Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Wild Cow Milking Rodeo with Monty Montana | All Star Western Theatre (01-26-47)
Original Air Date: January 26, 1947
Podcast Release Date: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, features a digitally restored presentation of "Wild Cow Milking Rodeo" from the All Star Western Theatre. Starring famed rodeo performer Monty Montana alongside Roy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage, listeners are transported back to the golden age of western radio drama. The episode follows three cowboy friends as they try their luck at a bustling rodeo, with classic western music, humor, and heartwarming lessons about friendship and honesty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage: The Road to Carsonville

• The story kicks off as cowboys Boy Willing, Al Slowie, and Jimmy Dean ride towards Carsonville, lured by the promise of prize money at the rodeo.
• Lighthearted banter reveals the allure of the rodeo compared to everyday ranch work.
• Room logistics and the scramble for sleeping arrangements establish the show’s playful tone.
  • "There's only one bed in the room... Well, Dean, I reckon you'll have to sleep on the floor." ([06:50])

Entering the Rodeo Events

• At Buck Portland Saloon, the cowboys sign up for various rodeo events: calf roping, bronc riding, and wild cow milking.
• A notable appearance by Monty Montana, introduced as a legendary rodeo showman, accompanied by his wife and son.
  • "Well, well, Monty Montana. I was beginning to wonder if you'd show up." ([08:25])
• Al Slowie boasts about his supposed prowess at wild cow milking, spinning tall tales to an amused bartender.

Rodeo Day: The Main Events

• The episode transitions to the excitement of the rodeo, with a musical interlude by the Riders of the Purple Sage.
• Jimmy Dean’s bronc ride ends in comical misfortune.
  • "That blamed horse didn't have sense enough to come out and shoot..." ([17:05])
• Al Slowie prepares for wild cow milking, with Monty Montana volunteering to rope the cow in a show of camaraderie.
  • "Well, you got a right to choose your own man. And I'm just a hanker and the rope something." – Monty Montana ([18:55])

The Wild Cow Milking Contest

• The contest is described with lively play-by-play:
  • "As Montana ropes eight horses running abreast... Now we're looking down into the chute and we see Jimmy Dean is aboard El Hobo..." ([15:09])
• Al, with Monty’s help, wins the event in a record 39 seconds, narrowly beating rival Chuck Carter.
• Winnings are modest but enough to keep the trio solvent and out of ranch work.

Compassion and a Twist

• After learning Carter desperately needed the prize money for a “new addition” to his family, the trio feels remorseful. Al confesses to having cheated (using chalk water instead of real milk) and gives Carter the hundred-dollar prize.
  • "Here's a hundred bucks. It's rightfully yours. Gosh, I don't know what to say. Mighty why do you meant to do this?" ([25:29])
• The episode ends with the twist: the new family addition was Carter's horse, not a baby.
  • "No, it's my horse. We're going to have a new baby. Colt." ([28:40])

Musical Highlights

• Several performances by Roy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage, including:
  • “Over the Santa Fe Trail”
  • “Yearning”
  • “Helio Helio”
  • A western-style “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” ([32:25])
  • Monty's requested “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” ([34:25])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "There's plenty of fun and plenty of money in rodeoing. But it takes skill and experience to get to the top of the heap." – Narrator ([05:10])
• "Excitement and fanfare and the promise of prize money has tempted many a cowboy to desert the range and follow the rodeo trail." – Narrator ([05:04])
• "Well, you just better decide which one is the best for the job. Because if we don't win this event, we're goners." – Boy Willing ([17:59])
• "About two seconds apart, weren't you? Yeah. You can't begin to know what that 2 seconds difference meant to me. What do you mean, Carter? Well, there's going to be a new addition to my family, and I stake my last nickel for entry money in that event." – Carter and Al ([21:50])
• (On giving back the money) "I didn't really win that cow milking money. That is fair work to me... Well, I know it, but that wasn't milk I had in that bottle... Here's a hundred bucks. It's rightfully yours." – Al Slowie ([25:35])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:51] – Main episode introduction and cast setup
• [05:00] – Arrival in Carsonville and room discussion
• [07:30] – Rodeo registration; Monty Montana’s entrance
• [09:55] – Al boasts and tells tall tales in the saloon
• [14:00] – Night before the rodeo; domino game banter
• [17:05] – Jimmy Dean’s bronc ride mishap
• [18:55] – Monty Montana volunteers as roper
• [19:40] – Wild cow milking contest and victory
• [21:50] – Rival Carter reveals the real impact of his loss
• [25:29] – Al confesses and returns the prize money
• [28:40] – Twist: the new family addition is a horse
• [32:25] – Music: “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”
• [34:25] – Monty Montana joins for “Tumbling Tumbleweeds”

Episode Tone and Style

The episode is lighthearted and rich with classic western camaraderie, blending quick-witted dialogue, humorous misadventures, and heartfelt moments of kindness. The musical performances by Roy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage add authentic flavor and nostalgia, while Monty Montana's real-life rodeo expertise lends additional authenticity and excitement to the contest sequences.

Final Thoughts

“Wild Cow Milking Rodeo with Monty Montana” encapsulates the spirit of the Western genre—rugged individualism, humor, humility, and an ever-reliable code of honor among friends. The digitally restored audio celebrates both the timeless storytelling and cultural heritage of old time radio westerns. Listeners are treated to a heartwarming story of teamwork, personal integrity, and the unpredictable nature of luck in the wild west.