Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Prisoner | Challenge of the Yukon (03-20-52)
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: October 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this digitally restored episode, listeners are transported back to the perilous and snow-swept Yukon during the gold rush days. The narrative follows Sergeant Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police and his loyal dog, Yukon King, as they face treacherous conditions and cunning outlaws in their relentless quest for justice. "The Prisoner" is a classic tale of law versus lawlessness, featuring a hardened criminal on the run, a deadly blizzard, depleting rations, and a final dramatic standoff that tests the courage and honor of all involved.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction to the Adventure

[01:03–02:00]

• A traditional rousing intro invites listeners to the snowy wilderness of the Yukon.
• The episode features “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon” and his heroic sled dog, King.
• It sets the stage with references to the gold rush, lawlessness, and the pursuit of justice.

2. Burley Kane’s Crime and Capture

[03:13–04:46]

• Burley Kane, a seasoned and ruthless outlaw, executes a double-cross, robbing a bank and murdering a teller.
• He escapes into the Yukon wilds but is quickly tracked and apprehended by Sergeant Preston and King:
  • Quote (Sergeant Preston, 04:01): "You're wanted in Dawson for robbery and murder. I've come to take you back."
• Despite being wounded and handcuffed, Burley remains defiant and predicts hardship on the return trip.

3. The Grueling Journey Back to Dawson

[05:01–08:48]

• Preston insists on starting out despite an oncoming blizzard; Burley’s attempts at resistance and escape begin.
• Tense interplay between prisoner and Mountie:
  • Quote (Burley Kane, 06:10): "Before this trip is over, you may be glad to have my help."
  • Quote (Sergeant Preston, 06:12): "I'll manage."
• Burley sabotages the journey by throwing most supplies into a ravine, wagering that neither will survive the journey.

4. Survival and Sabotage

[08:48–10:41]

• Rations dwindle; only hardtack remains. Despite Burley’s hostile actions, Preston divides the food equally.
• At night, Burley attempts to distract King with food in a bid to grab Preston’s gun, but King’s training prevails:
  • Quote (Narrator, 10:09): "But King, trained not to accept food from strangers, turned around again as Burley started toward the sergeant. Immediately, King went into action."

5. Nature’s Danger: The Grizzly Attack

[11:44–12:59]

• While Preston hunts for food, a grizzly bear approaches the handcuffed Burley. He panics, calling for help.
• King courageously attacks the bear, and Preston arrives in time. The bear is slain, ensuring survival for the group.
  • Quote (Burley Kane, 12:52): "You and the dog took a chance, Sergeant. Guess I ought to say thanks."
  • A moment of mutual respect and gratitude briefly emerges.

6. New Threats: Burley’s Former Partners

[14:26–15:49]

• Al Marco and Jay Corey, the men Burley previously betrayed, are revealed to be lurking and plotting revenge.
• Their plan: ambush Preston and Burley, kill King, retrieve the loot, and frame the scene as mutual destruction.

7. The Ambush and King’s Injury

[15:58–17:49]

• As Preston and Burley travel, a gunshot rings out—King is wounded.
• Preston cares for King, showing deep loyalty:
  • Quote (Sergeant Preston, 15:59): "Flesh wound on your shoulder. All right, boy. I'll bandage it and put you on the sled."
• The journey continues with increased peril as their pursuers close in.

8. Final Showdown: Burley’s Fate and Narrow Justice

[18:54–22:53]

• At night, Al and Jay confront the group, holding Preston and Burley at gunpoint.
• Double-crosses abound as Burley tries (and fails) to negotiate for his freedom.
• King, despite his gunshot wound, makes a valiant last effort:
  • Quote (Narrator, 21:04): "Suddenly, using every ounce of strength he could muster, King sprang forward, sinking his teeth into Al’s ankle."
• In the chaos, Preston regains control, and Burley manages to fight Jay, but is mortally wounded.
• Burley's final words acknowledge Preston's fairness and character:
  • Quote (Burley Kane, 22:01): "You sure treated me fair and square, Preston, in spite of everything. Maybe it don't mean anything to you for me to say this. But I decided you're a mighty fine fellow, Preston. Mighty fine."
  • Quote (Sergeant Preston, 22:27): "Well, thanks, Burley. It does mean something to me."

9. Resolution

[23:37–24:10]

• Preston brings Al and Jay to justice, recovers the stolen loot, and safely returns to town.
• King is recovering well—his actions lauded as heroic.
  • Quote (Constable, 24:04): “He’s a real Mountie, Sergeant.”
  • Quote (Sergeant Preston, 24:10): “He’s a loyal friend, Constable. He forgot all about himself when he saw I was in danger.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Burley's Defiance:
  “You can't prove I robbed a bank.” —Burley Kane ([04:23])
• On Rough Justice:
  “A long, tough trip back to Dawson, Mountie.” —Burley Kane ([04:18])
• Mountie Determination:
  “I'm taking you back, Kane, and we're starting right away, regardless of the weather.” —Sergeant Preston ([05:01])
• Sabotage:
  “That'll fix him.” —Burley Kane, after throwing supplies into the ravine ([07:34])
• Respect Earned:
  “You sure treated me fair and square, Preston, in spite of everything.” —Burley Kane ([22:01])
• King’s Loyalty:
  “He forgot all about himself when he saw I was in danger.” —Sergeant Preston ([24:10])

Timed Segment Highlights

• [03:13] Burley Kane’s bank heist and murderous escape.
• [04:01] Preston’s arrest and confrontation.
• [07:34] Major sabotage—loss of supplies.
• [10:09] King prevents Burley’s escape attempt.
• [12:08] Grizzly bear attack and rescue.
• [15:58] King is shot by Burley’s former partners.
• [18:54] Preston’s exhaustion; King’s warning growl.
• [21:04] King’s heroic attack, allowing Preston to retake control.
• [22:01] Burley’s dying admission of respect.
• [24:04] King’s heroism celebrated by all.

Concluding Notes

• The episode is a thrilling blend of survival, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, accented by vivid sound design and classic “Old Time Radio” drama.
• The interplay between Preston and Burley gives depth to both hero and villain, while King remains a standout hero in his own right.
• The restored audio brings out rich ambient details—the howling wind, the creak of sleds, and tense silences—making this a stand-out production for fans of classic radio Westerns.

For Old Time Radio and Western fans, this episode is a perfect encapsulation of the era’s storytelling, with memorable characters, suspenseful pacing, and a rewarding arc of justice served.