Podcast Summary:

Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Way Down Yonder In Indian Nation (All Star Western Theatre – 02-09-1947)

Overview

In this episode, Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally remastered broadcast of the All Star Western Theatre classic, “Way Down Yonder in Indian Nation,” featuring Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage. The episode is a rollicking, music-filled adventure set in Oklahoma, blending Western tall tales, period humor, and cowboy camaraderie. The story intertwines a traveling music troupe of radio entertainers with the fictional Nawassee Indian tribe, leading to comedic misunderstandings, budding romance, and musical interludes.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Introduction & Context

[05:38]

• Andrew Rhynes introduces the episode, noting the original air date (February 9, 1947) and stars (King Card, Foy Willing, Al Floy, Jimmy Dean).
• Emphasizes the show’s blend of music, comedy, and Western storytelling.

2. Musical Opening: “Way Down Yonder in Indian Nation”

[06:08]

• The Riders of the Purple Sage perform the titular song, setting a nostalgic, homesick mood for the Oklahoma setting.

3. Setting the Scene: Broken Elbow, Oklahoma

[08:20]

• The story opens with the entertainers finishing a performance in Broken Elbow.
• The playful tone and warm crowd interaction ground the episode in classic American radio showmanship.

4. Comedy Bit: Vacation Tales & Mother-in-law Jokes

[10:54]

• Comic-relief segment by Ken Card filled with vacation mishaps and mother-in-law humor, eliciting laughter from cast and audience.
  • Quote:
    “My mother in law said, ‘How about letting me drive?’ She didn't drive over five minutes and run into a great big truck... My wife looked at me, she said I think we better take Ma to a hospital—she's fainted!”
    —Ken Card (11:42)

5. Unexpected Mission: Entertaining the Nawassee Tribe

[15:20]

• Mr. Simpson of the Chamber of Commerce approaches the group, requesting they perform for a nearby tribe of “wild Indians” whose chief, Running Water, is a show fan.

• The idea is met with comic skepticism and banter about “wild Indians like the moving pictures.”

  • Quote:
    “Up until now, no white man has dared to enter their reservation... As a rule, we try to keep their presence among us a secret from the outside world.”
    —Mr. Simpson (15:51)

• Despite initial reluctance, the group agrees, realizing the chief's powerful influence and desire for peace—cemented by his fandom.

6. The Encounter with the Nawassee

[18:35]

• The cowboys arrive at the Nawassee reservation, greeted with wary but comic ceremonial protocols and banter-laden “diplomacy.”

• On meeting Chief Running Water, they learn he expects both entertainment and for the group to become honorary Indian chiefs.

  • Notable exchange:
    “Now look here, Cheesy. I reported to my boss—”
    “Me throw them in fire, too.”
    —Simpson, Chief Running Water, playful threat (22:18)

• Chief Running Water is easily appeased by a musical performance, sparing the boys from the stake (for now):

  • Quote:
    “Keep good singing. Me no burn you at stake tonight.”
    —Chief Running Water (22:58)

7. Subplot: Romance and Culture Clash

[25:20]

• Willing tries to woo Napanee, the chief’s daughter, only to discover she is an educated graduate and promised to Brave Yellow Dog.

  • Notable exchange:
    “Well, what do you know? You speak American?”
    “Oh yes, I'm a graduate of Oklahoma University.”
    —Foy Willing, Napanee (25:27)

• More humor as Willing tries (and fails) to out-charm his rival and win Napanee.

8. The Guitar-for-Bride Gag

[28:01]

• The tribe’s custom allows a man to trade something he values more than a bride for her hand; Yellow Dog swaps Napanee for Willing’s guitar.

  • Quote:
    “The law of the Nawassee Indian says that an Indian brave can exchange the hand of a bride for anything for which he holds greater affection.”
    —Napanee (29:23)

• Willing scrambles to escape marrying Napanee, culminating in a frantic, humorous scheme to get his friends to start the car for a hasty getaway.

  • Quote:
    “Look, honey, you're pretty... But this ain't for me, Ray.”
    —Foy Willing (30:05)

9. The Comical Escape

[31:36]

• Napanee helps Willing escape during the wedding ritual.

  • Quote:
    “If you don't want to marry me, you can make your escape while they're kicking the ground.”
    —Napanee (31:36)
  • Willing’s reply:
    “You look awful good to me, honey. But not that good.”
    —Foy Willing (31:47)

• The cowboys dash for the car and speed away from the reservation.

10. Closing Musical Performance

[32:14]

• The Riders serenade with “Cool Water,” delivering a classic, heartfelt Western ballad to end on a high note.

  • Sample lyric:
    “All day I faced a barren way without the taste of water, cool water.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Oh, it's plum ducky.”
  —Cotton Sig Clark, on the prospect of peace (15:51)
• “Boys, boys, sorry, but we don't want any part of any wild Indian. Yeah, I'll taste Indians in Western pictures, but when it comes to the real McCoy, you can count me out.” —Riders’ refusal, comic self-awareness (17:00)
• “Are you sure you don't want to marry me?”
  “You look awful good to me, honey. But not that good.” —Napanee & Foy Willing, escape facilitated by mutual understanding (31:44-31:47)

Key Timestamps

• [05:38] – Host cues up the All Star Western Theatre intro
• [06:08] – “Way Down Yonder in Indian Nation” performed
• [10:54] – On-stage comedy sketch with Ken Card
• [15:20-18:00] – Simpson approaches, wild Indian set-up
• [18:35-22:58] – First encounter with Chief Running Water, comedic dangers
• [25:20-27:47] – Foy courts Napanee, discovers rival suitor
• [28:01-31:47] – Bride-for-guitar swap and comic escape plan
• [32:14] – “Cool Water” closing ballad

Overall Tone & Legacy

The episode is a fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek satire of Western and Native American tropes typical of 1940s radio, seasoned with slapstick, musical camaraderie, and intentionally over-the-top patter. The performers never break character and the musical numbers are heartfelt, even amid the farcical plot twists. The affectionate spoofing and musical excellence make this a charming and representative slice of vintage American radio storytelling.

Recommended for:

• Fans of Western nostalgia
• Lovers of vintage radio comedy
• Listeners seeking lighthearted, family-friendly entertainment with memorable songs and clever banter