Old Time Radio Westerns

“Two Little Buckaroos” | Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: December 4, 1953
Podcast Release Date: January 17, 2026
Starring: Guy Madison (Wild Bill Hickok), Andy Devine (Jingles)

Episode Overview

In “Two Little Buckaroos,” Wild Bill Hickok and his trusty deputy, Jingles, embark on a perilous adventure involving two brave young siblings, Bob and Jenny. The children are desperately trying to get their father’s silver mine claim safely to town while being pursued by dangerous men seeking to steal their fortune. With high stakes, quick-draw action, and heartfelt moments, the episode delivers a classic, family-friendly Western tale of courage, loyalty, and frontier justice.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. A Runaway Wagon and Heroic Rescue

[03:43 - 05:10]

• Opening Scene: Bill and Jingles spot a runaway wagon near Santa Fe.
• Children in Peril: They discover the wagon is driven by two kids, Bob and Jenny.
• Dramatic Rescue: Bill and Jingles stop the runaway team just before disaster strikes.

Quote:

“Whoever's driving that rig hasn't got a chance of stopping those spooked-up horses.”
—Jingles (Andy Devine), 04:39

2. A Dangerous Mission & Suspicion

[05:10 - 07:34]

• Kids’ Distrust: Children initially threaten Bill and Jingles, fearing everyone’s a bandit.
• Revealing Their Identities: Bill and Jingles prove who they are; the kids confess their need for help.
• The Mission: The children must file their father’s silver mine claim in town and fetch a doctor.

Quote:

“You better do what Bob says. He shot at the other men that tried to stop us.”
—Jenny, 05:36

3. Bandit Pursuit

[07:35 - 10:10]

• Threat Becomes Clear: Bob reveals that after their father discovered silver, outsiders tried to seize the mine.
• Gunfire on the Trail: The group is pursued by two shooters, whom Bill and Jingles fend off.
• Tension & Bravery: Bob expresses both fear and resolve.

Quote:

“They're getting closer, Bill.”
—Bob, 08:32

4. Why the Kids Are Targeted

[10:33 - 12:33]

• The Truth Comes Out: Jenny, excited about their fortune, told the wrong people about the silver, leading to the trouble.
• Father Wounded: Their father was shot defending the mine, stressing the urgency of their errand.
• Sympathy from Bill: Bill reassures Jenny, blending humor and empathy.

Quote:

“Now, don't you worry, Jenny honey. You're not the first woman to cause a heap of trouble by talking too much.”
—Wild Bill Hickok, 11:42

5. Villains’ Plotting

[12:58 - 14:28]

• The Badmen’s Plan: Bandits Storm and Ace Jinx hide in the rocks, plotting an ambush in a narrow pass.
• Ruthlessness: The plan is to ambush the wagon, showing the villains’ willingness to kill.

Quote:

“When that wagon comes along, I don't want nobody left alive.”
—Storm, 14:28

6. Dividing Forces for Safety

[14:52 - 17:21]

• Strategy: Bill and Jingles decide to send the kids ahead on their horses, Buckshot and Joker, ensuring their safety while they act as decoys.
• Bittersweet Humor: The kids are excited to ride the famous horses, while Bill and Jingles prepare for the danger.

Quote:

“Now, climb down, kids, and get ready to ride… The important thing is to get that claim into town.”
—Jingles, 16:30

7. Ambush in the Pass

[17:30 - 21:12]

• Fierce Shootout: Bill and Jingles, acting as decoys, face heavy gunfire.
• Narrow Escape: They dive for cover and return fire.
• Villain Nabbed: One bandit is wounded and captured, the other (Storm) flees toward town.

Memorable Moment:

“Fine thing, we’re setting up here on this wagon box like a couple of birds in a turkey shoot!... If I'm going to be a target, I want to be a moving target.”
—Jingles, 18:05

8. Final Showdown at the Land Office

[22:38 - 24:16]

• Tense Land Office Scene: The kids present the claim; Storm, the villain, shows up and threatens them.
• Dramatic Entrance: Bill and Jingles burst in just in time to stop violence.
• Quick Draw Justice: Wild Bill’s gunplay ends the confrontation.

Quote:

“How do you do? Howdy, Mr. Jinx. Looks like we caught up with this varmint just in time.”
—Wild Bill Hickok, 23:37

9. Happy Resolution

[24:12 - 24:49]

• Claim Recorded: The claim is filed, the doctor is summoned, and the children’s future is secured.
• Heartfelt Farewell: The kids no longer want ponies—riding Buckshot and Joker was enough for a lifetime.
• Bill and Jingles’ devotion to their horses:

“We wouldn't sell them for all the silver in your pop's new mine. No, sir, Ray Bob, sir.”
—Wild Bill Hickok, 24:45

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Sibling Bravery: Jenny and Bob’s courageous determination to save their father and claim is at the episode’s heart.

• Cowpoke Wisdom:

  “You sure got plenty of sand for a man your size.”
  —Jingles, 12:17

• Classic Hickok Wit:

  “When Wild Bill Hickok gets mad and starts shooting it can get downright dangerous for snakes like you.”
  —Wild Bill Hickok, 21:10

• Humor Amidst Danger:

  “I just wish I had a suit of armor at the team.”
  —Jingles, 20:15

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------| | 03:43 | Bill & Jingles spot/runaway wagon; rescue Bob/Jenny | | 05:36 | Kids threaten the marshals out of fear | | 07:43 | Reveal: Father found silver, villains after claim | | 08:32 | Bandits pursue and fire on the wagon | | 11:42 | Jenny admits she told villains about the silver | | 14:28 | Villains plan ambush at rocky pass | | 16:30 | Bill/Jingles send kids ahead, face ambush themselves | | 18:05 | Bill/Jingles run the gauntlet in wagon | | 21:10 | They capture one villain; Storm escapes | | 22:38 | Showdown at land office; Bill & Jingles save kids | | 24:12 | Happy ending: claim filed, family saved |

Episode Tone & Language

• Classic Americana: Wholesome, upbeat, peppered with gentle humor and Western slang.
• Action Balanced with Heart: While peril and gunfights abound, so do moments of reassurance, kindness, and comedy.
• Faithful to Golden Age Radio: Period-appropriate dialogue and pacing, suitable for all ages.

Final Thoughts

“Two Little Buckaroos” is a stellar example of classic radio Western storytelling: action-packed, filled with warmth and gentle humor, and driven by strong moral themes. The episode showcases the unflagging heroism of Wild Bill and Jingles while celebrating the courage found in the frontier’s youngest inhabitants. With moments of tension, rapid-fire wit, and a satisfying, heartwarming resolution, it’s a must-listen for Western fans of any age.