their illicit trade.
   • Quote: Branton asserts, “We’re your friends. That’s why we’re warning you.” ([02:30])

2. Lightning Jim’s Pursuit ([05:01] – [15:00])

   • Upon learning of the treachery, Lightning Jim and Whitey Larson mount a pursuit. Craft and Branton attempt to evade capture by crossing rivers and navigating treacherous terrain.
   • A gripping chase ensues, highlighting the marshals' determination and the outlaws' desperation.
   • Quote: Whitey Larson declares, “I can hardly lift my eye.” ([10:45])

3. The Indian Burial Ground ([15:01] – [25:00])

   • Craft and Branton enter an Indian burial ground, a sacred and dangerous area, hoping to lose the marshals. Lightning Jim and Whitey follow, leading to a perilous standoff.
   • The outlaws are captured and subjected to the brutal punishment of hanging by rawhide, symbolizing their grim fate.
   • Quote: Lightning Jim solemnly warns, “You shall not leave alive.” ([18:20])

4. Escape and Redemption ([25:01] – [30:59])

   • Defiantly, Lightning Jim manages a daring escape by cutting the rawhide prison, pulling Whitey to safety. Their miraculous survival underscores their resilience and dedication to justice.
   • They rush back to Chief Red Fox’s camp to prevent Craft and Branton from initiating the war.
   • Quote: Lightning Jim commands, “Come on boy. Come on there.” ([22:10])

5. Resolution and Peace ([31:00] – [45:00])

   • Lightning Jim facilitates a peace谈 between Chief Big Eagle and Chief Red Fox, unveiling the truth behind the traitors' deceit.
   • The two chiefs reconcile, recognizing the manipulative intentions of Craft and Branton, and agree to maintain peace.
   • The marshals’ heroism not only thwarts the immediate threat but also strengthens the bond between the Native American tribes and the lawmen.
   • Quote: Chief Big Eagle expresses gratitude, “Great white father want Indians be happy.” ([40:15])

6. Final Confrontation and Justice ([45:01] – [50:00])

   • Craft and Branton, believing the marshals were killed, attempt to proceed with their plans but are eventually apprehended, ensuring that justice prevails.
   • Lightning Jim’s unwavering commitment exemplifies the true spirit of the Western marshal, dedicated to peace and order.

Themes and Insights "The Death of the Blazing Sun" delves into themes of loyalty, justice, and the quest for peace amidst deceit and conflict. The episode highlights the challenges of maintaining harmony in a lawless frontier and the moral dilemmas faced by those upholding the law. Lightning Jim’s character embodies integrity and resilience, serving as a beacon of hope and justice in turbulent times.

Notable Quotes

• Branton: “We’re your friends. That’s why we’re warning you.” ([02:30])
• Whitey Larson: “I can hardly lift my eye.” ([10:45])
• Lightning Jim: “You shall not leave alive.” ([18:20])
• Lightning Jim: “Come on boy. Come on there.” ([22:10])
• Chief Big Eagle: “Great white father want Indians be happy.” ([40:15])

Conclusion Andrew Rhynes delivers a captivating rendition of "The Death of the Blazing Sun," preserving the essence of classic Western radio dramas while enhancing the listener's experience through meticulous digital restoration. This episode not only entertains with its dramatic narrative and rich character portrayals but also offers a window into the moral complexities of the Wild West. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Old Time Radio Westerns, this episode promises a riveting journey through honor, betrayal, and redemption in the untamed frontier.

Transcript

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[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 Lightning Jim. Originally aired in 1952 and the title is the Death of the Blazing Sun. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy.

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It. And now for the adventures of Lightning Jim. In the camp of Chief Big Eagles deep in uncharted Indian territory, two sassy faced white men are discussing with the chief a method they have brought. Keith Big Eagle is talking. Not one or more this Big Eagle's children must happy. Good hunting, good crops. Chief Big Eagle not one of war. It's Big Eagle. Brandon and me just came from Chief Red Fox's camp. He's fixing to go on the war path again. We're your friends. That's why we're warning you. Yeah, who Moon Fast George. He wants to surprise you. Yeah, make you think he's your friend and then ride down on you and cut your brace to pieces. Well, we heard him say that he'd wipe your land better. He's gonna kill you and all your braves and take your squad. Chief Eagle want them too. No one fight. But if she Red Fox want him fight me. Hear him. That's the ticket. You gotta protect yourself from this wall. That's why we're gonna send you guns and ammunition. Because we like you and we want to see you beat Chief Red Fox. Chief Red Fox have run through. Don't you see that you can get in easy. His braves are only going to have bows and arrows. But yours will have guns. You know, sell them guns to teach Red Box. No, he gets their guns to you. We're your friends. These Big Eagle. Please. We're your friends. A few hours later, Fast and Branson are in the camp of Chief Red Fox. He just comes from Chief Big. We get a chance said Red Fox. We heard him mention Powell to send a war party here. You see eagles, my friend. We smoke, cease fighters. They lied to us. We hear them say that he put us no good. He wants to land in your squaws. He's thinking a lie to keep Red Box Big Eagle guy. Where are we? Just be we don't like Big Eagle neither. That's why we gassed over here so we can sell your guns and ammunition. You no sell Keith Big Eagle guns? No, we wouldn't sell them no guns. We're your friends, Keith Red Fox. We're your friends. Early in the days of empire building, the United States government recognizing the dangers involved to the Indians themselves as well as to the pioneers, for bad the sale of either whiskey or rifles to the Indians. It was thus that the United States marshals, those men who practically single handed worked unceasingly to keep law and order between the hot tempered savages, did much of the good work which saw its reward in better relations between the white and red men. Lightning Jim Whipple, whose very name brought a sense of security to the settlers and fear into the heart of the law breaking traders was one of these marshals. Word of the treachery of Craft and Branton reached Lightning. And soon astride his powerful black horse, Thunder, the famous marshal with his deputy Whitey Larson, was on the trail of the traitors. A trail which would end only when the lawbreakers would be brought to justice. And now we find Trash and Branton hurrying back to Kelseyville for the guns and ammunition which they hope to tell the Indians in the war they themselves had started. Everything's working out just like we planned, Franklin. Yes. All we got to do now is deliver the guns and ammunition and get paid. Yeah. Then lights out the state or the marshals get after. Yeah. We can't light out any too soon. To keep me lightly dimmed territory. I don't want that hombre on my tail. Not for all the gold the ninja's got. Don't worry, we got money. Crap. Look. Look down there. Two horsemen way down there on the trail. Yeah, that one on the big black horse. That's right than him. Yeah. Marshals must have followed us in. Chief Big Eagle Camp. We gotta get out of here, Porto. Let's cross the river in the air and then ride back the other way. Wait. Fishermen. No sense in just running. Sooner or later the marshals will catch up with us. Well, we can't just stand here and get caught. We'll walk our horses in a steam away. Good idea. That'll Give me a tip. Which way we going? Upstream or down? Come on down. There's an army post upstream. Come on, let's go. Guys like to see that sunshine. Lightning J follow our tail. Now he look at me. He tailored and pray that he flew us. He must have caught her. Let's go close, buddy. Come on, Thunder. Come on boy. Come on there. Careful they didn't cross. My they don't show on this side. Well, they must have walked into the stream then so we couldn't sail them. Yeah, that's what they did all right. Oh, but we don't know whether they went off stream. Yeah, they wouldn't go upstream. No, there's an army post up away. I'll ride downstream on the other side. And we ride down on this side. We got to get out of this river sooner or later. When they do, they leave us there. And here it is. I Thunder. Let's go. Thunder leading their plane. Yeah, but there's something happened right over here. Hook Prince is all jumbled up. Wait. You better take a close look. Alright. We got off the horses yet? We'll see. What you first said may stay as long as they kept on going. Yeah, but they didn't keep going again. But that's the hoop print. The horses kept going but they didn't try to cover the tail. But they left one who print there. You think they said? Yes, but let's divorce it. Yeah, let's soon find out. You'll bet you they did. There's a weed with a stalk freshly broken in here. A couple of feet further is a stone out of place you can see, but a fresh skirt underneath. You didn't care how they're putting rocks up there. Right eye up your horse, buddy. Where we going? We're going up into them rocks on foot. Well, I guess we can take it easy now. Yeah. Now all we gotta do is cut across to Chelsea Hill and drop the plain lay of Arizona. Yeah, here's two guys that Lightning Tim never caught up with. Wait. Don't go that way. Why not go this way? That's the Indian chief burial ground there. If they get caught there by an Injun, that's Washington suit. Yeah. I heard stories of what they do to white men caught there. Well steer clear of that place. Hey, what's the claiming at Rockford? I just want to take a last look around. No harm in plain faith. Yeah, I guess you're all in natural. What you see, I'd rather be down the tail coming up this way. It's not the marshal Lightning in On his death. Devils. That's what they are. Devils. Not men. Can't get away from them. We can't get away. Is it easy Granting eight way down here. Come on. Come on. Let's get moving. Just a minute. Ain't got us yet. Come on. Let's get through that burial ground. The engine burial ground? But if the engine. We got to take a chance. We leave a trail into that burial ground and the marshals will follow it. Then we'll hurry over to Big Eagles camp and tell him we saw white men go in the burial ground. Then the angels will come and get the marshals. All right, then we hurry. Send them engines back here just in time to catch Lightning Jim and his deputy. Let's go. Lightning Jim may be one of the best killers in the West. But here's one time he's going to save his self right into trouble. Keep going, Weddy. You're closing in on them. Sure. I hope so. By Galley. You know Latin. You stole it for? Hey, yeah, Galley. You know the same things. I don't see like him. What did he know? Well, for one thing, the sail's plain as day now. He ain't trying to hide it no more. But here's another thing. And Pax heads straight for that Indian chief burial ground. Yeah, they'd have grown nervous. No white men ever got orchard in her life. Yes, from the stories I heard, I guess no white man ever wanted to go in there. No, I don't mean them. That's enough. You mean them? I mean that them two players went in there and we're following them. Come on. It's not the dangerous places in the world if you're a humanistic morsel, you know, at least till you get into them all. You know whether you wouldn't take your job for any other job in the world. Oh, maybe not. If you're on Camp Lightning. I think I'd be better off punching cost. Hey, wait is see that mound over there? No, that's Nimbin grave. Oh, dear. Now look at all them beaks. Them things at the pink on the top. That's where the berries are dead. With all their belongings and gifts with them. You know, don't you, buddy? He ain't got a chance. All around us. You cheat the eagles. We meant no harm, Chief. It was trailing outlaws. You have come into place where spirit of all great sheep live. You shall not leave a lie. But listen. Chiefly, we're trying to help you. I tell you, Sarah is trying to start an Indian war between you and Chief Red buck Eagle men tell them gun. They start in this war. Saw the king. Tell your son your brains will be killed. United States marshal Great thy father be angry with. Keith Be eagles. Yeah. Indian law. Any pale face, he Indian. Keith grave make them bad medicine. Must make heliogramus to make good medicine. Helio Thomas. What's that? It means death of the blazing sun. You can do that? You can't do it, I tell you. You. Message to the spirits. They're apologizing because tail faces came here. They're promising the spirits to get revenge. Y. But they bleach your hiding. Therefore, the death is a blazing song. What's that mat? Well, I heard some scouts talk about it, but I didn't think the Indians ever. Well, I guess you're going to find out anyhow, whitey. They hang you over the edge of that. These rawhide? Yeah, but not for the neck. Tie the rawhide around your waist and let you hang there. Stick to the waist. You can climb up it and put knives in your back. Knives to cut the row hide. You're very detective. Or have you fallen? Yeah. With the sun beating down on you and being respected from the rock behind. It's like being in a furnace. And when you can't stand it no more. Yeah, that's it. That's the death of the blazing sun. The death of the blazing sun. A lingering, excruciating death comparable only to being slowly roasted alive. One of the most horrible tortures conceived by the vengeful minds of the savages. Can the marshals escape from it? Listen to part two, which follows immediately. And now for part two of the Adventures of Lightning Gym. The two marshals were hung over the precious by greased rawhide tied around their waist. Their hands were loosened and knives were placed in their belts so that they might commit suicide by cutting the rawhide. When the heat became unbearable, then the Indians departed, leaving the two marshals hanging half naked in the sun, about 6ft apart and hundreds of feet above the sharp, ugly rocks below. I can't climb this raw highway. Our only chance is to holler for help. It's like wagger. It's just like being roasted alive. Yeah, I know. Let's hollow at it all together. Nobody ever comes to here except any Indian. You got to try it, buddy. You got to try every chance. Come on. Holla. Hello? Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. It's done. It's done. Me. It can't stand it no more. Easy, buddy. We gotta hold out as long as we can. Something may happen. I Can't stand it. I can't stand it like this. You can't? I'm going to cut the whole hide. Why you can't do that. Why? Do you know why you can't stand it too long? You might as well end it now. Whitey. Wadi. There must be some way out. We want men to die here like this. Out there we got a whole lot. A whole lot. As long as it's killed. I could only reach the wall of the pit. Maybe I could cut. Not at anything. Why did it? Why did it? I got an idea. Whitey. Whitey, hold on. Hold on, Whitey. I got me an idea to make it out of the chest. What you going to do? I'm going to cut lots in this rawhide. Cut right through the center a long way without spotting the rawhide. And then it can maybe get a grip in the rawhide and hold myself up. But you see, making speak if your legs shift and it crosses all heads. I'm going to take that chance. It's our only chance. I only need three or four plus Menneken. Get to the top. Yeah. I cut one. Why is it I cut one? Can you finish me? Don't forget what it hit me. I'll be careful. I'll get this one. Yeah. Ready? You still got your knife? You cut the last yide. Oh, I try, Matthew. I try. I can't do it like this. I can hardly lift my eye. Again. Let it. But don't drop that knife. It's her only chance. Try again, Whitey. You. You got to do it. I can't. Lighten. I can't. I tried. Lightning. Lightning. Don't look at me like this. I can't do it. That's all right, Whitey. If you could only keep your knife. We mighty. We ain't mixed yet. Start swinging over this way. Yeah. You swing toward me and I'll swing toward you. We ought to be able to reach each other and then you can pass it in the night. All right, let's go. That's it. Swing farther. Swing farther. Careful now, buddy. Don't let go the night till I get good hold of it. Time has it. All right. Swing, Pa. There. No, I missed it, buddy. It's only tore that knife. Hold it. It's done now. Way out. No, I got it. I got the knife, buddy. I got it. I got it. Liking him with the knife he managed to get from Whitey carefully cut flocks in the rawhide. Putting his hand through each block, he pulled himself by sheer willpower up onto the top of the precipice. Then, with his last remaining strength, he managed to pull up the now unconscious Whiter. In a short time, they regained their strength. The two marshals hurried to where they had left their horses tied and rode rapidly to the camp of Chief Red Fox, where they found the braves ready to go on a warpath against Chief Big Eagle's men. Lighting Tim tries to convince Chief Red Fox that he's making a mistake. But Chief Big Eagle goes on to fight your deep red mox. Hail Face Spider. Hey. Chief Big Eagle want my land, my squaws Pale faced traitors make lies. They tell Chief Beak Eagle you want his land and squaws. Red Fox know what Chief Big Eagles land and sword. I know you don't keep Red Fox. These traders just want to make battle between Indians so they can sell guns and ammunition. Ale faced traders say they know still Chief Beak Eagle guns. Pale faced traitors make lies. They sell Chief Beak Eagle. They no sell you guns. Chief Red Fox no light. Pale face traders. They make life. You make pow wow with Seatbee giggles. Then no fight. No brave kill a wow with big deep Eagle come to his camp with me Eagle on the flag of truce. Hurry up. Me go Good. Chief Red Fox agreed to go with Lightning Jim and Whitey to Chief Big Eagle's camp under a flag of truth. Although Chief Big Eagle showed great amazement at the appearance of the two marshals, Lightning Jim offered no explanation. Knowing that his seemingly miraculous escape would make his word carry weight with the chief. The two chiefs meet in a power with Lightning Jim acting as arbitrator. Sheep Red Fox you once deep Big Eagles land or squaws. My land full with game. My squaws plenty Me no one keep the Eagles lance or sword keep big Eagles. You want keep Red Fox land or squalls? No keep Big Eagle happy here. Keep Big Eagles brave much happy. No one of them or squaw is a straighter life. He's Big Eagle Heath Red pup smoke em Peace Pipe 4 Chief Lightning Jeep smoke em peace pipe with Indian chiefs. Yeah. Lighten Jim smoke em peace type with Indian chief. Great white father punish tail faced traders. Great white father want Indians be happy. Have hunting grounds. Indians not hurt tail faces not hurt Indians. That is good. Great White father. Chief Big Eagle and Chief Red Fox wants to be friends not hurt air waves. So Lightning Jim brought peace to the Indian tribe. But there is still work to be done for the marshals. Once again they take up the relentless pursuit of the traitors. Back in Kelseyville, Crafts and Branton, feeling Secure because they believe that the marshals have been killed. Killed by the Indians. Prepare to bring guns and ammunition to the Indians. Late that same afternoon they ride up to an open front blacksmith stop in Chelseaville. Hello. Oh, hello. Hello, friends. Hey, I need a new bridle. Yeah, all right. I'll keep one for you. Oh, say hey, there was someone looking for you fellas about Nargo. Yeah, Who? It was Lightning Jim and Whitey. What? Well, they would set up this. Yeah, yeah, I told them that he could find. We got to make factors. Oh, boy. Who's on the day I was set. Oh. Oh, it's you, Lyden. Hello there, Lyn. Hello there, Smitty. Hey, Smitty, can you make another knot in this church here lighten? Sure. They say them fellers there was aston for was here a couple of hours ago as where did they go? Very high field and overcharged Indian country. Come on, buddy. Hey, you brother going to see them? Sure you life you're going to see them. Well, tell them they forgot the bridle they ordered. Well, they're going to won't need a bridal. Let's go Thunder look at the tractor. Then say oh, looks like you never better whole band of horsemen unchart horses. Whitey, that means Indians. Oh, that's so. Well, she's big Eagle place are the only Indians get one, sir. Yeah, just take a look at them sack. Come on, let's follow them like me. Let me look over at you. She more has straight and the ends have been cut off sharp with a knife. Betty, you've gone there when you look, you spotted. Ain't that crashing brand. Yeah, just like the met up with these two people's graves. All that. Is that it? Yes, we reached the end of the trail. Yes, the end of the trail. The depth of the blazing sun. And so ends another thrilling chapter in the lives of those two famous marshals, Lightning Jim Whipple and Whitey Larson. SA Sam.

[Andrew Rines]

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