The Tornado | Lightning Jim (1952)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: "The Tornado | Lightning Jim" (1952)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: April 7, 2025

---

Introduction

In the captivating episode titled "The Tornado" from the "Lightning Jim" series, listeners are transported back to the tumultuous days of the Wild West. Hosted by Andrew Rines, this episode masterfully intertwines classic Western drama with the perilous forces of nature and the relentless pursuit of justice. Originally aired in 1952, this digitally restored rendition breathes new life into the beloved tales of bravery, betrayal, and redemption that defined the golden age of radio Westerns.

---

Plot Overview

"The Tornado" unfolds with our heroic marshal, Lightning Jim, and his loyal deputy, Whitey Larson, returning triumphantly to Fort Anderson after capturing the infamous outlaw Belle Starr and her gang. Their return is met with accolades, but the peace is short-lived as a devastating tornado threatens the town, setting the stage for chaos and conflict.

As the storm rages, Lightning Jim finds himself critically injured amidst the destruction. Despite his condition, his determination to uphold the law remains unwavering. The tornado not only wreaks havoc on the town but also provides a cover for Belle Starr's audacious escape, complicating Jim's mission and testing his resilience.

---

Character Dynamics and Interactions

Lightning Jim and Belle Starr

The dynamic between Lightning Jim and Belle Starr is central to the episode. Their interactions are filled with tension, history, and underlying respect despite being on opposing sides of the law.

• Belle Starr's Defiance:
  At [02:21], Belle confronts Jim with sharp wit and defiance:

  "They’re just lucky I wasn’t inside those joining them into your face."
  This line underscores her fearless nature and stubborn resistance against Jim's authority.

• Jim's Compassion:
  Despite their adversarial relationship, Jim shows compassion towards Belle, especially evident after the tornado when he risks everything to save her from injury:

  "Why did you do the lightning? Why did you care for me?" ([06:32])
  Belle's questioning of his motives reveals a complex relationship that goes beyond mere enmity.

Jim and Whitey Larson

The camaraderie between Lightning Jim and his deputy, Whitey Larson, is portrayed through their seamless teamwork and mutual respect.

• Whitey's Loyalty:
  Jim entrusts Whitey with critical tasks, highlighting their strong partnership:

  "I reckon you're right buddy. We've got a long record of good luck ourselves." ([03:14])
  Their dialogue showcases the deep trust and reliance they have on each other in dire circumstances.

Belle Starr’s Backstory

Belle Starr's backstory is intricately woven into the narrative, revealing her motivations and the events that led her to a life of crime.

• War-Time Espionage:
  Belle recounts her past as a Confederate spy, adding layers to her character:

  "Yes, Lightning. Oh, it was wonderful. Darling and Stutton." ([15:15])
  This revelation provides context for her skills and resilience, making her a formidable antagonist.

---

Key Events and Turning Points

1. The Tornado Strikes
   At [05:13], the serenity of Fort Anderson is shattered by the approaching tornado, setting off a chain of events that test the characters' limits. The tornado not only causes physical destruction but also opens the door for Belle Starr's escape, intensifying the conflict.

2. Jim's Injury and Determination
   The aftermath of the tornado leaves Lightning Jim critically injured ([06:09]). Despite his condition, his commitment to justice drives him to continue pursuing the escaped outlaws, exemplifying the unwavering spirit of a true Western hero.

3. Belle Starr’s Escape Plan
   Belle's strategic escape using a turnkey, Lopez, showcases her cunning and resourcefulness:

   "Dear sir, I hope you will excuse me for what I am about to do... so we are eloping." ([26:01])
   This plan not only tests Jim's pursuit skills but also adds depth to Belle's character as someone who can navigate complex situations under pressure.

4. Final Confrontation and Resolution
   The episode culminates in the re-capture of Lopez and Belle's thwarted escape, reinforcing the themes of law and order prevailing over chaos:

   "So ends another chapter in the lives of Lightning Jim and his faithful deputy, Whitey Larson." ([27:02])
   This resolution reaffirms Jim's role as the steadfast protector of Fort Anderson.

---

Notable Quotes

• Belle Starr on Defiance:

  "I won’t stay back here with this yowling peck of right old corte." ([01:47])
  Belle's fiery spirit is clearly evident in her refusal to stay confined.

• Jim’s Leadership:

  "You are a marshal, Freddy. Duty comes first." ([19:08])
  Jim emphasizes the importance of duty and responsibility, highlighting his leadership qualities.

• Belle’s Determination:

  "You may be sure a little thing like a pair of handcuffs won’t stop me." ([21:31])
  Belle's relentless pursuit of freedom underscores her strong-willed nature.

---

Themes and Insights

"The Tornado" delves into classic Western themes such as justice versus outlaw, loyalty and friendship, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of natural disasters. The episode juxtaposes the chaos wrought by the tornado with the personal struggles of the characters, highlighting how adversity can both challenge and reveal true character.

• Justice and Redemption:
  Lightning Jim embodies the relentless pursuit of justice, while Belle Starr represents the struggle between one's past and the desire for redemption.

• Nature’s Fury:
  The tornado serves as a metaphor for uncontrollable forces that disrupt the established order, mirroring the internal conflicts of the characters.

• Loyalty:
  The unwavering support between Jim and Whitey illustrates the profound bonds that sustain individuals through trials and tribulations.

---

Conclusion

"The Tornado | Lightning Jim" is a testament to the enduring allure of Western narratives, skillfully merging action, drama, and rich character development. Andrew Rines and the team at Old Time Radio Westerns have preserved this classic episode with exceptional digital restoration, ensuring that the thrilling adventures of Lightning Jim continue to resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Whether you're revisiting the Old West or experiencing it for the first time, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the timeless battle between law and chaos, heroism and villainy.

---

Join the Adventure!
Stay connected with Old Time Radio Westerns for more digitally restored episodes that bring the spirit of the Wild West to life. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Facebook and YouTube for updates and behind-the-scenes content. For inquiries or to share your thoughts, email us at [e-mail] or call and leave a voicemail at 707-986-8739.

---

This episode is copyright © OTRWesterns.com.

Transcript

[Belle Starr]

Foreign.

[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 Gym, originally aired in 1952 and the title is the Tornado.

[Lightning Jim]

And now for the thrilling adventures of Lightning Jim.

[Belle Starr]

I won't stay back here. Let me out at once, you hear? Let me out, I tell you. Quiet down, Bell. I won't stay back here with this yowling peck of right old corte. I won't, I won't, I won't. Let's see how they he is.

[Lightning Jim]

Ah, for heaven's sake. Pass down, Bell. This the Fort Anderson Jr. And not that fancy reformatory you were at last time. Yeah, they ain't got no special ladies department here, Bell.

[Belle Starr]

Dirty salts and sidewinder. You take that.

[Lightning Jim]

Spur in? One of them boots of yours done here took me off.

[Belle Starr]

They're just lucky I wasn't inside those joining them into your face. Leader said of duck throwing him. Twas your loose running double crossing tongue that got us all behind bars. And if you don't watch out, I'll do some talking that'll get you measured for a hip necktie. Yeah, and a six foot spread on Boot Hill.

[Lightning Jim]

It was Jake that cold had just fallen into the marshall's trap.

[Belle Starr]

Shut up all of you. Y'all hard with a certain brush as Jake. The only difference between you and a pack of cold caps is a strike down your back. A yell instead of white. Oh, yelling up.

[Lightning Jim]

Lightning. Kim and Whitey have just returned to their headquarters at Fort Anderson following a successful adventure down in Indian territory where they managed to capture the notorious woman bandit Belle Starr and eight of the outlaws riding under her leadership. And now we find Whitey reclining in the comfortable depths of an armchair, shoes off, feet resting on a convenient table, buckling over a bit of gothic in the local newspaper. Storm coming up. Whitey. Better close them windows. Oh, you're at coasting. Yes, you laid off my minor and Bell Star glossed up good and tight, I can tell you that. Good legend. You don't mean to tell me that you was bullied over what the Bell said about it? Well, I reckon it is kind of foolish way to let a bragging bother me. But you know her record for luck all the time she's had been sentenced to jail. The only time that woman ever left the prison for the front door was when her and Sam did that stretch at the Detroit Reformatory last year. You remember that? Oh, y. I know all that lighting. But don't you forget that she has never been a prisoner before. Yeah, I reckon you're right buddy. We've got a long record of good luck ourselves. Good to be home here everything's so quiet and people. Hey wa. You haven't take a look at this guy, will you? Sure they look just like my divorce. Sure do my sky look like. Yeah. Hey look. Why they off there in the distance that well and dust it is a tornado by guys. No it's coming street with me. He better get down in the chat. Come on hurry up.

[Belle Starr]

It now get.

[Lightning Jim]

Down on the floor buddy. If you move off to me instead no ship if the horse fall on.

[Belle Starr]

Me without moving you bigger like me like the name?

[Lightning Jim]

Yes. You all right Whitey?

[Belle Starr]

No, I'm all right.

[Lightning Jim]

Go ahead. This reason I I saw that Joyce was going to hit you Fighty thought I could catch it and stretch the blow with my shoulder but wasn't fast enough I reckon. Stopped it with my head with my dead. So that's why you threw yourself and tossed them in.

[Belle Starr]

Why did you do the lightning? Why did you care for me?

[Lightning Jim]

Why nothing but a donkey opinion you're.

[Belle Starr]

Against the planet of Earth. Why did you do that? Like you lighten lightning and.

[Lightning Jim]

Upon emerging from the cellar Whitey discovered that it was hopeless to seek help for lighting Jim close at hand. All about him lay a scene of havoc and confusion. Cries of distress rent the darkness, trimming his hope. Upon the slim chance that the garrison might have escaped destruction he started out half blinded by the heavy downpour. Tumbling and groping in an uncertain passage among the wreckage strewn in the wake of the savage tornado, he pushed scoundedly toward the army post. At the gate he was accosted by the sentry. Hi there offer my lad. What we are is all letting the pests you crash the food. I call for help like him. Never heard of him. I've got new orders. Not.

[Belle Starr]

To my rib.

[Lightning Jim]

Will you? What is it? Why you're a US Deputy Marshal. Sorry sir. Being with the police, I didn't know sir. Let's be alec for help. Likely to back in his general headquarters all alone. He's been hurt slightly dim. Injured serious. He's bleeding bad for me. He's got the big C on his head, he said.

[Belle Starr]

My life going to steal.

[Lightning Jim]

And all beside him the army post of Fort Anderson had lain outside the direct path of the tornado and thus had escaped to some extent the destruction which had claimed almost every home and building in the town. A portion of the barracks had been swept away by the wind, but enough had been left standing to provide shelter for the more seriously wounded of the townspeople were being brought in by the dozens for medical attention. Into this crowded confusion, stretcher bearers carried the unconscious form of Lightning Jim. And Major Bowman, the grave and tangly old army surgeon deserted his other patients to give the famous marshal immediate care. Weakened by exposure and loss of blood, Lightning Jim's condition was critical, and the conscientious surgeon was able to say no more than that. The next few hours would tell the story. Are you here? Oh, I'm here.

[Belle Starr]

Like me.

[Lightning Jim]

Oh, you see? You know. Oh, my head. Where are we, buddy? Well, what happened here at the garlic? And we have a turkey in the tornado. Oh, yes. Now I remember. Why, this. What about some lightning? She's been very scared. Thank God. I reap a heap of that one. Oh, I know. How you feeling, Lightning? I don't know. Just come through. Right. Oh, Whitey, can I speak to you? In a minute. Let's go in my office. We'll be right back, Lighty. I'll have me down. Hold on, gentlemen. What's up? Why, nothing at all, Lightning. I. I just wanted to see you. Whitey, you ain't fooling me fettle. What is it? Now? Listen, Lightning, you're a sick man, and Whitey can take care of what I want. Yeah, I'll be sick a year to. Don't satisfy my curiosity. I know something's up. Well, you can't do anything about it, so you might as well know the jail was partially destroyed by the Tornado and two of the Star gang escaped during the confusion. You for real? Did Bell Star get away? No. He was slightly injured and one of the gang was killed. The great leader in Russ Finn stole a couple of horses and was seen heading for the border. Freddy, we got to go after him Night. And I ain't going to leave you till the doctor says you're all right. Thanks, partner, but I'm hard to kill. I'll be all right. You're a marshal, Freddy. Duty comes first. Oh, I know, but there is a leaf. You like it? Say, colonel, could you spare a man to go with me? Yes, yes. Get your horse and come back to the post. I'll have a man waiting at the north gate. Listen, Whitey, your mom, who's got a good head start on you, better take thunder. Thunder? Lightning? You mean that I can write thunder? Yeah, but don't let nothing happen to him. Ready? I won't. Get going. Hold on. Well, what is stopping me for this time? I ain't stopping you, sir. I'm going with you. You are going with me? You mean that your demand Curse. You said to work this job with me. Yes, sir. Corporations at your services. Well, for the right, aren't you? You ain't got no cord or field that way. You only carrying out orders when I stopped you a while ago. Oh yeah, that's sport. You see him in the cor? Yes, sir. Yes, it is. Marshal, are you well Right. Yesterday not command. We got pretentious. Come on, Ponder. Well, Whitey seems to have no premonition of the danger in the wick he so gallantly rides. What happens when he meets those murderous bandits? Jake Leader and Russ Finn. And one of the notorious Belle Starr, whose threat to escape has caused Lightning Jim such concern. The story unfolds in part two of the Adventures of Lightning Jim, which follows immediately. And now for part two of the Adventures of Lightning Jim. It's the morning following the tornado and Whitey and Corporal Hawkins are following the trail of the escaped outlaws. While back at the army barracks where the injured were brought for treatment, Lightning Jim is talking to Belle Starr, who occupies a neighboring part.

[Belle Starr]

Well, Lightning, for a man whose life was in the balance less than eight hours ago, he seemed pretty typical.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, Bill. No saying the child keeps a good man down.

[Belle Starr]

Nor a good woman either, Marshall.

[Lightning Jim]

Don't forget that rather threat to escape.

[Belle Starr]

Say, Bell, take it any way you like, Laughton.

[Lightning Jim]

By the way, since we've got a lie here with nothing to do, I'd like to know how you got into this. Your business of horse stealing and bank robbing.

[Belle Starr]

Well, your interest is flattening slightly. Though I must say your description of my career is somewhat lacking in delicacy.

[Lightning Jim]

I heard you was a Confederate spy during the war. That right, Bell?

[Belle Starr]

Yes, Lightning. Oh, it was wonderful. Darling and Stutton. Utterly different than anything I've known in the streets of dull small town existence. It gave me a taste of what real a living could be.

[Lightning Jim]

Same old story, eh? Like the James and Younger boys. You just couldn't settle down to decent living after the war was over.

[Belle Starr]

I think about the size of it, Lightning. And watch that. Just James and Cole Younger. I served under Mr. Quantrell.

[Lightning Jim]

You don't? Come to think of it, I did hear you were The Quantrell spy. Colonel McDougal over at Fort Bessing. But telling me he had had a run interview. And he was just a non Tom, that one. The Major Enid down in southern Missouri.

[Belle Starr]

Yes, it was the first day of that encounter with Mexico. But I had my first ride with Death As a shadow container.

[Lightning Jim]

That's so bear.

[Belle Starr]

You see, that one was in pretty desperate states at that time. He was operating a pitiful little company of 50 men in a territory, but literally tuned with union soldiers and militiamen, and he was badly in need of supplies and ammunition to fit to carry on.

[Lightning Jim]

I seen it was up to you to find out where he could get his hands on them.

[Belle Starr]

That was my job. Well, major Enos was stationed in the county in Kenya, so I went up there, flirted with one of his soldiers, and got the information I was asked.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, the objection sounds simple enough. But what about passing that information on to Quantra?

[Belle Starr]

That was the hard part, Lightning. I knew Quantrell was trying to get a man through the federal lines, and that if successful, that man would be waiting just outside of the town of Crawford for me to bring him the information. The next morning, as I was starting for cabbage, Mac was aside in the bathroom. Things are cleaner, Susan.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, no, since it's very early in the morning. For a laugh at the right note.

[Belle Starr]

Well, good morning, Sergeant McIver. I'm just on the way to Carthage, and it's a long ride, so I hope you'll excuse me if I don't stand round call.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, I'm sorry to have to see you, Ms. Bell, but the fact of the matter is major Enos wishes a word with you.

[Belle Starr]

Do I have to tell the major? I just couldn't stop today, sergeant. Tell him I'll see him the next time I come to ma. Now, if you're kindly take your hand off my bowder, I'll be on the way.

[Lightning Jim]

I cannot do it, Ms. Bell. The order is that to bring you to the major. And bring me I must.

[Belle Starr]

Why, you're inferior.

[Lightning Jim]

Yeah, I heard a lot about that figure temper of yours, Bill.

[Belle Starr]

Well, it didn't do me any good that day, Lightning. I was taken to judge rich's home, where major Enos questioned me a bit about my brother ed, who's a captain under contract, and then he left me locked in the parlor. Well, towards you again, is it? So, all the stuff. Yeah. What do you want now?

[Lightning Jim]

Them rebel fuse you've been banging out for an hour past. The major says I can tell you they were here driving in mud.

[Belle Starr]

That old yankee fool doesn't have enough brains to go mad with. I'm glad to know my music's annoying him and he's a parent to me that it will stop the shooting to text me 3 and not a minute to call.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, that don't sound much like the Official arrest of a war spy to me.

[Belle Starr]

Well, I hadn't been arrested as a spy like no Major Enos. Hadn't found out about my spine operations at that point.

[Lightning Jim]

Oh, I see.

[Belle Starr]

I was being held for another reason. I found out about another. Stop that infernal racket at once. At once. You call that creepy bagpipe catawala music? Well, what now?

[Lightning Jim]

The Major says you are to go the loose.

[Belle Starr]

You mean I'm free? I'm free to go to Carbon?

[Lightning Jim]

You bet three that go to cotton. But should you meet a detachment of Union cavalry on the way. Be certain to take a good look at their prisoners. I'll bet you a Yankee dollar to a rebel one who'll be. Oh, your brother Ed was the man that Fonsell had sent through the federal lines, Eh? Bell, Wilson.

[Belle Starr]

I was simply expanding that. He'd been seen somewhere along the route and recognized. But by some miracle he escaped capture and made it through the cottage. Learning this, Major Enos had dispatched the cavalry's feet to surround his hiding place and take him prisoner, dead or alive.

[Lightning Jim]

But that cavalry troop had a good hour. Two hours start on your bell and Harpage. Must be 35, 40 miles from Newtonia. Really? You couldn't do nothing to save your brother's life.

[Belle Starr]

Halfords raised 35 miles by road map, Lightning. And that was the Ralph at Chickpeg. I knew a shortcut across the hills. And where there were federal pickets at intervals all along the country. I determined to get through the target first. Call Lightning. One of the bullets creeped to his point. But I kept on Molly from the other road. Poor little mare. But she didn't already know about Sherry Switches. I taught her that day. But I made it, Lightning. I got through in time to warn Ed. When that cavalry trooped Rod into Carthage. My brother was well on his way back to Poncho's tent. With information that made possible one of the most successful and daring career. A raid that cost the Federal thousands of dollars and the lives of over a hundred men.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, Belle, all I got to say is that dame. You didn't turn that stand of courage to a good cause when the war was over. Hate to ride in the planes with a band of murder and cut folks.

[Belle Starr]

And it converts me to decide a law and order Latin.

[Lightning Jim]

Well, maybe so.

[Belle Starr]

Well, how about you making the first? Yes Sin having these handcuffs taken off me. They annoy me.

[Lightning Jim]

Yes. Sorry, Bill, but they left on till the jails repaired. You're safe behind bars again. You might break it into your head. Tried to speak.

[Belle Starr]

You know, when I get ready to escape lightly, you may be sure a little thing like a pair of handcuffs won't stop me.

[Lightning Jim]

In the meantime, many miles south of Fort Anderson, Whitey and Hawkins forced their weary horses along a rocky trail. Thunder. Two boys stay hawking. Take a look at this track.

[Belle Starr]

He ain't more than an hour old by that list.

[Lightning Jim]

Oh, boy, what you tell? Why do I say these tracks just like fresh hawking. That means we ought to spot those jaspers as soon as we get out of this court. Hope you're right. Whitey lastly and blinding eyes leading a separate sight. I think his feeding pedal is so right onto the feed ice paint. Oh, I reckon it is so much fun to spend 60 north in the saddle than in this ship. And we got to keep on riding just to see him get out. Thunder. Come on, Hawkins. We'll take this kind of stroll going after this fort. You'll go as far as you can as soon as we meet up with them. Bloody slime Fishy happy at oil beast.

[Belle Starr]

Don't try no funny business here.

[Lightning Jim]

Said it's on the easy, boy. He is in China. You want to get the drop on it. You kinda not blow your britches, Steve, when you started up a jake eater. You ain't Lightning Jim, you know. Oh, and that's a lucky thing for you I ain't Rick. That gives you a couple more weeks to live. Dig again, Drake. Feel good for any hideout weapon, too. You've taken no chances. Yeah, leave it to me, Drake. That's the end of the trail for you two pin stars. We're taking you back in them caves and building at it. And to save us the trouble of burying. Well, they're done with J. All right. Now get down off them horses. You two grab a couple of stocks of that there Canterwood. It'll do for torture so we can see our sergeants better. AJ lady run tortured you all this torch that poor cat could see in the door turn up leaving. Do as you toe before I lose my patience and decide to kill you the hard way. I say nobody ought to give me a bloom. Pickle Whitish. Well, let's all look like it, old man, we got to keep our eyes peeled first, lest the Y is too po. Hey, I decided to pull up the whole desert. Get back here. I'll get Orchid. Will you gun it? Look that into it. Here's the candle for you. It's about time. Start walking. Don't make a false move or I'll let you have it in the Back. Come on, Red. I never thought I'd be walking at the head of my own funeral protector. I don't see why that sniffing bloody Greek didn't cure us out there in the open. It ain't Christian can walk a man into his own tomb.

[Belle Starr]

It ain't. That's fair enough.

[Lightning Jim]

I like them torches.

[Belle Starr]

And turn around my babies.

[Lightning Jim]

Hey, what's that? Some kind of animal. Look over that white whitie. We've gone into a dinner.

[Belle Starr]

Man in line.

[Lightning Jim]

Christian J. They got the G. The Prince Dorman, the hangman. Why the old man. Never mind me. You get him on. Good work, ladies. Well, now we got all the prisoners together again, huh? Sure, they're all over the Yale. All except in them. Well, well. Sorry. Ain't it for jail? No, the rest of them said she was still here at the army post. They had brilliant and so on. But as soon as they told me the jail had been repaired, I told the turnkey to take Bell back and put it behind bars. But that was two hours ago. The turnkey. Yeah, well, see, that reminds me. Has a note for you. The turnkey left him with the Le receivable man and I told him that the sinners. Oh, over for a couple hours. Well, I'll be. Dog gone. Just done it, buddy. Belar's escape. Yeah, Listen to this. Dear sir, I hope you will excuse me for what I am about to do. Belar is a real lady and she tells me she is a widow too. She wants me to settle down to a new life and joy and happiness. So we are eloping in place of me taking her back to jail. Truly yours, John Hard at Court T. Ford Anderson Jail. Well, I'll be a monkey doctor. They'll store elopes at a turn. Guess what happened? Those stars escape.

[Belle Starr]

Yeah.

[Lightning Jim]

So we just found out. Elopes with a turnkey Lopez. Yes. All I've got to say is that it was sure a short honeymoon for him. Huh? Has the turn she been taken in already? Taken in is right. Taken in by Belle Starr. Ah. He was just found lying on the ground about 10 miles out of town. Clubs over the head. And so ends another chapter in the lives of Lightning Jim and his faithful deputy, Whitey Larson.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Belle Starr]

SA.