Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Englishman" | Have Gun Will Travel (01-11-59)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: Jan 11, 1959
Podcast Release Date: January 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a restored presentation of "Have Gun Will Travel: The Englishman." The story focuses on James Brunswick, the 9th Earl of Aylesbury, a recently-arrived Englishman in Montana, determined to claim and run his share of a frontier ranch. The episode explores themes of outsider adaptation, cultural misunderstandings, courage, and earning respect in the American West. At its heart is Paladin, the sophisticated gun-for-hire, guiding the inexperienced nobleman during his tumultuous initiation into Western life.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Structure

1. Introduction and Set-Up

[01:13–02:58]

• Paladin, the cultured gunman, is approached at the Carlton Hotel by the refined and inexperienced James Brunswick, newly arrived from England.
• Brunswick seeks the quickest route to his late brother's inherited ranch in Fleetown, Montana, naively underestimating the dangers of the journey.
• Memorable exchange:
  • Paladin: "Your guide would cut your throat for $10... My gun is your safe passage. You're going to need it." [01:47]
• Paladin outlines the perils and offers his own services for safe passage.

2. Arrival in Fleetown

[05:47–07:17]

• Brunswick, with Paladin in tow, arrives after a grueling three-week journey.
• The locals are instantly fascinated by the Englishman’s appearance and manners.
• Brunswick is introduced to his cousin, Felicia Carson, the competent co-owner of the ranch, and to local figures including the foreman Waddy and friendly Blackfoot Indians.
• Initial cultural awkwardness ensues, exemplified by Brunswick’s reaction to the local Native Americans and misunderstanding local jokes.
• Quote:
  • Felicia (regarding the Indians): "No, now, them’s Harry Blackfoot, Little Horse and a few of the boys from across the road is all." [07:19]
• The townsfolk play a prank on Brunswick, leading Paladin to step in and warn against making fools of visitors.

3. Brunswick’s Introduction to Ranch Life

[12:02–14:48]

• Felicia shows Brunswick the scale and operations of the ranch.
• Brunswick expresses intent to take over, but Felicia suggests he observe and learn instead.
• Paladin explains the purposefulness of all things—people and equipment—in frontier life.
• Quote:
  • Paladin (on Western saddles): "Nothing on the frontier is without a definite purpose. No individual is without a definite purpose either. Survival’s too difficult. Everything and everyone must contribute something." [14:34]

4. Cultural Misunderstanding Leads to Trouble

[14:48–16:02]

• An attempt at local humor involving the Indians turns serious when Brunswick mistakenly wounds Harry Blackfoot, believing a prank to be a genuine threat.
• Tension in the community escalates, with Felicia blaming Brunswick:
  • Felicia: "We ain’t had no Indian trouble here in years until you come along, you dang fool." [15:43]
• Brunswick realizes the gravity of his mistake and the perception of him as a dangerous fool.

5. Fallout and Search for Redemption

[18:15–20:47]

• The townsfolk fear retaliation from the Indians; Felicia considers sending Brunswick away for his safety and the community’s.
• Paladin and Felicia argue about whether Brunswick deserves a chance to learn and redeem himself.
• Brunswick decides to face up to the angry Blackfoot tribe despite the risk.
• Quote:
  • Paladin: "Sometimes a man has things to prove to himself." [21:24]

6. Climax: Proving Courage

[21:13–22:40]

• Brunswick faces the Blackfoot braves alone, enduring a physical ordeal but refusing to back down.
• Paladin uses his wits to avert disaster, reframing Brunswick’s eccentric clothes as a mark of bravery to the Blackfoot.
• Quote:
  • Paladin (to the Indians): "Only brave and honorable men wear that uniform... a man of strength, a man like yourself." [22:17]

7. Resolution and Respect Earned

[23:09–24:18]

• Brunswick, battered but accepted, purchases Western clothes and decides to remain on the ranch—a symbolic commitment to adaptation.
• Felicia and Paladin acknowledge his courage.
  • Paladin: "Except courage." [24:17]
  • Brunswick (modestly): "Oh, come, my paladin. I mean, one doesn’t talk about that sort of thing." [24:18]
• Harry Blackfoot, now recovering, is gifted Brunswick’s clothes as a symbol of mutual respect.

8. Light-Hearted Epilogue

[24:55–26:28]

• A new Englishwoman, Lady Angela, arrives with a remarkably similar story, setting up a playful repeat of Paladin’s offer to help newcomers adapt to the Wild West in his own unique style—now with a glass of sherry for the English guest and a sly wink for the audience.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Outsider Naivety:
  • James Brunswick: “My father, the 8th Earl of Aylesbury, invested money in this ranch in Montana. And now that my brother’s dead, his share was left to me.” [02:58]
• On Survival and Contribution:
  • Paladin: “Nothing on the frontier is without a definite purpose. No individual is without a definite purpose either. Survival’s too difficult. Everything and everyone must contribute something.” [14:34]
• On Proving Oneself:
  • Paladin (to Felicia): “Sometimes a man has things to prove to himself.” [21:24]
• On Acceptance:
  • Harry Blackfoot (to Brunswick, in English clothes): “Only brave and honorable men wear this uniform. Great and wise leaders.” [23:31]
• Humor and Arrival of Another Englishman:
  • Paladin (to Lady Angela): “May I offer you my service?” [25:32]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Introduction & Paladin Meets Brunswick: [01:13–02:58]
• Arrival at Fleetown & Introductions: [05:47–07:17]
• Ranch Tour & Paladin’s Philosophy: [12:02–14:48]
• Harry Blackfoot Incident & Fallout: [14:48–16:02]
• Redemption and Stand-Off: [18:15–22:40]
• Resolution & Epilogue: [23:09–26:28]

Tone and Language

The episode is a witty, earnest exploration of an outsider’s journey from bumbling naivety to hard-won respect, colored by classic Western stoicism, dry humor, and gentle ribbing between characters.

Paladin, as always, combines gravitas with dry banter, while Brunswick’s mannered English phrasing provides comedic contrast and then, ultimately, touching heroism. Felicia’s blend of brusqueness and underlying care embodies the toughness of frontier women.

Summary Takeaway

This episode deftly weaves classic Western themes—adaptation, courage, respect for others’ ways—with comic misunderstandings and moments of true grace. "The Englishman" is as much about the West’s capacity to transform and ennoble outsiders as it is about open range adventure. Paladin serves as both guardian and cultural translator—his guidance helps newcomers find their place, whether they arrive in a bowler hat or with a title in tow.

Listeners new and old will find both humor and heart in this rich, character-driven tale from the golden age of radio drama.