Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Missing Heir" | Challenge of the Yukon (02-26-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Broadcast Date: February 26, 1952
Podcast Release Date: August 27, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode of Challenge of the Yukon, titled "The Missing Heir," Sergeant Preston and his loyal dog King are drawn into a high-stakes search for the rightful heir to a vast English estate. The tale takes listeners into the snowbound villages of the Yukon, weaving suspense, danger, and a touch of romance as Sergeant Preston races against unscrupulous rivals to solve a decades-old family mystery. Restoration of this classic radio drama delivers the vivid sounds and thrilling atmosphere of the golden age of radio, now enriched for today’s listeners.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Mission: Finding the Missing Heir
[04:40] – [08:14]
- Setup: Sergeant Preston is summoned to police headquarters by Inspector Conrad, where he meets Mr. John Holly from London.
- Mr. Holly’s firm seeks Ernest Deming, heir to the Deming estate in England.
- Ernest’s parents, missionaries in Yukon, died during an epidemic. Last known information is a letter from Ernest's father, Leroy Deming.
- Objective: If Ernest is alive, he inherits the estate; if not, it goes to a notorious relative, Jeffers Hooker.
- Plan: Trace Ernest via postmarked letter from "40 Mile" and investigate local Eskimo villages for clues.
Notable Quote:
“Now, if Ernest Deming, who is now about 18 years old, is alive, he is heir to the estates and titles. Otherwise he'll go to a nephew of Lord Deming, a wastrel and scoundrel named Jeffers Hooker.” – Narrator, [07:22]
2. The Villain's Scheme
[08:14] – [09:37]
- Scene: Jeffers Hooker, the nephew, confides in his accomplice Kane at a Dawson café.
- They plot to locate Ernest before Preston and ensure he "is put out of the picture."
- They depart for 40 Mile with supplies and a sense of urgency.
Notable Moment:
“Then we must see to it that he's put out of the picture.” – Jeffers Hooker, [08:43]
3. The Local Hero: Kaylock’s Rescue
[09:05] – [11:17]
- Scene: Lucy Pittman, banker’s daughter, is saved from a wolf by Kaylock, a strikingly articulate young Eskimo.
- Lucy notes Kaylock’s unique characteristics and education.
- Kaylock humbly refuses any reward, showing his noble character.
Notable Quote:
“You know, somehow you're different from other Eskimo boys I've met. The way you speak, for instance.” – Lucy Pittman, [10:46]
4. Kaylock & Lucy: Affection and Alienation
[11:24] – [13:22]
- Development: Kaylock and Lucy spend time together, arousing local gossip.
- Lucy’s father worries about their association.
- Kaylock, aware of social barriers and feeling "different," decides to distance himself from Lucy.
Notable Dialogue:
“I must tell you I am ashamed that I do not feel for my people as I should. Lucy... My mother was good, kind… she told me, Kaylock, you are different. I love you as my son, but you are different.” – Kaylock, [12:12]
5. The Intersection: Kaylock as a Guide
[13:34] – [14:19]
- Hooker and Kane hire Kaylock to guide them through Eskimo villages under the pretense of trading trinkets, hoping to locate the missing heir.
- The storekeeper vouches for Kaylock as an ideal guide, noting his English skills.
- Their real motive remains hidden from Kaylock.
6. Clues Emerge: Preston’s Investigation
[15:30] – [19:24]
- Sergeant Preston and Mr. Holly discover:
- Kaylock's special upbringing and his mother’s hints at him being "different."
- Lucy provides Kaylock’s dropped glove so King, Preston's dog, can track him.
- The man who changed English banknotes at the bank matches Hooker’s description, indicating he is indeed the villain.
Notable Exchange:
“I think we should try to find that fellow.” – Sergeant Preston, [17:54]
“Kaylock isn’t in trouble. All we want is information.” – Mr. Holly, [18:00]
7. Confirmation: Kaylock’s True Identity
[20:43] – [21:41]
- Hooker feigns interest in a ‘white man’s book’ that Kaylock owns – a Bible left to him by his mother.
- While Kaylock fetches another suitcase, Hooker cunningly unlocks the Bible and discovers documents proving Kaylock is Ernest Deming.
- Hooker destroys the evidence by throwing it into the snow and plans to eliminate Kaylock.
Notable Quotes:
“By Jove, that fellow Kaylock, he must be Ernest.” – Hooker, [22:35]
“Quiet. Dig it here for the next village. Then on the way we'll get rid of him.” – Hooker, [23:33]
8. Deadly Ambush and Timely Rescue
[25:21] – [26:39]
- Climax: Hooker and Kane lure Kaylock to a cliff edge, intending to kill him.
- Sergeant Preston and King arrive just in time; King leaps into action, disarming the villains and saving Kaylock.
- Preston confirms Kaylock's identity with the pages retrieved from the snow.
Memorable Action Sequence:
“The shot that caused Jeff to fall with a wound in the leg, but he still held his gun. Before he could raise it to shoot again, King leaped at him with a savage growl.” – Narrator, [26:16]
Notable Quote:
“Sergeant, you saved my life. I am grateful, Ernest.” – Kaylock/Ernest, [26:39]
9. Reunion and Revelations
[27:01] – [28:39]
- Preston brings Kaylock/Ernest and Mr. Holly to Lucy and her father:
- The truth of Kaylock’s lineage is revealed: he is Lord Ernest Deming, Earl of Richland.
- Lucy’s father is flabbergasted at the turn of events.
- Ernest asks Lucy to join him in England; she happily accepts.
Notable Quotes:
“Pardon, Mr. Pittman, but I'm sure you haven't met Lord Deming, Earl of Richland… I'm introducing this young man, sir.” – Sergeant Preston, [27:37]
“Lucy loved him when he was just an Eskimo. I think they'll get along all right.” – Mr. Holly, [28:30]
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “Kaylock does not want gold for doing what anyone would do.” – Kaylock, [10:28]
- “You stand in my way… walk to the edge over there.” – Hooker, [25:47]
- “I thought the boy was a goner for a moment. Sergeant, you saved my life.” – Mr. Holly, [26:39]
- “Oh, Kaylock. Now, you must call me Ernest. Lucy, I hope to take you to England if you'll.” – Ernest Deming, [28:15]
Timeline of Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 04:40 | Introduction of the missing heir case | | 08:14 | Villain Hooker lays out his plan | | 09:05 | Lucy is rescued by Kaylock | | 11:24 | Kaylock and Lucy: affection and parting | | 13:34 | Hooker hires Kaylock as guide | | 15:30 | Preston investigates Kaylock and Hooker’s trail | | 20:43 | Hooker discovers Kaylock’s secret | | 25:21 | Kaylock’s life threatened – rescue by Preston/King | | 27:01 | The truth revealed to Lucy and her father | | 28:39 | Conclusion and resolution of the case |
Tonal and Story Notes
The episode maintains the atmospheric earnestness and wholesome, period-specific tone characteristic of classic radio Westerns, blending suspense, honor, and romance. Dialogue is formal and straightforward, with the narrative driven by strong moral themes: justice, identity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Conclusion
"The Missing Heir" delivers a satisfying blend of mystery and heroism as Sergeant Preston and Yukon King restore justice in the Yukon wilds. The restored audio elevates the drama, making the snowbound adventure and heartfelt ending as compelling as when it first aired. The surprising revelation of Kaylock’s heritage, the thwarting of Hooker's plot, and the romantic resolution for Ernest and Lucy wrap the episode with warmth and excitement for both nostalgic and new listeners alike.