Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Voice of 44 | The Cisco Kid (01-18-55)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: January 13, 2026
Show Format: Digitally restored classic Western radio drama
Episode Focus: "Voice of the 44" featuring The Cisco Kid

Overview

In this exciting episode, Andrew Rhynes brings listeners back to the golden age of Western radio with a meticulous digital restoration of "Voice of the 44" from The Cisco Kid series. The story centers on lawlessness and heroism in a frontier town besieged by ruthless outlaws. Cisco Kid and his loyal companion Pancho become entwined in a dangerous confrontation with Red Toomey’s gang, testing their wits and courage in classic Old West style.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Setting the Scene: Law and Outlaws in Mesquite

[03:30 – 06:00]

• Introduction to the Notorious .44 Revolver: Both lawmen and criminals use the .44 to carve their place in the Old West.
• Red Toomey and His Gang: Planning to take over the frontier town of Mesquite and target the local bank.

Arrival of Cisco Kid & Pancho

[06:01 – 10:20]

• Cisco and Pancho ride into Mesquite for a simple errand: shoeing Cisco’s horse.
• They meet the sleepy, older town marshal and learn of local tensions.
  • Marshal (to Cisco): "Well, by Judas... I saw you once at Old Roundup Bluffs, and I never saw nothing like that exhibition of handgun shooting you was doing, Cisco." (09:20)

Rising Tensions: Red Toomey’s Takeover

[10:21 – 15:00]

• Red Toomey’s gang storms the hotel, asserting dominance with threats and violence.
• The town marshal requests Cisco’s help to arrest Red Toomey.
• An attempted arrest at the hotel leads to Cisco’s deft handling of Red:
  • Cisco: "I am running out of patience, hombre. Start for the door at once." (12:40)
• Red is apprehended and jailed, but the tension in town persists.

Underhanded Jailbreak Plot

[16:00 – 21:00]

• Red’s gang coerces local blacksmith Mike Werfel to help with Red’s jailbreak by smuggling in a metal saw.
• Cisco grows suspicious after observing Werfel’s odd behavior and the broken jailhouse window.
  • Cisco: "Pancho, we are going back there. I just saw something very strange down there." (20:30)
• The marshal leaves the jail unattended, against Cisco's sage advice.

The Jailbreak and Gunfight

[22:00 – 26:30]

• Red escapes through the side window, assisted by Werfel.
• Cisco and Pancho attempt to intervene but are met with gunfire from Red’s gang.
  • Memorable Moment: Pancho is shot (but only grazed), leading to a tense moment as Cisco rushes to his friend’s side:
    • Cisco: "If you have killed Pancho, you will answer to me." (24:30)

Climax: Confronting the Outlaws

[27:00 – 33:00]

• Red threatens to kill the marshal at his ranch unless he signs over the property.
• Cisco tracks Red, leading to an old-fashioned Western showdown.
  • Red (to Cisco): "I'm faster with a .44 than you are!" (32:10)
• Cisco’s skill prevails; he shoots the gun from Red’s hand and subdues him after a brawl.

Resolution and Classic Banter

[34:00 – 40:00]

• Red and his gang are locked up; the town is safe.
• The marshal, though battered, is grateful for Cisco’s help.
• Lighthearted storytelling between Pancho and the marshal, featuring friendly boasts and tall tales:
  • Pancho: "Cisco shoot bang, bang, bang. And Cisco punch with his fist — whoop, whoop, whoop! He pick up the hombres and bang their heads together — bang, bang, bang!" (38:40)
• The episode ends with Pancho joking about his own (mis)adventures in boxing, much to Cisco's amusement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Courage and the Outlaw Threat:

  • Marshal (about Red Toomey): "You're asking for hot lead, marshal, when you tangle with Red Toomey." (10:50)

• Cisco’s Determination:

  • Cisco: "Because that is a bad gang, Pancho. And there are people in this town who might get hurt if someone does not stay." (19:15)

• Classic Western Showdown:

  • Red: "There's not enough light for me to see — Coyote. I'm coming closer. Stand back, Cisco. I'm warning you!"
  • Cisco: "You, killer, you may draw anytime you wish. Well, I'm ready. What are you waiting for?" (32:12 – 32:40)

• Pancho’s Comic Relief:

  • Pancho: "He hit Pancho so hard, he worried he'd kill me. Oh, Pancho!" (39:30)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:30 | Dramatic introduction about the "Voice of the 44" | | 06:01 | Cisco & Pancho arrive in Mesquite, meet the marshal | | 10:20 | Red Toomey takes over the hotel | | 12:40 | Cisco confronts Red Toomey at the hotel | | 20:30 | Cisco notes suspicious behavior at the jail | | 22:00 | Red’s jailbreak begins | | 24:30 | Pancho is shot; Cisco threatens the gang | | 27:00 | Red’s assault on the marshal at his ranch | | 32:10 | Final showdown between Cisco and Red Toomey | | 38:40 | Pancho and the Marshal’s tall tale competition | | 39:30 | Pancho’s boxing joke |

Tone and Style

The episode exudes the colorful, energetic storytelling of classic Westerns, punctuated by action, suspense, and comic banter. Cisco carries an unwavering sense of justice, Pancho lightens tense moments, and the dialogue is filled with vintage Western bravado and warmth.

Conclusion

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns showcases a beautifully restored adventure with The Cisco Kid. Listeners are treated to a classic narrative of good versus evil, filled with gunfights, daring escapes, and heroic deeds, all brought to life with crisp audio and lively performances. The blend of suspense and humor embodies the enduring charm of the genre and the series.