Old Time Radio Westerns: The Virginian – Lux Radio Theatre (11-02-36)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: January 11, 2026
Original Broadcast: November 2, 1936 (Lux Radio Theatre)
Starring: Gary Cooper, Charles Bickford, Helen Mack, John Howard
Producer: Cecil B. DeMille

Episode Overview

This episode presents a digitally restored classic radio adaptation of Owen Wister’s iconic Western novel, The Virginian, as dramatized by Lux Radio Theatre in 1936. Hosted by Andrew Rhynes, the podcast invites listeners into the vibrant, sound-rich golden age of radio drama, focusing on tales of the American frontier. The episode explores themes of justice, loyalty, love, and the harsh realities of Western life, brought to life by an all-star cast led by Gary Cooper.

Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Segments

1. Introduction and Cast (03:45–08:16)

• Cecil B. DeMille welcomes the audience, sets the Hollywood atmosphere, and introduces the star-studded cast.
  • Special mention of Gary Cooper's rising stardom and authenticity as a Western lead.
  • Quotes DeMille (04:27): “A man as shy and human as Gary Cooper is a complete novelty. On a Hollywood soundstage, he's as refreshing as a breeze off the prairie.”

2. Arrival in Medicine Bow – Character Introductions (08:16–13:35)

• Medicine Bow is bustling with rambunctious cowhands.
• The Virginian, a quiet yet respected cowboy, reunites with old friend Steve.
• Immediate tension introduced with Trampus, a brash antagonist.
  • (09:54) Trampus to Virginian: “Yeah, well, when I want to know anything from you, I'll let you know, you long legged son of a...”
• Molly Wood, the new schoolmarm from Vermont, arrives, immediately catching the eyes of both the Virginian and Steve.
  • (12:05) Virginian, playfully misunderstanding her: “I reckon you're the new waitress at the Lone Star Hotel.”
  • (12:07) Molly: “Oh, no, I'm a teacher.”

3. Frontier Courtship – Virginian & Molly (15:58–22:06)

• The Virginian awkwardly courts Molly, highlighting cultural differences between refined New England and rugged Wyoming.
• A memorable comic instance regarding introductions before dancing.
  • (16:32) Molly: “In New England... a man always asked to be introduced to a lady before he asked her to dance.”
• Their budding relationship is tested during a discussion of Romeo and Juliet:
  • (19:39–20:29) Virginian’s practical critique of Romeo's rope-ladder balcony scene amuses and frustrates Molly:
    • Virginian: “Traipsin’ up a ladder, that ain't my idea of a real man... I'd just take her like this.” (leading to a bold, impulsive embrace)
    • Molly: “You're just as sure of yourself as ever, aren't you?”

4. Frontier Justice and Moral Dilemmas (22:42–37:23)

• Virginian discovers friend Steve is cattle rustling with Trampus, warning him of the severe consequences.
  • (22:58) Virginian: “That's rustling, Steve.”
  • (23:43) Virginian’s loyalty/pain: “You and I have been friends too long to find ourselves lined up on opposite sides...”
• Despite warnings, Steve falls in with the rustlers.
• The rustlers are caught. Steve faces lynching.
  • (31:23) Virginian, after Steve’s execution: “He was my friend, Shorty... He never even looked at me.”
• Notable Quote:
  • (31:58) Steve’s farewell letter, read by Shorty: “So long. I couldn't have spoke to you without playing the baby. Steve.”
• Heartbreaking fallout as Molly learns of Steve’s death and confronts the Virginian.
  • (36:36–37:00) Molly, in anguish: “Your friend and you murdered him.”
  • Virginian defends the Western code: “It's a question of right or wrong. I did what I thought was right, Molly. It was right.”

5. Reconciliation and Climax (43:04–52:55)

• Days later, Molly chooses to stay in Wyoming, seeking understanding.
  • (43:11) Molly: “I didn't leave after all... I’m going to stay.”
  • (43:56) She’s moved by the honest, hardworking people: “People like that can't all be wrong. They're kind and good.”
• The romantic arc is restored; the couple reaffirms their commitment.
  • (44:18–44:25) “Will you forgive me for what I said?” – Molly
  • “That’s easy.” – Virginian

6. The Final Showdown (47:00–52:55)

• Trampus returns, publicly challenges the Virginian to leave town or face him in a duel by sundown.
  • (48:14) Trampus: “This country ain’t big enough to hold the two of us. I’m giving you till sundown...”
• Despite Molly’s pleas, the Virginian stands his ground, explaining the immutable code of the West.
  • (50:28) “It’s something in the feelings of a man deep down inside. Something a man can’t go back on.”
• The climactic duel concludes with the Virginian killing Trampus.
• Emotional reunion as Molly rushes to him:
  • (52:44) Molly: “Don’t ever leave me ever again.”
  • Virginian: “Sure. I promise. But I still don't understand women, Molly.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• DeMille introducing Gary Cooper:

  "On a Hollywood soundstage, he's as refreshing as a breeze off the prairie." – DeMille (04:27)

• Virginian’s take on Romeo and Juliet:

  “That Romeo and Juliet? Yes, ma’am, I finished it... Traipsing up a ladder, that ain't my idea of a real man.” (19:39–20:29)

• Steve’s farewell note, symbolizing friendship and loss:

  “So long. I couldn’t have spoke to you without playing the baby.” (31:58)

• Molly’s cultural struggle:

  “It’s this life. It destroys every human feeling a person's got. It's destroyed you. It's made you cruel and ruthless and cold blooded. Well, it won't destroy me. I won't let it.” (37:36)

• Virginian on Western justice:

  “It ain't a question of friends or enemies. It's a question of right or wrong. I did what I thought was right, Molly.” (37:16)

Special Segments & Guest Appearances

• Richard Klein (Paramount trainer): shares wellness tips and Hollywood stories.
  • Encourages listeners: “Take a tip from these famous people... find time to exercise. I guarantee you’ll be amazed at how much more work you’ll be able to accomplish.” (41:45)
• Sidney Skolsky (Hollywood Columnist): delivers a witty, affectionate monologue about Hollywood’s quirks and personalities, closing with, “But don’t get me wrong, I love Hollywood.” (54:49–57:54)
• Host Andrew Rhynes bookends the restored audio drama with brief context and thanks, keeping focus on the story.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Start of play / cast introduction: 03:45
• Virginian and Steve reunite: 08:16
• Molly arrives in Medicine Bow: 12:05
• Virginian asks Molly to dance: 16:09
• Romeo and Juliet debate: 19:39
• Virginian confronts Steve over rustling: 22:42
• Lynching of Steve: 31:00
• Molly discovers truth, confronts Virginian: 36:32
• Molly decides to stay: 43:03
• Trampus challenges Virginian: 48:00
• The duel / finale: 52:11

Episode Tone & Authenticity

The adaptation maintains a balance of earnest western authenticity and period-specific humor, particularly in the interplay between Molly and the Virginian. The drama’s justice-versus-friendship theme is handled with earnest, moral complexity, underscored by moments of tenderness, regret, and hope for the frontier’s future.

Final Thoughts

This meticulously restored drama offers a vivid, heartfelt slice of early western storytelling, capturing both the romance and the raw moral dilemmas embedded in frontier life. The performances are lively and deeply engaged, and the episode preserves the cinematic sweep of the original radio broadcast while making it accessible to modern listeners.

Not to miss: The Virginian’s tongue-in-cheek literary critique; the poignant fallout after the lynching; and the final, redemptive embrace between Molly and the Virginian—timeless moments that speak to the genre’s enduring power.