Podcast Summary: The Teacher | Have Gun Will Travel (01-25-59)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Air Date: January 25, 1959 (original) / Podcast Release: February 2, 2026
Main Cast: John Dehner (Paladin), Virginia Gregg (Ms. Molly Stanton), and ensemble

Episode Overview

This episode of Have Gun Will Travel, titled "The Teacher," centers on a courageous schoolteacher, Ms. Molly Stanton, who faces increasing hostility for teaching the unvarnished truth about Civil War history in a small Western town. As tensions escalate—with threats to burn down the schoolhouse and violence looming—the gunslinger Paladin steps in, not for profit, but out of principle, to defend integrity, free thought, and the importance of education in the untamed frontier.

Key Discussion Points & Events

1. Arrival and Setup in Wormsville

• [05:55] Paladin, after a fruitless trip to Nevada, passes through the fledgling town of Wormsville and encounters Morse Coffman, a boy barred from school.
• Morse explains that most pupils are kept home due to pressure from Jackson Breck, a powerful rancher incensed by Ms. Stanton’s truthful teachings about infamous outlaw Quantrill.
  • Quote:
    • Morse: “She says Quantrill’s men were thieves and murderers. Mr. Breck...said he’d burn down the school and ride her out of town if she didn’t stop teaching that way.” ([07:04])

2. Meeting with Ms. Stanton

• [08:41] Paladin visits Ms. Stanton to gauge her moral compass, pretending to challenge her curriculum.
  • She insists on "teaching the truth as it is, and not as you or Mr. Breck would like it to be." ([09:22])
  • Paladin reveals his support, saying, “Good for you, Ms. Stanton. I just wanted to see if you were telling both sides of the story.” ([09:43])
• Ms. Stanton laments her isolation, but Paladin offers his assistance, motivated by respect for her integrity as a teacher.

3. Rallying the Town

• [11:07]–[14:14]

  • Paladin canvasses the town, attempting to muster defense for the school and teacher.
  • Most townsfolk, cowed by Breck, refuse, rationalizing that the controversy isn’t their fight.

• Kaufman (Morse’s father) voices his reluctance, masking fear with supposed neutrality.

  • Paladin calls him out:
    • “You’re afraid of him...No one calls me a coward and walks away.” ([14:03, 14:11])
  • This confrontation plants the seed for later courage.

4. The Showdown

• [16:58]–[21:48]
  • Next morning, Ms. Stanton prepares the deserted school, questioning the worth of her fight. Paladin rallies her, and the appearance of one returning student restores hope.
  • Jackson Breck arrives with armed men to torch the school. Paladin, unarmed, stands off against them:
    • Quote:
      • “Any one of you who tries to put a torch to that building will die in his tracks. Now, who wants to be first?” ([01:46])
  • The moment turns when Jason, a previously intimidated local, stands up to Breck, protecting his daughter and threatening Breck’s gang.
  • Kaufman also arrives, emboldened by Paladin’s earlier provocation.
  • Together, townsfolk force Breck and his men to back down. Paladin’s returned gun symbolically unites the townspeople behind what is right.

5. Resolution and Reflection

• [22:21]–[23:10]
  • After the crisis, Kaufman thanks Paladin for spurring him to courage.
    • Paladin: “I never thought you were a coward...I knew you were afraid...that you’d fight for Jason here and his friends, and afterwards, they’d laugh at you for being a fool.” ([22:38])
    • Jason reflects on his misplaced pride and prejudice—“I was proud about all the wrong things. Like you having an accent, and me not.” ([22:54])
• Final Reflection: The children return to class, the community healed by standing together.

6. Epilogue: Paladin’s Return to San Francisco

• [23:28]–[24:53]
  • Paladin returns to the Carlton Hotel and is greeted by Hey Boy and a new guest, suggesting hope and new beginnings.
  • The episode ends with Paladin’s subtle romantic interlude—a nod to life continuing beyond the conflict.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Truth in Teaching:
  • Ms. Stanton: “I will teach the truth as it is, and not as you or Mr. Breck would like it to be.” ([09:22])
• Defining the Fight:
  • Paladin: “This is a fight over whether a man named Breck will burn down a school and drive a woman out of the county for teaching.” ([13:15])
• The Power of Example:
  • Paladin to Mr. Caldwell: “Adults sometimes forget that children are learning all the time. Your Susan learns not only by what you tell her, but by the way you live. What do you suppose she’s learning right now?” ([11:50])
• Solidarity and Redemption:
  • Jason (aftermath): “When I saw Breck going after Susan, maybe that’s what helped me get things straight.” ([23:10])
• Paladin’s Purpose:
  • Paladin: “You’re a teacher. That makes you very special. Without teachers, every generation would have to start all over again, learning from the beginning. No, Ms. Stanton. You’re very much worth fighting over.” ([10:39])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:55] — Paladin encounters Morse Coffman, the roots of the conflict
• [08:41] — Paladin’s first meeting with Ms. Stanton
• [11:07]–[14:14] — Paladin visits the townsfolk, including Kaufman
• [16:58] — Ms. Stanton and Paladin brace for confrontation, support appears
• [18:21] — Breck’s gang arrives; showdown unfolds
• [21:01] — Breck is challenged, unity among townspeople
• [23:28]–[24:44] — Paladin returns to San Francisco, reflective closure

Episode Tone & Style

The episode balances classic Western adventure and drama with an earnest, sometimes philosophical tone. Paladin’s dialogue is dignified and quietly passionate, while the townspeople express anxiety and resignation that slowly transforms into confidence and dignity. Ms. Stanton is steadfast yet vulnerable, while Breck exudes blustering menace.

Summary Takeaway

This restored classic “Have Gun Will Travel” showcases the enduring impact a principled individual or teacher can have in the face of fear and mob pressure. With a blend of thrilling gunplay and moral debate, the episode champions the necessity of truth, education, and standing up to intimidation. It’s a moving, action-packed tribute to frontier values that resonate today: courage, integrity, and the subtle, essential power of example.