Podcast Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: To Stop a Killer | The Cisco Kid (04-15-54)
Release Date: March 11, 2025

Episode Summary

To Stop a Killer is a riveting installment of the Old Time Radio Westerns series, featuring the legendary Cisco Kid and his trusty companion Pancho. This episode delves into a tense narrative of vengeance, deception, and heroic intervention set against the backdrop of the Wild West. The story revolves around the notorious outlaw Bud Marlin, his relentless pursuit of revenge against Ed Carson, and the Cisco Kid’s mission to thwart Marlin’s deadly plans.

Introduction to Characters and Conflict

The episode opens with Cisco Kid and Pancho encountering Bud Marlin and his accomplice Tom Dalen hiding near a creek. Marlin is portrayed as a ruthless killer with a vendetta against Ed Carson, whom he blames for a past betrayal:

• Bud Marlin: "Five years, Tom. He gunned me down when I tried to hold up his train. That was one of his express messengers on a railroad. I near died this time. It's his turn to die." ([02:44])

Marlin's patience and strategic nature make him a formidable foe, as he meticulously plans his revenge with his gang backing him.

The Sheriff's Dilemma

As Marlin attempts to ambush Carson, the situation escalates when a sheriff and his deputies arrive, suspecting Marlin of the recent train robbery:

• Sheriff: "I'm gonna run you in for murder, hombre. I saw that dry ghost in the Joe Hickson. Hey, you're Bud Marlin." ([04:06])

Marlin feigns innocence, prompting the sheriff to seek the Cisco Kid's assistance in identifying the true culprit. This interaction sets the stage for the Cisco Kid and Pancho to unravel Marlin’s deceit.

Strategic Maneuvers and Confrontations

Recognizing the imminent threat of Marlin’s gang attempting to break him out of jail, Cisco Kid advises the sheriff to relocate Bud Marlin to a more secure facility. However, the skeptical sheriff hesitates, leading Pancho to take matters into his own hands:

• Pancho: "I know their method. To my knowledge, Bud Marlin has been arrested and sent to jail five times. And five times that gang of his has broken him loose." ([07:30])

As dusk approaches, Pancho and Cisco Kid anticipate Marlin's arrival with his gang. They prepare for a showdown by fortifying Ed Carson’s ranch house, transforming it into a defensive stronghold.

The Climactic Showdown

The tension peaks as Marlin and his eleven-strong gang confront Cisco Kid and Pancho at the ranch. A fierce gunfight ensues, showcasing the strategic prowess and bravery of the Cisco Kid duo:

• Bud Marlin: "I didn't see at first. So you got two, six guns in your hands, huh?" ([16:28])
• Pancho: "Tell that henchman of yours, Tom Dallin, to throw down his guns and walk to this spot." ([22:51])

Despite being outnumbered, Cisco Kid and Pancho leverage their superior tactics to disarm and outmaneuver Marlin’s gang. The turning point comes when Marlin attempts to seize control, only to be thwarted by the steadfast teamwork of the protagonists.

Resolution and Aftermath

With Marlin and his gang subdued, Ed Carson acknowledges the valor of Cisco Kid and Pancho:

• Ed Carson: "I'd rather lose the ranch house in my life, Cisco. Which I sure would have done if it hadn't been for you and Pancho here." ([23:39])
• Cisco Kid: "Gracias, senor." ([24:34])

The episode concludes with a sense of restored peace in the town, as Carson entrusts Pancho and Cisco Kid with the future of his ranch and commends their heroism. The sheriff, now humbled and appreciative, considers leaving his position, recognizing the need for capable leadership:

• Sheriff: "I think from now on, Senor Carson, you'll make a good sheriff of this county." ([24:20])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bud Marlin: "Five years, Tom. He gunned me down when I tried to hold up his train." ([02:44])
• Sheriff: "I'm gonna run you in for murder, hombre." ([04:06])
• Pancho: "I know their method. To my knowledge, Bud Marlin has been arrested and sent to jail five times." ([07:30])
• Bud Marlin: "You make the big lie like anything, you butt mountain, you get out of here." ([09:50])
• Pancho: "Tell that henchman of yours, Tom Dallin, to throw down his guns and walk to this spot." ([22:51])
• Ed Carson: "I'd rather lose the ranch house in my life, Cisco." ([23:39])
• Cisco Kid: "Gracias, senor." ([24:34])

Insights and Themes

This episode highlights several classic Western themes:

1. Vengeance and Redemption: Bud Marlin’s pursuit of revenge against Ed Carson serves as the central conflict, exploring the destructive nature of vengeance and the possibility of redemption through the intervention of heroic figures.

2. Strategic Ingenuity: The Cisco Kid and Pancho exemplify the clever and strategic mindset needed to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, emphasizing the importance of planning and teamwork.

3. Justice and Morality: The narrative underscores the thin line between justice and vigilantism, questioning the morality of taking the law into one’s own hands to achieve a righteous end.

4. Community and Leadership: The transformation of the sheriff's character reflects the impact of leadership and the role of community in upholding law and order, suggesting that true leadership is earned through actions and integrity.

Conclusion

To Stop a Killer is a captivating episode that masterfully blends action, suspense, and character development. Through the strategic efforts of the Cisco Kid and Pancho, the story conveys a powerful message about justice, resilience, and the enduring fight between good and evil in the untamed frontier. Listeners are left with a satisfying resolution that honors the legacy of classic Western storytelling, reaffirming the Cisco Kid’s status as a timeless hero of the Old West.

Credits:

• Cisco Kid: Jack Mather
• Pancho: Harry Lang

Old Time Radio Westerns pays homage to the golden age of radio by meticulously restoring and enhancing classic Western dramas, delivering them with immersive audio quality that brings these timeless tales to life.